GrapheneOS camera vs Google camera

Jibivip

I saw that some people say that both of these options trade blows in terms of picture quality. But what about combination of Google camera and Google photos? Because when you use these combined there is a lot of post processing happening when you open those pictures in Google photos. Can GrapheneOS trade blows with this combination?

Jibivip

https://youtu.be/MSvHKf9hxao

In this comparison by Side Of Burritos I don't see Google photos in his app list. So does that mean that GCAM pictures aren't post processed in this video?

abcZ

You can switch between them at will, but you can't use the two of them for taking the same picture, like feeding it from one to the other.

GCam has a few more features, which can be interesting from time to time, such as background blur and image stitching. For general photography needs though, GOSCam tends to be easier to use.

Jibivip

abcZ what about post processing? You can try it yourself if you want.

GOSCam - you take a picture, open it and nothing happens.

GCam with Google photos - you take a picture, open it and you can see processing happening.

abcZ

Jibivip I'm not going to try anything myself on it. I don't like post processing. Further, I understand that that is a function of gphotos, not gcam, and I'm CERTAINLY NOT going to be installing that!

User2288

I would say they don't trade blows. Gcam is categorically better in image production. Understandably. But by using gcam on your main profile you may risk privacy-loss (unverifiable). And using it on a second profile is not as convenient as is normally expected (have to switch profiles each time).

Google photos is not required for Gcam to take pictures and do its image processing. Gcam does all its processing internally. This includes detail enhancements, white balance adjustments and other color normalizations to compensate for potential flaws in the hardware sensor itself (and other improvements).

Google photos adds options for "post" processing, such as adding filters, adjustments, magic eraser, and other features. It also allows you to immediately review the picture when Gcam is open.

GrapheneOS cam is really good enough for normal picture taking needs. But if you want "beauty" shots or just generally top quality art shots (nature, family, portrait, art, etc) you're better off using Gcam, which is nicely available on GrapheneOS (thanks to GrapheneOS team efforts).

abcZ

rbird2 With photos-version of gcam-services-provider, that is not required.

jroddev

I switched over to Google Camera but have network and location blocked in the app settings. Also no Google Play Services in this profile and it works fine.