Best Security Camera Apps: Find the Right One for Your Cameras
Discover the best security camera apps for any brand, compare features, set up step‑by‑step, and troubleshoot common issues with expert tips.
Best Camera App Guide 2025 – What to Look For and Top Picks
Ever wondered why some phone photos look like they were taken with a DSLR while others look flat? The secret is often the camera app you use. A good app adds smarter auto‑focus, better low‑light handling, and handy editing tools—all without buying a new phone.
Below you’ll find the most useful features to check, a short list of the best apps for iOS and Android, and a quick checklist to help you decide which one fits your style.
Key Features That Make a Camera App Worth Your Money
Manual controls – If you like tweaking ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, choose an app that puts those sliders at your fingertips.
RAW capture – Shooting in RAW keeps more detail for later editing. Look for apps that let you save RAW alongside JPEG.
Low‑light performance – Night mode, multi‑frame stacking, or AI denoise can turn a dim scene into a clear shot. Test the app’s night mode with a simple indoor photo.
Built‑in editing – Cropping, color grading, and filters saved within the app save time. Some apps even offer AI‑enhanced tweaks that improve the picture with one tap.
Speed and stability – A laggy interface can ruin a burst shot. Look for apps that launch quickly and stay responsive, especially on older phones.
Top Picks for 2025
ProCam X (Android) – Offers full manual controls, RAW support, and a powerful night mode. The UI is clean, and the app runs smoothly on most mid‑range devices.
Halide (iOS) – Known for its intuitive manual sliders and RAW capture. The focus peaking feature helps you nail sharp shots, and the subscription includes regular feature updates.
Camera+ 2 (iOS) – Great for beginners who still want some manual flair. Its “Magic Timer” helps capture action shots, and the built‑in editor is simple but effective.
Open Camera (Android – free) – A solid free option with manual controls, RAW, and decent low‑light performance. It’s open‑source, so you won’t see hidden ads.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile (iOS & Android) – While primarily an editor, its camera module offers RAW capture and AI‑guided exposure. Perfect if you already use Lightroom for post‑processing.
All these apps are available in the UK Play Store or App Store, and most have free trials, so you can test before you commit.
Quick Decision Checklist
- Do you need manual controls? Choose ProCam X, Halide, or Open Camera.
- Is a free app a must? Open Camera covers most basics without cost.
- Do you already edit in Lightroom? The Lightroom mobile camera gives a seamless workflow.
- Is low‑light a priority? Look for night‑mode AI (ProCam X and Halide excel).
- Do you want ongoing updates? Subscription‑based apps like Halide and Camera+ 2 add new tools regularly.
Take the checklist, try a free version, and see which app feels natural in your hand. The right camera app can turn everyday snaps into share‑worthy photos without any extra gear.
Ready to upgrade your phone photography? Download one of the apps above, experiment with manual settings, and watch your pictures improve instantly.
