Mobile phone app with manual settings?: Android Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Mobile phone app with manual settings?

Started Nov 14, 2020 | Discussions

Raymond Cho • Senior Member • Posts: 2,571

Mobile phone app with manual settings?

Nov 14, 2020

Is there an app that provide aperture and shutter speed adjustments? I've tried FV5 Lite, Open Camera and VSCO. I've only gotten P mode and shutter priority.

Does it require specific phones to allow to use manual settings? I'm only using a Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 which is 4yrs old it also only cost $250US outright ie not subsidised by the phone company.

Thanks

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I2K4 • Senior Member • Posts: 1,441

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to Raymond Cho • Nov 14, 2020

Before all, if you have Open Camera or Camera FV-5 installed, be sure that in their settings you have enabled Camera2 API. There are LOTs of "manual" style apps (some free like Open Camera and its excellent spin-off Hedgecam2, below, or paid.) But if a) your phone does not fully implement the Camera2 API, or 2) you haven't specifically set the app to enable Camera2, the available manual settings won't show up or won't work.

Sadly, unlike other operating systems, Android lets manufacturers selectively implement the full range of Camera2 API and most manufacturers cripple Android by limiting Camera2 on low- to mid-priced models. This app will tell you what's enabled on your specific phone.

The three vertical sliders on Hedgecam2 are ISO, Shutter, and manual White Balance - aperture is not normally adjustable on phones, though apparently some Nokia phones have "Extended Depth of Field" algorithms. (I have the app set to monochrome and HDR.)

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OP Raymond Cho • Senior Member • Posts: 2,571

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to I2K4 • Nov 14, 2020

Thanks heaps. This is the report after running it.

