Smartphones have come a long way. From playing magnificent videos to capturing jaw-dropping images, they perform a variety of operations.
So, we can agree unanimously about their utility. Similarly, the camera function of a smartphone serves as a vital parameter. Importantly, multiple smartphone camera settings can enhance our photography.
Hence, it is beneficial to know useful tips and tricks about smartphone camera. Moreover, by tweaking simple smartphone camera settings, you can get an amazing image output.
So, just read further to get familiar with different camera modes and some exciting pro mode camera tricks!
Smartphone camera settings: Content
- Pro mode: An often underused technique.
- Portrait mode.
- Night mode.
- Panorama.
- Useful smartphone camera settings.
At this time, smartphones have some common modes like pro mode, HDR, portrait mode, night mode, etc. One can definitely utilize different modes for relevant purposes.
Pro mode: An often underused technique
Generally, most smartphone enthusiasts capture photos using the default automatic mode.
In this mode, the AI of your smartphone camera decides crucial parameters like:
- ISO.
- Shutter speed.
- Face detection.
- Aperture.
- Exposure.
However, pro mode can give maximum control to the photographer inside you. There are many pro mode camera tricks in modern smartphones.
Basically, pro mode works similar to a DSLR. Still, it can produce crisp images compared to point and shoot cameras.
Let us understand some pro mode tips and tricks in a point-wise manner:
- First and foremost, open the camera application in your smartphone.
- Now, switch on to pro mode.
- You will see many icons depicting different functions.
- Generally, AF, WB, shutter speed, ISO are commonly prevalent icons in pro mode.
Pro mode: AF
If you use a DSLR, the basic photography terms are of course familiar. AF stands for Autofocus.
This function locks focus on any object. Hence, it proves conducive to adjust composition using AF.
In short, you need to know the following things:
- AF-S is good for stationary objects. AF-C is suitable for dynamic objects.
- In some cases, when you tap AF and drag a slider, the consequent function turns to MF.
- Here, MF stands for manual focus. In this mode, the user has to manually adjust focus on an object.
Pro mode: WB
Basically, WB stands for white balance. It is used to change the image tone to:
- Cloudy.
- Sunny.
- Fluorescent.
- Incandescent.
To sum up, WB changes the photo temperature. Hence, the overall tone of an image changes. This function gives an artistic feel to any image when used thoughtfully.
Pro mode: Shutter speed
Shutter speed controls time for which the lens shutter is kept open. If it is open for a short time, less light passes through.
On the contrary, lower speeds enable more light to pass through. Hence, you get the well-known blur effect.
By controlling shutter speed, you can learn the impact of light in images. Hence, this is one of the most advantageous pro mode camera tricks.
A general rule for shutter speed in pro mode:
- High shutter speed i.e. 1/180 freezes motion. Hence, you can use this setting for wildlife, bird, sports, car photography.
- Low speeds like 1/6 blurs any motion. Importantly, you need an extremely still hand, tripod or solid surface at lower speeds.
Pro mode: ISO
No points for guessing. ISO stands for International Organization of Standardization. Basically, ISO is the sensitivity of a camera sensor to light.
Generally, an ISO value of 100 is ideal to capture photos.
As you increase the ISO value, more light can pass through your sensor. Hence, low-light photography can make good use of greater ISO value.
Nevertheless, it must be noted- ‘As you increase ISO value, digital noise in your photos appears.’ So, if possible, try for lower ISO values.
Portrait mode
Modern smartphone cameras have a dedicated portrait mode. Want to know what’s it for?
It’s basically the mode with an active ‘bokeh’ effect. In other words, your main object looks sharp. Subsequently, the background objects look blurry.
This is an attractive pro mode camera trick. Interestingly, bokeh mode was the pivotal effect for advertisements.
Night mode
Perhaps, the most traditional mode in smartphone cameras is, indeed, night mode.
In simple words, night mode is used to capture photos in dark. It smartly adjusts ISO values to compensate the darkness.
Still, you can observe digital grain, prominently known as noise in images. However, modern smartphones with enhanced sensors produce satisfactory night mode photos.
Panorama
If you want to capture many objects in a single frame, the panorama mode proves effective.
Basically, panorama mode captures still images. Further, it linearly combines them.
In your smartphone camera settings, there is a dedicated ‘panorama’ icon. Thereupon, you have to tap and follow the rotation instructions.
Generally, the trick in this mode is to keep your hands steady. Also, rotate the phone slowly. The AI captures different frames and voila! The entire set of images adjusts in a single photo.
Useful smartphone camera settings
Apart from the above modes, different manufacturers provide several modes too. Some of them are listed below:
- HDR (High dynamic range).
- Spot colour.
- Live filter.
- Cinemagraph.
- Cutout.
In addition to rear camera settings, front camera, known as ‘selfie’ camera has various modes too.
Generally, beautification, group selfie, etc. are well-known front camera modes.
Smartphone camera settings: Tips for high-quality images
Just read further to maintain optimum camera settings in your smartphone:
- Keep the recommended resolution in photo size section.
- Generally, a FHD (Full High definition) setting in videos prove satisfactory.
- If you want to take straighter photos, the leveller option should stay activated.
- RAW format produces high-quality images at the expense of size.
- JPEG is the most common format. Also, it requires less space than RAW comparatively.
Conclusion
By following these tips and understanding the basics, you can definitely get the best out of your smartphone camera!
