What is Reddit's opinion of Manual Camera?

All of these shots were taken using Manual Camera and edited using VSCO. The stock camera is perfect for taking casual snapshots but I'd prefer to use Manual Camera for shots that are a bit more premeditated.

Manual Camera is the perfect counterpart to Google Camera for when you want to use the Nexus 6's manual focus (and other fancy camera controls I'm too dumb to care about).

I used a cheap loupe and a Nexus 5 running Manual Camera with fixed focus to take the pictures. Light provided by an Armytek Wizard Pro with Nichia 144A 90+ CRI emitter.

HDR+ is a Google algorithm that is only available inside the Google Camera app. No reason not to have more than one camera app though. I use Manual Camera and Google Camera on my N5X.

Personally, I like Manual Camera, but you can get L Camera with the same features for free on github.

Would you mind using Manual Camera a bit, taking a few shots and sharing to see what the new lens & sensor can really do? It's a paid for app unfort but I can provide an apk if you're not willing to spend anything.

The Samsung App doesn't support it yet, but you can change it with other apps who use the camera api 2.

At the moment it works with the App "manual camera" https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

The developer of the app Camera FV-5 is also working on an update for the S6 to bring manual shutter speed and if you don't need the feature immediately I would probably recommend waiting for it. The manual camera app mentioned above is very unstable.

There are manual camera apps for smartphones, for that matter. My favorite is simply called Manual Camera, but there's free stuff that may have a less slick UI.

Actually, I've tried doing "astrophotography" with N5 a couple months ago.
Here's what the setup looked like.

I've used Manual Camera for the exposure, MF and the like.

Manual Camera is the best IMO. Having said that, it's crashing a lot for me on my Pixel 2 XL. My guess is that the developer needs to update stuff to make it function properly.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

Yeah, it's not as good as my old S6 for macro photography. When I want to get as close as I can, I use the Manual Camera app that has a setting to locked it at macro.

There is a camera app that has manual controls on it. i haven't tried it out myself but I have heard some good things about it. It costs 2.99USD however. Regardless here is the link to it in the play store if you are curious:

Manual Camera

This is the manual app I've been using so far; pretty happy with it. I'm putting together an album of shots I've taken on a current trip using the app.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

This has been one of my biggest gripe with the N5 (aside from it dying on me). I started using manual camera. It seems to be working a bit better.

Though it can't shoot video or HDR (bummer), Manual Camera does a fantastic job of replacing the stock camera. Utilizes the Camera2 API, so if you're willing to put the time in, you can get some amazing shots. Unless I have to do HDR or video, this is my go-to.

I've actually done everything but the first point, seeing as how I use my phone (a Pixel 2 using the Manual Camera app) as the camera. You can see my rig here: https://imgur.com/a/P9c04lc

All the swatches are printed with the following settings:

3 perimeters
3 bottom layers
3 top layers
35% infill, hex pattern

I'm not saying it's the best app, or the cheapest, but you can get all the control you want with the right application. Even raw if you want 25mb files to work with... Force iso down to 50 and it really cuts down the noise quite a bit if you can hold the phone still enough...

Keep in mind you have to enable raw in the settings, and it won't capture raw in burst mode unfortunately if you intend to reduce moving the phone by taking one sequence of multiple photos if you're trying to do some long exposure work. Might want to use the timer function for maximum stillness if that's your aim.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

The only ways to focus on a subject with the Google Camera app is auto-focus or tap to focus.

I recommend the app Manual Camera for manual focus: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

I've used Manual Camera since I owned my Nexus 6. It continues to work well and can control exposure, "shutter" speed, focal length, etc.

For root access you'll need the latest superSU zip. SuperSU is what gives you root. Flash it in custom recovery. Systemless root is simply a different way SuperSU script roots your device coming from the old days. It's just for your knowledge unless you're a developer so you need not be confused with that term.
TWRP is a type of custom recovery. You use it to flash ROMs, kernels, or like mentioned above, you can use it to flash the supersu.zip to obtain root access. To flash a ROM, you'll need to download the ROM which comes in a zip file.

Additional files that you'll need when flashing a ROM are Gapps (Google apps) and SuperSU (for root) - you'll need those if the ROM itself does not include them. Most newer ROMs come with supersu and root access out of the box. Check the forum/thread description to see if you need to flash additional files when installing the ROM.

Switching between ROMs will require you to wipe your device data. Your SD card will remain intact unless you manually opt to wipe it fully. You'll keep your music, media files, photos, savegame files, etc. But all your apps will start clean each time you install a new ROM. Everything restores from google backup from that moment on.

Keep in mind to give yourself some time to reload and install all your apps from google backup. So make sure you're in a WiFi zone.