Model:Redmi Note 3
Manufacturer:Xiaomi
Build:6.0.1
SDK:23
------------------------------------------
Camera ID: 0
Camera Facing: BACK
Hardware Support Level:LEGACY
Manual exposure:0
Auto exposure:1
Auto exposure, always flash:1
Auto exposure, auto flash:1
Auto exposure, auto flash, red eye reduction:0
AE Lock:1
Manual focus:1
Auto focus:1
Auto focus macro:1
Auto focus continuous picture:1
Auto focus continuous video:1
Auto focus EDOF:0
White balance off:0
Automatic white balance:1
WB: cloudy day:1
WB: day:1
WB: fluorescent:1
WB: incandescent:1
WB: shade:1
WB: twilight:1
WB: warm fluorescent:1
AWB Lock:1
RawCapture:1
BurstCapture:1
availableCapability: BACKWARD_COMPATIBLE
FPS Range: [15, 15]
FPS Range: [7, 24]
FPS Range: [24, 24]
FPS Range: [7, 26]
FPS Range: [26, 26]
FPS Range: [7, 30]
FPS Range: [30, 30]
previewSize: 1280 * 960 (4:3)
previewSize: 1280 * 720 (16:9)
previewSize: 864 * 480 (9:5)
previewSize: 640 * 640 (1:1)
previewSize: 832 * 468 (16:9)
previewSize: 800 * 480 (5:3)
previewSize: 720 * 480 (3:2)
previewSize: 768 * 432 (16:9)
previewSize: 640 * 480 (4:3)
previewSize: 480 * 640 (4:3)
previewSize: 576 * 432 (4:3)
previewSize: 640 * 360 (16:9)
previewSize: 480 * 360 (4:3)
previewSize: 480 * 320 (3:2)
previewSize: 384 * 288 (4:3)
previewSize: 352 * 288 (11:9)
previewSize: 320 * 240 (4:3)
previewSize: 240 * 320 (4:3)
previewSize: 240 * 160 (3:2)
previewSize: 176 * 144 (11:9)
photoSize: 4608 * 3456 (4:3)
photoSize: 4608 * 2592 (16:9)
photoSize: 4160 * 3120 (4:3)
photoSize: 4000 * 3000 (4:3)
photoSize: 3840 * 2160 (16:9)
photoSize: 3264 * 2448 (4:3)
photoSize: 3200 * 2400 (4:3)
photoSize: 2592 * 1944 (4:3)
photoSize: 2592 * 1458 (16:9)
photoSize: 2048 * 1536 (4:3)
photoSize: 1920 * 1080 (16:9)
photoSize: 1600 * 1200 (4:3)
photoSize: 1440 * 1080 (4:3)
photoSize: 1280 * 960 (4:3)
photoSize: 1280 * 768 (5:3)
photoSize: 1280 * 720 (16:9)
photoSize: 1024 * 768 (4:3)
photoSize: 800 * 600 (4:3)
photoSize: 864 * 480 (9:5)
photoSize: 800 * 480 (5:3)
photoSize: 720 * 480 (3:2)
photoSize: 640 * 480 (4:3)
photoSize: 640 * 360 (16:9)
photoSize: 480 * 360 (4:3)
photoSize: 352 * 288 (11:9)
photoSize: 320 * 240 (4:3)
photoSize: 176 * 144 (11:9)
photoSize: 160 * 120 (4:3)
videoSize: 1280 * 960 (4:3)
videoSize: 1280 * 720 (16:9)
videoSize: 864 * 480 (9:5)
videoSize: 640 * 640 (1:1)
videoSize: 832 * 468 (16:9)
videoSize: 800 * 480 (5:3)
videoSize: 720 * 480 (3:2)
videoSize: 768 * 432 (16:9)
videoSize: 640 * 480 (4:3)
videoSize: 480 * 640 (4:3)
videoSize: 576 * 432 (4:3)
videoSize: 640 * 360 (16:9)
videoSize: 480 * 360 (4:3)
videoSize: 480 * 320 (3:2)
videoSize: 384 * 288 (4:3)
videoSize: 352 * 288 (11:9)
videoSize: 320 * 240 (4:3)
videoSize: 240 * 320 (4:3)
videoSize: 240 * 160 (3:2)
videoSize: 176 * 144 (11:9)
------------------------------------------
Camera ID: 1
Camera Facing: FRONT
Hardware Support Level:LEGACY
Manual exposure:0
Auto exposure:1
Auto exposure, always flash:0
Auto exposure, auto flash:0
Auto exposure, auto flash, red eye reduction:0
AE Lock:1
Manual focus:1
Auto focus:0
Auto focus macro:0
Auto focus continuous picture:0
Auto focus continuous video:0
Auto focus EDOF:0
White balance off:0
Automatic white balance:1
WB: cloudy day:1
WB: day:1
WB: fluorescent:1
WB: incandescent:1
WB: shade:1
WB: twilight:1
WB: warm fluorescent:1
AWB Lock:1
RawCapture:1
BurstCapture:1
availableCapability: BACKWARD_COMPATIBLE
FPS Range: [15, 15]
FPS Range: [24, 24]
FPS Range: [7, 30]
FPS Range: [30, 30]
previewSize: 1280 * 960 (4:3)
previewSize: 1280 * 720 (16:9)
previewSize: 864 * 480 (9:5)
previewSize: 640 * 640 (1:1)
previewSize: 832 * 468 (16:9)
previewSize: 800 * 480 (5:3)
previewSize: 720 * 480 (3:2)
previewSize: 768 * 432 (16:9)
previewSize: 640 * 480 (4:3)
previewSize: 480 * 640 (4:3)
previewSize: 576 * 432 (4:3)
previewSize: 640 * 360 (16:9)
previewSize: 480 * 360 (4:3)
previewSize: 480 * 320 (3:2)
previewSize: 384 * 288 (4:3)
previewSize: 352 * 288 (11:9)
previewSize: 320 * 240 (4:3)
previewSize: 240 * 320 (4:3)
previewSize: 240 * 160 (3:2)
previewSize: 176 * 144 (11:9)
photoSize: 2592 * 1944 (4:3)
photoSize: 2592 * 1458 (16:9)
photoSize: 2048 * 1536 (4:3)
photoSize: 1920 * 1080 (16:9)
photoSize: 1600 * 1200 (4:3)
photoSize: 1440 * 1080 (4:3)
photoSize: 1280 * 960 (4:3)
photoSize: 1280 * 768 (5:3)
photoSize: 1280 * 720 (16:9)
photoSize: 1024 * 768 (4:3)
photoSize: 800 * 600 (4:3)
photoSize: 864 * 480 (9:5)
photoSize: 800 * 480 (5:3)
photoSize: 720 * 480 (3:2)
photoSize: 640 * 480 (4:3)
photoSize: 640 * 360 (16:9)
photoSize: 480 * 360 (4:3)
photoSize: 352 * 288 (11:9)
photoSize: 320 * 240 (4:3)
photoSize: 176 * 144 (11:9)
photoSize: 160 * 120 (4:3)
videoSize: 1280 * 960 (4:3)
videoSize: 1280 * 720 (16:9)
videoSize: 864 * 480 (9:5)
videoSize: 640 * 640 (1:1)
videoSize: 832 * 468 (16:9)
videoSize: 800 * 480 (5:3)
videoSize: 720 * 480 (3:2)
videoSize: 768 * 432 (16:9)
videoSize: 640 * 480 (4:3)
videoSize: 480 * 640 (4:3)
videoSize: 576 * 432 (4:3)
videoSize: 640 * 360 (16:9)
videoSize: 480 * 360 (4:3)
videoSize: 480 * 320 (3:2)
videoSize: 384 * 288 (4:3)
videoSize: 352 * 288 (11:9)
videoSize: 320 * 240 (4:3)
videoSize: 240 * 320 (4:3)
videoSize: 240 * 160 (3:2)
videoSize: 176 * 144 (11:9)

Raymond Cho's gear list:Raymond Cho's gear list

Ricoh GR Nikon D70 Nikon D600 Fujifilm X-T1 Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G +8 more

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OP Raymond Cho • Senior Member • Posts: 2,571

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to Raymond Cho • Nov 14, 2020

Raymond Cho's gear list:Raymond Cho's gear list

Ricoh GR Nikon D70 Nikon D600 Fujifilm X-T1 Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G +8 more

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I2K4 • Senior Member • Posts: 1,441

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to Raymond Cho • Nov 14, 2020

This shows "Legacy" Camera API, i.e. Camera1 and not Camera2. Some googling indicates the Redmi Note 3 runs either Android 5.1 or 6, which means Camera2 was available but the manufacturer disabled some or all elements of Camera2 API on that model. Bad luck.

