If you’ve ever missed the perfect shot because your camera app lagged or looked at a photo later and wondered why the colors were so over the top, you’ll understand my frustration. For years, I stuck with the stock Samsung Camera app because it was already there and seemed good enough. But after hitting those same walls again and again, I decided to look for other camera apps.
That search led me to Open Camera, and honestly, I haven’t looked back. It’s a free, open-source app that addresses some of my biggest annoyances with the default camera app. After using it for several months now, I can’t recommend it enough for anyone looking for an alternative.
My problems with the stock camera app
It’s just not good enough
Samsung’s built-in Camera app recently received a major redesign with One UI 7, and it definitely has a lot going for it. Features like Single Take, Scene Optimizer, and Pro Mode can help produce some impressive shots.
Once you start using the app daily, though, certain problems become quite apparent. One of the first things you’ll notice is the shutter lag, which occurs more often. You think you’re capturing the perfect moment, only to realize the camera was half a second behind. Sure, there are tricks to minimize lag in the Samsung Camera app, but it keeps creeping back at the worst possible time.
Then there’s the color issue. Samsung loves punchy, saturated tones, but they don’t always look great. I understand that every camera app processes photos slightly differently, but if you’re trying to capture real-life colors, the oversaturation can be a nightmare.
Finally, there are the unnecessary features. Samsung’s camera is packed with extras like AR doodles, live stickers, and a forest of beauty filters. Some people might love all that, but for me, it made it harder to access the features I actually need.
What I like the most about the Open Camera app
Small details that make a big difference
One of the first things you’ll like about Open Camera is its interface. Instead of hiding controls behind endless menus, nearly all the important settings are right on the screen. Tapping the three-dot icon reveals even more options, so you spend less time swiping and hunting through tabs.
At first glance, the interface might feel basic, but don’t let it fool you. Open Camera is packed with all the advanced features you might need, including burst mode, RAW shooting, HDR with automatic alignment, and even noise reduction for low-light shots.
What really makes the app stand out, though, are the small details that improve the shooting experience. Take its variety of grid overlays, for example. Instead of just offering the usual rule-of-thirds, Open Camera includes diagonals, crosshairs, triangles, golden ratio grids, and more. Another handy feature is Auto Level, which automatically straightens your photos so they look perfectly aligned, even if you’re holding your phone at an angle.
Dive into the settings, and you’ll discover even more thoughtful touches. You can silence the shutter sound for discreet photography, lock the orientation to portrait or landscape, or keep the flashlight on instead of flashing it with each shot.
Even something as simple as a timer is customizable—you can go beyond the standard 3 or 10 seconds and set it for 20, 30, or even several minutes. Better yet, you can enable a voice countdown so you always know exactly when the shutter will fire.
Why I feel Open Camera is the best alternative
It’s free, open-source, and reliable
When you start looking for camera app alternatives, you’ll quickly realize there are plenty of options out there. I tried several myself, including the ever-popular GCam.
GCam is a solid option, but since it’s not officially available, I had to sideload it. Even after getting it up and running, I ran into issues like the app crashing at random moments. And that’s the last thing you want when you’re trying to capture something important.
Open Camera is completely free, easy to use, and includes nearly all the useful features. Being open-source, it also benefits from a community of developers who genuinely care about improving the app.
I’m okay with a few downsides
Not perfect, but worth it
Of course, Open Camera isn’t perfect. The user interface, while highly functional, can feel a little outdated compared to the polished design of stock apps. Personally, I see this as a strength. Unlike stock apps, you don’t have to worry about options being moved or buried under new layouts with every update.
I’ll admit, I still occasionally switch back to the stock Samsung Camera app for its best features, like document scanning, creating GIFs, or experimenting with Director’s View. But for everyday shots, Open Camera wins every time.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by slow shutter response, over-saturated colors, or bloated interfaces, Open Camera is a great alternative. It’s one of those apps that quickly grows on you the more you use it.
For anyone serious about taking better photos with their phone—or simply tired of wrestling with their default camera—Open Camera is definitely worth a try.