3) Can't advise on this. I use the default Google Camera. You can consider Manual Camera. It offers some manual control and supports RAW. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

AFAIK, not on the default camera app, but you might be able to try out an app on the Play Store that allows for manual camera controls. I've heard many people use this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2 It's a paid app though, so I don't know if you want to try it out, but you could always refund within 15min if it doesn't suit you.

The real question is whether or not the limit for 10 second exposure is limited by the camera app, or by the camera hardware.

It wasn't a joke haha, but using a mobile phone to do low light event photography is just not viable at this point of time because the sensors are really bad.

Okay I fully understand where you're coming from. If you want to increase shutter speed and by extension noise in the photo since noise isn't a problem, then the default Samsung camera app won't cut the mustard.

This app is a possible alternative: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

It allows you manually set everything (Shutter speed is absent in pro mode on the default camera app). If I'm not wrong, it also allows you to set certain parameters as auto and the rest manual. So you could set a shutter speed of say 1/100 and set the ISO to auto to nail the exposure everytime. Allows you to shoot RAW too, so you can reduce the noise in lightroom. Can anyone else on this sub confirm this?

A few caveats: It is a paid app, but that shouldn't be a problem if it's for the mom :) And the software is kind of buggy too, the reviews complain about it crashing quite a bit. Hope you find a solution!

First of all, thank you for the review. Secondly, would you mind using Manual Camera a bit, taking a few shots and sharing to see what the new lens & sensor can really do? It's a paid for app unfort but I can provide an apk if you're not willing to spend anything.

Also, join us at /r/SonyXperia :)

For those with Android phones, Manual Camera is an awesome app that lets you control shutter speed, ISO, focus, and exposure compensation all manually. It's pretty good when you want better photos through your phone.

If you have a device that is on 5.0+ you could use an app like Manual Camera to change focus, shutter speed, ISO, white balance and many other options. Although it's a smartphone app the usage of these controls is the same as on a 'real' camera (except for the lack of a variable aperture which smartphones don't have). So in that regard you should be able to use any basic (and I mean super basic) tutorial on digital photography to understand what each of those options do. But don't be shy, it's super easy to learn and since we are talking about digital cameras you can take as many shots as you want to get it right. Here's a good one I found: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-exposure.htm

Actually, you should try this app on your Nexus 5. It's not going to magically make the camera faster than an iPhone's, but it'll make a massive difference to the shutter speed nonetheless.

I don't have a nexus 6 but I have a 5. I'd really recommend that you all have a look at Manual Camera from the Play Store. It's been super quick on my Nexus 5 and it uses the new camera API. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I use this one often, but in this case, maximizing resolution was necessary, and Sony's camera stack limits third-party apps to 8mp.

There's not much you can do with softwares with moving objects in low lights. On sunny outsides, speeding up your shutter may help a bit, using apps like manual camera. But practicing panning shots will help you better in capturing better images of moving objects on more challenging conditions.

I'd recommend this camera app, which gives you access to manual ISO, manual WB, manual shutter and manual EV comp:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

That said, it's still a phone, no app can get past that.

For those that are curious in what Gcam version I used it's the latest version (MGC_6.1.021_BSG_Arnova-based_v.1.3c_fix_TlnNeun_xcam_5_beta6.apk). I also use Manual Camera Pro (Paid) version off the Play Store, I use it over the default stock camera app because it gives me a little more control, this picture hasn't gone through any editing just straight off the camera (Gcam). (Link to Manual Camera - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en)

The camera optimization on devices the old Nextbit team was connected to has pretty much always been a flaming pile of trash.

Source: I had two different Robins.

Sort of related: I paid Google Rewards money for Manual Camera years ago and actively appreciate having done so every time I take a picture no matter what device I'm using it on (and I've used it on six different devices). Far and away beats out everything else, even gcam at times imho

Do you have two pictures where I can see that HDR+ Off creates a better picture? HDR+ captures perfectly exposed pictures for me.

Every. Single. Time.

You can check out Manual Camera though. It can also shoot in auto without any HDR stuff.

Otherwise there is nothing I know that opens the stock cam in HDR off.

But by the way, if I turn off HDR+, it stays off when I open camera next time. Even if I force stop the app, open it from the lockscreen whatsoever: It stays off.

Since RAW shooting is not available in the Essential Camera i use Manual Camera. Best Camera app imo when you want many settings (Raw support, shutter speed, focus distance...) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

It's not free, it's 2.99. I'll vouch that it has very good manual controls and image quality. It does lack some things like the ability to adjust the JPEG compression quality and no video.

I don't think the image quality is any better than using Professional Mode in the stock Moto app, but it is easier to use than that and has more granular control of the manual settings. Moto app, you can only set the ISO to specific values (e.g. you cannot select 300 or anything between 400 and 800, it skips from macro > 100 > 200 > 400 > 800...)

Manual Camera or FV-5 may be what you are looking for.

