Camera modes and settings on Galaxy phones and tablets

The cameras on Galaxy phones and tablets come with a variety of shooting modes and camera settings that make it easy to capture and add flair to your pictures and videos. AR Doodle, Super slow-mo, Director’s view, and Portrait mode are just a few of the options the camera has to offer. You can take things a step further by adjusting the camera’s available settings, such as changing the video size or adding grid lines.
Galaxy S23 Ultra camera modes screen with Daisy as a background image
Galaxy S23 Ultra camera modes screen with Daisy as a background image

Camera modes and settings on Galaxy phones and tablets

Note
Certain camera modes and setting options may not be available on all phones and tablets.

Configure shooting modes

Note
Some modes may not be available on all devices, or may require an additional download on compatible devices.

Choose from several shooting modes to get the effect and appearance you want when taking pictures or videos.

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of your device’s screen to access the Apps menu, and then open the Camera app.
    Camera app open on a Galaxy phone
  2. From the app, swipe right and left to change shooting modes. Below is a list of available shooting modes:
    • Portrait: Add and adjust background effects for photos.
    • Photo: Take photos and allow the camera to determine the ideal settings for pictures.
    • Video: Record videos and allow the camera to determine the ideal settings for videos.
    • More: Choose other available shooting modes. Tap Add to drag the modes into or out of the shooting modes tray at the bottom of the Camera screen.
      • Bixby Vision: Use Bixby Vision features, such as Translate and Discover.
      • AR Zone: Use AR Emoji features such as AR Emoji Studio and AR Emoji Stickers, plus AR Doodle and Deco Pic.
      • Expert Raw: This advanced camera app allows you to capture a wider range of detailed photos with finer control of the camera options.
      • Pro: Manually adjust the ISO sensitivity, exposure value, white balance, and color tone while taking pictures.
      • Pro video: Manually adjust the ISO sensitivity, exposure value, white balance, color tone, and microphone sound options while recording videos.
      • Night: Use this to take photos in low-light conditions without using the flash.
      • Food: Take pictures that emphasize the vivid colors of food.
      • Panorama: Create a linear image by taking pictures in either a horizontal or vertical direction.
      • Single take: Capture multiple pictures and video clips from different angles.
      • Super slow-mo: Record videos at an extremely high frame rate for viewing high-quality slow motion. You can play a specific section of each video in slow motion after recording it.
      • Slow motion: Record videos at a high frame rate for viewing in slow motion.
      • Hyperlapse: Create a time lapse video by recording at various frame rates. The frame rate is adjusted depending on the scene being recorded and the movement of the device.
      • Director’s view: Access advanced features such as locking onto a subject in view, changing between different rear camera lenses, and more.

        Note: This is not available on the Galaxy S24 series.
      • Dual rec: Record video using two camera lenses at once.
      • Portrait video: Add and adjust background effects for videos.

After you’ve chosen a shooting method, set up your shot and take some pictures or videos. If your subject is far away, you can use pinch gestures to zoom in and get a closer picture. Photos and videos are automatically saved to the Gallery app, where they can be viewed, edited, and managed.

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Camera settings

Note
Available settings may vary depending on your specific model's features.

Camera settings menu on Galaxy phone

You can use the settings menu to configure your camera’s settings. Swipe up from the bottom of your device’s screen to access the Apps menu, and then open the Camera app. From the app, tap the Settings icon to access additional options.

Intelligent features

  • Scan documents and text: Automatically show a button when a document is detected to scan it. Tap the option to enable Auto scanning, which will scan a document without a tap. You'll also have the option to remove unwanted objects, in case your fingers are in the frame.
  • Scan QR codes: Automatically detects QR codes when using the camera.
  • Shot suggestions: Get on-screen guides to help you line up great shots.
  • Intelligent optimization: Set the quality optimization options to prioritize quality or speed of Photo mode. You can also enable Scene optimizer to automatically adjust exposure, contrast, white balance, and more based on what is detected in the camera frame. The Scene optimizer is only available when using the rear camera.

Pictures

  • Swipe Shutter button to: Choose to either take a burst shot or create a GIF when you swipe the shutter to the nearest edge.
  • Watermark: Place a watermark on your photos. You can select the information included in the watermark as well.
  • Advanced picture options: You can choose to save images in HEIF or RAW formats.

