28 Best Android Camera Apps For 2022 [Free and Paid]

0 Shares

Cameras on smartphones are a much bigger deal than they used to be.

SmartPhone makers are chomping at the bit to make their cameras more reliable, work better in low light, and add features that people want.

Many will base their purchase decisions on the strength of the camera. Usually, that makes stock camera apps better than third party apps.

Original equipment manufacturer(OEMs) simply know their camera setups better and optimize more appropriately. This is especially true for Google, Samsung, and Huawei phones that use AI and other software optimizations in conjunction with the camera hardware.

Your Android phone probably has a pretty good built-in app for taking photos, Still, a third party app may be useful in some scenarios. The best Android camera apps (Third Party) can take your photos to the next level.

Looking for the best camera apps for your Android phone? Here is a list of the 28 best Android camera apps.

1. Camera FV-5 Lite

Price: Free
Rating: 3.8
Downloads: 10M+

Camera FV-5 is an app that provides some powerful tools to capture photos just the way you want to.

The reason we chose the lite version of the app is it’s free of charge, so it’s a nice way to try out the app. If you like the way it works, you can always get the full version to unlock the complete set of features.

Camera FV-5 offers a full range of manual controls which you may be familiar with if you’ve used a professional camera. From exposure to focus distance and shutter speed, you get complete control over the images you’re clicking.

You can shoot in RAW as well using this app and you also have the option to display a histogram in the viewfinder which can be handy.

2. Adobe Photoshop Camera

Price: Free
Rating: 4.6
Downloads: 1M+

The word Photoshop is synonymous with high-end photographic retouching software, and so it’s curious to see it applied to this creative yet often goofy live filters app. This is fun, playful stuff as you select a filter and have it transform a scene.

If you’re a more conservative type, you can make do with making your lunch look a bit nicer or replacing the sky with a bluer one you wish was there. But far more creative fare lurks, including dazzling pop-art, glitches and giant lollipops with which to pepper the landscape.

The camera bit won’t win any awards. There’s a timer, flash control and an aspect ratio switch.

But everything is responsive – impressive, given what’s going on – and you can always avoid the camera by loading existing snaps and using the app as a filters editor instead. Android owners need to be aware of a gotcha, though the app’s support on that platform is oddly scattergun, limited to specific devices.

Quite why Adobe’s partaken in that kind of ‘filtering,’ we’ve no idea.

3. Google Camera and GCam Ports

Price: Free
Rating: 3.6

Google Camera is the company’s proprietary Android camera app that comes pre-installed on all Pixel devices.

Kudos to the Android community, many have managed to develop Google Camera ports, which can bring the app to different Android devices.

In other words, you can use all the awesome features of the app, for instance, the iconic Pixel portrait mode, HDR+, and more. Developers have also managed to port the Pixel 4 camera’s Astrophotography feature, which enables users to capture great shots in the dark.

All-in-all, you can’t ignore Google Camera when looking out for the best camera apps for Android. Since GCAM apps are ported by third-party developers, expect lags and bugs in the download package.

4. Pixtica

Price: Free
Rating: 4.3
Downloads: 500K+

Pixtica is a feature-packed camera app from Perraco Labs that offers a ton of shooting features and camera controls in a single, convenient freemium package.

Manual camera controls (when supported by your phone) let you fine tune details like ISO, shutter speed and focus.

Pixtica also comes with a grab bag of extras, from live filters with real-time previews, panorama and hyperlapse modes, a doc scanner, photo editor, and more. The app is ad-supported, with in-app purchases giving you access to some photos and features like different filters and photo resolutions.

5. A Better Camera

Price: Free
Rating: 3.9
Downloads: 5M+

Almalence’s A Better Camera takes features from many of its specialized camera apps such as HDR Camera+, HD Panorama+ and Night Camera+ and fuses them together into one app.

Users can tinker with various shooting grid guides, white balance, focus and exposure settings to get the perfect shot.

The app’s various shooting mode allows for additional options such as burst shooting mode, HDR effects, panorama shots and a night mode.

Some premium features allow 30 trial shoots before requiring you to buy a $0.99 unlock key for the full version of A Better Camera.

6. ProCam X

Price: Free | $4.99
Rating: 4.1
Downloads: 5M+

ProCam X is one of the newer camera apps on the list and it does a fairly reasonable job.

It focuses more on professional-oriented features rather than filters and social media style stuff. The app includes a burst mode, facial recognition, support for 4k video recording, and support for RAW.

