The best camera app for Android depends on your phone and what you shoot: manual photos, RAW files, pro video, filters or a lighter camera for an older device. Some apps can only use features your phone's hardware supports, so check compatibility first. Nine apps follow in no particular order, plus the permission setting worth checking.
Android phones vary hugely in what their cameras can do, and the built-in camera app doesn't always expose everything the hardware supports. A third-party app can add manual controls, RAW capture, better video settings or simply a lighter interface.
The nine apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from free open source cameras to cinema-style video tools. Each description comes from the app's own Google Play listing, re-checked this week. If you're looking for editing ideas afterwards, my ChatGPT prompts for photographers are a fun place to start.
Android camera apps compared
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own listing describes free use or installs at no charge, Trial only means a time-limited trial and No means neither is stated on the pages we read. Some apps are a one-off purchase with no free version.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Lightroom | Editor with camera | Raw shots ready to edit | Yes |
| Blackmagic Camera | Pro video camera | Cinema-style video | Yes |
| Camera FV-5 Lite | Manual photo camera | DSLR-style manual settings | Yes |
| Footej Camera | Simple camera | A light, simple camera | Yes |
| MotionCam Pro | RAW video camera | RAW video from a phone | No |
| Open Camera | Open source camera | A free all-rounder | Yes |
| Pixel Camera | Phone maker camera | Night Sight and Portrait | Yes |
| ProShot | Manual camera | Manual and automatic modes | No |
| VSCO | Camera with presets | Feed-friendly filters | Yes |
Nine camera apps for Android
Adobe Lightroom
Best for: People who already edit here and want its camera for raw files that land straight in their library.
Blackmagic Camera
Best for: Video creators on supported phones who want film camera controls and professional recording formats.
Camera FV-5 Lite
Best for: Photography students who want exposure, ISO and focus controls laid out like a traditional camera.
Footej Camera
Best for: People with older phones who want a lighter camera app with burst and GIF modes.
MotionCam Pro
Best for: Advanced filmmakers who want RAW video and log footage to grade on a computer later.
Open Camera
Best for: Anyone who wants manual controls, auto-levelling and a free open source app that works on most phones.
Pixel Camera
Best for: Pixel owners who want Google's own features, like Night Sight and Portrait mode, kept up to date.
ProShot
Best for: Enthusiasts who want quick switching between manual, program and auto modes, checked on their phone first.
VSCO
Best for: Social posters who want a consistent look on every photo without learning editing tools.
The permission setting to check first
Camera apps need your camera and often your location. Google's Android Help says that for location, camera and microphone permissions you may be able to choose Allow only while using the app, Ask every time or Don't allow.
What that means for you: give any camera app access only while you're using it. There's no reason for it to reach your camera, microphone or location in the background, and you can switch location off entirely if you don't want photos tagged.
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Manual photos, RAW or pro video?
Manual photo apps give you ISO, shutter speed and focus controls laid out like a traditional camera. RAW apps save the unprocessed sensor data, which gives you far more room when editing. Pro video apps add frame rates, bitrates and log profiles for footage you'll grade on a computer.
Phone support varies, so some features may be missing on your model. A few developers offer a free checker app or lite version so you can test before you buy. Battery and heat matter too: high-bitrate video and RAW bursts work your phone hard, so try a longer recording on a warm day before you rely on an app for an event you can't repeat.
Testing an app on your phone
- Install the free or lite version first if there is one.
- Check which manual controls appear on your model.
- Take the same shot with the built-in camera and compare.
- Record a short video to check stability and sound.
- Set camera and location permissions to while using the app.
- Keep the one you reach for, uninstall the rest.
Things that make phone photos worse
- Digital zoom. Step closer instead whenever you can.
- A smudged lens. Wipe it before every important shot.
- Shooting into bright light on auto. Tap to set exposure on your subject.
- Heavy filters on every shot. Keep an unfiltered copy if your app allows it.
Free, lite or one-off purchase?
Android camera apps come in three shapes: free apps, often open source, that cover most needs; lite versions that let you try a pro app's basics; and one-off purchases that open up everything. Try the free and lite options first. If you then miss a specific control, you'll know exactly which app is worth buying.
Do you make an Android camera app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on Android camera apps
Start with a free app, test it against your phone's own camera and only move to a one-off purchase if you hit a limit. On many phones, the built-in camera already does a great job in auto, so you're buying control, not magic.
If you shoot video seriously, a cinema-style app is the biggest step up, and RAW photo apps reward people who enjoy editing. For finishing touches, my guide to cinematic style photo edits shows what's possible.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best camera app for Android?
It depends on your phone and goal: manual photo apps for control, RAW apps for editing or pro video apps for filmmaking.
Will a camera app improve my photos?
It gives you more control and sometimes access to RAW or extra settings, but results depend on your phone's hardware.
Are Android camera apps free?
Many are free or have a lite version. Some pro apps are a one-off purchase with no free version.
Why are some features missing on my phone?
Apps can only use features your phone's camera exposes, so support varies by model.
What permissions should a camera app have?
Camera access while you're using it. Android Help says you can choose Allow only while using the app for camera, microphone and location.
Is RAW worth shooting on Android?
Yes, if you edit your photos. RAW files are larger but keep more detail in highlights and shadows.
