Long before ChatGPT popularized the use of generative AI (whether to generate text or images), smartphone manufacturers relied heavily on AI to optimize camera settings and processing. after taking the photo. These features have been made possible thanks to advances in electronics and new chips for smartphones which process images taken by photo sensors.
But while this use of artificial intelligence has brought significant developments to smartphone cameras, it is not to everyone’s taste. And there is an app, called Zerocam, that was designed specifically for those who are against using AI to enhance photos. Zerocam defines itself as the anti-AI photo application and promises natural images without processing. “Say goodbye to artificial post-processing: enjoy the beauty of natural photography. With Zerocam, there is no such thing as an overly sharp, HDR-like flat look. we read in the description of the app on the Play Store.
An ultra-simple photo application
The Zerocam app has been available on iPhone for a while, and it recently came to Android. In addition to the fact that it promises to capture photos without using artificial intelligence, Zerocam also offers an ultra-simple interface. On Android, we just have a preview, a button to take the photo and an option to choose the zoom. And that’s it, no modes to choose or complicated settings.
On the iOS version, the little extra of Zerocam is that it allows you to choose between the different sensors. But that’s all. The idea is really to offer another way of taking photos on a smartphone, which is completely opposite to what manufacturers offer in their default applications. Zerocam may not completely replace the photo application offered by your smartphone manufacturer, but it is interesting to see what the photos look like when you eliminate all the processing algorithms that are integrated by default. Additionally, the absence of these algorithms can sometimes produce spectacular results.
Nice color. @zerocam_app #zerocam pic.twitter.com/Nr77Xe7ndz
—ZZ. (@FerruccioZhang) November 15, 2024
On the other hand, Zerocam works with a subscription. And free version users are limited to 5 photos per day.
- AI is one of the levers used by smartphone manufacturers to improve the quality of their cameras
- But this does not please everyone and there is even an application which offers to take photos without the algorithms and processing applied by default by the manufacturers
- Available on Android and iOS, Zerocam positions itself as the anti-AI photo application for smartphones, and offers an ultra-simplified interface
