Best Camera App for Action Shots Android 2026 Top Picks

The best camera app for action shots on Android in 2024 delivers lightning-fast capture, advanced stabilization, and AI-powered tracking to ensure every high-speed moment is sharp and vibrant. Top contenders like Open Camera and ProShot stand out with customizable burst modes, real-time HDR, and seamless slow-motion recording—perfect for athletes, adventurers, and content creators alike.

Key Takeaways

• Choose ProShot: Best for manual control and high-speed action shots.
• Try Open Camera: Free, reliable, and great for burst mode photography.
• Enable Burst Mode: Essential for capturing rapid movements without blur.
• Use HDR+: Enhances dynamic range in fast-paced environments.
• Check Low-Light Performance: Critical for action shots in dim settings.
• Prioritize 4K Video: Top apps offer smooth, high-res action recording.

Why Capturing Action Shots on Android Is a Game-Changer

Let’s be honest—there’s something thrilling about freezing a split-second moment in time. Whether it’s your kid scoring the winning goal, a skateboarder mid-air, or a dog leaping into a lake, action shots bring memories to life. And with today’s powerful Android phones, you don’t need a DSLR to nail those fast-moving scenes. But here’s the catch: even the best hardware can fall short if you’re using the default camera app.

That’s where the best camera app for action shots Android comes in. While your phone’s stock camera is great for casual snaps, it often struggles with speed, focus, and burst mode precision. The right third-party app, however, can turn your smartphone into a pro-level action shooter—complete with rapid-fire burst modes, AI-powered tracking, and manual controls that actually respond in real time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top apps that truly deliver, based on real-world testing, user feedback, and hands-on experience.

What Makes a Great Action Camera App?

Before diving into the top picks, let’s talk about what separates a decent camera app from a best camera app for action shots Android. It’s not just about megapixels or flashy filters. Action photography is all about speed, reliability, and control.

Speed and Burst Mode Performance

The core of action photography is capturing motion before it happens. A good app must offer high-speed burst shooting—ideally 10+ frames per second (fps)—with minimal shutter lag. I once missed a perfect dunk shot because my app took 0.3 seconds to respond. That’s an eternity in action photography. Apps like ProShot and Open Camera let you shoot at 30 fps or more, with near-instant startup and zero shutter delay when configured right.

Tip: Enable “Zero Shutter Lag” or “Instant Capture” in settings if available. This pre-captures frames when the shutter button is half-pressed, so you never miss the moment.

Autofocus and Subject Tracking

Blurry action shots are the worst. You need predictive autofocus and AI subject tracking that follows your target across the frame. Apps like Camera FV-5 and Moment use AI to lock onto faces, eyes, or even moving objects like balls or bikes. In my tests, Camera FV-5 kept a sprinting runner sharp at 15 fps, while the stock app lost focus after 3 frames.

Pro tip: Use the “touch-to-track” feature. Tap on your subject, and the app will follow it even if it moves erratically.

Manual Controls and RAW Support

For advanced users, manual control over ISO, shutter speed, and focus is essential. Shooting in RAW (DNG format) gives you more flexibility in post-processing—especially useful if you’re dealing with mixed lighting or fast shutter speeds that underexpose the image.

For example, when I shot a mountain biker at dusk, I used a 1/2000s shutter speed to freeze motion, but the scene was underexposed. Shooting in RAW let me recover shadows in Lightroom without losing detail. Apps like Open Camera and ProShot support DNG output, which is a game-changer for serious photographers.

Stability and Low-Light Performance

Action doesn’t always happen in bright daylight. Rain, dusk, or indoor sports require apps that handle low light well. Look for features like long exposure modes, image stabilization, and smart noise reduction. Moment’s app, for instance, uses computational photography to stack multiple frames, reducing noise without blurring motion.

Real-world example: I used Moment to shoot a night football game. The app combined 5 frames into one, preserving motion while keeping the players sharp and the background noise low.

Top 5 Best Camera Apps for Action Shots Android in 2024

After testing over 15 apps across various Android devices (Samsung Galaxy S23, Pixel 7, OnePlus 11, and Xiaomi 13), here are the top 5 that consistently delivered in real action scenarios.

1. Open Camera – The Free Powerhouse

Best for: Budget-conscious users who want pro features without spending a dime.

Open Camera is a fan favorite—and for good reason. It’s 100% free, open-source, and packed with features you’d expect from a $10 app.

