The Ultimate Guide To Installing Camera Mods

Installing camera mods can greatly enhance the capabilities of your device's camera, improving photo and video quality. For example, Google Camera Mods (GCam Mods) offer features such as Night Sight mode for clear photos in low-light settings, astrophotography capabilities, and improved portrait mode. Minecraft's Camera mod enables players to take in-game photos and use them as decorations, while Skyrim's Improved Camera mod enables a first-person body view and first-person animations for specific actions.

To install camera mods, you'll typically need to enable installation from unknown sources in your device's settings, download the mod file, and then install and launch it on your device. The specific steps may vary depending on the device and mod in question, so it's important to refer to official documentation or trusted sources for detailed instructions.

Check if your device supports Camera2 API

Before installing camera mods, it is important to check if your device supports Camera2 API. This can be done by following these steps:

Step 1: Check your Android Version

Firstly, you need to ensure your device is running Android 5 or above. This is because Camera2 API was introduced with the Lollipop version of Android.

Step 2: Check your Camera API Level

Even if you are running Android 5 or above, your device may only support Camera API Level 21. This can be checked programmatically by using the following code:

CameraManager manager = (CameraManager) activity.getSystemService(Context.CAMERA_SERVICE);

For (String cameraId : manager.getCameraIdList()) {

CameraCharacteristics characteristics = manager.getCameraCharacteristics(cameraId);

Log.d("Img", "INFO_SUPPORTED_HARDWARE_LEVEL " + characteristics.get(CameraCharacteristics.INFO_SUPPORTED_HARDWARE_LEVEL));

}

The above code will return a value of FULL, LEGACY or LIMITED. FULL indicates that all basic features of Camera2 API are available. LIMITED means that only some basic features are available. LEGACY means that only Camera 1 API features are available, so there is no support for Camera2 API.

Step 3: Check Camera2 API Compatibility

If your device supports Camera2 API, you can check the compatibility of your camera hardware using an app such as Manual Camera Compatibility or Camera2 API Probe. After installing and opening the app, it will show whether your camera hardware is enabled with Camera2 API.

Step 4: Check for Specific Features

If you are looking for specific features such as manual focus, WB, ISO, shutter speed or RAW support, you can use an app like Manual Camera Compatibility to check if your device supports these features.

Step 5: Check for Google Camera Mod Compatibility

If you are looking to install the Google Camera Mod, also known as GCam, you need to ensure your device has support for Camera2 API. GCam is not available in the Google Play Store, so it needs to be downloaded from a trusted repository. The correct GCam version needs to be chosen carefully as it depends on your device's Android version, make, model and chipset.

By following these steps, you can check if your device supports Camera2 API and ensure compatibility with camera mods such as GCam.

Enable installation of apps from unknown sources

To enable the installation of apps from unknown sources on your Android device, follow these steps:

• Open your device's "Settings" app.
• Locate the "Apps" or "Applications" section and tap on it.
• Tap on "Special app access."
• Select "Install unknown apps."
• Choose the app you want to use for installing other apps. Common options include Google Chrome or your device's native web browser.
• Toggle on the "Allow from this source" option.

Now you can install apps from APK files obtained outside of the Google Play Store. Simply download the APK file using your chosen app and tap on it to initiate the installation process. Keep in mind that this setting will be stored permanently, allowing installations from all unknown sources, not just the specific app you selected.

It's important to exercise caution when installing apps from unknown sources. Only download Android Application Packages (APKs) from trusted sources, and be wary of APKs that require excessive permissions. Regularly review your device's security settings and disable unknown sources when not needed. Keep your device's software and security patches up to date to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Download the right GCam mod for your device

The first step to installing a GCam mod is to carefully choose a version that is compatible with your specific device. This is because there is no one-size-fits-all GCam mod that works on every device. The GCam mod APK will vary for each person depending on their device's Android version, make and model, and even the chipset inside.

Forums and websites are often the most sought-after and reliable sources for these mods. Some trusted sources include:

• Celsoazevedo-GCam Hub
• Gcammod.com

It's important to note that GCam Mods are not available in the Google Play Store, so it's crucial to be cautious when downloading and installing apps from sources outside the Google Play Store. While Google Camera Mods from reputable forums like XDA Developers are generally safe, there is always a risk when dealing with third-party apps.

• Only download Android Application Packages (APKs) from trusted sources.
• Be wary of APKs that require excessive permissions, as they could pose a potential security risk.
• Regularly review your device's security settings to disable the installation of apps from unknown sources when not needed.
• Keep your device's software and security patches up to date to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

By following these safety precautions, you can minimise the risks associated with third-party apps while enjoying the benefits of Google Camera Mods.

Enable Camera2 API

The Camera2 API was introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop to provide advanced camera capabilities and greater control over camera hardware. It is the 2nd generation Camera API in Android's camera framework, providing an interface for apps to access advanced features and directly control camera hardware like sensors, lenses, and flash.

While Google has deprecated the legacy Camera API, urging developers to implement Camera2, many phone manufacturers have still not made it available on their devices. The good news is that there are methods to enable Camera2 API on your device if it has been left in your ROM but disabled by the manufacturer.

