Do you want to get the best possible photos with your OnePlus 6This smartphone stands out for offering a powerful dual rear camera and advanced photography software, allowing you to capture high-quality images if you take full advantage of its potential. Below, you'll discover Tricks, practical tips and advanced settings to get the most out of the OnePlus 6 camera, with clear and detailed explanations of each function, shooting modes, settings and editing options, along with composition techniques that will help you achieve professional results, even in complicated scenarios such as night photography, portraiture, macros, underwater photography and more.
Key technical features of the OnePlus 6 camera
Before we dive into the tips and tricks for using the OnePlus 6 camera, it's important to review its features. Technical specifications fundamental, since they determine the photographic capabilities of the device:
- Double rear camera: : 519 MP Sony IMX16 main sensor, f/1.7, OIS (optical stabilization) and 376 MP Sony IMX20K secondary sensor, also f/1.7.
- Frontal camera: 371 MP Sony IMX16 sensor, f/2.0, ideal for selfies.
- Video recording: Up to 4K at 60 fps, slow motion at 1080p and 240 fps.
- Main modes: Automatic, Pro (manual), Portrait, Panoramic, Slow motion and Time-lapse.
- Additional functions: HDR, RAW shooting, composition grids, beauty mode, simultaneous saving of normal version in portraits and much more.
These features make the OnePlus 6 a versatile device for mobile photography. Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide to optimizing each feature and mastering different photography scenarios.
Initial setup and essential camera settings for the OnePlus 6
Before you start shooting, it's a good idea to take a few minutes to customize your camera to your preferences. Here are the initial steps to optimize your configuration:
- Update the camera: Make sure you have the latest version of OxygenOS and the camera app installed to access the latest features and bug fixes.
- Access the settings: Open the camera app and swipe up to open the menu. From here, you can change modes and customize advanced options.
- Activate the grid: Go into settings and enable the grid feature (e.g., rule of thirds) to improve composition and balance your photos.
- Activate the RAW save function: If you want to edit your images in greater detail and maintain the highest quality, enable RAW saving in Pro mode.
- Set up double save on portraits: Allows you to save both the original and edited versions of your portraits so you can decide which one you prefer later.
- Silence the shot: If you prefer the camera not to make any sound when taking photos, enable the “Silent Shutter” option in preferences.
- Customize the controls: Set shortcuts and adjust other options like watermark, timer, and image format to suit your needs.
How to set focus and exposure on the OnePlus 6 camera
One of the basic controls for obtaining clear and well-lit photographs is knowing manually set focus and exposureThe OnePlus 6 allows you to easily lock both options:
- Press and hold the desired area on the screen: When pressed and held, the AE/AF (Auto Exposure/Auto Focus) indicators will appear, locking the exposure and focus in that area.
- Use exposure control: Once you've set the focus, slide your finger over the sun icon to manually adjust the exposure, lightening or darkening the image depending on the scene.
- Take advantage of blocking in moving scenes: This is especially useful when photographing subjects with a moving background, preventing the phone from constantly trying to refocus.
This way, you'll ensure that your main subject always remains in focus and properly lit, even in dynamic situations.
Portrait mode tricks and blur effects
El portrait mode The OnePlus 6's advanced technology is perfect for capturing images where the main subject stands out against a blurred background (bokeh), adding a professional touch to your photos. Here are some tips to get the most out of it:
- Use portrait mode from the main menu: Select “Portrait” and position the person or object between 0,3 and 2 meters from the phone.
- Choose the right background: A detailed background with some distance from the subject will enhance the bokeh effect, making the blur more noticeable.
- Light and focus adjustment: Tap the face or central object to fine-tune the focus. The OnePlus 6 allows you to add shape effects (heart, star) and activate beauty mode to soften features if desired.
- Save the normal versionIf you are not satisfied with the blur, you can also keep the original image without any effect and choose later.
- Avoid strong backlightingIf you shoot against the light, the camera may have difficulty separating the shots; try repositioning your subject for the best results.
Master Pro Mode: Full Manual Control for Advanced Photography
El Pro Mode The OnePlus 6's camera unlocks the ability to adjust all the important parameters, just like a DSLR. If you're a photography expert, you can create personalized and creative images:
- Adjust the ISO: Controls sensor sensitivity to avoid noise in night shots or gain speed outdoors.
- Regulates the shutter speed: Perfect for capturing motion (water, traffic) or freezing the action.
- Change the white balance: Compensates colors in different environments (warm light, cool light, daylight, clouds).
- Focus manually: Ideal for achieving precise macros or focusing where the automatic camera fails.
- Shoot in RAW: Saves the maximum amount of image information, essential for editing and retouching later without loss of quality.
- Save manual presets: If you find settings that work for you in certain situations (for example, for night photography), you can save them and access them quickly.
This mode is best recommended for advanced users, but experimenting with it is useful for any amateur who wants to learn mobile photography in depth.