Additionally, there are manual controls (if your device supports it), the option to turn off the shutter sound, and a few camera modes like a scene mode or a focus mode. It hits a lot of the check boxes for a good third party app and the post processing isn’t half bad.

Plus, the premium version isn’t all that expensive.

7. ProCapture

Price: $3.99
Rating: 3.9
Downloads: 100K+

ProCapture leaves post-processing to other apps and focuses on giving users as much control over photo capture as possible.

Controls for focus settings, white balance, exposure and other fine-tuning options are all easily accessible from the main screen for your fiddling pleasure.

Multiple shot modes, such as burst, panorama, wide shot and noise reduction, let you take specialized shots.

ProCapture has plenty of appeal for photo enthusiasts.

8. Simple Camera

Price: Free
Rating: 3.9
Downloads: 1M+

Simple Camera is, well, a simple camera app.

It features a no-frills UI and it isn’t bogged down with a ton of extra features. You can take photos with the front and rear cameras, change where photos are saved, and limit the resolution if needed.

That’s about it, really. We don’t recommend this for people looking to make their photographs better. However, we would recommend it to someone who is consistently confused and irritated with how complex newer camera apps are and don’t mind a dip in photo quality for something simple that just works.

We would recommend Google Camera before this, but this is another decent, super minimal option without a lot of frills.

9. Manual Camera

Price: Free | Premium $4.99
Rating: 3.6
Downloads: 1M+

Manual Camera Lite is another one of the best camera apps for Android for 2020.

The app is easy to use, extremely intuitive, and works like a charm when clicking pictures. It has all the camera tools that you would like to see on a DLSR camera app. From controlling ISO, exposure, white balance, shutter speed to focus adjustment, and real-time color filters.

As for the video, you have 4K video recording, options to create a timelapse, or a slow-motion video. However, 4K recording and capturing pictures in resolution beyond 8MP requires users to buy the paid version of the Manual camera.
But if you want to keep using the free version, try switching off data before using the Android camera app to avoid ads.

10. VSCO

Price: Free
Rating: 3.6
Downloads: 100M+

VSCO is one of those apps around Android and iOS for years now, and it just keeps sticking around.

New features are being added on a consistent basis, but the power of the app is in the editing tools. There are more than 200 presets at your disposal with VSCO Membership so that you can turn your photos into a Kodak Moment.

The app itself is free to use and includes a free photo editor with ten different presets.

There are also plenty of tools to use, so you won’t necessarily feel the need to spring for the VSCO membership. However, if you want to test the waters, VSCO offers a seven-day free trial to see if the presets are right for you.

11. Open Camera

Price: Free | Premium
Rating: 4.1
Downloads: 50M+

Open Camera is a software aberration: a pro-oriented camera app that isn’t garbage. In fact, it’s deeply impressive, placing camera customization and control in the hands of any Android device owner, regardless of the quality (or lack thereof) of their device’s native camera app.

If you’re looking for an open source option, check out Open Camera.

An Android camera app loaded with a ton of features aimed at taking the perfect snapshot, as well as experimental support for manual camera controls from the Camera2 API.

Open Camera offers a whole slew of helpful tools, from auto-stabilization, ISO and exposure controls, exposure lock, shutter controls, to countdown timers and voice triggers for taking a photo.

The open-source nature and continuing development also means that the app’s features continue to grow.

The app’s interface is utilitarian and its settings can overwhelm as you explore dozens of menus to make tweaks. But when you’re finished and deep into shooting – not least when you’re staring at a screen buzzing with focus assist tools and zebra stripes that are usually the preserve of premium apps – none of that matters.

For $10, Open Camera would be a bargain. For free, it’s a must-install and the best camera app for Android – assuming you’ve the time and inclination to spend time setting it up.

12. Silent Camera

Price: Free
Rating: 4.4
Downloads: 10M+

Looking at the name, you probably realize the emphasis of this app is on clicking pictures silently without a shutter sound.

While most camera apps, including your default one, may already have the ability to disable the shutter sound, some phones don’t come with that option, or it may not be available in certain regions around the world.

Along with silencing your shutter sound, Silent Camera also provides a good set of additional features like the ability to take 40 images in a second using the burst mode and also some effects and filters built into the app.

One caveat with this app though is it displays ads in the camera UI which can put some people off.

13. Filmic Pro

Price: Premium
Rating: 3.4
Downloads: 100K+

The problem with using some of the best camera apps for Android is that they aren’t the greatest when it comes to videography. But that’s where FiLMiC Pro stands out, as this app was designed from the ground up with videographers in mind.

