Android: don’t take any more photos without trying this!

Many people limit themselves to using the basic camera functions of their Android phone, which is perfectly normal. It’s just that smartphones are currently so advanced that in practice we only have to press the button to shoot and the photo always comes out well. This is because the smartphone can make all the necessary adjustments to make this happen. However, there are some advantages to using other modes. So don’t take any more photos with your Android smartphone without trying this!

Android: don’t take any more photos without trying this!

Grids and guidelines

When it comes to photography, framing and composition are the most fundamental aspects. An experienced photographer knows these rules well, but for the average smartphone user, the grid lines tool in the camera app is there to help. But how is it useful? Firstly, it allows you to achieve the best framing. This is a fundamental concept that seeks the strategic placement of important objects in an off-center manner to obtain a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition.

This technique consists of dividing the photographic frame into two horizontal and two vertical lines. When applying the Rule of Thirds, the photograph is segmented into nine equal sections, facilitated by these intersecting lines.

Furthermore, this method promotes the artistic use of negative space, which are the empty areas surrounding the object.

Ultra wide angle mode

From budget segment to high-end, almost all Android phones now come with dual cameras. One is the main camera, usually equipped with a high megapixel sensor, and the other is a secondary camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens that allows you to capture a wider panorama of the view in front of your eyes.

To access the chamber ultra wide angle in the camera application, look above the shutter button for the alphanumeric keys that indicate the magnification levels. The default is 1x, which is natural for the main camera. Anything above 1x enters zoom territory, where the telephoto camera comes into play. Tapping 0.5x or 0.6x activates the ultra-wide-angle camera, which is useful for capturing a group photo or a picturesque natural view.

Ultra-wide-angle cameras, while impressive in their own right, have their share of drawbacks. A prominent problem that affects many of them is the famous fisheye lens distortion, particularly visible at the edges. Another concern is the inconsistent color reproduction that plagues many budget phones. Furthermore, in night photography, ultra-wide cameras often fall short of expectations.

Slo Mo

Slo Mo, short for slow motion, lets you record and play back videos at least four (or more) times slower. This is possible by capturing more frames per second and stitching them together into a clip. The magnitude of the slow-motion effect is typically represented by the FPS count. Android phones typically start at 240 fps, which is about eight times slower than an average video recorded at 30 fps. Depending on the brands, it is possible to change the video frame rate to values ​​such as 480 fps and even adjust the resolution.

You can find the controls slow motion by going through the capture options on the camera app home page or visiting the “more” section to access them. When filming in slow motion, it is essential to keep the camera steady. Even the slightest movements can result in blur and focus shifts, which become highly visible when playback is slowed down.

Portrait mode

Portrait mode lets you take a photo where the subject is in focus while the background is blurred, a trick that lets the centerpiece stand out. On most cell phones Androidis available on the camera app home page under the name portrait or bokeh.

Pro Mode

One of the biggest disadvantages of photographing with a cell phone compared to a proper camera is the lack of controls. Smartphones rely more on computational tricks and improvements on the software side to compensate for their inadequate hardware. However, all Android phones offer a Pro Mode that offers some control over fundamental aspects like ISO, Shutter Speed, White Balance, Exposure Value and focus adjustment.

Depending on the smartphone manufacturer, it is available in the main control grid on the camera app home page or in the “More” section. Pro Mode is normally limited to capturing photos on Android phones, but some brands, like Samsung, also extend the convenience to video capture.

In fact, it’s worth trying out these photography modes on your Android smartphone.