Android: 5 photo tips

Of course, the small smartphones cannot get to an expensive digital camera. But with some photo tips you can get more out of your Android camera app.

Avoid digital zoom: Sharpen Android photos

Unlike a single-lens reflex camera, your smartphone does not have a proper zoom, but only a digital zoom. Only the image section is enlarged digitally, but this leads to a loss of quality. Therefore you should get closer to the object.

Search "Tripods" for blurry Android photos

A steady hand is particularly important for smartphone recordings so that you can avoid blurred pictures. Tip: Find shelves on which you can rest your hands. So you can take still photos at dusk or at night.

Android photo tip: Enough light

The right light is often the most important thing for good photos. You probably already know the problem with sunshine: some areas are much too bright and others are automatically darkened so much that you can no longer see anything.

• Basically, when shooting with a smartphone, it is better to use shade than sun. You may have to wait for the right time of day to take photos with your phone.
• When shooting at dusk or at night, you should look for a place to lean your cell phone or to support your wrists.
• The built-in flash is usually not advisable, since it can destroy the mood of the picture due to the poor performance. Try other light sources or try without a flash and a steady hand.
• If the lighting conditions fluctuate, you should also use the HDR function of your device.

To send Android pictures with the right perspectives

You usually shoot your photos from the standard perspective. However, you can make the effect of your pictures more interesting and change the perspective. But be sure to focus manually. This allows you to set better accents and, above all, create targeted blurring. Simply tap on the object to be photographed and wait a short moment.

Capture moments: Freeze frame while recording video

From the Android version "Ice Cream Sandwich" (4.0) you can take photos with the photo app during video recording. This allows you to capture the moment you are filming as a snapshot. The feature works differently depending on which Android smartphone you are using:

• If a small camera symbol appears in the video function, you can take a photo with it at any time.
• Alternatively, create the screenshot by briefly tapping the display.

With wide landscape shots you can get even more out of your smartphone camera. We therefore show you the best tips for panoramic photos.