Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes guide

When and how to use Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes?

What are Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes?

Samsung Galaxy S6 brings thebest smartphone camera in 2015.  The Galaxy S6 camera is fast and easy to use. It outperforms all other smartphone cameras, including iPhone 6 Plus,  in most scenarios, especially in low-light conditions.

You can even double tap theHome button to launch the camera at any time, even when your Galaxy S6 is locked. We illustrated this quick launch feature in this page.

Most Galaxy S6 or S6 edge owners just use Auto mode to get outstanding photos in most cases.

But Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge give you even more controls and options.

In this guide,  we will show you the meaning of  various Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes, when you should use them and how to use them,  and how to download additional Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes.

You can imagine Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes are actually pre-defined templates for you to take special photos under certain scenarios.

By default, for the main (rear) camera (see Galaxy S6 device layout), there are 7 -pre-installed Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes:

1. Auto mode (default).
2. Pro mode.
3. Selective focus mode.
4. Panorama mode.
5. Slow motion mode (for video recording).
6. Fast motion mode (for video recording).
7. Virtual shot mode.

For the front camera, there are 4 pre-installed Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes:

1. Selfie mode (default).
2. Wide selfie mode.
3. Virtual shot mode.
4. Interval shot mode.

In addition to these 11 pre-installed Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes, you can also download and install more camera modes from Galaxy Apps for your Galaxy S6. You may follow this guide to add more Galaxy S6 camera modes for your S6 or S6 edge.

Please note, the camera (hardware) and camera app in Galaxy S6 are identical to Galaxy S6 edge camera. Although Galaxy S6 is often used in this guide, this guide equally applies to Samsung Galaxy S6 edge camera.

When and how to use Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes?

Please note, Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes for front camera and rear (main) camera are different. Some modes, e.g., selfie mode, are for front camera only as mentioned above.

1. Auto mode

Most Galaxy S6 users are using Auto mode, which adjust camera settings forexposure, color and ISO automatically based on lighting conditions and objects.  So, you can take best pictures without touching any settings.

The Galaxy S6 camera Auto mode actually is a combination of several modes in some old Galaxy devices.

For example, Galaxy S6 Auto mode will automatically apply low-light condition settings when Galaxy S6 detects the lighting is not good or it is in night. In some old devices, you probably have to manually set “night mode”.  Galaxy S6 also detects whether the lighting is from fluorescent source or incandescent source and apply the Auto mode settings accordingly.

How to use lock focus and exposure in Galaxy S6 Auto mode?

Samsung Galaxy S6 Auto mode also allows you to lock the focus and exposure.  You will find this feature useful when the object is outside the auto-focus area.

To lock the focus and exposure in Galaxy S6 Auto mode, you need tap and hold the area to focus, the AF/AE frame will appear on the area and the focus and exposure setting will be locked.

To cancel the focus and exposure lock in Galaxy S6 Auto mode, you just tap the AF/AE frame again. Otherwise, the setting remains locked even after you take a photo.  The focus and exposure lock will only be automatically removed when you relaunch the camera app.

Anyway, the Auto mode is probably your first choice if you do not fiddling around with other Galaxy S6 camera modes.

2. Pro mode

Pro mode in Samsung Galaxy S6 is a new camera mode which you cannot find in other Galaxy devices.

Galaxy S6 Pro mode allows you to manually adjust 5 items: ISO, exposure,white balance, focal length and color tone, like a pro (using a DSLR camera).

Of course, if you have no experience with photography, it is better to use Galaxy S6 Auto mode mentioned above.

How to use custom settings in Galaxy S6 Pro mode?

In Galaxy S6 Pro mode, you can save the current setting as a custom setting so that you can re-use the same settings in the future.

To save current settings as a custom setting, on the preview screen, tap Custom — Save current settings, Choose a name, and then tap Save.

To use the saved custom settings to the camera, open the preview screen, tap Custom, and then select the name of a custome setting.

How to separate exposure area and  focus area in Galaxy S6 Pro mode?

If bright light affects the contrast or the subject is outside the auto focus area, you can separate the exposure area and the focus area in Galaxy S6 Pro mode to achieve an appropriate exposure. You can separate the exposure and focus areas and select the exposure level you want for the subject.

To separate exposure area and focus area in Galaxy S6 Pro mode, on the preview screen, tap and hold the area to focus. The AF/AE frame will appear on the focus area. When you drag the frame, it the ring (frame) is separated into two: one for AF (focus) and the other one for AE (exposure). You can move the two frames independently.

Please remember, Galaxy S6 Pro mode is for owners who have some understanding of photography. It is one of the most useful Galaxy S6 camera modes.

