How to use the Xperia Camera App: navigating photo, video and pro modes

The Xperia camera app is intuitive and designed for both beginners and professionals, offering a variety of modes for photography and videography. This guide explains how to make the most of its features on the latest Xperia phones, with a dedicated section for some Xperia 1 VI modes.

Getting Started- Launching the App

• Tap the app icon or
• Press and hold the dedicated shutter button located on the side (except the Xperia 10 series).

You can use this side button to access the camera app without unlocking your phone!

When you open the app, it defaults to Photo mode. You can slide horizontally to select other modes.

Photo Mode

Taking a Photo

1. Point the camera at your subject.
2. Press the on-screen shutter button or the dedicated shutter button.
3. Use the zoom levels to adjust framing by tapping and dragging the zoom slider.

Adjusting Focus, Brightness, and Color Balance

• Tap the subject on the screen to focus.
• Use sliders on the screen to adjust brightness (how light or dark the photo is) and colour balance (adjusting hues to make the image warmer or cooler).

Advanced Settings (Access via the gear icon)

• You can adjust:
  • Aspect ratio: Changes the shape of the photo (e.g., square or widescreen).
  • Self-timer: Delays the photo by a few seconds, perfect for group shots (if you're fast enough). 
  • Flash: Provides additional light in dark conditions.
• Enable manual focus or shutter speed adjustments:
  • Focus: Switch from automatic to manual to precisely control which part of the photo is sharp.
  • Shutter Speed: Controls how long the camera's sensor is exposed to light. A slower shutter speed (e.g., 1 second) captures motion blur, while a faster shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000) freezes motion.

Creative Features

• Use the Creative Look function to adjust colour tones and contrast for a specific mood or style.
• Switch to the front camera by tapping the corresponding icon.

More

• Slide through the available photo mode options until you reach the option More for more advanced photography options (Xperia 1 VI)
• On other models, find More at the top of the screen (or bottom left corner horizontally)

Video Mode

Recording a Video

1. Swipe to Video mode.
2. Press the record button on-screen or the shutter button.
3. Adjust zoom, focus, and brightness as in Photo mode.

Additional Features

• Maximum resolution: 4K (ultra-high definition for sharp details).
• Maximum frame rate: 120 fps (ideal for smooth, slow-motion videos).
• HDR/SDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) increases detail in bright and dark areas, while Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) provides a simpler, more balanced image.
• Product Showcase: Automatically adjusts focus for close-up shots, making it ideal for product reviews.

Quick Recording in Photo Mode

• Press and hold the shutter button in Photo mode to record a video.
• Slide the button to lock recording and go hands-free.

Advanced Video Settings

• Access options for stabilisation (reduces shakiness) and microphone settings for better audio quality.

Pro apps or modes

Depending on your Xperia, you could have additional camera or video apps available, which allow you to further explore photography and cinematography: 

• Photo Pro
• Cinema Pro
• Video Pro
• External monitor
• Video Creator

Note: Xperia 1 VI integrates Video Pro and Photo Pro inside the camera app. 

Pro Photo Mode

Features and Controls

• Offers a Sony α camera-inspired interface for precision shooting.
• Modes available:
  • Program Auto (P): Automatically adjusts most settings for convenience.
  • Shutter Speed Priority (S): You set the shutter speed, and the camera adjusts other settings. It is useful for freezing motion or capturing light trails.
  • Manual Exposure (M): You control all settings, including shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, for ultimate creative freedom.

Key Terms

• Exposure: Refers to how bright or dark your photo is—controlled by a combination of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture.
• ISO: Adjusts the camera's sensitivity to light. Lower values (e.g., 100) produce less noise and are great for daylight, while higher values (e.g., 1600) work better in low light.

Settings

• Adjust exposure, shutter speed, and ISO from the bottom of the display.
• Use Fn to fine-tune focus, white balance, and more.
• Toggle tools like the spirit level, histogram (a graph showing brightness levels), and footer via DISP.

Creative Options

• Select from six Creative Looks to enhance your photos, such as vivid colours or muted tones.

Telephoto Macro Mode

Telephoto Macro Mode is a feature that combines telephoto (zoomed-in) capabilities with macro photography (close-up shots). This mode is designed to capture detailed images of small subjects from a slightly farther distance compared to traditional macro modes, which often require the lens to be very close to the subject.

How to Use

1. Slide to More, then select Telephoto Macro.
2. Manually adjust focus using the slider.
3. Enable focus peaking in settings for visual confirmation of what's in focus.

Pro Video Mode

Features and Controls

• Modeled after Sony α cameras, it allows for fine-tuned filmmaking.
• Modes available:
  • Program Auto (P): Automatically adjusts most settings.
  • Shutter Speed Priority (S): You control motion effects in your videos.
  • Manual Exposure (M): Customize every aspect of your video settings.

Advanced Adjustments

• Access ISO, frame rate, Eye AF (auto-focus for faces and eyes), and more via the Fn menu.
• Choose from six Creative Looks or S-Cinetone for mobile, a colour grading option for cinematic video.

Additional Tools

• Use the histogram, spirit level, and audio meter to monitor your recording in real-time.
• External microphones are supported for professional-grade audio.

Recording Snapshots and Pauses

• Pause and resume recordings using the pause button.
• Take snapshots during recording with the white button next to the pause icon.

The Xperia camera app bridges the gap between simple point-and-shoot and professional-grade photography and videography. By exploring advanced modes and features, you can discover new ways to express your creativity and achieve stunning results.

Try out different settings and modes, and see how minor adjustments like shutter speed or creative looks can make a big difference in your photos and videos!