How to Use Galaxy S8 Camera: What You Need to Know

This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Galaxy S8 camera. It will also show you exactly how to use the camera to take great photos and videos. You’ll learn all about Galaxy S8 camera settings, quick launch tips, and advanced controls.

With the Galaxy S8 camera, you get really fast autofocus, great low-light performance, a powerful professional mode, and advanced image processing. This year, Samsung has focused on getting users to take really great photos and videos by offering useful options and modes, not the tricks and weird features we’ve seen in the past.

If you’ve recently used an Android smartphone camera or any Galaxy device, there isn’t a big difference in the way the camera app works. Taking a quality photo with the Galaxy S8 or S8+ is as simple as leaving the camera in auto mode or changing a few settings with the tap of a finger. Below are a few things you should know when you’re ready to take a photo.

How to Launch Galaxy S8 Camera

For starters, there are three different ways to open the camera on the Galaxy S8.

Now that Samsung has removed the physical home button, the double-tap shortcut to quickly launch the camera has changed. Instead, double-tap the power button and the camera turns on in less than 0.8 seconds. This is the fastest and easiest way to use the Galaxy S8 camera.

Taking Photos on Galaxy S8

When the app opens, you’ll see a familiar set of options, which we’ll detail in a moment. When it comes to taking photos and videos, a few things have changed this time around.

While it doesn’t have optical zoom like the iPhone 7, it’s worth noting that Samsung uses a new “multi-frame image processing” to ensure that photos still look good when you zoom in. So use the aforementioned new zoom gesture and don’t be afraid to zoom in for the perfect shot.

Quick tip, don’t forget to delete fingerprints on the lens when trying to find the fingerprint scanner.

Galaxy S8 Camera Basics and Mods

By default, Samsung’s Galaxy S8 camera switches to automatic mode with your normal settings and options. Some of these include controlling the flash, HDR, the settings menu, switching to the front camera, and a large shutter button.

On the bottom right of the viewfinder is a new “eye” icon with Bixby vision. It uses Samsung’s new virtual assistant to scan images for shopping, image recognition and even translation. Combined with everything else the camera has to offer it’s pretty powerful.

View from inside the Galaxy S8 camera

Swiping right displays all the different shooting modes. Hit the + icon in the top corner to download more shooting modes like virtual shot, beauty face, animated GIF and Sports mode for fast objects. Yes, you can create an animated GIF directly from the Galaxy S8 camera.

Swipe left to access all filters and effects. New to the Galaxy S8 are the built-in Snapchat-style overlays for images. Add glasses, bunny ears and other fun things to liven up your photos.

While some options and modes differ by carrier or model, most of these options are available on every Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+.

Galaxy S8 Camera Mods

Galaxy S8 Camera Tips and Tricks

Next, we’ll share a few tips and tricks or all the fun things you can do with the Galaxy S8 camera apart from the ones mentioned above.

Galaxy S8 Camera Editor

Samsung’s built-in option is fine, although we recommend downloading a 3rd party photo editing app from the Google Play Store. Just tap the “edit” button for all the options while reviewing your photos. While not as powerful as some other alternatives, it is quite comprehensive.

final thoughts

The Samsung Galaxy S8 takes great photos, clear and smooth videos, and has tons of useful features that are almost too much. I use “auto” the most, in addition to “HDR Auto” which takes three photos at different light levels for the best possible view. With HDR, the phone will combine a normal, low-light and high-exposure image into one quality shot. We recommend shooting in fully automatic mode or taking advantage of Pro modes only if you can fine-tune the camera experience.

All the information provided above should explain in detail what owners need to know, explain anything you don’t understand, and give users a few tips to get the most out of the Galaxy S8 camera. While you’re here, consider purchasing some of these awesome official Galaxy S8 accessories.