I don't know how to find the dng with the stock camera app, but manual camera they definitely show up, it saves as both jpg and dng, so turn on show file size when you're selecting the photo to get the right one.

My own experimentation suggests that camera automatic post-processing usually tries to reduce off-tints, which gets weird when photographing a very red light next to one with some green in it like Nichia sw45k next to Cree 3C. You pretty much have to shoot RAW and post-process yourself.

There's an app for that on Android, though not all phones provide the required Camera2 API support because phone manufacturers are bad.

Manual Camera and Camera FV-5 have worked well for me. They take some getting used to, but they are quite powerful.

But I really enjoy using the default camera app on the Pixel XL. I don't feel like I need these alternatives anymore.

Exactly my question.

If Camera2-API is really the only thing that makes the OOS camera better, then Google Camera, Manual Camera or any other Camera2-api-app should result in equal quality, right? Or is there something else missing?

Manual camera is worth playing with, nice interface, does what it says on the tin, raw support if you want to go that far.

No aperture tho (obviously) & if you set the app beyond the limits of the phone the icons go red and it won't take the photo.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

For paid version u can use this app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

If you want free version AZ camera also does the trick https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hecorat.camera

> lack of iso and a good camera app

gonna interject here, you can download whatever camera app you want. This is a good example. It has full manual controls lacking in the stock app. There's plenty of alternatives. I think the 6p is the best bet overall because it's so consistently good in all areas. I think the software on the g5 and s7 will leave you disappointed.

I don't, but I can say I have used Manual Camera. While it isn't my favorite, it gives you full control. Camera FV-5 also does it but I haven't personally tried it.

That's showing signs of PWM there - the lines are what happens with PWM and an electronic rolling shutter at a high shutter speed.

I wonder if Manual Camera works on your device. That manual focus and exposure are unavailable on most Android devices still after Android introduced APIs for it seems broken.

I use the manual camera app, and I have no complaints with it so far. It gives you control over ISO and shutter speed, you can't manually focus though unfortunately.

Hey man I want to help you out, get an app called manual camera.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

I know it costs money but it allows you to force the 6P camera to absolute macro, no autofocusing needed.

Thats how I do my closeup shots with my nexus 5, but im sure it will work with your phone.

Its still a kickass camera app regardless.

The Standard camera app is ok for taking quick snaps and videos. it lacks manual controls, however, and i highly recommend Manual Camera for these situations. The interface is decent and gets out of the way, and you can also shoot raw if you want to

The stock Google camera app is very basic, and limits what you can do with pictures. I had Manual Camera in mind, but there are a few camera apps that have more options.

I've seen most people here recommend Manual Camera. I'm not sure if it offers the feature you're after, but it's certainly worth taking a look.

I picked up Manual Camera with my Google survey bux and really like it. It has the full Camera2 API support so you can adjust just about any of the camera settings and also take pictures in RAW format.

A good smartphone - seriously. I regret buying a point and shoot now. It is better to use your smartphone with a good camera (Xiaomi has several good ones) - and use the Manual Camera app and learn the basics of photography composition, and what the settings mean and then save up to a good entry level DSLR.

something to make the note 4 more attractive: there's this fantastic manual camera app, with all the same features of the LG camera app. though, it's not quite as nice to use, and cannot record video. you'll have to use the normal camera app for that.

something to make the note 4 less attractive: samsung is generally really bad with software updates. the LG G4 is already getting marshmallow, but I would never expect the note 4 to get it. and also, a lot of the features that come with any samsung phone are very quickly forgotten about after using it for more than a month. it's not like you're gonna stop using the pen or anything, it's just that there's gonna be a lot of features slowing down your note, taking up storage, and not being used by you.

its an app! not all phones are compatible with it because not all phone shave the possibility of being able to adjust specific settings before taking a picture like the shutter speed, and aperture size.

this is the Manual Camera App im talking about: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

and this is the compatibility test it uses so you can know if those settings can be adjusted.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2_compatibility_test&hl=en

would you mind running the compatibility! taking a screenshot and sending me it? i dk if she will want it though because she doesnt like anything bigger that 5' screen. but ill try to see if she will take it! and incase she doesnt and you want to still get rid of it, you can trade it in at amazon and they give you a gift card! only thing is that the gift card can only be used on them :/

A camera app that allows you to manually set things like ISO, shutter speed, EV compensation, focal distance, etc. Google released an updated api that enabled the adjustment of these. There are a few paid camera apps in the store that let you do this, I've used Manual Camera, and it's fine, the quality of the picture will depend on your settings rather than the app, so it's up to user interface preference. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

There is also the free, open source L Camera, which you can get the apk for in the apps github page. There may be some instability with it, though I've never noticed such (but don't really care for the UI).

If your have the time before a capture to adjust a few settings, then you may want to consider buying one of the camera apps. I end up using it anytime I want to take photos of my toddler doing anything remotely interesting--shutter speed greater than 1/60, iso 600-800 (anything much beyond 600 is noticeably grainy), ave exposure compensation as appropriate.

