Are you tired of using a subpar camera app on your Android device? Look no further than Google Camera, also known as Gcam. This powerful camera app is designed to take full advantage of your device’s camera capabilities, offering features like HDR+, Night Sight, and Portrait mode. In this article, we’ll show you how to make Gcam your default camera app, so you can start taking stunning photos and videos with ease.
What is Google Camera (Gcam)?
Google Camera is a camera app developed by Google for Android devices. It was first introduced in 2013 and has since become one of the most popular camera apps available. Gcam is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. However, what really sets it apart is its advanced features and capabilities, which allow users to take professional-quality photos and videos.
Key Features of Google Camera
Some of the key features of Google Camera include:
- HDR+: This feature allows you to take photos with improved contrast and color accuracy, even in low-light conditions.
- Night Sight: This feature uses advanced algorithms to take stunning photos in low-light conditions, without the need for a flash.
- Portrait mode: This feature allows you to take photos with a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and emphasizing the subject.
- Video stabilization: This feature helps to reduce camera shake and blur, resulting in smoother and more stable videos.
Why Make Gcam Your Default Camera App?
There are several reasons why you might want to make Gcam your default camera app. Here are a few:
- Improved photo quality: Gcam offers advanced features like HDR+ and Night Sight, which can help to improve the quality of your photos.
- Ease of use: Gcam is designed to be easy to use, with a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to take great photos and videos.
- Customization options: Gcam offers a range of customization options, including the ability to adjust settings like exposure compensation and ISO.
How to Download and Install Gcam
Before you can make Gcam your default camera app, you’ll need to download and install it on your device. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Check compatibility: Before you download Gcam, make sure that your device is compatible. Gcam is available for most Android devices, but some features may not work on older devices.
- Step 2: Download the APK: You can download the Gcam APK from a variety of sources, including the Google Play Store and APKMirror.
- Step 3: Install the APK: Once you’ve downloaded the APK, you can install it on your device. Make sure to enable “Unknown sources” in your device’s settings before installing.
How to Make Gcam Your Default Camera App
Now that you’ve downloaded and installed Gcam, it’s time to make it your default camera app. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Open the Settings app: To make Gcam your default camera app, you’ll need to open the Settings app on your device.
- Step 2: Go to Apps: In the Settings app, go to the “Apps” section.
- Step 3: Select the current camera app: Find the current camera app on your device and select it.
- Step 4: Clear defaults: Tap the “Clear defaults” button to clear the current camera app as the default.
- Step 5: Select Gcam as the default camera app: Go back to the “Apps” section and select Gcam as the default camera app.
Alternative Method: Using a Third-Party Launcher
If you’re using a third-party launcher, you may be able to make Gcam your default camera app without going through the Settings app. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Open the launcher settings: Open the settings for your third-party launcher.
- Step 2: Go to Default apps: In the launcher settings, go to the “Default apps” section.
- Step 3: Select Gcam as the default camera app: Find Gcam in the list of available camera apps and select it as the default.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble making Gcam your default camera app, here are a few common issues and their solutions:
- Issue: Gcam is not available as a default camera app: Make sure that you’ve installed the latest version of Gcam and that your device is compatible.
- Issue: The “Clear defaults” button is not available: Try restarting your device or clearing the cache and data for the current camera app.
Conclusion
Making Gcam your default camera app is a simple process that can help you take better photos and videos. With its advanced features and ease of use, Gcam is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their mobile photography skills. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make Gcam your default camera app and start taking stunning photos and videos today.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are a few additional tips and tricks for getting the most out of Gcam:
- Use the volume button to take photos: You can use the volume button on your device to take photos, making it easier to take selfies and other photos.
- Experiment with different modes: Gcam offers a range of different modes, including Portrait mode and Night Sight. Experiment with different modes to find the one that works best for you.
- Use the Google Photos app to edit your photos: The Google Photos app offers a range of editing tools and features that can help you enhance and share your photos.
By following these tips and tricks, you can get the most out of Gcam and take your mobile photography skills to the next level.
What is Google Camera and why should I use it?
Google Camera, also known as Gcam, is a camera app developed by Google for its Pixel series smartphones. It is known for its exceptional image quality, advanced features, and simplicity. Using Gcam as your default camera app can significantly improve the quality of your photos, especially in low-light conditions. It also offers features like Night Sight, Portrait mode, and Super Res Zoom, which are not available on many other camera apps.
