Samsung has stepped up its camera game with the Galaxy S10's dual- and triple-lens systems. But as impressive as the hardware is, the native Samsung Camera app still isn't as good with image processing and video stabilization as the Google Camera app for Pixel phones. Thankfully, you can get the best of both worlds.
XDA members Arnova8g2 and cstark27 have successfully ported Google Camera to fully work on the Snapdragon variant of the S10, S10+, and S10e. Impressively, cstark27 even modified configuration files to ensure the app takes full advantage of the flagships' advanced cameras for the best possible photos and videos.
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Step 1: Install GCam
You'll need to get your hands on the Google Camera port to get started (commonly known as GCam), so tap on the link below to download the APK. Please note that the modded app is designed for the Snapdragon variant of the S10, S10+, and S10e.
After downloading GCam, install the app by first tapping on the "Download complete" alert within your S10's notification panel. From there, make sure your browser is allowed to Install Unknown Apps, then just tap "Install" when prompted.
Step 2: Download the Configuration File
Next, you'll need to download the configuration files for the Google Camera port you just installed to ensure it works optimally with your S10's multiple cameras. Hit the link below to download the file onto your device.
Once you've downloaded the file, you'll now need to extract it to the right folder, so open the My Files app on your S10 (located inside the "Samsung" folder), and perform a long press on "GCam.zip" within the "Recent files" tab long the top, followed by "Move" on the lower left corner of the screen. From there, tap on "<" at the top-right to go back to the main page, then select "Internal storage."
Once you're inside "Internal storage," tap on "GCam," then hit "Move here" on the lower-right to move the ZIP file over. From there, tap on the ZIP file again and select "Extract" from the menu prompt that appears in the bottom to unpack the file.
Don't worry if you've extracted to the wrong folder, as you can long press on the XML files and move them to the original "Configs" folder as seen in the third GIF above. In the end, the pathway for your saved files should look like this:
Internal storage > GCam > Config > s10csMar2.xmlBe sure to have it exactly as it appears above. Otherwise, GCam will fail to read the configuration files, which you'll need later on.
Step 3: Set Up GCam
With everything you need on hand, you'll now need to save a configuration setting within GCam to ensure it takes full advantage of your S10's cameras. To quickly set a configuration file, open the app and tap on the black area around the shutter button to reveal "Choose config" menu, then select the latest "s10csMar2.xml" from the drop down menu that appears. Hit "Restore" once you're done, and you're all set.
Step 4: Enjoy GCam
With everything installed and properly configured, you're now ready to take photos and record videos with your new Google Camera port. As seen from the photos below, GCam and Samsung Camera perform similarly on a bright sunny day, though the former provides slightly richer colors, along with a little more vivid detail when compared to the latter.
When it comes to taking photos in dark lighting, however, GCam wins over Samsung Camera hands down, thanks to its awesome Night Sight feature. As seen on the photos below, GCam takes significantly brighter shots in dark environments when compared to Samsung Camera and its Scene Optimizer feature. This feature alone should make GCam a must-have if you're big into taking photos at night.
This article was produced during Gadget Hacks' special coverage on smartphone-based video creator tips for filming and editing. Check out the whole Videography series.
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7 Comments
I downloaded the S101MGC... apk file and installed it. I clicked on OPEN at the end and actually saw the new camera app running. However, GCam did not appear in my list of apps on the phone nor did I have a GCam folder on the phone. I tried reinstalling several times with the same result. Since I could not find the Gcam folder under Internal Storage on my S10, I had to manually create the folder after I downloaded the Gcam.zip. The actual folder name (in Total Commander) was /storage/emulated/0/Gcam/Configs when I got done. Although I DO have the app running, clicking on the black area around the shutter button does nothing.*
*EDIT: Found out that I have to DOUBLE tap around the shutter button to bring up config!
Only problem now is that I don't have the app showing up anywhere. How do I load it???
I had the same problem. But I extracted the Gcam.zip on the internal storage root directory. I followed the rest, then it worked. Good luck, Terry.
I have the camera installed on my S10 and it seems to be functioning, EXCEPT for Motion Photos. I enable to Motion option, select the Motion On setting, but when I take a picture, there is no Motion. Is this feature included with the software/configs?
i installed it but when tap in black area says no files to configer please help thanks
Create the folder Internal storage/GCam/Configs
Then extract XML file there
GCAM download fine and I installed it and it works but I can't find Gcam on internal Storage. It's under Internal Storage/DCIM/CAMERA/GCAM but when I move the GCAM.zip and then try to extract it nothing happens and then Going into the GCAM app and double tapping next to the shutter button it says no configs. So what do I do?
Thank you for the article.
The step-by-step guide works as described.
There is an issue though, on s10e I don't have an option to select the wide-angle camera.
Is it possible somehow?
Maybe another configuration file?
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