The downside is candid shots you can't plan for and adjust settings...still can only hope for the best.

Here you go! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Make sure to check if your phone is compatible. There's an app from the same company that's free that runs a test to make sure

If you have a Nexus 5/6 or any other phone that supports RAW image capture on Lollipop, Manual Camera. I wish the dev made the app available for non Camera2 API phones too. I love how it looks.

There's L Camera too. Again you need to have a phone with Camera2 API.

Ouch, yeah, phones tend to be harder to control exposure with. If you have an android phone I would recommend getting google's official camera app, it allows for some control of exposure by letting you set a manual exposure compensation level, or if you have a newer lollipop phone you can try something like this and get fuller control of the process: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

That said, the overall composition is pretty good, maybe a little heavy on the bottom with the dock, but solid.

I haven't used any yet but I know there are a couple (still in development/beta?). One of them is Manual Camera; I remember it being mentioned recently somewhere on here.

Nope. If you like taking pictures the best thing you can do is change your default camera app. Like I said you don't have to take RAW pictures but google's camera app compression is awful. This is what I use, manual camera

Thumbs up guys for the good work! Will the camera modules be fixed? (Line across the screen while using 3rd party camera with flash) and will the stock camera app be laggy like in cm11s? And what about the camera app choice? I would recommend teaming up with Manual Camera it works flawlessly on the Nexus 5 and I would like to see it on the OPO. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dmanual+camera&pcampaignid=APPU_1_rN7cVKPLGcKsUYnLg-AN /u/karim_oneplus Edit: what about the voice activation feature?

Which app are you using? (Manual Camera, FV-5?)

Hey, I wrote that!

The article was inspired by taking part in this discussion the other day.

I have the latest version of all four apps on my Nexus 6 now, and would love to answer questions. Also, feel free to tear my review apart.

For completeness, these are the apps I wrote about:

L Camera (free via Github)
Manual Camera ($2.99 on Google Play)
Camera FV-5 (free but pixel limited, or $3.95 pro)
A Better Camera (free but limited, or $3.99 pro)

I am not a bot but I am bored at work.

Beep Boop.

Not to be confused with Manual Camera by Geeky Devs

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2 this camera app has some nice manual controls

Since many people don't own a dedicated camera, but do own a smartphone, here are my top tips for getting a good photo out of your smartphone. 1. Hold it right. While you might not always be able to hold your phone properly for a shot, especially if it's an awkward perspective/angle, but in most cases, the best way to hold a phone while shooting is with BOTH hands, with the thumbs and middle fingers grasping the edges of the phone, leaving the forefingers free for the shutter button or manual controls. Also, at about chest level is best for stability and reducing shake, but, you won't always be shooting from chest level, so just work with what you have and try to keep it steady. Oh, and did I mention never to shoot vertical videos?!

Get as much natural light as possible. There's no light like sunlight! The more light you have, the better the photo. Smartphones have really small sensors compared to dSLRs, so you need to maximize the light going in. Artificial lighting is the next best option. And unless you're in a pitch black room, with no lights or windows, please don't use the phone flash. It creates unnatural shadows, red-eye, makes the subject look awkward, causes glare... uck.
Get a good camera app with manual controls. For Android, I personally use this app, and it gets me some pretty good results, even with my mediocre Nexus 5 OG. For iOS, this app does the same thing. Yes, I know, they're paid, oh no, why should I pay for an app, everything's free, blah blah blah, BUT, for one, apps cost money to make, and the whole grocery store argument (you dont ask for free groceries, why free apps), and another, these apps are totally worth it. At about 3-5 dollars, they're not really expensive, and boy, are they helpful. All the controls may seem confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, it works wonders. Having manual white balance control is a godsend, especially when you dont have to deal with those presets. (Cloudy? Incandescent? What?) What's also a godsend is manual focus and shutter speed. The former lets you get nice sharp shots every time, (or not, as you choose for artistic flair) and the latter lets you get nice long exposures, though not as much as you need for light trails and stuff, and lets more light in so photos don't have to be grainy. I could go into all sorts of details, but these apps essentially let you follow those photography tutorials, so feel free to do so.
Never. Ever. Use. Digital. Zoom. Crop later if necessary, but dont ever use the zoom on your phone. It's exactly the same as cropping, and reduces the quality of the image. Move closer, dammit.

Hope these help!

I'm using Manual Camera on my Nexus 5, the layout is clean and its got speedy focus.

The best Manual Camera app is the Manual Camera app. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I use manual camera paid but worth it to me.

> I wish the camera had more options. The google camera is too simplified.

Manual Camera is amazing, I recommend checking it out!

