Beyond Google: Discovering Stellar Alternatives to the Pixel Camera App

The Pixel Camera app has long been regarded as one of the top camera applications available, and it’s easy to understand the reasoning. The app features several standout options, such as Night Sight, astrophotography, and Best Take. For an extended period, Google’s image processing has also been viewed as superior to that of many other brands.

It goes without saying that any substitute for the Pixel Camera app carries significant expectations. However, following experimentation with several alternatives, I’ve discovered a few applications worth considering if you seek something a bit different.

Do you simply seek a camera application without extravagant modes and effects? Searching for something with minimal processing? Then the well-established OpenCamera app might suit your needs.

One issue I have with OpenCamera is its not-so-intuitive user interface. In fact, I would argue it doesn’t appear to have significantly changed since the early 2010s. Nevertheless, I find this app more engaging than the Pixel Camera app when I aim to meticulously adjust my shots. With options for noise reduction and HDR algorithms, exposure/HDR bracketing capabilities, and comprehensive RAW photography features, it certainly offers more detailed control over your images.

I am somewhat let down by the app’s lack of numerous modern features, like night mode or light trail capability. I still return to the Pixel Camera app for those functionalities. I’d also recommend avoiding OpenCamera if you prefer a truly hassle-free photography experience. However, it’s undoubtedly worth downloading if you appreciate a precise, patient method for capturing a picture.

This is a somewhat unusual selection as it is not an official Google camera app, and there isn’t a singular version of GCam available; however, we’ve seen multiple developers port the Pixel Camera app to different smartphones over the years, and it continues to be a favored option.

I’ve installed GCam on numerous budget Android devices over the years since it’s a reliable means to capture better photographs. In fact, it remains worth downloading on various inexpensive devices even today. These unofficial applications often come packed with additional features like toggling between various HDR algorithms, adjusting the Top Shot resolution, and more.

My primary complaint regarding these GCam applications is the necessity to sideload them, and it’s frequently not a one-size-fits-all situation, as you may occasionally require a specific version tailored for your phone/chipset. These unofficial apps also often lack more recent features (such as Best Take) and can occasionally be buggy. Moreover, the unofficial nature of GCam implies that locating the appropriate version for your device can be hit-and-miss. To assist in this, I’m linking to GCam developer Celso Azevedo’s app repository.

The Pixel Camera app provides a relatively subtle approach to image processing compared to numerous other OEM applications. But what if you desire to reduce that even further? I found the ZeroCam app worth downloading.

ZeroCam markets itself as an “anti-AI camera app” and promises to deliver images with no post-processing. I believed these photos still appeared slightly processed to me (after all, they’re JPEGs), but it’s undeniably a step down from the aggressive handling of certain camera phones. The app also features virtually no UI aside from a large shutter button and the option to choose between 1x and 2x views. Sadly, it seems unable to shoot using anything other than your primary camera. I also observed that it can struggle under mixed lighting conditions, leading to increased noise in comparison to the Pixel Camera.

The most significant disadvantage of ZeroCam is arguably its subscription-based model. The app costs a reasonably low $1 per month or $11 annually, but I would have preferred a one-time purchase option. The free version of the app, however, allows you to take five pictures per day. Hence, you can still try it out for a few days to determine if it suits your preferences. Nevertheless, this is worth considering if you seek a highly accessible, minimalistic camera experience.

ProShot has existed for around ten years now and continues to thrive as one of the premier third-party camera apps on the market. While it is a paid app, it provides a great value for your investment. Additionally, it only requires a one-time payment.

The application delivers a DSLR-style camera user interface, complete with a virtual dial on the left for switching between photos, videos, slow-motion, and light painting. A virtual dial on the right enables you to alternate between traditional shooting modes such as auto, program, manual, and custom profiles. Although it may not be the most refined UI available, I still genuinely prefer this camera-focused layout compared to the Pixel Camera. You should certainly try this if you come from a DSLR camera background or simply desire that aesthetic.

I also discovered ample features surpassing my Pixel’s default app. Some notable features include RAW capture, professional controls, focus peaking, support for time-lapses and light trails, among others. It doesn’t fall short in the video department either, thanks to 4K support, 240fps slow-motion, and LOG profiles.

That’s it for my review of the best alternatives to the Pixel Camera app. Did we overlook any suggestions? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!