Tips for night photography with the OnePlus 6
Low-light photography is one of the biggest challenges for any mobile phone. OnePlus 6 It incorporates optical stabilization and a large aperture sensor that make it easier to capture images in night situations, but these Tricks will help you achieve even better results:
- Activate Pro mode and use low shutter speed: This lets in more light, but keeps your phone steady (even better if you use a tripod or rest it on a surface).
- Reduce the ISO as much as possible: You will avoid the digital noise that usually appears in dark scenes.
- Take advantage of optical stabilization: Allows you to shoot handheld with less risk of shake, but avoids sudden movements.
- Shoot in RAW: This way you can recover details and correct exposures in editing.
- Use ambient light sources: Look for streetlights, signs, neon lights, or any other light source that can add visual interest and color to the scene.
- Turn on HDR mode if the scene has high contrast: It will allow you to balance lights and shadows to avoid burnt or completely black areas.
- Focus before shooting: The camera may have difficulty in the dark; tap the screen to manually focus.
How to improve your selfies with the front camera
The OnePlus 6's front camera features a high-resolution sensor, beauty mode, and a timer, all of which can enhance your selfies:
- Activate beauty mode in moderation: It helps you soften imperfections, but use it wisely to maintain a natural look.
- Take advantage of natural lightLook for windows or indirect light to illuminate your face; if necessary, use a screen flash, which adds soft, diffused light.
- Use the timer: This way you avoid blurry images and give yourself time to pose correctly.
- Try different angles: Raise your phone slightly above your eye line and experiment with tilting to find the most flattering frame.
- Activate the grid to compose: Aligning your eyes with the top line of the grid gives a more professional result.
Techniques for macro and detail photography with the OnePlus 6
Pro mode's manual focus will allow you to explore the world of macro photography with your OnePlus 6:
- Get as close as possible to the object without the camera losing focus.
- Use manual focus to select the exact point of maximum sharpness.
- Select a wide aperture (f/1.7 in this case) to achieve a blurred background and highlight the subject.
- Avoid the shadow of the phone: Use natural side light and support your phone steadily.
- Activate the delayed trigger: This prevents vibrations when pressing the button and makes the image clearer.
Professional Composition: Using the Grid and the Rule of Thirds
The OnePlus 6 allows display different grids onscreen to help you frame and compose correctly. These tips will help you improve the aesthetics of all your photos:
- Activate the rule of thirds grid: Divide the image into nine equal zones and place the main subject at one of the intersections of the lines to give balance and dynamism.
- Play with lines and symmetries: Use roads, rivers, buildings or landscape lines to guide your eye towards your subject.
- Don't always center the object: Moving the main subject to one side is often more attractive than placing it in the exact center of the photo.
- Check the horizon: Check that horizontal lines (such as the sea or a road) are straight using the grid.
Shooting in RAW format: advantages and how to take advantage of it
El RAW format It is one of the best tools for users looking for maximum quality and editing options:
- Activate it in Pro mode to save all the information captured by the sensor, without compression or data loss.
- Edit in apps like Lightroom, Photoshop or Snapseed to correct exposure, white balance, and recover details in shadows and highlights.
- Keep storage in mind: RAW files take up much more space than JPEGs, so it's a good idea to transfer them to your computer periodically or use cloud storage.
- Not necessary for quick photos: Use RAW when you know you'll be editing later, as it's not always essential for instant social sharing.
Video Recording: Get the Most Out of the OnePlus 6 Camera
The OnePlus 6 is a powerful ally for recording video in different conditions. Here are some Recommendations for achieving cinematic results:
- Record in 4K for maximum resolution: Select it from the video interface if you want the best quality.
- Activate stabilization: Both electronic (EIS) and optical (OIS) help to achieve smooth shots, even while walking.
- Use slow motion for action scenes: Up to 240 fps at 1080p, ideal for sports, pets or moving nature.
- Control exposure manually in high-contrast scenes to avoid burning out light areas or losing details in shadows.
- Consider a stabilizer or tripod if you record long videos or want professional slow motion effects.
- Adjust the audio quality if relevant: Use a headset with an external microphone for better-sounding interviews or vlogs.
Advanced Techniques: Underwater Photography and Extreme Conditions
While the OnePlus 6 is not a device specifically designed for aquatic use, its sealing and resistance offer possibilities for photographing in wet conditions or underwater when using a waterproof case. Here are some essential recommendations for this type of capture:
- Always use a specific waterproof case to protect your phone from any immersion.
- Clean the glass of the case before taking the picture, avoiding drops that blur the image.
- Preset focus and exposure before submerging your phone, as the touch screen may fail underwater.
- Try the volume button as a shutter since physical buttons are more effective in wet conditions.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature to prevent fogging of the inner lens of the case.
- Select a high shutter speed in Pro mode to freeze the movement of fish or bubbles.
- Look for the maximum possible light since underwater the luminosity decreases rapidly.