"Manual Camera" or any app using camera2 API is not enough for you? If I am not wrong everything you listed was there.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Manual Camera, generally the most popular

ProShot

Camera FV-5

A Better Camera

Personally, I like A Better Camera for Super Mode, its great in low light and zooming (I'd too lazy for manual controls)

Manual Camera https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

It was on my Wish list of apps to get when lollipop finally arrived.

L camera is an experimental app, so it was made mostly to just learn and not to cater to users.

I use manual camera nowadays: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Both Manual Camera & Pro Shot can shoot raw. Pro Shot seems more versatile to me, but I've not had chance yet to tinker much with either. Pro Shot has a limited demo. Add Snapseed, which can now edit RAW images, and you're good to go.

Manual Camera is awesome!

Linkme: Manual Camera, ProShot.

Both really good.

There's also Lcamera (click on "lcamera-debug.apk" to download it), which is pretty barebones but free and simple. If you haven't already, to install it you need to enable "unknown sources" under "Security" (it just allows you to install apps from outside the play store, with .apk files).

edit: forgot we're not on /r/Android lol. Here's Manual Camera and here's ProShot

There's literally a manual camera app in the Play Store called Manual Camera. It even has RAW support.

I use Manual Camera https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=fr

I'm currently trying 'Manual' (i came from the LG G4 and i miss the manual controls)

May I suggest Manual Camera.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I used Manual Camera app for ability to control ISO, Exposure, and Shutter Speed settings. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I used a telephoto lens I bought from Amazon, about $15. http://a.co/d/7B5abEr

I used Snapseed for other photo adjustments. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.niksoftware.snapseed

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I don't usually like to watch review videos, so I won't request any models. I do write reviews though, and I'll list some technical information I try to include. Most of this requires a light meter. You can get by with a smartphone for much of it, but you'll need to calibrate it with lights that are known to perform as advertised.

Does the light deliberately reduce output after a while on high? If so, is the reduction based on time or temperature?
If there's a temperature-based reduction, does cooling the light with a fan increase output again?
Does output depend on battery voltage? Can the light deliver full output on a half-discharged battery?
What is the color temperature, approximately? Are multiple tints available? Are there any noticeable off-colors in the beam?
Is the light fully functional with standard batteries? The H1R, for example requires a proprietary Olight battery to use the onboard charging.
Is the light picky about batteries? For example, Nitecore lights often won't work with flat-top batteries, while some Zebralights require unprotected flat-top 18650s.
Do the modes look evenly spaced? Don't use a light meter for this one. Human perception of brightness isn't linear if the modes are actually evenly spaced, lower modes will look far apart while higher modes will look close together.
Does the light use pulse width modulation to control brightness? It's more likely on medium and low modes. If so, is it visible to the naked eye when moving the beam quickly across a white wall? When it's not visible to the naked eye, you can detect it by setting the shutter speed very fast on a smartphone camera. Manual Camera for Android is one way to do that.

I just posted a review where I include this kind of information and some descriptions of the tests I used. There's even a shot of my integrating shoebox.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

Yup here you go

Manual Camera works fine, even though it was originally made for the Nexus 5.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

ah yes, I was talking about this one https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

Have you tried this one? https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

No problem!

If you wanted to, you could install another camera app to get better controls. A good paid option is Manual Camera ($2.99) and a good free option is Footej Camera (free) or Open Camera (free)

I hope you have fun at your concert!

Have you tried an app like Manual Camera?

If you want more manual features, try this app

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

I love it

I've created a small album to show you a few small changes that LG made to Android for little apparent reason. Unfortunately I can't use my G3 for the screenshots as my brother is using it in another state because he broke his own G3, so I'm using my G5. For the points I'm using, the G5 is the same as the G3. I also want to point out that these are not the only things I dislike about LG's tweaks to Android's UI, they're just easy to point out and they're good examples of nonsensical changes LG has made to Android. Before I even go into these, I do want to point out that the Pixel produces a much smoother experience of Android and I lay most of the blame for that at the feet of LG's poorly optimized customizations.

In the first pair of screenshots, I want you to notice a few things:

LG wastes screen real estate by having overly large icons, buttons, and parts of the UI.
Second is the appearance of the NFC indicator on the G5 and the lack of such on the Pixel. NFC is active on both phones.
The navigation bar is a static entity. You'll note that the pixel screenshot has the addition of the overflow menu button, but it's nowhere to be found on the G5. Instead of making a visual change, they've hidden it behind a long press of the app switcher button.

The second pair of screenshots highlight a few more issue with making the navigation bar static:

Compare the back buttons. The Pixel's back button has rotated 90 degrees to indicate that it will retract the keyboard. LG gives no indication. It's a small thing, but it's helpful for those that don't know any better.
With the keyboard up, the Pixel allows you to switch between the various keyboards that one might have installed immediately with a button that appears on the navigation bar. LG, because their navigation bar appears to be static and unchangeable, forces that action behind a notification, which just adds more clutter to an already cramped notification bar/shade.

