Support multiple lens (macro/wide etc.)

[cpelley]

Checklist

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Feature description

Add a simple way to switch between available camera lenses in the app. Users should be able to pick lenses (like standard, macro or ultra-wide) with a button or menu while seeing the live preview. Perhaps actually an auto switch to macro option when available and appropriate (based on focal distance).

Why do you want this feature?

Switching between lenses (standard, macro, ultra-wide, etc.) in the app makes it easier to take different types of photos without needing to leave the app. It takes full advantage of modern phone cameras and gives users more flexibility.

Additional information

No response

[naveensingh]

This is doable but not straightforward. On devices with a logical multi-camera, zooming out already switches to ultra-wide.

[RadoslawDeska]

This is doable but not straightforward. On devices with a logical multi-camera, zooming out already switches to ultra-wide.

But not all devices have this logical multi-camera feature. For example I use Redmi 9t and it doesn't switch to ultra wide mode. Neither it seems to work with macro lens.

[cpelley]

I agree there will be many edge cases, but my suggestion is to start simple: handle the basic scenario first and treat each edge case as a future enhancement. This keeps the initial implementation focused and easier to build upon.

I’m not an Android app developer, so this is outside my usual area, but here’s the idea:

• Camera discovery (lenses): List all discoverable cameras. Allow selection where possible, and grey out options where selection isn’t supported.
• UI feedback: Indicate which camera is currently active. If this cannot be determined, show as greyed out.

The goal is to support the simplest case initially, while providing a UI that makes limitations clear (e.g., greyed-out options when selection or active camera detection isn’t possible).

[Philip-Wittamore]

Just to add: Fairphone 6 + e/OS wide angle camera isn't detected either. Came here searching for a solution.

[jidanni]

@cpelley has got the concept right.

For starters just have a button that discovers all the other lenses.

And then allow the user to manually switch to one of them.

And then manually switch back later.

For instance on my Samsung A15 5G there is a Macro lens that I would like to use.

(If I use it in their stock app I can't use their self timer.)