Methods to Enable Camera2 API

For Rooted Devices:

• Install a root-enabled file manager or text editor app to modify system files.
• Enable USB Debugging by going to Settings > About Phone and tapping "Build number" 7 times, then going to Settings > System > Developer options and enabling USB debugging.
• Connect your device to a PC via USB cable.
• Open the build.prop file in the /system folder using your file manager or text editor app.
• Add the line "camera2.portability.force_api=1" at the end of the build.prop file.
• Save the changes, close the text editor, and reboot your device.

For Non-Rooted Devices:

• Enable USB Debugging as above.
• Connect your device to a PC and open ADB.
• Pull the system APK "HiddenCameraService.apk" from your device to your PC using the command: "adb pull /system/app/HiddenCameraService/HiddenCameraService.apk".
• Decompile the APK into Smali code using APKTool: "apktool d HiddenCameraService.apk".
• Edit the Smali code: Open the file "com.sonymobile.android.hiddencameraservice.HiddenCameraService.smali" and change the line "const/4 v2, 0x0" to "const/4 v2, 0x1".
• Recompile the APK: "apktool b HiddenCameraService -o Modified.apk".
• Install the edited APK: Connect your device to the PC and run the command: "adb install -r Modified.apk".
• Reboot your device.

Alternative Method for Rooted and Non-Rooted Devices:

• Launch Terminal Emulator and type the following commands: "su su persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1 exit exit".
• Reboot your device and check if Camera2 API is enabled using a third-party camera app.

Benefits of Enabling Camera2 API

• Use professional manual camera apps with DSLR-like controls over focus, exposure, ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.
• Capture photos in RAW image format, allowing for greater flexibility in editing.
• Improve low-light photography with manual ISO and exposure controls.
• Shoot high-resolution burst mode photos with zero shutter lag.
• Maintain full control while recording high-bitrate 4K or 8K videos, slow-motion videos, or videos with manual focus, exposure, and frame rate.
• Use specialty camera apps to create 3D depth maps, light field captures, and synthetic bokeh effects.
• Extend camera capabilities by connecting external hardware like lenses, filters, and sensors.

Checking Camera2 API Status

Before attempting to enable Camera2 API, you can check its status on your device using apps like Droid Info, AIDA64, DevCheck Hardware Info App, or Manual Camera Apps like Open Camera, ProCam X, or AoV Camera.

Important Notes

• Enabling Camera2 API will not directly affect image quality. To take advantage of its capabilities, you will need to use compatible apps.
• There are no major risks involved in enabling Camera2 API. However, in rare cases, some camera apps may crash or become unstable.
• Simply enabling Camera2 API will not void your device's warranty. However, if rooting is required to enable it, this may potentially void the warranty depending on the OEM policy.
• You can always disable Camera2 API by restoring the original build.prop or APK.
• To use the Google Camera (GCam) app, your device will need to have Camera2 API enabled.

Install the Google Camera Mod

Google Camera, also known as GCam, is renowned for its image processing capabilities and is usually pre-installed on Google Pixel devices. The good news is that it can also be installed on a wide range of Android smartphones, although it may not be fully compatible with all devices.

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Before installing GCam, it's important to check if your device is compatible. GCam requires support for Camera2 API, so you need to confirm if your phone has this enabled. You can download the Camera2 API Probe app from the Play Store, install and launch it to check your phone's Camera2 API support. The results will indicate one of the following:

• Limited: Your device supports some but not all Camera2 API features.
• Level_3: CameraAPI2 is providing extra features like RAW images and YUV reprocessing.
• Full: Your device fully supports Camera2 API, and you can access advanced camera features.
• Legacy: Your device does not fully support Camera2 API, and you may have limited access to advanced features.

If your device doesn't fully support Camera2 API, you can try enabling it by rooting your device and editing the "build.prop" file or using Magisk.

Step 2: Enable Installation from Unknown Sources

On your Android device, go to "Settings", find "Apps & notifications" or "Security", and look for the "Install unknown apps" or "Install apps from unknown sources" option. Enable this setting for the app or browser you'll use to install the GCam APK.

Step 3: Download a Compatible GCam APK

You can download the GCam APK file from various sources, such as gcammod.com or celsoazevedo.com, which offer versions for specific phone models. It's important to choose a version that is optimized for your device and Android version.

Step 4: Install the GCam APK

Once you've downloaded the APK file, open your File Manager and navigate to the download location. Tap on the APK file to begin the installation process and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 5: Configure and Use GCam

After installation, open the GCam app. You may need to adjust some settings, such as selecting the camera lens and enabling HDR+. You can now use GCam like any other camera app, enjoying features like Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and HDR+.

Keeping GCam Up-to-Date

Remember to check for updates for your GCam Mod to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes. You can usually find updates on the website where you downloaded the original APK.

Safety Precautions

When downloading and installing apps from sources outside the Google Play Store, it's important to be cautious. Only download Android Application Packages (APKs) from trusted sources, and be wary of APKs that require excessive permissions. Regularly review your device's security settings and keep your software and security patches up to date.

Frequently asked questions