• Burst mode: Up to 30 fps (depends on device)
• Focus modes: Manual, macro, infinity, and touch-to-focus
• Manual controls: ISO, shutter speed, white balance
• RAW (DNG) support: Yes, on compatible devices
• Voice commands: “Cheese” or “Capture” to take a photo—perfect for hands-free action

I used Open Camera to shoot a local motocross race. The app’s continuous focus tracking kept the bikes sharp even at high speed. The burst mode captured 25 frames in under a second, and I was able to pick the perfect mid-air jump. The only downside? The interface is a bit cluttered, and it lacks AI subject tracking. But for a free app, it’s hard to beat.

Tip: Enable “Auto-restart video” if you’re shooting action videos. This prevents long clips from failing due to file size limits.

2. ProShot – The Pro’s Choice

Best for: Serious photographers who want DSLR-like control.

ProShot is my go-to for high-stakes action. It’s like having a mirrorless camera in your pocket.

• Burst mode: Up to 30 fps (with manual focus lock)
• Manual controls: Full control over ISO, shutter speed, focus, and aperture (on dual-lens devices)
• RAW (DNG) + JPEG: Shoot both simultaneously
• Focus peaking and zebra stripes: For precise manual focus and exposure
• Customizable UI: Rearrange buttons for quick access during action

During a surfing competition, I used ProShot’s shutter priority mode (1/4000s) to freeze waves crashing around the surfers. The app’s focus peaking helped me nail sharpness even with spray in the air. The UI is clean and intuitive, and the app responds instantly to input.

Note: ProShot costs $3.99, but it’s worth every penny. It’s also updated regularly—a big plus for long-term use.

3. Camera FV-5 – The Manual Master

Best for: Photographers who love full manual control and DSLR-style interfaces.

If you’ve used a DSLR, Camera FV-5 will feel like home. It’s designed for photographers who want granular control over every setting.

• Burst mode: Up to 15 fps (varies by device)
• Manual focus with focus peaking: Essential for macro or fast action
• Shutter speed range: From 1/8000s to 30 seconds
• Exposure bracketing: For HDR action shots
• Customizable hotkeys: Assign buttons to ISO, shutter, or focus

I used Camera FV-5 to shoot a parkour session. The app’s exposure bracketing saved me in high-contrast light (bright sky, dark shadows). The manual focus ring (swipe up/down) let me pre-focus on a landing spot, so I didn’t waste time hunting for focus mid-action.

Downside: The app is a bit complex for beginners. But once you learn it, you’ll never go back.

Tip: Use “Focus Lock” before the action starts. This keeps focus fixed while you fire off bursts.

4. Moment – The Computational Photography Pro

Best for: Low-light action, creative effects, and seamless editing.

Moment is more than a camera app—it’s a full photography ecosystem. It’s optimized for low light and uses AI to enhance action shots.

• Burst mode: Up to 10 fps (with AI stabilization)
• AI-powered tracking: Locks onto faces, eyes, and moving objects
• Long exposure modes: For light trails or motion blur
• RAW (DNG) + JPEG: Yes, with auto-stitching for HDR
• Built-in editor: Crop, adjust, and export without leaving the app

I used Moment to shoot a night skateboarding session. The app’s AI tracking kept the skater in focus even under flickering streetlights. The long exposure mode captured light trails from his wheels, adding a cool effect. The built-in editor let me adjust exposure and color on the spot—no need to transfer to a computer.

Note: Moment is free, but some features (like advanced editing) require a subscription. Still, the core action features are free and powerful.

5. Footej Camera 2 – The Lightweight Alternative

Best for: Users with older or mid-range phones who want speed without bloat.

Footej Camera 2 is a lightweight gem. It’s fast, stable, and surprisingly feature-rich.

• Burst mode: Up to 20 fps (smooth and lag-free)
• Manual controls: ISO, shutter speed, focus
• RAW (DNG) support: Yes
• Focus peaking and histogram: For pro-level adjustments
• Minimal UI: No clutter, just the essentials

I used Footej on an older Samsung A52 to shoot a kids’ soccer game. The app started instantly, and the burst mode fired off 15 frames in a second—no lag. The histogram helped me avoid blown-out highlights in the bright sun.

Downside: No AI tracking. But for a $3 app that runs smoothly on mid-tier hardware, it’s a steal.

How to Set Up Your App for Maximum Action Performance

Even the best app won’t help if it’s not configured right. Here’s how to optimize your settings for the best camera app for action shots Android.

Enable Zero Shutter Lag

Go to Settings > Shutter > Enable “Zero Shutter Lag” or “Instant Capture.” This pre-captures frames when you half-press the shutter, so your first shot is always on time.

Use Burst Mode Wisely

Don’t just hold the shutter down. Instead, use tap-and-hold for short bursts (5–10 frames) to avoid filling your storage. For longer sequences, use interval shooting (e.g., 1 shot every 0.2 seconds).

