[GCam] Camera PX for Google Pixel 1 / 2 / 3 / 3a / 4

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cstark27

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2010
1,240
7,270
As mentioned before, I am pretty busy with work and family lately. This mod takes a lower priority than that. A major revision to Google Camera will be out in the next 30 days or so, please kindly and patiently wait until then for another mod. I do not find value or time to mod versions that are out right now.

Thanks for your understanding and patience.
 
As mentioned before, I am pretty busy with work and family lately. This mod takes a lower priority than that. A major revision to Google Camera will be out in the next 30 days or so, please kindly and patiently wait until then for another mod. I do not find value or time to mod versions that are out right now.

Thanks for your understanding and patience.

^ this.

XDA exists for the devs to share their work. Users can ask about features, but the devs can proceed however they choose. Please keep that in mind instead of having an attitude of entitlement that the dev has a project and YOU want feature X added. If you want a certain feature, try your hand at devving.

Be patient. Be grateful that cstark7 has time to come up with these. I, for one, love his work. Real life takes priority. :good:
 

harry016rjit

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2010
61
30
Yeah , people should not ask any feature just like that.. when Mr. Cstark has told us that major revision will come out in it's right time..why be so impatient. Pls don't post anything unnecessary
 

slyfox8900

Senior Member
Oct 30, 2018
55
32
You have to decompile the APK and edit the files within. APKTool and Notepad++ are my main tools.


Hey thanks for the help. I have a few questions. I've decompiled the app, which folders contain the files I need to edit? Can you give me a directory they are usually found in?

And maybe some quick tip commands to help keep things tiddy for compiling the app?

Thanks!
 

chdolodocha

Member
Oct 12, 2017
7
19
Kaohsiung
i have a idea

The SRZ function is designed to make the zoom clearer. Is it possible to use the SRZ function in the reverse direction to take a photo that have double or more pixel? Just like the new feature "deep fusion" of iPhone . I think is very useful~ Thanks for your working in this mod.
 

redsmith

Senior Member
Apr 11, 2011
748
391
Can anybody confirm whether the SELinux Permissive Magisk module works in Android 10? I don't want to risk bootlooping my device (pixel 3)
 

j-a-d-z

Senior Member
Oct 30, 2013
570
292
Google Pixel 3a
Google Pixel 3a XL
That's not really indicative of anything, though. Your 3a doesn't possess the hardware this module is meant to grant PX Camera the required permission to.
I don't think the question was whether or not the 3a uses the advantages brought by that module but whether or not the module causes any boot loop when it's used with Android 10.

By the way … that module is only useful for the Pixel visual core or also for the Hexagon 685 DSP used in the 3a?
 
Last edited:
I don't think the question was whether or not the 3a uses the advantages brought by that module but whether or not the module causes any boot loop when it's used with Android 10.

By the way … that module is only useful for the Pixel visual core or also for the Hexagon 685 DSP used in the 3a?

Sure, but since your 3a doesn't have a PVC, it's likely that the module itself just doesn't work so isn't initialised.
 

j-a-d-z

Senior Member
Oct 30, 2013
570
292
Google Pixel 3a
Google Pixel 3a XL
Sure, but since your 3a doesn't have a PVC, it's likely that the module itself just doesn't work so isn't initialised.
But in the module's description it says, that it also can be used to help the modded GCams to use the hexagon dsp hardware (which also exists in the 3a) to speed up the hdr+ image processing, not only for the Pixels with a PVC (Pixel 2 and 3). Or I'm wrong?
 

redsmith

Senior Member
Apr 11, 2011
748
391
Well, don't know about the 3a, but I can confirm that the Permissive module works on the Pixel 3. Or so I think. It's not bootlooping, at the very least.
 
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wbgenetic

Senior Member
Oct 5, 2009
316
32
I had that installed on 19.3 and it continued to be an active module after I upgraded to Android 10 (2xl)
 

k4r70ng

Senior Member
Aug 26, 2008
107
14
Would it be possible to set how many samples to take for stacking in HDR+/Nightsight? Atm it seems to be an algo that decides this and it provides inconsistent results, e.g same enviroment setting sometimes take 6 next shot and the next shot 12.

Would be awesome if we could have a slider as we already have for ISO and exposure.

Also is it possible to take more than 15 stacks or is this a hardware limit?

I have looked through dev settings and shared preferences but could not find any options for this, any pointers would be appreciated.

Regards
 

pixelgasm

Member
Dec 25, 2018
35
6
I have question, what is the best setting for raw? There are 3 options to raw.
And what's best setting for maximum best photo quality?
 