Here's a Google write-up about Camera2 "levels", you can find more by web search. I still use an old Android 5 ZTE phone for mapping in my car, and had installed Bacon Camera and Snap Camera HDR (test the trial Snap version but purchasing will bring the much-improved new version 8.10.4) Both apps will look for whatever manual settings are available without full Camera2 and will produce good RAW/DNG output - Snap takes more digging into settings to make things work properly. Always there's a device compatibility question for any Android app, but worth a try. If memory serves, older versions of Camera FV-5 supported some shutter speed control on my Android 5.1 ZTE, but can't say for any other phone. Good luck.

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OP Raymond Cho • Senior Member • Posts: 2,571

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to I2K4 • Nov 14, 2020

Thanks. Bacon Camera worked with ISO and shutter speed but I'm due for a phone change next year I reset my phone this year to get an extra year out of it. Snap Camera only gave me one dial. Pic underneath.

Yes I am running Android 6.0.

Raymond Cho's gear list:Raymond Cho's gear list

Ricoh GR Nikon D70 Nikon D600 Fujifilm X-T1 Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G +8 more

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I2K4 • Senior Member • Posts: 1,441

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to Raymond Cho • Nov 15, 2020

Good if these improve on the stock camera app. With Snap, you should experiment with Settings / Other tab - Show Advanced, turn off Camera2 API, test OpenGLES 2.0 to see what's best. In On Screen Settings you can pick and choose control icons on the camera screen, for any of the modes or the Custom presets. Again, if you like Snap and it's stable, the current improved version requires the paid not trial app.

If you want RAW/DNG, under Sttings / Photo tab try different Bayer Pattern choices if any - on my ZTE DNGs were bluish and needed White Balance redo in post-processing. Bacon produced better out of camera DNGs on my phone.

If you're shopping a new phone, most of premium phones support Level 3 Camera2 API, but it takes some digging to find out about mid range or lower priced. Most camera reviews and specification sites just don't mention it.

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OP Raymond Cho • Senior Member • Posts: 2,571

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to I2K4 • Nov 16, 2020

Upon further examination. None of the options actually allows me to change the exposure.

Snap Camera the single scroll dial is for manual focus. I don't have a way to adjust the shutter speed or ISO. Use Camera2 API is set to "off". With Bacon Camera app; it allows me to change the ISO and the shutter speed however if I select ISO 100 and a shutter speed of 1/95111 of a second and the image doesn't go brighter should I select 1/20.

We have Black Fridays here the Huawei P40 Pro is something I looked at but I think I will wait until next June. I like a handset with eSIm capability.

As an app I like F5v since it looks more like a serious camera with the exposure compensation dial from negative to 0 to positive.

Raymond Cho's gear list:Raymond Cho's gear list

Ricoh GR Nikon D70 Nikon D600 Fujifilm X-T1 Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G +8 more

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I2K4 • Senior Member • Posts: 1,441

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to Raymond Cho • Nov 16, 2020

My old ZTE permitted ISO changes, and FV-5 provided some shutter control - it's up to manufacturers what they choose to allow on Camera1 API phones. On my current Moto, like others FV-5 has normal shutter speed settings and a "synthetic exposure" algothithmically lengthening it, a kind of night mode. I've always really liked the Camera FV-5 user interface, but have to say given the difficulty of using phones out in sunlight sometimes, the clunky large icons on Hedgecam2 can be easier to see.

You don't mention if you tried Snap's HDR mode. It works surprisingly well on old Camera1 phones. I think it allows up to 7 shots on the trial version and 15 shots on the paid current version, and you can set milliseconds of time along with exposure parameters and sharpening for the multishot output - as well as saving all the single shots. It's like exposure bracketing on steroids.

Huawei makes among the best phone cameras, and if you want to be ambitious with photography you have to get Camera2 API. Not sure if Huaweil will continue to be banned from using Google services and other American apps under a Biden administration. There is another thread about some issue with RAW/DNG processing, with comment from the developer of Photo Mate r3 software.

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OP Raymond Cho • Senior Member • Posts: 2,571

Re: Mobile phone app with manual settings?

In reply to I2K4 • Nov 18, 2020

Just tried Snap HDR and taking care to select 7 images in the settings menu. It does give a more balanced exposure esp in the darker tones.

I think next year will be time for a phone upgrade which will be over 4yrs. My mum's Samsung S10e has a much better camera than mine and the Samsung stock phone app provides a pro model to adjust the shutter speed which the exposure really goes brighter and darker and also you can select the 2 different aperture values. Huawei having Google Services who knows. I heard that there is a way to get Google on it. Over here in NZ, the Huawei P40 Pro with the lack of Google Services is significantly cheaper than other phones.

Raymond Cho's gear list:Raymond Cho's gear list

Ricoh GR Nikon D70 Nikon D600 Fujifilm X-T1 Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G +8 more

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