The Xperia Z5 family currently boasts the best camera lens available on any mobile device. However, the software on these three phones hasn't yet fully utilized the IMX300 lens, so the upcoming Android 6.0 Marshmallow update is eagerly awaited to improve performance in this area. In addition to this update, news recently broke about a new camera interface coming to these phones and the rest of the Xperia lineup.
It's finally here, and Sony is currently rolling out the updated camera app for the Xperia Z5 family: Z5, Z5 Compact, and Z5 Premium. Version 2.0.0 of the app not only features a new interface but also includes a number of new features to enhance the user experience for those who have purchased one of the best Android devices currently available.
A new camera interface
One of the greatest advantages users will gain with this new interface is the ability to switch between taking photos and recording video with swipes , which is a nice touch in itself. As an added bonus, the various camera apps and shooting modes available within the app are arranged for easy access without wasting time.
The Japanese manufacturer has also put some effort into this app, particularly in portrait mode, where the interface has been improved . However, we still miss manual controls for shutter speed and focus, so this is likely one of the things Sony owes its users in the Marshmallow update expected to arrive before the end of the month for all Z5 devices.
What the changelog from What's New does include is a reduction in the bluish tint present at certain times, although this doesn't add anything to the blurry effect seen on several devices. Some users report improvements in noise levels in low light and better zoom performance. Clarity in photos does appear to have improved, meaning they no longer have that oil-paint look that some elements can sometimes have.
Retail…
So, with several swipes, we'll switch between the four main modes this app offers: manual mode, superior auto mode, video recording, and the app suite. From superior auto mode, as in the others, we have the basic options such as switching between the rear and front cameras, changing the flash, and accessing the settings , although these are quite limited in automatic mode.
In video recording, we use the same interface, with the only change being the red video capture button and the rest of the icons arranged in the same way. In the manual, the expert mode follows the same pattern and nothing else changes, apart from the interface itself.
The key feature is that from the settings menu, we can now access some of the most frequently used options , such as automatic timer, color and brightness, and resolution, along with another option that unlocks the remaining settings. This way, we can access the basic options, which are usually the three mentioned above, for quick adjustments to the screenshot.
The last mode takes us to 4K video , multi-camera, AR effect, timeshift video and many other apps that allow us to get more out of the camera lens from an Xperia Z5 in its three different versions.
You can access the camera app update from the APK below , although you can always wait a bit and get it from What's New. This new version can also be used on the Xperia Z3+/Z4.
Download the APK of the Sony camera version 2.0.0