If you are a Google Pixel owner, you’re probably very proud of your camera app. Powered by Google’s unmatched software wizardry and innovation, the devices deliver best-in-class photos and videos.
The app is based on the stock Google Camera app whose port (Gcam APK) we fondly cover for even the best of flagship phones, including the OnePlus 7 Pro, Galaxy S10, and more.
Download Camera PX app
You can get the APK file from here.
How to Install Camera PX app
This installation is straightforward as it doesn’t require you to root your Pixel device. Just download the file, enable installation from unknown sources, and hit install.
But if you need help, check out our guide on how to install APK files here.
Now, if you already have the Google Camera app, you might be wondering why exactly do you need to download the Camera PX app. The brain behind the app, XDA developer cstark27, has broken it down in a convincing manner.
Why Install Camera PX app?
The Camera PX app offers a lot of customization, which is why you may prefer the app in place of the stock camera app.
First up, the Camera PX app lets you choose the default mode for the camera so that you don’t need to switch to your favorite mode every time you open the app. The app also improves a tad on solving issues like ‘black crush’, gets you Time Lapse recording in 4K quality, advanced zoom level, HDR+ Enhanced for Portrait, and a lot more. Check out the full list (as of August 16, 2019) below:
- Ability to choose Camera, Portrait, or Night Sight as the default mode
- Custom Lib options to reduce black crush, improve details, and/or increase clarity
- Ability to choose 4K Time Lapse quality
- Ability to choose zoom level in Portrait Mode of 1.2x or 2.0x (for the rear camera)
- Ability to choose to enable HDR+ Enhanced for Portrait Mode
- Option to have quicker access to Night Sight by “permanently” adding the little message at the bottom regardless of measured light (admittedly it disappears if you capture a photo in regular mode)
- Option to increase shutter speed and frames in Night Sight for potentially “better” Night Sight photos
- Option to disable the “Learning AWB” in HDR+ Enhanced/Night Sight
- Option for manual shutter speed & ISO
- Face warping is completely disabled
There are device-specific advantages as well.
For original Pixel
- Portrait Mode (only when a “human face” is detected, does not work on objects/animals like Pixel 2, 3, 3a)
- Removes the HDR+ mode reset on launch or when leaving settings
- Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)
- Motion Photos & Top Shot (if you have the correct Google Photos APK installed)
- HEVC option
- Photobooth
- Adds focus button in Night Sight (Auto/Near/Far)
- Tracking Autofocus in Photo mode
- Super Res Zoom sharpening algorithm
For Pixel 2
- “Learned Depth” for Portrait Mode which provides, usually, a more accurate depth detection and more pleasing bokeh
- Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)
- Top Shot (if you have the correct Google Photos APK installed)
- HEVC option
- Photobooth
- Adds focus button in Night Sight (Auto/Near/Far)
- Tracking Autofocus in Photo mode
- Super Res Zoom sharpening algorithm
For Pixel 3
- Adds 60ps option to top bar in Video mode
For Pixel 3a
- Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)
Are you installing the Camera PX app? If you have done so already, what do you think of the app?