How to photograph the moon, the northern lights, and natural phenomena
The OnePlus 6 also allows you to venture into the photography of astronomical phenomena like the full moon or the Northern Lights, as long as you follow a series of technical steps:
- For the moon: Use Pro mode, set a fast shutter speed (1/250 to 1/500), low ISO (80-200) and reduce the exposure to capture details, avoiding overexposure.
- Use optical or digital zoom with caution to bring the star closer, but avoid exceeding 2x to avoid losing quality.
- Support your phone or use a tripod to avoid camera shake; autofocus may lose accuracy in the dark.
- For the Northern Lights: Set your ISO between 800-1600, medium/long shutter speed (2-10 seconds) and use a tripod to better capture dim and prolonged light.
- Shoot in RAW and then edit to enhance colors and remove noise from the image.
- Use astronomical guidance apps like Photopills to predict the position of the moon or aurora.
Photo editing with artificial intelligence and recommended apps
Once the photos have been taken you can enhance their quality with editing tools and apps based on artificial intelligence:
- Snapseed: Free for Android/iOS, it allows you to retouch light, color, remove imperfections, sharpen and apply artistic effects.
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile: Advanced RAW file editing, selective adjustment, and professional filters. Ideal for advanced users.
- Google Photos: Automatic organization and automatic improvements thanks to artificial intelligence.
- Test AI functions: Some apps can automatically colorize skies, enhance portraits, or sharpen specific areas.
- Do not abuse the filters: A subtle edit enhances the image without detracting from its naturalness.
Solutions to common problems and common errors with the OnePlus 6 camera
Like any complex software, the OnePlus 6 camera can present punctual failuresHere are some tips for troubleshooting common errors:
- The camera app closes or does not start: Clear the app cache from the system settings, restart your device, and check for any pending updates.
- Focusing issues in portrait mode: Clean the lens and make sure there's enough light. If the problem persists, try restarting the camera or using Pro mode with manual focus.
- Blurry photos in low light conditions: Use a tripod, lower the ISO and increase the shutter speed.
- RAW files won't open: Make sure you're using DNG-compatible apps and update to the latest version.
- The front camera gives mediocre results: Check if the screen protector covers the sensor, remove it and clean the area.
- Try other camera appsIf the original software is giving you issues, you can try alternative apps like Google Camera (GCam) modified for OnePlus, which provides additional features and processing improvements.
Improvements through alternative software: Google Camera (GCam) and mods
Some advanced users may install alternative camera apps like GCam (Google Camera) to access exclusive features such as:
- Enhanced HDR+: Advanced algorithms for more dynamic range and less noise.
- Night Sight Mode: Much brighter and more detailed night photos.
- Better processing in portraits: : More realistic plane separation and bokeh.
- Additional manual controls and intelligent automatic shooting options.
To use GCam on the OnePlus 6, you must find the most stable and specific version for your model, download the APK from reliable sources, and activate it from the applications menu. Remember that although results are generally improved, this modified software may cause minor bugs depending on your operating system version.
Creative photography: panoramas, time-lapse, and slow motion
The OnePlus 6 includes advanced modes for creative shots:
- Panoramic: Useful for capturing wide landscapes, cities, or large buildings. Keep your movement steady and follow the guide line to avoid distortion.
- Time-lapse animation: : Allows you to create time-lapse videos of sunsets, traffic, crowds… Prop your phone up or use a tripod to achieve smooth sequences.
- Slow motion: Up to 240 fps at 1080p. Requires good lighting to avoid dark, blurry images.
Camera care and maintenance for optimal performance
Your OnePlus 6 can deliver the best photo quality if you keep the device in optimal condition:
- Clean the lens periodically using a microfiber cloth to avoid smudges and fingerprints.
- Avoid bumps and falls that could damage the optics or the sensor.
- Use cases that do not interfere with the camera and remove poorly fitting screen protectors.
- update regularly both the camera app and the operating system to access software improvements.
Recommended apps and resources for mobile photography
Complement your photographic experience with Useful apps and tools:
- Snapseed for advanced editing.
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile for professional editing and RAW handling.
- Interval Cam for advanced time-lapse.
- PhotoPills for astrophotography and night scene planning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using the Camera on the OnePlus 6
- Can you record video in 4K at 60fps? Yes, from the video interface, by selecting the appropriate settings.
- Does it support full manual mode? Pro mode offers control over ISO, shutter speed, white balance, focus, and exposure.
- Is voice triggering possible? Currently, there is no such native option, but third-party apps with similar functionality can be used.
- What accessories are recommended? Compact tripods, compatible external lenses (macro or wide angle), and waterproof cases for underwater adventures.
- Can photos be saved directly to the SD card? The OnePlus 6 doesn't have a microSD slot, but you can transfer images to the cloud or a computer.
Mastering the OnePlus 6 camera is a matter of learning its many features and practicing in different scenarios. Experimenting with automatic and manual modes, taking advantage of the RAW format, taking care with composition, and editing with the best apps will allow you to take creative, sharp, and professional photos and videos, making the most of the technology in your pocket.