As our smartphones get closer and closer to replacing traditional DSLR cameras, we need apps that can harness the power of those camera sensors. FiLMiC Pro has even been used for professional music videos and provides access to all of the features you’ll need.

FiLMiC Sync even allows you to store presets in the cloud and use those same presets on another phone when it comes time to upgrade to the next best camera phone. Some keystone features of the app include the ability to record professional-looking videos, regardless of your skill level.

For example, do you want to record video in slow motion? FiLMiC can guide you in that direction. Plus, there are also framing overlays to make sure that your video’s focus is actually in focus.

14. Snap Camera HDR

Price: Free / $1.99
Rating: 3.1
Downloads: 1M+

Snap Camera HDR is a good between for serious and amateur photographer types.

There is support for manual camera controls, 4K video recording, RAW support, HDR, and file size options. It also includes fun shooting modes, effects, borders, color effects, and vignettes.

There are camera apps that do manual controls a little better and apps that do fun filters and such a little better. It’s rare to find an app that does both as well as this one.

Make sure to try the free version before buying the pro version.

15. KD PRO Disposable Camera

Price: Free
Rating: 4.0
Downloads: 1M+

KD PRO Disposable Camera is a nifty little camera app designed to imitate a classic disposable camera.

Available for both Android and iOS devices, the app is a fun take on retro photography. With several filter themes, a self-timer, sound effects, a frame counter, optional light leaks, and customizable time stamps, KD PRO makes for whimsical phoneography with a hint of nostalgia.

Paid features include the ability to import images, view original photos, and customize camera color.

Plus, for that authentic disposable camera experience, you can even increase the “film development time” to up to three days.

16. Instagram

Price: Free
Rating: 3.8
Downloads: 1B+

Nothing beats being able to snap a picture and instantly share it with your friends, family, or followers.

Instagram continues to grow in popularity and remains the default photo-sharing social media app for many. Snap a picture and then edit it right from the app while adding things like special effects, background music, or filters to spice things up a bit. With Insta Reels, you can share 15-second clips of your life and either throw them on your main feed or in your Stories.

Instagram is also a great place to chat with your friends or like-minded photographers if you want to figure out how someone managed to lineup the perfect shot. With the social media aspect of it, Instagram is a wonderful way to share bits and pieces of your day or just follow your favorite brands or celebrities.

Sharing pictures has never been easier, and Instagram lets you do everything you could want, right from the app.

17. Candy Camera

Price: Free
Rating: 4.4
Downloads: 100M+

Candy Camera is one of the best free camera Android apps which aids in taking better selfies.

It comes with a lot of filters and beauty functions that include makeup tools, face slimming effects, stickers, etc.

You can also take silent selfies and snapshots, and make a collage of multiple photos.

It is not the desired app for a serious photographer. However, it can be enough to satisfy a selfie lover. It is available for free and contains ads.

18. Camera MX

Price: Free
Rating: 4.1
Downloads: 10M+

Camera MX is one of the oldest and most popular camera apps.

Developers update the app regularly and that keeps it current. It works best for simple stuff. The app has a variety of shooting modes. You can also use it to shoot photos or videos.

There is even a GIF mode to make your own GIFs. The built-in photo editor can do the basics as well. It’s a decent all-in-one solution. Serious photographers may want to look elsewhere. You can also use the pro version of this as part of the Google Play Pass if you have it.

19. Your stock camera app

Price: Free

Every phone comes with its own camera app. You should definitely give that app a fair shake. Manufacturers develop these apps specifically for the camera on your device.

There are often features these apps have that others do not. For instance, the manual focus in the LG V50 makes whatever is in focus glow green. Thus, you visually see where the camera is focused. We really only recommend changing your camera app to expand your feature set rather than replace it.

Every app on this list does best when it’s used alongside the stock camera app. You’re usually leaving features at the door if you don’t use these.

20. ProShot

Price: Paid ($4.99)
Rating: 4.4
Downloads: 100K+

ProShot initially made its mark on Windows Phones, but the app has since become one of the best Android camera apps, bringing plenty of features for both the point-and-shoot and serious photo junkie crowds.

You can go snap happy with Auto mode or tweak your settings with manual or programmed camera controls. Users can customize aspect ratios, JPEG compression levels, save RAW files, or fire off timed shots, burst shots or timelapse videos.

It’s a feature-packed Android camera app that just begs to be played around with, and at a pretty reasonable price.

21. Footej Camera 2

Price: Free
Rating: 4.3
Downloads: 1M+

If you’re looking for a reliable alternative to your stock camera app for both photos and videos, Footej Camera 2 might be a good option for you.

