If you're on the hunt for a versatile and completely free camera app, look no further than Open Camera. This open-source gem is packed with features that cater to both amateur photographers and seasoned pros. Let's dive into what makes Open Camera stand out from the crowd.

First off, Open Camera offers an auto-level option that ensures your pictures are perfectly aligned, no matter how you hold your device. This is a game-changer for those spontaneous shots where you might not have time to adjust.

Unlock the full potential of your device's camera with Open Camera's extensive support for various functionalities. From scene modes and color effects to white balance, ISO, and exposure compensation/lock, you have all the tools you need at your fingertips. Want to take selfies in low light? Use the "screen flash" feature. High-definition video recording is also supported, ensuring your videos look crisp and professional.

Convenience is key with Open Camera. It offers handy remote controls such as a timer with an optional voice countdown and an auto-repeat mode with configurable delays. You can even snap a photo remotely by making a noise—perfect for group shots where you want to be in the frame too.

Customization is at the heart of Open Camera. You can configure volume keys and the user interface to suit your preferences. If you use attachable lenses, the upside-down preview option is a must-have. Plus, you can overlay grids and crop guides to help you compose your shots just right.

For those who like to keep track of where and when they took their photos, Open Camera supports optional GPS location tagging (geotagging) for both photos and videos. For photos, this includes compass direction, adding an extra layer of detail to your memories. You can also apply date and timestamps, location coordinates, and custom text to your photos, or store date/time and location as video subtitles (.SRT).

Privacy-conscious users will appreciate the option to remove device exif metadata from photos, ensuring your personal information stays private.

Open Camera also boasts advanced features like panorama mode, including for the front camera, HDR with auto-alignment and ghost removal, and Exposure Bracketing. With support for the Camera2 API, you get manual controls (with optional focus assist), burst mode, RAW (DNG) file support, camera vendor extensions, slow motion video, and log profile video.

For those who love to tinker, Open Camera offers noise reduction (including a low light night mode) and dynamic range optimization modes. You can also use on-screen tools like histograms, zebra stripes, and focus peaking to fine-tune your shots. Focus bracketing mode is another advanced feature that can help you achieve the perfect focus.

The best part? Open Camera is completely free and doesn't include any third-party ads within the app (though you might see ads on the website). It's open-source, meaning the code is available for anyone to review or contribute to.

Keep in mind that some features may not be available on all devices, as they depend on hardware, camera features, and the Android version. For critical events like weddings, it's wise to test Open Camera beforehand to ensure it meets your needs.

For more information and to access the source code, visit the Open Camera website. The app icon is designed by Adam Lapinski, and Open Camera also uses content under third-party licenses, details of which can be found at https://opencamera.org.uk/#licence.