With features like scene optimization and HDR10+ recording, the Samsung Galaxy S10/S10 Plus brings home a solid camera. And undoubtedly, these features combine to give the modern photographer a fantastic experience and entices to carry on the S10/S10 Plus.
But as we always like to say, the out-of-the-box features are just the tip of the iceberg, especially when it comes to flagships. Unless you explore the camera app, you are missing out on plenty of hidden features and settings. And that's where we step in.
We have used the camera app extensively and compiled the best camera tips and tricks for the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus.
1. ENABLE SCENE OPTIMIZER
Compared to the older Galaxy Note 9, the Scene optimizer in the Galaxy S10 Plus is a tad smart. Now it can differentiate between buildings and pets (among many other things), and optimizes the image accordingly.
To enable it, go to Settings by tapping the cog-shaped icon and press Scene optimizer.
Once enabled, you will see a powder blue icon come to life whenever you launch the camera. If you want to switch it off, tap on the blue icon.
And it doesn't end there. Along with the conventional scene recognizing capabilities, the scene optimizer provides other features such as Document scan and Starburst.
While the former helps you scan documents, the latter converts burst of light on low-light photos into artistic effects.
2. ACTIVATE SHOT SUGGESTION
The new Galaxy S10 Plus packs several new software tricks up its sleeves, and one of them is Shot suggestions. It uses the phone’s AI prowess to detect scenarios and suggests ways to take better shots — be it leveling your shots or framing your subjects properly.
Once you enable it, you will see two on-screen guiding orbs (one for straightening and the other for improving the composition). All you need to do is align the focus with the orbs and capture the shot. The camera app takes a bit of time to analyze the shot.
To enable it, go to Settings and turn the switch for Shot suggestions.
3. TRY THE NEW LIVE FOCUS MODES
The Live Focus mode, which made its debut with the Galaxy Note 8 has four new shooting modes. Now, you can experiment with artistic effects like Edge Blur, Spiral or the Google Photos-like color pop mode. This last mode keeps the subject's color intact and paints the background in black and white.
The good news is you can also lower the blur levels by dragging the slider. And if you’re not happy with the outcome you can switch to the standard blur effect.
To do so, open the image in the gallery and tap on the Change background effect bubble. Choose the new mode, hit Save and bam! A new look.
The same is true of the front camera. You will find the same modes with the only exception being the frame. It’s a bit wide owing to the use of the main camera for portrait shots, instead of the telephoto lens.
4. CAPTURE MOUTH-WATERING SCENES WITH FOOD MODE
Are you a foodie? If yes, you'll love the Food Mode in your Galaxy S10. This mode not only captures every minute detail of the subject but also gives it a rich tone.
The food mode can also be used to capture other colorful items in all their glory.
There are two ways to go about it. You can either choose to highlight a particular area or keep the whole image in focus. The latter happens to my choice.
Another interesting feature is Pallete. Using it, you can adjust the temperature and color of your image. Just drag the slider to bring out the best of the tempting plate in front of you.
Both these options are available on the tools ribbon at the top.
5. AUTOMATICALLY CORRECT WIDE-ANGLE SHOTS [S10 PLUS]
Thanks to the Ultra-wide mode, the Galaxy S10 can capture some amazing wide angle shots. I loved the fact that the fisheye effect is minimal unless you are way too close to your subject, or you’re capturing in the landscape mode.
Thankfully, you can take care of that too. The phone has a dedicated wide-angle shot correction feature to remove lens distortion from the edges. This way the images look much balanced and well-proportioned.
You'll find the feature under Save options in Settings. While you are at it, you can also enable the HEIF pictures and RAW copies. While the former helps save space, the latter will provide a picture (taken in Pro mode) in JPEG and RAW image format.
After all, RAW pictures capture more information than the standard JPEG images and hence are more flexible to edit.
6. CUSTOMIZE YOUR SLOW MOTION VIDEOS
Like its predecessor, the Galaxy S10 also gives you two time-frames to capture slow motion videos - 0.4 and 0.8 seconds.
All you have to do is tap on the timer at the upper right corner and choose between the two alternatives. At the same time, do make sure that the Auto Detect mode is kept on. As suggestive of its name, the recording will kick on automatically when it detects any action.
Furthermore, do make sure to check all the additional settings reserved for super slow motion videos. To do that, open the video in the gallery and tap on the Play Super slow-mo video bubble to open the video in edit mode.
Now, you can customize everything, right from the audio track to the start & the end point. To change the audio track, simply hit the little Music icon and select Theme music.
However, my favorite settings are hidden in the Details tab under the three-dot menu.
This one adds a whimsical touch by reversing or putting a particular clip on a loop.
7. ADVANCED RECORDING OPTIONS
The Samsung S10 is the first phone to support HDR10+, a high dynamic range format. That feature optimizes the color and contrast of videos to make them more life-like.
However, it's a Labs feature so you might not get the same output every time. If you still want to go ahead with it, you can enable it by going to Settings > Advanced recording options > HDR10+ video.