3. Selective focus mode

Selective focus mode was actually first introduced in Galaxy S5.  Galaxy S6 Selective focus mode allows you to choose the focus of the image at any time: foreground (near focus), background (far focus), or focus evenly across the image (pan focus).

Once the photo is taken with Galaxy S6 selective focus mode, you can change the focus in Gallery app.

Key points of using Galaxy S6 selective focus mode

• It is recommended that you position subjects within 50 cm of your Galaxy S6.
• Position the subject that you want to focus on close to Galaxy S6.
• When taking photos with Galaxy S6 selective focus mode, ensure there is sufficient distance between the subject and the background. The distance should be more than three times the distance between Galaxy S6 and the subject.
• The quality of photos taken in Galaxy S6 selective focus mode can be affected in the following conditions:
  1. Galaxy S6 or the subject is moving.
  2. There is strong background light, low levels of light, or you are taking photos indoors.
  3. The subject or background has no pattern, or consists of a plain color.

4. Panorama mode

Galaxy S6 Panorama mode allows you to take a series of photos horizontally or vertically and then stitch them together to create a wide scene. This is one of the under-used Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes.

Panorama mode is available in almost allAndroid phones. But each Android manufacturer may implement this feature slightly different.

When taking photos with Galaxy S6 Panorama mode,  you are limited to 6MP as the picture resolution.  There is no way to get 16MP resolution for Galaxy S6 Panorama mode.

In addition, you are not allowed to use flash or set exposure or white balance when in Galaxy S6 Panorama mode. All these will be set by Galaxy S6.

To take a photo with Samsung Galaxy S6 Panorama mode, you can tap the camera button, then move the phone in one direction by following the on-screen instructions. Galaxy S6 will stitch and process the photos to one final photo without artificial traces between frames.

Tips for using Galaxy S6 Panorama mode

To get the best shots using Galaxy S6 Panorama mode, follow these tips:

1. Move the camera slowly in one direction.
2. Keep the image within the frame on the camera’s viewfinder.
3. Avoid taking photos of indistinct backgrounds, such as an empty sky or a plain wall.

5. Slow motion (for video recording)

Galaxy S6 slow motion mode allows you to record videos at high frame rate so that you can view the video as slow motion.

You may need this Galaxy S6 camera mode when you recording a sports event or events with fast moving objects.

If you play a video recorded with Galaxy S6 slow motion mode in high frame rate, the video is similar to smooth motion which can be found in Galaxy Note 4.  In Galaxy S6, smooth motion recording mode was removed.

When using Galaxy S6 slow motion recording mode, the video resolution is limited to 720p. It is impossible to increase it to full HD (1080p). This is probably due to hardware limitations.

For videos recorded in slow motion mode, you can edit them in Gallery app. You can choose:

• Play speed (1/2, 1/4 or 1/8) or normal speed.
• Set slow motion section.
• Export the edited videos so that they can be played on other devices with desired playing speed you specified.
• Split videos and trim videos.

 6.  Fast motion (for video recording).

Fast motion mode is opposite to slow motion mode.

Galaxy S6 fast motion video recording mode allows you to record a video for viewing it in fast motion.

For videos recorded with Galaxy S6 fast motion mode, you can specify sections of your videos to be played in fast motion. Other parts can be played in normal speed.

Similar to the editing features for slow motion videos, you can also edit the fast motion videos to specify:

• Play speed (2x, 4x or 8x) or normal speed.
• Set fast motion section. (other sections will be played in normal speed)
• Export the edited videos so that they can be play speed on other devices with desired playing speed you specified.
• Split videos and trim videos.

7.  Virtual shot mode

Galaxy S6 Virtual shot mode allows you to take a series of photos while circling around a subject to create a view of the subject from multiple angles.

This Galaxy S6 camera mode is useful when you want to create a multi-directional views for an object or an environment in one photo. Otherwise, you may have to record a video or take several photos.

With the photo taken in Galaxy S6 Virtual shot mode, you can view the subject from different angles by dragging your finger left or right on the photo.

Please note, the photo can be viewed only on Samsung  devices. In other non-Samsung devices, it is normal photo with a single directional view.

How to use  Galaxy S6 Virtual shot?

To use Galaxy S6 Virtual shot mode to take photos, you need select the virtual shot mode first, make sure the subject is in the center of the preview screen. then tap the camera (shutter) button.

Next move Galaxy S6 around the subject slowly in one direction to take more photos. When the on-screen arrow becomes completely yellow or when you stop circling the subject, Galaxy S6 will automatically stop taking photos.