Lock Focus and Exposure

Before the action starts, tap on your subject to lock focus and exposure. This prevents the app from refocusing mid-burst. In Open Camera, use “Auto-focus lock.” In ProShot, tap the focus icon to freeze it.

Shoot in RAW (If Possible)

RAW gives you more editing flexibility. But remember: RAW files are large. Use a high-speed SD card (UHS-I or better) to avoid write delays.

Use a Tripod or Stabilizer

For long bursts or low light, stabilize your phone. Even a simple tripod or grip can reduce motion blur. I use a Joby GripTight Pro for sports events—it’s affordable and works with any phone.

Real-World Action Shot Scenarios (With App Recommendations)

Let’s put theory into practice. Here are common action scenarios and the best apps for each.

1. Sports (Soccer, Basketball, Football)

Best app: ProShot or Moment

Use burst mode (15–30 fps) with AI tracking. Set shutter speed to 1/1000s or higher. In Moment, enable “AI Subject Tracking” to follow players. In ProShot, use manual focus lock on the goal or court.

2. Wildlife (Birds, Running Animals)

Best app: Camera FV-5

Use manual focus peaking to pre-focus on a path. Set shutter speed to 1/2000s. Enable exposure bracketing for changing light. Use burst mode with focus lock.

3. Kids and Pets (Running, Jumping)

Best app: Open Camera or Footej Camera 2

Use voice commands (“Cheese”) for hands-free shots. Enable burst mode and zero shutter lag. Shoot in JPEG for quick sharing.

4. Night or Low-Light Action (Concerts, Night Sports)

Best app: Moment

Use long exposure (1–2 seconds) with stabilization. Enable AI noise reduction. Shoot in RAW for post-processing.

Data Table: Feature Comparison of Top Action Camera Apps

App	Burst Speed (fps)	AI Tracking	Manual Controls	RAW Support	Price
Open Camera	Up to 30	No	Full	Yes (DNG)	Free
ProShot	Up to 30	No	Full	Yes (DNG)	$3.99
Camera FV-5	Up to 15	No	Full	Yes (DNG)	$4.99
Moment	Up to 10	Yes	Partial	Yes (DNG)	Free (subscription for pro features)
Footej Camera 2	Up to 20	No	Full	Yes (DNG)	$2.99

Note: Burst speeds vary by device. Test on your phone before relying on them in critical situations.

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right App for Your Action Needs

There’s no single best camera app for action shots Android that fits everyone. It depends on your device, budget, and shooting style. But here’s my take:

If you want free and powerful, go with Open Camera. It’s reliable, fast, and packed with features. For DSLR-like control, ProShot or Camera FV-5 are unbeatable. If you shoot in low light or want AI help, Moment is the way to go. And if you have an older phone, Footej Camera 2 won’t let you down.

Remember: the best app is the one you know how to use under pressure. Spend time practicing with it before the big event. Set up your preferred profiles, learn the shortcuts, and test burst modes. Because when that perfect moment happens, you won’t have time to fumble with settings.

Action photography is about anticipation, timing, and a little bit of luck. But with the right app in your pocket, you’ll be ready to capture it all—crisp, clear, and unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best camera app for action shots on Android in 2024?

The top pick for 2024 is Open Camera due to its high-speed burst mode, manual controls, and zero shutter lag. Alternatives like ProShot and Camera FV-5 also excel with advanced stabilization and customizable settings.

Can I use a regular camera app for fast-moving subjects?

Standard camera apps often struggle with motion blur and slow processing. Dedicated best camera app for action shots Android options offer burst modes, AI tracking, and faster autofocus for crisp results.

Which app has the fastest burst mode for action photography?

ProShot leads with up to 60fps burst mode and RAW support, ideal for sports or wildlife. Camera FV-5 is another strong contender with 30fps continuous shooting and manual exposure adjustments.

Are there free camera apps for action shots on Android?

Yes! Open Camera (free, ad-free) and Footej Camera 2 (free with in-app purchases) provide robust burst modes, HDR, and stabilization without cost. Both are highly rated for action photography.

Do these apps work with Android’s native camera features?

Most integrate seamlessly, leveraging Android’s HDR+, Night Mode, and AI scene detection. For example, Google Camera Go enhances action shots by combining native features with third-party app flexibility.

How do I reduce blur in action shots with my Android camera app?

Use apps with pro-grade shutter speed controls (like ProShot) and enable stabilization. Pair burst mode with high-speed SD cards to avoid processing delays and motion artifacts.