Android cameras and apps can help us to take better photos by automatically adjusting things like focus, exposure and contrast. One aspect that has not been addressed until now, however, is manual control of shooting parameters, which is important for a good photographer. However, things have now changed with the new camera2 API introduced in Android 5 Lollipop.
The new Camera2 API introduced with Android 5 Lollipop lets users manually control shooting parameters of their Android camera. Lollipop’s Camera2 API enable developers to create camera apps that can control the sensor, lens, white balance, shutter speed, flash, and other areas of the camera. Previously it was impossible for third-party camera apps to control these parameters manually.
Manual Camera may be the first apps that utilize the full advantage of Lollipop’s Camera2 API. It lets you control shutter speed, focus, ISO, white balance and camera exposure manually, which means you can adjust your shooting parameters to take a better shot.
Please note that, though the Manual Camera app requires Lollipop’s camera 2 API to be properly implemented on your device, currently only works correctly on Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 smartphones.
How to Use Manual Camera and Control Shooting Parameters Manually
1. You can download the app from Play store [HERE, it is not a free app]. When you launch Manual Camera, it opens in full auto mode, which is similar to the point-and-click functionality of Android’s stock camera, but it is fast.
2. On the left of the screen, you will find all the buttons for controlling your camera shooting parameters. All of these options have an auto setting, or you can adjust them manually by tapping on the setting and using the dial on the right of the screen.
3. Also, you can reset to default all the shooting parameters you have altered by simply long press on the option you want to reset. A yellow ‘Auto…’ message will appear on the screen.
4. Manual Camera also have some additional features including the ability to shoot RAW image, on/off shutter sound, etc. To access these additional features, tap the cog icon at the bottom of the screen.
Now the question here is does manual control of your Android camera can bring great photos. Leave your views in the comment section below.