How to view Galaxy S6  virtual shot photos?

You can view the Galaxy S6 virtual shot photos in Gallery app.

By default, the photo will change the view based on your moving directions automatically. You can tap and drag to left or right to manually  control the view directions.

8. Selfie mode (front camera only)

Galaxy S6 Selfie mode is for the front camera only. And it is the default camera mode for front camera.

Galaxy S6 Selfie mode allows you to take selfie shots and apply some effects automatically so that you look even better.

The effects are applied automatically and you are not allowed to configure the effects (e.g., the brush strength).

How to use Galaxy S6 Selfie mode?

1. Open camera app. You can use quick launch as detailed in this guide.
2. Switch to front camera.
3. The default mode should be galaxy S6 selfie mode already. If not, tap MODE, then tap Selfie.
4. Once you are ready, you have several ways to take the photo:
   • you can tap the camera (shutter) icon;
   • you can use your finger to cover the heart rate monitor (see Galaxy S6 layout here, Galaxy S6 edge layout here);
   • you can use your voice to control (see this guide);
   • you can use your palm if gesture control is enabled.

 9. Wide selfie mode (front camera only)

Wide selfie mode is one of very useful Galaxy S6 camera modes. Most Galaxy S6 owners are not fully aware of.

Galaxy S6 wide selfie mode allows you take wide-angle (up top 120 degrees) selfie photos so that you can fit more people in the photo.

How to use Galaxy S6 wide selfie mode?

Step 1:  Open camera app.

You can use quick launch as detailed in this guide.

Step 2: Switch to front camera.

Step 3:  Tap MODE, then tap Wide Selfie.

Step 4: Press the shutter button.

When your face is detected, you have several ways to take the photo:

• you can tap the camera (shutter) icon;
• you can use your finger to cover the heart rate monitor (see Galaxy S6 layout here, Galaxy S6 edge layout here);
• you can use your voice to control (see this guide);
• you can use your palm if gesture control is enabled.

Step 5: Move Galaxy S6 to left and right.

Slowly swivel Galaxy S6 left and then right or vice versa to take a wide self-portrait. You need follow the instructions on the screen.

Additional photos will be taken and merged when the white frame moves to each end of the viewfinder window.

Step 6: Wide selfie photo saved automatically.

If there are no errors, the final Galaxy S6 wide selfie photo will be saved automatically.

Tips for using Galaxy S6 wide selfie mode

• Make sure to keep the white frame inside the viewfinder window.
• The subjects should remain still while taking wide self-portraits.
• The resolution of a photo may be affected by lighting conditions.
• The top and bottom parts of the image displayed on the preview screen may be cut out of the photo depending on the shooting conditions.

10. Interval shot mode (front camera only)

Galaxy S6 Interval shot mode is a new camera mode in Galaxy S6.  This front camera mode is a hybrid of selfie mode and interval timer shooting which can be found in most DSLR cameras.

The Galaxy S6 Interval shot mode allows you to take 4 selfie shots continuously at an interval of 2 seconds. You then save any of the 4 photos you want.

How to use Galaxy S6 Interval shot mode?

Step 1:  Open camera app.

You can use quick launch as detailed in this guide.

Step 2: Switch to front camera.

Step 3:  Tap MODE, then tap  Interval shot.

Step 4: Press the shutter button.

When your face are ready you have several ways to take the photo:

• you can tap the camera (shutter) icon;
• you can use your finger to cover the heart rate monitor (see Galaxy S6 layout here, Galaxy S6 edge layout here);
• you can use your voice to control (see this guide);
• you can use your palm if gesture control is enabled.

Step 5:  Take 4 photos in next 8 seconds.

The timer will be shown on the screen. After 4 photos were taken with Galaxy S6 interval shot mode, you are prompt to chose photos to be saved.

If you are not happy with any photos, you can cancel so that none of them will be saved.

Need more Galaxy S6 camera modes?

Please follow this guide to download and install additional Galaxy S6 camera modes.

How about Samsung Galaxy S6 edge camera modes?

Galaxy S6 edge has an identical camera app as Galaxy S6. So, the Galaxy S6 camera modes mentioned above apply to Galaxy S6 edge equally.

Do you have any questions on  Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes and  Samsung Galaxy S6 edge camera modes?

If you have any questions or encounter any problems on using or understanding Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes on your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 edge, please let us know them in the comment box below

We will try to help you.

For other features of Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 online manual page.

For detailed guides on how to use Samsung Galaxy S6, please checkGalaxy S6 how-to guides page.

For detailed guides on how to use Galaxy S6 camera, please checkGalaxy S6 camera guide page.