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    Project Status
    2021-12-20: This project is no longer being worked on. Please look towards MWP mods https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-MWP/

    As you may have noticed or seen in my sporadic posts here, Camera PX development has been non-existent for quite some months now. This is mainly due to a lack of substantial updates within Google Camera, but also due to lack of interest in the project as other things in our lives have become more important. As each new Google Camera version is released, the modifications have to be re-done from scratch so this would take quite some time as we only get to do this in our "free" time after work and spending time with our families. We do hope the Pixel 5 release brings some new/interesting things to the table but that is yet to be seen, and the passion to restart the project is also yet to be seen. For now, we are releasing a minor update to "support" Pixel 4a's but since Google Camera 7.2 was not built with Pixel 4a's in mind, you may notice a quality difference than your stock camera.


    Disclaimer
    This has turned into a collaboration between @back.rider555, @johngalt1 and myself. We do this in our free time, when able, to bring newer Pixel features and mods to your older device.

    Introduction
    This is a Google Camera mod for the Pixel phones. The main goal is to bring newer features to older Pixels, where possible.

    What is Google Camera (AKA GCam)?

    Google Camera is the camera app for the Google Nexus and Google Pixel phones. It is not designed or intended to be run on other phones.

    What is HDR+?

    Basic: HDR+ is Google's proprietary image processing routine, and is more than just traditional "HDR' modes. HDR+ employs image stacking to control exposure, and also to preserve details, reduce noise, increase sharpness, etc. It is an all-in-one package.

    Advanced: https://ai.googleblog.com/2014/10/hdr-low-light-and-high-dynamic-range.html

    Google Camera Features

    Pixel 1
    • Zero Shutter Lag (ZSL) HDR+ - The Pixel 1 introduced ZSL HDR+ which means when you open the camera, the system utilizes the Hexagon DSP to constantly buffer frames and marks the time slot of when you pressed the shutter button.
      * -- Quote from Marc Levoy via The Verge:
      "The moment you press the shutter it's not actually taking a shot — it already took the shot," says Levoy. "It took lots of shots! What happens when you press the shutter button is it just marks the time when you pressed it, uses the images it's already captured, and combines them together."
      It's a major usability improvement on the HDR+ mode in last year's Nexus 6P and 5X. "What used to happen last year is you'd press the shutter button and you'd get this little circle going around while it captured the images you need for the burst; now it's already captured those," says Levoy. "And that's big, because that means that you can capture the moment you want."
      * -- https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/18/13315168/google-pixel-camera-software-marc-levoy

    Pixel 2
    • Portrait Mode - Simulates bokeh for improved subject separation from the background. The front camera of the Pixel 2 only provides Portrait Mode when a human face is detected, and the rear camera can work on an object, an animal, a human, etc because it uses information from the Dual Pixel PDAF sensor to detect depth. Google Camera ports for non-Pixel phones can NOT do this so all ports for non-Pixel phones utilize the front camera technique for both front & rear (which means all ports for non-Pixel phones can only properly apply bokeh when a human face is detected).
      * -- Advanced read: https://ai.googleblog.com/2017/10/portrait-mode-on-pixel-2-and-pixel-2-xl.html
    • Motion Photos - Provides short clips of moments before and after you take the photo.
      * -- Advanced read: https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/03/behind-motion-photos-technology-in.html

    Pixel 3
    • Top Shot - When Motion is set to Auto or On, Pixel will recommend a better photo to you if it detects one. Like if you captured a photo when someone blinked.
      * -- Demo:
    • Photobooth - Automatically capture a photo when Pixel detects a silly face or a smile.
    • Super Res Zoom - Enhances zoomed picture quality by purposely shifting the camera module using OIS (Pixel 3 only) to gather more data.
      * -- Advanced read: https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/10/see-better-and-further-with-super-res.html
    • Motion Metering - On the Pixel 3 Motion Metering is used in the "default photo mode" to detect subject motion and if it detects enough motion, Pixel will shoot with a faster shutter speed to reduce subject blur. The Pixel 1 and 2 get to use this in Night Sight only.
      * -- Further reading (about 1/3 down the article): https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/11/night-sight-seeing-in-dark-on-pixel.html
    • Synthetic Fill Flash - Pixel 3 will brighten faces in selfies.
    • Tracking Autofocus - Tap on a subject or area to keep focus when the subject or phone moves.
    • Learning Based White Balance - Google's attempt to fix white balance for low light photos. Used in Night Sight and HDR Enhanced on the Pixel 3.
      * -- Further read (about 1/2 down the article): https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/11/night-sight-seeing-in-dark-on-pixel.html
    • Portrait Mode Learned Depth - Pixel 3 improves the rear camera Portrait Mode depth detection for more consistent and more pleasing bokeh.
      * -- Advanced read: https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/11/learning-to-predict-depth-on-pixel-3.html

    Installation instructions
    Root is NOT needed.
    * -- Download APK to your Phone (or PC then transfer to your phone)
    * -- Locate APK with File Manager and Install
    * -- You will be prompted to Allow Unknown Sources. This is normal for APK's not downloaded from the Play Store.