There are various aspect ratios and resolutions to choose from, along with Auto-HDR capabilities.

There’s support for Live Photos as well, similar to the iPhone or the motion-enabled photos taken by Google Camera. As for videos, you can pause a video while recording and then resume from a different frame and merge the two clips together in real-time, and also convert small videos to GIFs.

You also get multiple different effects built-in along with a photo editor as well to make some basic edits.

22. Cymera

Price: Free
Rating: 4.6
Downloads: 100M+

Cymera Camera is another app to check out for the selfie enthusiast who wants to spruce up their self-portraits.

For controls, Cymera offers your basic tap-to-auto-focus approach as well as brightness controls and pinch-to-zoom. You’ll also find shot settings for anti-shake, a shot timer, and touch shooting.

The app even comes with your standard mix of stickers and filters. Where Cymera really stands out is its range of transformation tools for beautifying your shots, such as blemish concealers, stretch tools to make you look taller or to widen or narrow the waist or hips, and more.

23. Bacon Camera

Price: Free
Rating: 3.8
Downloads: 1M+

All the camera apps we previously mentioned require support for Camera2 API on your smartphone, which ideally should be present on all modern smartphones.

However, if your phone doesn’t have support for Camera1 API, Bacon Camera is the app for you. This is one of the only apps on the Play Store that offers full-fledged manual controls without the need for Camera2 API support.

You get manual focus, ISO, white balance, live histogram, exposure bracket, GIF creation, and a lot of other features you can explore on the app. The UI is also simple and intuitive.

24. HedgeCam 2

Price: Free
Rating: 3.8
Downloads: 1M+

HedgeCam2 is a fork of Open Camera, using the same source code as one of the other best camera apps.

Although the interface has been slightly tweaked by default, you’ll still find all of the same great features. HedgeCam2 also shows off a few extra bits of information from the viewfinder, such as the battery life, remaining storage, and even things like ISO and angle.

In addition to being so fully featured, HedgeCam2 even goes so far as to make it easier than ever to snap a picture.

There’s a widget that can be placed on your home screen, so you can just point your camera and take the picture.

25. SayCheese

Price: Free
Rating: 4.3
Downloads: 100K+

SayCheese is a different kind of camera app.

It’s a remote camera app with some neat functionality. It lets you connect to a friend’s phone and take pictures with their camera on your device. This is an excellent solution for those situations where you want to take a group photo but don’t have someone to do it for you.

The app is in early access beta at the time of this writing so there are some bugs. However, it worked pretty well in our testing and we assume more updates will add more stability.

26. Camera360

Price: Free
Rating: 4.4
Downloads: 100M+

Camera360 is one of the most popular free camera apps for Android which allows you to take photos like a pro.

The app has a wide variety of “Cams” that comes with dozens of unique effects of every kind. You can also integrate the effects directly into the pictures while capturing it. However, the app is not very intuitive compared to other camera apps.

You might find it difficult to navigate at first but, once you properly explore it and all its features, you can take some fantastic, professional-looking photos easily. Other features include motion stickers, an in-app photo gallery, exquisite filters, and an in-house photo editor.

27. Camera Zoom FX Premium

Price: Paid
Rating: 4.2
Downloads: 1M+

Like VSCO and Instagram, Camera Zoom FX Premium is another one of those camera apps that has been around forever.

In fact, it’s one of the few good camera apps that is included with Google Play Pass. In addition, the app itself is a breeze to use, allowing you to add as many (or as little) extra tools that you want to have access to.

The app truly gives you control over everything, ensuring that you are provided with the best app based on your skill level.

From RAW support to manual DSLR controls and more than 100 different effects, Camera Zoom FX Premium could be the camera app that you’ve been looking for.

28. Adobe Lightroom

Price: Free
Rating: 4.2
Downloads: 100M+

When you think of Adobe’s Lightroom, you likely assume that you’ll need to use a different app to take the pictures first. But that’s not the case, as Adobe has a built-in camera feature, providing you an all-in-one photography application.

In addition, if you already have an Adobe account and want to access your library, you can do so right from the app, or you can add new pictures to the library and have the edits synced across your devices. One of the benefits of using Lightroom on your Android phone is how easy the app is to use.

Instead of throwing too many tools at you as soon as you open the app, Lightroom takes a more simplistic approach with its interface while still providing the filters and tools you’re used to from its desktop counterpart.

Conclusion

That’s pretty much it! So, there are Best Android Camera Apps.

If you have any other favorite Best Android Camera Apps then don’t forget to share them with us in the comment below. Also, if you liked this article, Share on your favorite Social media platform.

Source: