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How to take one-press pictures and videos with your Android device

The standard Android camera has some great features, but speed is not one of them. If you want to take a quick pic or start recording video with one press, QikCam offers instant shooting. Learn how to get started in this blog post by Rob Lightner.

Rob Lightner headshot
Rob Lightner

We all have huge imaginary albums full of all the awesome pictures we've missed because we couldn't get our cameras pointed and ready in time. Android doesn't help much--though its camera is pretty nifty, it takes time to get going. If you don't have that kind of time, a free app called QikCam can help. Here's how to set up one-press shooting: 

  1. Install the QikCam app. 
  2. From the home screen (or whichever screen you want the shoot button to live), long-press and select "Widgets," then "QikCam - Camera" or "QikCam - Video." 
    Step 2: Select QikCam widget.
    Step 2: Select QikCam widget.
  3. At the setting screen that pops up, you can set a default image title, resolution, time between press and shot, and other options. These can be changed later in the app, if you like. 
    Step 3: QikCam settings.
    Step 3: QikCam settings.
  4. When you're ready to shoot, just aim your device and press the widget icon. 
  5. Your options pop up with your image, and they are pretty simple: Delete, Share, and "4 Shared," which is somewhat simpler for users of that service. No fancy filters--just point, click, and share.
    Step 5: Picture options.
    Step 5: Picture options. Rob Lightner