Gcam is also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust settings like exposure compensation, ISO, and focus mode to suit your needs. Additionally, it is regularly updated with new features and improvements, ensuring that you always have access to the latest camera technology. Overall, using Gcam as your default camera app can take your mobile photography to the next level.
Is Google Camera compatible with all Android devices?
Google Camera is compatible with most Android devices, but it may not work perfectly on all of them. The app is designed to work seamlessly with Google Pixel series smartphones, but it can also be installed on other Android devices. However, some features may not work properly or may be missing on non-Pixel devices. This is because Gcam is optimized for Pixel devices and may not be compatible with the hardware and software of other devices.
To use Gcam on a non-Pixel device, you may need to install a modified version of the app, which can be found on various online forums and websites. These modified versions are often developed by third-party developers and may not be officially supported by Google. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious when installing modified apps and to only download them from trusted sources.
How do I install Google Camera on my Android device?
Installing Google Camera on your Android device is relatively straightforward. If you have a Google Pixel series smartphone, you can simply download the app from the Google Play Store. For non-Pixel devices, you may need to download a modified version of the app from a third-party website. Once you’ve downloaded the app, follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your device.
After installing Gcam, you may need to grant it permission to access your device’s camera and storage. You can do this by going to your device’s settings and selecting the “Apps” or “Application manager” option. From there, select Gcam and enable the necessary permissions. Once you’ve granted the necessary permissions, you can start using Gcam as your default camera app.
How do I set Google Camera as my default camera app?
To set Google Camera as your default camera app, go to your device’s settings and select the “Apps” or “Application manager” option. From there, select the “Default apps” or “Default applications” option. Look for the “Camera app” or “Default camera app” option and select Gcam as the default app. Alternatively, you can also set Gcam as the default camera app from within the app itself.
To do this, open Gcam and go to the app’s settings by tapping the three horizontal lines or the gear icon. From there, select the “Advanced” or “Experimental” option and look for the “Set as default camera app” option. Enable this option to set Gcam as your default camera app. Once you’ve set Gcam as the default app, it will be used whenever you open the camera app or take a photo from within another app.
What are the benefits of using Google Camera as my default camera app?
Using Google Camera as your default camera app offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides exceptional image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Gcam’s advanced algorithms and machine learning capabilities enable it to capture more detailed and vibrant photos than many other camera apps. Additionally, Gcam offers advanced features like Night Sight, Portrait mode, and Super Res Zoom, which can help you take more creative and professional-looking photos.
Another benefit of using Gcam as your default camera app is its simplicity and ease of use. The app has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and use, even for beginners. Gcam also offers a range of customization options, allowing you to adjust settings like exposure compensation, ISO, and focus mode to suit your needs. Overall, using Gcam as your default camera app can significantly improve the quality of your photos and enhance your mobile photography experience.
Can I use Google Camera with other camera apps?
Yes, you can use Google Camera with other camera apps. While Gcam can be set as your default camera app, you can still use other camera apps on your device. In fact, many users prefer to use multiple camera apps, depending on their specific needs and preferences. For example, you might use Gcam for general photography, but use a specialized app like Adobe Lightroom for editing and enhancing your photos.
To use Gcam with other camera apps, simply install the other apps on your device and set Gcam as your default camera app. You can then switch between Gcam and other camera apps as needed. Keep in mind that some features may not work properly when using multiple camera apps, so you may need to experiment with different apps and settings to find the combination that works best for you.
Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using Google Camera?
While Google Camera is an excellent camera app, there are some limitations and drawbacks to using it. One of the main limitations is that it may not work perfectly on all Android devices, especially non-Pixel devices. Some features may not be available or may not work properly on certain devices, which can be frustrating for users.
Another drawback of using Gcam is that it may not be compatible with all camera hardware. For example, some devices may have advanced camera features like optical zoom or wide-angle lenses that are not supported by Gcam. In these cases, you may need to use a different camera app that is optimized for your device’s hardware. Additionally, Gcam may not offer all the features and modes that are available on other camera apps, so you may need to compromise on certain features in order to use it.