Selfies

  • Save selfies as previewed: Save selfies as they appear in the preview without flipping them.
  • Swipe up/down to switch cameras: Switch between the front and rear cameras with just a swipe.

Videos

  • Auto FPS: Automatically record brighter videos in low-light conditions by optimizing the frame rate.
  • Video stabilization: Activate anti-shake to keep the focus steady when the camera is moving.
  • Advanced video options: Enhance your videos with advanced recording formats. Available options include High efficiency videos, High bitrate videos, Reduce file size, HDR10+ videos, Zoom-in mic, and 360 audio recording.

General

  • Tracking auto-focus: Keep a moving subject in focus.
  • Grid lines: Display viewfinder grid lines to help compose a picture or video.
  • Location tags: Attach a GPS location tag to your pictures and videos.
  • Shooting methods: There are a few different methods you can choose from and enable, such as Press Volume buttons to, Voice commands, Floating Shutter button, and Show palm.
  • Settings to keep: Choose whether to use the same shooting mode, selfie angle, and filters as the last time.
  • Storage location: If your device supports microSD cards, and has one inserted, you can choose to have pictures you take stored in either internal memory, or directly on the SD card.
  • Shutter sound: Play a tone when taking a picture.
  • Vibration feedback: Enable vibrations when tapping the screen in the Camera app.

Privacy

  • Permissions: View the Camera's permissions.
  • Reset settings: Reset the Camera’s settings.
  • About Camera: View app and software information.
  • Contact us: Contact Samsung support through Samsung Members (if supported by your carrier).
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Use camera tools

Camera tools positioned at the top of the screen within the Camera app


Different camera tools are available to assist you when taking photos and videos. You can even let the camera focus on a subject for you and line up a Best shot. Just look for the Best shot icon (the circle) in the center of the viewfinder.

Swipe up from the bottom of your device’s screen to access the Apps menu, and then open the Camera app. The following options will be available from left to right at the top of the screen:

  • Settings icon: Open the Camera’s settings menu.
  • Flash: Enable or disable the flash or automatic flash.
  • Timer: Set a timer for taking pictures and videos.
  • Ratio: Select your desired aspect ratio.
  • Motion photo: Turn motion photos on or off. This allows you to capture a short video clip of the action right before releasing the Capture button.
  • Effects: Select your desired photo and video effects. The available effects will differ depending on the shooting mode.

When you're using the Z Flip or Z Fold models, you can enable a Cover screen preview in the Camera app, which makes it easier to take selfies or view your subjects from the Cover screen. Please see the next section for more details.

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Cover screen preview

A person taking a picture on a Galaxy Z Fold6 while using the cover screen preview feature.


Z Flip and Z Fold devices can use a Cover screen preview with the Camera app.

  1. Navigate to and open the Camera app, and then select PHOTO, VIDEO, or PORTRAIT.
  2. Next, tap the Cover screen preview icon in the top right corner (it looks like a square).
    Cover screen preview icon highlighted in the Camera app.
  3. Turn your phone around to use the Cover screen with the Camera app! Swipe the lock icon on the Cover screen to access the Camera app’s shooting modes and settings. Tap Capture when you want to take a photo or video.

  4. Turn your phone around to access the main screen, and then swipe the lock icon.
  5. Then, tap the Cover screen preview icon again to turn off the preview.
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Tips for taking photos

A Woman taking a photo of the sunset


Whether you’re a professional or an aspiring photographer, you can use our tips for capturing beautiful photos of your family and friends.

  • If you’re looking to create a warm glow, consider taking photos during golden hour, which is the time following sunrise or preceding sunset. Golden hour will vary based on the time of year and where you live.
  • If you’re indoors, try taking photos next to a source of natural light, such as a window.
  • In photography, the rule of thirds guideline is based on splitting a photo into nine parts using three horizontal lines and three vertical lines, and placing your subject or focal point in the left or right third of the photo. This is a great way to compose a compelling photo! Your Galaxy phone or tablet can even produce the rule of thirds grid for you! Navigate to and open the Camera app, tap the Settings icon, and then swipe to and tap the switch next to Grid lines. Then, navigate back to the viewfinder to see the horizontal and vertical lines on the screen.
  • Unless your plan is to take a totally candid shot, make sure your subject is seated or standing comfortably and is ready for the photo. A relaxed posture and facial expression is often easier to photograph.
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