Increasingly we are using the camera feature on our smart phones more and more,

and whilst they may never replace a decent true DSLR or bridge camera, you may be amazed by what can be achieved. Quite often I now don’t bother taking my full size camera with me, relying on my phone camera instead.

So here are a few ideas for add-ons to your Android phone to make capturing those images and videos even better.

First of all let’s look at inbuilt applications that perform a lot of capturing essentials from setting flash to a resolution that you like to the use of advanced exposure features. You can also modify the way the focus works.

Camera FV-5

If you do not like to dig under a menu for the capture functions above, you can replace the entire camera app set up on your Android smartphone and swap it with Camera FV-5. This brings your favorite commands, like capture, focus and a sliding exposure icon to the fore. Another must-have function for the committed photographer is the histogram icon that is on top of the menu.

Lapse It

If you do not have a DSLR video capturing editor on your phone, you can use the self-sustaining Lapse It app. This gives you the ability to shoot time-lapse footages and edit them right in your device. You will not have to go to a computer editing shop to have the job done. Though the quality will not be as high as that of DSLR, it will be quite a godsend for those who like to toy with photography applications.

Of course one you have your images you will probably want to edit them in some way. Editing, for many, is synonymous with editing machines. However, this is not always the case as the following applications will show just how filter and slider settings can work for you, as well.

VSCO Cam

If you always wanted to see your photos look vintage, then you have found the app for it. VSCO Cam usually helps to add motion picture filters to the images you have taken on your phone. This leads to an Instagram-like appearance which means you can share your images on the social media. There is also a slider setting with the apps for adding new effects on the photograph.

Snapseed

There is also a multi-purpose editing application by the name of Snapseed. It serves quite well for those looking for powerful effects on their photographs. It has also passed through the hands of companies like Google.

Photoshop Touch

If you require an application with more settings than just sliders and filters, then you can go for Photoshop Touch. It is the best application for selective layering and blending of your images.

If you search the Play Store you will find many other offerings, most of which are free, Download ‘em, try ‘em and if you don’t like it uninstall and try another! And have fun whilst you do it!