Taking Quality Pics on Your Android

When the first Android debuted a few years back, smart phone cameras were promising but still very rudimentary. Things have changed quite a bit since then. Nowadays, Android cameras can match or exceed the capabilities of many point and shoot cameras in terms of picture quality and features. Still, taking amazing photos with an Android isn't always a cakewalk. Despite the advanced features of many built-in phone cameras, they're still not quite as good as true stand alone models. Here are a few helpful tips to take the best photos possible with your Android.

Ditch The Digital Zoom
While it may seem like a terrific idea at first, the zoom function on your camera is actually a hindrance to taking good photographs. That's because of the way your phone's camera is set up. The optics are fixed, so it doesn't have a telephoto lens like a traditional digital camera. What that means is that your on-board camera uses digital zoom to merely enlarge the size of each pixel in the image you capture. That leads to fuzzy pictures that aren't crisp and clear. If you're taking a picture of something far away, just move closer.

Use Your Flash
Obviously, your LED flash is great for taking photos in low-light environments or at night. But many neglect to use it during the day for better pictures. In extremely sunny conditions outdoors, bright overhead light creates a lot of shadows on your subject. Using your flash to "fill" the shadowy areas makes for better daytime photos. You'll notice sharper details right away when you start using the flash in daytime shots. The only downside is reduced battery life, so use it sparingly.

Improve Your Software
Your camera's default photography application may be fine for basic shots, but there's plenty of software on the Android Market to help you take get the most out of your hardware. CameraZOOM FX is an award-winning app that can help you take pictures in even the most challenging situations. Big Camera Button is another nifty application that helps you to avoid taking shaky photos. It's an application that allows you to take pictures by simply tapping your screen rather than pushing an actual button on the side of your phone.

Final Thoughts
While smart phone camera technology has improved steadily with each passing year, how well your digital photos come out still depends heavily on environment. In other words, you'll probably still want to carry at least a point and shoot compact with you for more difficult shots. But the day is fast approaching when entry-level cameras will be all but obsolete. Until that day arrives, these tips should serve you well in taking the best photos possible with your Android.