If you’re serious about photography, shooting in RAW is a no-brainer. It gives you greater control in post-processing, higher image quality, and far more flexibility than JPEGs.
The difference between an average photo and one with professional-grade detail often comes down to this choice.
Why RAW Photography Matters on Android
On Android, however, not all camera apps support RAW — and even those that do vary wildly in quality and stability. If your goal is to take full control of your mobile photography workflow, the right RAW camera app is essential.
In this article, we’ll explore the best Android apps that offer true RAW capture, full manual controls, and support for creative photography beyond the stock camera app.
What Is a RAW File — and Why Use It?
A RAW file is an uncompressed, minimally processed digital image file. It retains all the sensor data from your shot, which means:
- You can recover shadow and highlight detail more easily.
- White balance can be adjusted after the shot without quality loss.
- Colour grading is more precise.
- The dynamic range is significantly improved.
Unlike JPEG, RAW doesn’t throw away data to save space. It’s a digital negative — ideal for photographers who want to edit seriously using tools like Lightroom, Snapseed, or Photoshop.
On Android, most RAW files are saved in DNG (Digital Negative) format.
Does Your Phone Support RAW?
Before you can shoot RAW, your Android phone must support the Camera2 API at a full level. Most recent flagships (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S series, OnePlus, Xiaomi Pro line) do. However, many budget and mid-range phones only offer limited support.
To check:
- Download the app Camera2 Probe from Google Play.
- Open it and look under the RAW support section.
- If it says Full or Level 3, you’re good to go.
With that confirmed, let’s dive into the top apps.
Adobe Lightroom Mobile (Free with in-app purchases)
Yes, Lightroom is primarily an editing app — but it includes a powerful Pro Camera with full RAW shooting.
Highlights:
- DNG capture with full manual control over shutter, ISO, white balance
- Built-in grid lines and level tools
- Instant edit-and-shoot workflow
- Ideal for Lightroom users syncing to Creative Cloud
Best for: Those who want an all-in-one shoot and edit workflow.
Note: Manual camera features and RAW support require a phone with Camera2 API access and a paid Lightroom subscription.
ProShot
ProShot is one of the best standalone Android camera apps. It offers DSLR-style control with the ability to shoot in RAW (DNG), apply manual settings, and even shoot time-lapse or long exposure photos.
Features:
- Manual shutter speed, ISO, and focus
- Shoots in JPEG, RAW, or both
- Real-time histogram, grid overlay
- Clean, professional interface
Best for: Advanced users who want full creative control in a single app.
It’s a paid app, but it’s regularly updated and stable on most Android devices.
Camera FV-5
Camera FV-5 has long been a favourite among mobile photographers who want to mimic DSLR control. It offers RAW capture and a professional UI that replicates the look and feel of a high-end camera.
Key tools:
- Manual focus and exposure bracketing
- DNG and JPEG support
- Exposure time up to 30 seconds
- Viewfinder-like overlay
Best for: Long-time photographers who enjoy a DSLR-style interface.
Some users report occasional bugs on newer devices, so it’s best tested before heavy use.
Manual Camera: DSLR Camera Pro
This app is one of the first Android apps that provided full manual control — hence the name. It supports RAW capture and an uncluttered interface with sliding dials for ISO, shutter speed, focus, and white balance.
Why it stands out:
- Simple UI for beginners
- Fast startup time
- Compatible with most newer Android phones
Best for: Beginners wanting a lightweight RAW option.
It’s not as feature-rich as ProShot or FV-5 but handles the fundamentals well.
Open Camera (Free and Open Source)
Open Camera is a community-developed app with strong features for a free option. It includes support for Camera2 API features, including RAW capture, manual focus, and exposure control.
Benefits:
- Free to use with no ads
- Supports RAW, JPEG, and video
- Includes stabilisation, grid overlay, and geotagging
- Frequent updates
Best for: Photographers who want no-cost RAW shooting without compromise.
If you’re looking to shoot RAW on a tight budget, Open Camera is hard to beat.
Footej Camera 2
Footej Camera 2 is designed with simplicity and function in mind. It provides full manual controls (if your device supports it) and smooth DNG capture.
Useful for:
- Manual sliders for ISO and shutter speed
- Long exposure shots
- Burst mode with RAW support
Best for: Creative shooters interested in low-light and motion blur effects.
There’s a premium version available with more control and faster shooting modes.
Bonus: Google Camera (GCam Mods)
If you use a Pixel phone or install GCam mods on compatible Androids, you’ll get excellent automatic HDR processing and native RAW capture.
Pros:
- Superb image processing
- Simple UI
- RAW + JPEG capture
Cons:
- Limited manual control
- Not available on the Play Store — requires sideloading
Best used for users who prefer automatic brilliance with room to edit RAW files later.
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Workflow Tips: Shooting and Editing RAW on Android
- Shoot in DNG: Choose RAW+JPEG if you want an instant preview and a file to edit later.
- Use manual focus for landscapes or macro: Tap-to-focus can be unreliable in tricky scenes.
- Keep ISO as low as possible: Avoid unnecessary noise.
- Use a tripod when slowing shutter speed: Motion blur can ruin sharpness.
Edit in Lightroom or Snapseed: Both apps support DNG edits with control over exposure, shadows, highlights, and colour.
Common Misconceptions About RAW on Android
“RAW is always better.”
RAW gives more flexibility — but not every photo needs it. For quick snapshots or social media uploads, JPEG may suffice.
“All phones can shoot RAW.”
Only phones with Camera2 API at Full or Level 3 support can shoot RAW reliably.
“RAW files look worse than JPEGs.”
They do — at first. RAW images are flat by design to give you more editing headroom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Which Android phones support RAW shooting?
Most Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S/Note/Ultra, OnePlus, and Xiaomi Pro phones.
Q: Does RAW take up more space?
Yes. A single RAW file can be 10–25MB versus 2–5MB for JPEG.
Q: Can I print from a RAW photo?
Not directly. RAW must be exported as JPEG, TIFF, or PNG after editing.
Q: Is it better to shoot RAW + JPEG?
Yes, if you want a quick preview and a high-quality file for editing later.
Q: Does Lightroom Mobile support DNG editing?
Yes, fully — and you can edit DNG files directly on your phone.
If you’re using an Android device and want more control over your photography, choosing an app that supports RAW capture is essential. From ProShot’s advanced features to Open Camera’s no-cost flexibility, there’s a solution for every skill level and budget.
RAW photography on mobile bridges the gap between creative spontaneity and professional control. By capturing all the data your sensor offers, you’re free to interpret your vision later — rather than letting the phone decide for you.