    Download
    PXv8.1_GCam-v1.2.apk

    See optional Magisk modules in Post 2 below.

    Alternative download location (thanks to @s4turno):
    https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-cstark27/

    Previous Versions:

    PXv4.5_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk

    PXv4.3_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk

    PXv4.2_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk

    PXv4.1_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk

    PXv4.0_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk

    PXv3.3.1_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk

    PXv3.3_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk

    PXv3.2_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk

    PXv3.1_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk

    PXv3.0_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk

    PXv1.1_GoogleCamera_6.3.020.apk

    PXv1.0_GoogleCamera_6.3.020.apk

    P3v12.6_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk

    P3v12.4_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk

    P3v12.3_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk

    P3v12.2_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk

    P3v12.1_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk

    P3v12_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk

    P3v11.4.31_GoogleCamera_6.2.024.apk

    P3v11.4.2_GoogleCamera_6.2.024.apk

    P3v11_GoogleCamera_6.2.024.apk

    P3v10.1_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
    -Add Xlib2 (another reduced contrast option) and modify to support Pixel 3 Portrait bokeh on Pixel 2
    -Add Portrait and Night Sight App Shortcuts from back.rider555

    Known Issues on Android 8.1:
    -Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
    -Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.

    P3v9.1_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
    -Disable HDR+ mode resetting for Pixel 1 when opening Camera
    -Add "reduce contrast" option which loads a custom lib by Savitar to reduce black crush a little bit. I have not tested in all conditions. Feel free to test at your own discretion and provide your thoughts with comparison pics.

    Known Issues on Android 8.1:
    -Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
    -Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.

    P3v9_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
    -Revert default color accent to Google Blue by popular request
    -Fix HDR+ mode resetting for Pixel 1
    -Exif fix (big thanks to @Arnova8G2 for helping)
    -Fix Night Sight for Android 8.1 (big thanks to BSG)

    Known Issues on Android 8.1:
    -Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
    -Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.

    P3v8.6_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
    -Change default color accent to Google Green
    -Add P3 Mod Settings>Permanent Night Sight Suggestion
    --Provides an always on button to enter Night Sight
    -If P3 Mod Settings toggles are changed, the camera will restart automatically to apply the changes (be careful if HDR+ is Processing) (thanks @fu24 / namok)
    Known Issues on Android 8.1:
    -Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
    -Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.
    -Night Sight viewer is black. There is a fix for this but then it requires Flash to be set to Auto/On for it to work properly. I don't use Flash ever so this is not a good option to me at the moment. I opted for the black screen until a fix can be found. Thanks for understanding. Wait until the focus ring is gone, or choose your focus in the Focus Option on the top right, then click the photo.

    P3v8.5_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
    -Cleaned up P3 Mod Settings. Settings not relevant for Android 8.1 are removed, and PVC toggle is removed for non-Pixel 2/3.
    -Add P3 Mod Settings>HDR+ Enhanced for Portrait toggle. This increases dynamic range, at the cost of shutter delay. Force close the app is required for the setting to change. (Credit to BSG for the method)
    -Tried to adjust some stuff for Wear remote shutter support but I need a proper log if there's issues still.

    P3v8_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
    Must uninstall old version due to signature change.
    -Support for Android 8.1 (referenced BSG's latest versions)
    -Settings>P3 Mod Settings
    --Toggles to switch Photo viewers (Classic or Google Photos), Enable Pixel Visual Core for ZSL HDR+, Disable Learning Based AWB in HDR Enhanced, & Disable Tracking Autofocus. The last 2 options only work on Android 9, so the toggles don't do anything for Android 8.1
    Known Issues on Android 8.1:
    -Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
    -Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.
    -Night Sight viewer is black. There is a fix for this but then it requires Flash to be set to Auto/On for it to work properly. I don't use Flash ever so this is not a good option to me at the moment. I opted for the black screen until a fix can be found. Thanks for understanding. Wait until the focus ring is gone, or choose your focus in the Focus Option on the top right, then click the photo.

    P3v7_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk

    P3v6_GoogleCamera_6.1.013.apk
    Uninstall old version. This has a different package name (to fix Lens). The new app is in your app drawer labeled CameraP3.
    -Lens option in More
    -Pixel 3 Portrait mode (which seems to only improve the rear lens Portraits, so no improvement on Pixel 1 probably)
    -Removed HDR+ Options for now due to bugs/instability/confusion

    Only tested on Pixel 2. I don't have a Pixel 1 to test with to offer fixes for.

    P3v5_GoogleCamera_6.1.013.apk
    -Add workaround for Pixel 1 rear Portrait (only works on human faces)
    Previous changelog:
    For all Pixel:
    -Enable Night Sight
    -Enable manual focus button in Night
    -Add HDR+ Config selection

    Tested only on Pixel 2:
    -Enable focus tracking
    -Enable Photobooth
    -Video FPS options (Auto/30/60)
    -Google Lens Suggestions in Viewfinder
    -H265/HEVC toggle
    -Super Zoom (maybe??)
    -"New" HDR+ Enhanced (colors may differ in extreme tinted light conditions, test it out; this is how the Pixel 3 behaves see https://www.teknofilo.com/analisis-pixel-3-xl/4/)

    P3v4_GoogleCamera_6.1.013.apk
    For all Pixel:
    -Enable Night Sight
    -Enable manual focus button in Night
    -Add HDR+ Config selection

    Tested only on Pixel 2:
    -Enable focus tracking
    -Enable Photobooth
    -Video FPS options (Auto/30/60)
    -Google Lens Suggestions in Viewfinder
    -H265/HEVC toggle
    -Super Zoom (maybe??)
    -"New" HDR+ Enhanced (colors may differ in extreme tinted light conditions, test it out; this is how the Pixel 3 behaves see https://www.teknofilo.com/analisis-pixel-3-xl/4/)

    FAQ
    Q: "I already have a Pixel, why do I need to use a GCam mod?"
    A: Here are the added benefits of Camera PX:

    • All Pixels:
    • Ability to choose Camera, Portrait, or Night Sight as the default mode
    • Custom Lib options to reduce black crush, improve details, and/or increase clarity
    • Ability to choose 4K Time Lapse quality
    • Ability to choose zoom level in Portrait Mode of 1.2x or 2.0x (for the rear camera)
    • Ability to choose to enable HDR+ Enhanced for Portrait Mode
    • Option to have quicker access to Night Sight by "permanently" adding the little message at the bottom regardless of measured light (admittedly it disappears if you capture a photo in regular mode)
    • Option to increase shutter speed and frames in Night Sight for potentially "better" Night Sight photos
    • Option to disable the "Learning AWB" in HDR+ Enhanced/Night Sight
    • Option for manual shutter speed & ISO
    • Face warping is completely disabled

    In addition to the above, these are the added features for specific devices (when compared to the stock app):

    • Pixel 1:
    • Portrait Mode (only when a "human face" is detected, does not work on objects/animals like Pixel 2, 3, 3a)
    • Removes the HDR+ mode reset on launch or when leaving settings
    • Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)
    • Motion Photos & Top Shot (if you have the correct Google Photos APK installed)
    • HEVC option
    • Photobooth
    • Adds focus button in Night Sight (Auto/Near/Far)
    • Tracking Autofocus in Photo mode
    • Super Res Zoom sharpening algorithm

    • Pixel 2:
    • "Learned Depth" for Portrait Mode which provides, usually, a more accurate depth detection and more pleasing bokeh
    • Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)
    • Top Shot (if you have the correct Google Photos APK installed)
    • HEVC option
    • Photobooth
    • Adds focus button in Night Sight (Auto/Near/Far)
    • Tracking Autofocus in Photo mode
    • Super Res Zoom sharpening algorithm

    • Pixel 3:
    • -Adds 60ps option to top bar in Video mode

    • Pixel 3a:
    • Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)

    Q: Do I need to change any settings?
    A: This mod is optimized for the Pixels to run without changing any settings. There are some advanced settings in P3 Mod Settings. Experiment at your own will.

    How to get Top Shot working?
    A: https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=78186764&postcount=726

    Thanks To/Credits
    B-S-G for fixes for Android 8.1
    Arnova8G2 for general help and other fixes as he comes up with them

    XDA:DevDB Information
    [GCam] Camera PX for Google Pixel 1 / 2 / 3 / 3a / 4, App for all devices (see above for details)

    Contributors
    cstark27, back.rider555, johngalt1

    Version Information
    Status:
    Beta

    Created 2018-12-05
    Last Updated 2020-09-03
    152
    PXv3.0

    PXv3.0_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk
    Mirror: https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-cstark27/

    As tested on a Pixel 2 (but mods were applied in a universal manner):

    * Enable Astro mode for Pixel 1 & 2 (instructions (thanks @ins0mniac): https://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=80678229&postcount=1507)
    * Enable Focus options in Night Sight (along with "infinity" - may be same as far)
    * Modded lib for Learned Depth in Portrait Mode (Pixel 2)
    * Enable Super Res Zoom while zoomed or in Night Sight (no zoom required) - this is like Pixel 3 stock
    * Enable auto timer (photobooth), it's in the selfie camera in the Timer options
    * Enable synthetic fill flash for Pixel 2 and enable SFF in Camera mode for 3a

    More advanced options/features to come later, please don't ask about them...For now it's a quick mod for those who want an "upgraded stock"-like app for their Pixel 1 or 2.
    137
    PXv4.0

    Attention Pixel 2 users (and maybe Pixel 1, 3, 3a): it has been discovered that the Super Res Zoom Always On toggle that is enabled by default can cause undesirable effects in shadows and high contrast areas. It is advised to disable this option until an adjustment comes with a newer APK to separate the (2) included functions.

    Hello guys. So this one is a bit exciting because @back.rider555, @johngalt1, and I were able to collaborate on this and deliver a mod with almost all previous features, some new ones, and as much support as we could muster and test for.

    • Requirements:
    • OS: Android 9 or 10
    • Device: Google Pixel series (some other devices may work, but are not supported in the traditional sense - please do not post in this thread about non Pixel devices)




    • Changelog: Initial release based off Google Camera 7.2.014. Supported features are shown in the image below. "Default" means your stock app already has this feature; "Y"/"OK" means this was added to the listed device; "N/A"/"Disabled" means the feature could not be enabled for the listed device, either because of unsolved crashes, missing hardware, or messing up a fundamental function.
      An extra shout out to marcello for the initial Lib Patcher, further implemented and tweaked by johngalt1, and Urnyx05 for some Android 9 fixes.

    Some notable features:

    Hold the camera switch icon for quick access to settings.

    Lib Patcher: this can be used to modify certain parameters like sharpness and noise removal amount. The settings here will depend on what you like, there is no "best" setting. Please read the info in "Learn More" within the app under the enable button.

    The max exposure setting can be adjusted but does not mean it will always choose this shutter speed. GCam will automatically detect certain parameters and choose the most optimal shutter speed. A stock Pixel 1 supports up to 2s, Pixel 2 up to 4s, Pixel 3/3a up to 12s, Pixel 4 up to 30s. Using Magisk Modules in post #2 can make this longer, but Google decided on 16s due to star trails and the perception of blur being about the limit around 16s. By default, this APK selects 12s for Pixel 3 and 3a as those devices support higher exposure times than the stock APK allows for Astro.

    There are 2 buttons that can be added to Night Sight. Forced Astro mode, and Light Painting Mode. Use a tripod or tripod-like structure for Light Painting Mode or if the scene is really dark. Handheld will not be good.
    99
    PXv4.3

    An update from @back.rider555, @johngalt1, and myself.

    • Requirements:
    • OS: Android 9 or 10
    • Device: Google Pixel series (please do not post in this thread about non Pixel devices)




    • Changelog:
      • Add "PX" to EXIF software tag to help differentiate photos from PX Mod
      • Enable HDR+ Enhanced on Pixel 4 (turn on in Settings>Advanced)
      • Add manual exposure slider which will hide when appropriate. You must enable the slider in PX Mod Settings>Manual Exposure Control near the bottom. You must use Night Sight, Portrait Mode (with PX Mod Settings>Portrait HDR+ Enhanced), or Camera Mode (use HDR+ Enhanced).
    73
    PXv4.1

    An update from @back.rider555, @johngalt1, and myself.

    • Requirements:
    • OS: Android 9 or 10
    • Device: Google Pixel series (some other devices may work, but are not supported in the traditional sense - please do not post in this thread about non Pixel devices)




    • Changelog:
      • Adjusted SRZ Always On toggle and added Forced Merge Method option, to fix quality issues with certain devices. Forced Merge Method is not recommended and may degrade quality on some devices in certain high contrast scenes.
      • Enabled horizon level
      • Manipulate Non-ZSL Frame Count setting to allow up to 45 frames (more is not always better though)
      • "Tone Curve" added to Lib Patcher settings to adjust contrast/highlights/shadows (click Tap Here to Learn More for help)
      • Fix face warping bug on rear camera
      • Code cleanup and preferences cleanup