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Take photos and videos using the app and share content directly adjust phone with filters and backgrounds

Take photos and videos using the app and share content directly adjust phone with filters and backgrounds

Vote: (24 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Google

Version: 9.3.160.611900641.14

Works under: Android

Vote:

Program license

(24 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Google

9.3.160.611900641.14

Works under:

Android

Pros

  • Simple, streamlined camera experience that works
  • Burst mode, slow-motion, and other modes available
  • Point-And-Shoot approach is designed for nearly everyone

Cons

  • Only available on Nexus and Pixel smartphones
  • Occasional glitches and slowdowns hamper the experience
  • Some users may not like the simple experience

Google Camera is the exclusive camera app for Google-made smartphones. Currently, Nexus and Pixel smartphones support the app and can utilize its features. The app takes a simplistic approach to smartphone photography, which is a positive thing for most people. Various shooting modes and extra features are thrown in as well. When the app opens up, users are prepared to take a photo or video right away.

Before getting started with the review, here's the list of supported devices:

  • Pixel and Pixel XL
  • Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P

Google Camera is lightweight and designed for the best point-and-shoot experience possible. Most of the settings are controlled automatically by the smartphone itself. Therefore, users need to worry about capturing their subject and nothing else. The stock picture and video capture modes do an excellent job on Nexus and Pixel devices. Many camera apps offer a simplified experience, but Google gets it right more so than the competition.

Fortunately, a variety of other modes are included in the Google Camera app. Pixel devices support burst mode and slow motion capture, among other exclusive features. Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P smartphones miss out on the burst mode, which may disappoint some users. Either way, HDR and HDR+ modes are available for capturing more details on photos. Users won't find manual controls, so this app isn't designed for hardcore photographers.

Google Camera does benefit from its exclusivity to Nexus and Pixel devices, though. The cameras on the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel family are incredible. With this app, Google has optimized the experience between software and hardware, and the results show every time. The lack of manual controls is disappointing, but the Google Camera software takes excellent shots in most conditions, and most users aren't going to complain about results.

A few downsides should be noted with regard to Google Camera. On occasion, the app suffers from sudden shutdowns or lag between capturing shots. Not all users will experience these issues, and they're infrequent for the most part. It doesn't appear as though Google plans on releasing its camera app to more Android devices outside of its own, either. Luckily, the next Pixel devices should receive the app along with a few upgrades.

For the everyday user, Google Camera is an excellent camera app with enough features. Point-and-shoot enthusiasts will love the pictures and videos they capture. More hardcore users that prefer controlling every setting may feel disappointed, though. Still, Google Camera is an excellent app with very few downsides. Most Android users would agree that lack of support for non-Google devices is the biggest downside here.

Pros

  • Simple, streamlined camera experience that works
  • Burst mode, slow-motion, and other modes available
  • Point-And-Shoot approach is designed for nearly everyone

Cons

  • Only available on Nexus and Pixel smartphones
  • Occasional glitches and slowdowns hamper the experience
  • Some users may not like the simple experience