The third set is a comparison of the notification shade. The Pixel's screenshots show one pull shows a few quick settings toggles with the majority of screen real estate going to notification and a second pull gives you access to more quick settings and the ability to customize them. The LG screenshot shows all of this crammed on to one screen. The only options for reducing the cramped nature of LG's interface here is removing the brightness slider(I've already removed the volume slider), but then I have to go into settings to change it.

>MUCH better than stock Android IMO, especially when it comes to camera functionality

Regarding the camera, I get it. The G3 had a great camera for its time. I took some great shots with it and was definitely impressed, but the Pixel's camera is better. Google has made huge changes to the way that they're dealing with photography in their phones, and it really shows in the pictures this thing can take. The lack of manual controls is disappointing, but the G3 couldn't handle that at all, and the Pixel can add it with apps from the Play Store.

Now I want to point out that all of the positives that I've pointed out for the Pixel have existed in Android in one form or another since at least the Nexus 4. The changes to the LG interface comes down to LG actively removing features from the Android interface that result in a more cluttered and more confusing UX.

Interestingly enough, they've remedied some of these issues 2 1/2 years after the G3 with the V20, but still in a halfass way. They've enabled change of the navigation bar. It now changes the back button when the keyboard is up and puts an overflow menu icon in when necessary, but the keyboard switcher still clutters the notification bar/shade, and when the overflow menu shows up, it's 3 lines instead of 3 dots, which forces the back, home, and app switcher buttons to shift to the left. They've also enabled a second swipe down for additional quick settings in the notification shade, but they left the brightness slider to clutter up the notifications on the first swipe down.

As for the removable battery and SD slot, I don't dismiss the loss of them as no issue. I had a 200 gig SD card for my previous phones, as well as 2 spare batteries for my G3 and 1 for my G5. I'm one of the few people that understood and took advantage of the benefits that so many people claim to want. BUT due to increased internal storage and improved backup systems, the lack of SD card isn't as big a deal, and the increasing speed of chargers and better portable external batteries reduce the issues with a fixed internal battery. That's not to say that I'm not concerned about accessing data if the phone dies or what I'll do when the battery life starts to get worse, but the phone is so much better in every other way that it takes the edge off.

>2 of the biggest selling points for Android

Those are just 2 examples of features that manufacturers have been able to add into their phones as competing features that make their phones stand out. How about an unlockable bootloader? I'd say the ability to modify your phone if you want to is more core to the Android ecosystem than batteries and SD cards, and assuming you have the Verizon G3(VS985), then you can't without hacky workarounds.

In the end, these are just a few things that separate the two phones. They might not tip the balance for you to go with a Pixel, but they have for plenty of people including myself. The Pixel is a better phone for me, the G3 or G5 or V20 might be better phones for you. Just don't be a dick about it.

Maybe manual camera ? I have it on my g4. It has also a free testing app (to see if the app works on your device) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

You mean you got it to work on the stock app? That's cool, can't wait to try it. Here is a list of a few camera apps that you might want to work on first since these are popular in this sub:

I personally use Manual Camera along with the stock camera :)

Agreed. In the stock N preview camera, the setting is disabled by default. Turning it on through Settings -> Advanced -> Manual exposure adds a button to the top (next to timer, HDR+, and flash) with presets for -2, -1, 0, +1, and +2.

In most other apps, the thing Google calls "exposure" is really the Exposure Compensation, and makes the scene slightly darker or brighter than whatever your auto setting detects. These are measured in EV units, and each one down will (digially) halve the amount of light reaching your sensor. So -1 is half, -2 is half again; +1 is double, +2 is double again.

The other apps in this thread will give you the same range of +- 2 EV, but most increment every ~0.1 EV with a scroll wheel (Manual Camera), +/- buttons (Camera FV-5 Free | Pro), or slider (A Better Camera Free | Pro), so it's a lot easier to tune your shot.

But the real benefit of 3rd party apps is that they do more with their exposure controls, like exposure bracketing (multiple shots at different EV), other metering modes (auto, Matrix to average across the display, spot to prioritize one location), or a separate EV sampling points from the focal points.

Plus, you know, the usuals:

Manual focus to capture twigs and small flowers, spider webs, and anything on the other side of a window screen that annoyingly resolves to the wrong spot no matter how many times you tap the display
Timelapse stuff (ie: an Intervalometer)
ISO and Exposure settings to capture lightning and resolve individual craters on the moon
RAW capture so you have a lossless file to manipulate in Photoshop (or the many free alternatives) for a better result than Google's onboard processing

Not all of the apps here will give you everything I listed, but they each excell in at least one area. Personally, I take most of my shots with the stock N camera and auto HDR+, but I still keep one or two alternatives around for tricky situations like focusing on flowers or making my own higher quality panoramas from stitched images with the same ISO/exposure.

I've seen some mentions around of Manual Camera, but I haven't tried it out myself yet. Might be worth looking into?

Manual Camera is the best by far.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

i shoot RAW with the manual camera app, export the RAWs via usb to my windows computer and do the postprocessing with adobe lightroom. But i use the google camera with HDR+ too, its pretty ok for random pics.

Manual Camera seems to always be a favourite.

I use the same. Your link didn't seem to work, it's https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I know not what you were asking about, but.. I've had good experiences with Manual Camera. It has a few bugs, but nice interface.

Thanks and yes. Just a Nexus 5 phone cam with Manual Camera software.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Ligthing matters too and also be sure to tap on what you want the camera to expose/focus for before snapping a shot. It isn't the smartest at guessing this. And while a wide aperture lets more light in, the sensor matters too. The N6 can be a great camera, but it's not the best in all situation.s

Either way, I always shoot in RAW using either Manual Camera or Camera FV-5 and edit the RAW files on my PC with a RAW editor or if I'm in a hurry, on my N6 using Photo Mate R2.

I shoot RAW because I have better control in the end over my images. If I under expose a little, I can usually bring it back in post and preserve the highlights, bring up the shadows, and push the saturation while keeping the overall image looking clean.

Play store linky: Manual Camera

Camera FV-5 and Snap Camera are what I'm using with my S6 though, since Samsung camera app doesn't support RAW format yet.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

One saving grace on the Nexus 6 is the Camera2 API support, which lets you use this: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Apparently it works well and is a lot of fun.

First the cases, I ended up choosing the Supcase Unicorn Beetle case. Black with the frosted back. I like it because it's pretty slim, adds some grip, and still allows the logo to show through on the back. Find it here:

http://www.amazon.com/SUPCASE-Google-Unicorn-Premium-Motorola/dp/B00OHFGUDU

Spigen cases are also on sale, 80% off. Only a couple of different styles and colors are eligible for the discount currently, but you save a ton! I bought a back up for just $3.40! Find the coupon code here:

http://slickdeals.net/f/7768329-spigen-case-sale-nexus-6-galaxy-note-4-galaxy-s6-s6-edge-from-2-amp-more

Next there's camera apps. I use Manual Camera and L Camera. They use the new camera API in lollipop that allows full access to the camera sensor. This means better performance of third party apps, and can take RAW (DNG) pictures as well if that's important to you.

Manual Camera $2.99: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dmanual+camera+play+store&pcampaignid=APPU_1_P-0hVeahGIHcoASYwoHIBQ

L Camera is a free Github project. It's simple, but performs much better in low light. I use it for video since Manual Camera doesn't shoot video. Many pictures posted by users in this sub to show off the capabilities of the Nexus 6 are taken using L Camera. You have to download via Github,and you have to allow installation of unauthorized apps in the settings first. Find it here:

https://github.com/PkmX/lcamera

Camera FV-5 also uses the new camera API, but I haven't personally used it. Here's the paid and Lite versions:

$3.95 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.camera.pro&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dmanual+camera+play+store&pcampaignid=APPU_1_Nu4hVcqkA4XooATx_ICQCw

Lite https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.camera.lite&hl=en&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dmanual+camera+play+store&pcampaignid=APPU_1_Nu4hVcqkA4XooATx_ICQCw

That's the relevant links you'll want to have as a new user. Congrats and welcome to the club!

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Someone already did. That app captures pictures and focus as fast as an iPhone.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

Not a phone I own, but in the reviews I've read all have mentioned RAW output is not available. Not sure if it would enable RAW support, but you could try a GCam app, rather than Poco's stock camera app.

One review mentioned the app Manual Camera could enable 12MP RAW support to the X4 Pro

See here on the XDA Forum for feedback on various GCam apps, from other X4 Pro users.

This YouTube reviewer has done numerous GCam tests with Poco see the X4 Pro here

I use GCam with an F3 and still images can be excellent, I'd recommend using the stock camera app for video though.

I just want to point out that you probably have a smartphone and most smartphones these days are capable of shooting RAW, which you can play with as well. No, it won't be as good as a DSLR or larger camera, but it is still another option. I'm not sure what you're shooting with, but I do know iOS allows it in the native camera app. I'm an Android user and can recommend some options below. Just copy the images from your phone to your computer for editing. They don't have to live on your phone.

Samsung allows RAW capture in the Pro mode in the native camera app. You may have to turn it on in settings or as a button toggle
Manual Camera has RAW capture as an option (not defauly)
Motion Camera has RAW capture as an option (not defauly)
Pro shot has RAW capture, not sure if default or not
Lightroomhas a camera app and a hidden feature to capture RAW HDR photos. This will be the closest to a DSLR you can get, if it works well. This is also capable on iOS. Basically, the camera takes 2+ photos at varying exposures, merges them together for an HDR photo, then saves the results as a RAW file in DNG format. Every other camera app saves HDR as jpeg and only leaves RAW as a single exposure rather than an HDR one. Only, in my experience, I've had a lot of issues with random purple splotches in my images. This could be due to movement in the hdr capture or issues with the specific phone I've used not being fully compatible. But when it works, it produces incredible results!
Also, Open Camera should offer RAW capture. Off topic, but I believe it also offers focus bracketing (aka focus stacking), but you have to enable Camera2 API in settings to turn it on. I haven't played with that feature yet - I keep forgetting it's there.

Manual Camera is fun, not sure how it works on non-pixel phones but you could probably get a refund if it doesn't

The one I've been using for a couple of years it very poorly rated, but it works for me. I guess they all have compatibility issues.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Wrong app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

The Manual Camera App in the play store is pretty good. I'm no professional when it comes to photography though. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Manual Camera https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I use an app called Manual Camera for that and it takes good pictures on my Nexus 5x.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Is it easy to get the 6h screen?

Wait, 1/15s is the most it can do?

A fantastic paid app is manual camera

Can you also try Manual Camera? Here is the Playstore link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=it

Yes, but not using the default Google Camera app.

Google Camera NX - port of the modified Google Camera found on Pixel phones. This enhances HDR+, which is already a cut above normal HDR processing, and is a hair snapper than the Nexus version. While this is my go-to for most things and works even better in low light than I can achieve with a tripod and some DNGs, you won't see raw capture, manual focus, or any other Camera2 perks. For those...
Manual Camera - nice and simple app for exposure, ISO, shutter speed, focus, and white balance that has a great UI. You'll find multiple grid overlay choices, a histogram, timer, and the usual extras (along with DNG & JPG capture), making this the usual first stop for Camera2. Costs a couple bucks.
Camera FV-5 - all the bells and whistles of a DSLR, but in app form. This includes exposure bracketing (series of separate shots at different exposures), an intervalometer (time lapse), and shake reduction, on top of all the Manual Camera features above. The only thing you don't get is a pretty, lag-free UI (which sometimes makes all the difference in mobile photography. Like Manual, this one costs a couple.

After more than two years with a Camera2 Nexus, I find myself constantly reaching for those three apps in that order - default/NX for everyday and low light because of the unrivaled HDR+, Manual Camera when photographing the moon, spiderwebs, or landscapes I intend to edit raw, and FV-5 for timelapses, lightning, or "professional" shoots.

Edit: a link

Yeah, no problem :-) This is the camera app i was referring to:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I used Manual Camera https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

But there are other apps that can use the raw dng API

What features exactly are you missing?

If you want all the adjustments, you can always use https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I can get as low as 7 inches with Manual Camera.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I'm sure other manual cameras can do the same but I don't have experience with those.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riseupgames.proshot2

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.camera.pro

Have you checked out Manual Camera yet?

Manual Camera might be for you buddy https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

I'm going to go with Manual Camera

I've transitioned over to Manual Camera for still shots, but it doesn't do video, so that sucks.

If it's compatible with your device Manual Camera gives full focus distance control, among other things.

I use a manual camera app called, you guessed it, Manual Camera https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Really love it with that sweet sweet N6P camera.

try out manual camera or camera fv-5.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.flavionet.android.camera.lite

I use stock 99% of the time, but when I need to really dial in things I use manual camera.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Try out Manual Camera, IMO it snaps a tad faster when you press the shutter

Yeah this is using the stock camera app. If you want something a bit more feature rich I'd recommend getting Manual Camera.

I don't think so, have you tried manual camera? It has a lot of options.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

One I would recommend is Manual Camera.

For just standard point and shoot shots, this app is great! https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2 1.

I'm not sure, but I think Manual Camera does this.

Camera is just bad for Macro shots. Manual Camera (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2) lets you manually choose the focus distance, perhaps it's the better tool for you

even if you were to use the manual camera app? i heard a lot of good pictures can be taken with this app on the nexus 5.

If you get Manual Camera https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2 or something similar, you can manually adjust focus, which make macro shots way easier.

Try taking photos wth this and see what your results are.

There's also Manual Camera.

Manual camera can process manual shutter speeds, too. I don't know what is the maximum time, though.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2&hl=en

Actually that seems to be the limit of the app Manual Camera, not the phone's hardware or firmware. L Camera allowed 1/75000, ISO 40, though I don't think that resulted in a better picture.

Second this. Manual Camera The macro shots are amazing

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.vipek.camera2

Manual Camera can shoot in RAW.

What is Reddit's opinion of Manual Camera?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Manual Camera

Popularity Score: 150

Best Comments

What is Reddit's opinion of Manual Camera? From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Manual Camera

Popularity Score: 150

Best Comments

What is Reddit's opinion of Manual Camera?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments