I prefer the hardware button. In my experience if it is done right its more stable then having it on screen. Plus the remapping option is another perk.
I like how my N1 does it. The light-up trackball acts as a camera shutter. I'm really going to miss the trackball when I upgrade to something else. Odds are whatever it is won't have one since they seem to have fallen out of fashion.
Travis - 13 years ago
I would wrather have hardware phone keys.. it still bugs me that I have to hit the home button or install an app to access the dialer from the pulldown to make a call when I'm in an app :/
Dimes - 13 years ago
No one seems to mention this ever, but the best reason for a hardware camera button is that it provides two-step action just like a point and shoot. You hold it down half way and it auto-focuses, adjusts light settings, etc so that when you press all the way you get an instant picture. I hate that even with the best phones with a software cam button it is seconds after your press that the pic is taken. Two-step allows you to "get ready" before you want the shot and then get the shot you want when you want it.
Bob - 13 years ago
I don't really care if the phone has a hardware button as long as it still has a software one. If it does have a hardware button then I won't use it for the camera but at least I will be able to re-purpose it for something else.
Yamthief - 13 years ago
I think a hardware button on any camera phone would be ideal, I've found that generally pressing the screen knocks the camera off focus and spoils the picture, but why not offer both options for the end user to use their prefered photo method?
With the expected introduction of Cybershot phones, I think we're about to see a nice range of camera phones released in the near future :)
@Maxim: Volume keys historically adjust the zoom level.
@Robert: Sense 3.0 (HTC) introduces a quicklaunch from the lock screen to load the camera :)
Robert - 13 years ago
By the time I've entered the screen unlock code and waited the 15+ seconds for the stupid camera app to load (after I've found it in the menu) I'll take anything I can get to actually capture that special moment. Camera button, please.
maxim - 13 years ago
I would like to see more options, perhaps not adding any additional buttons but instead being able to use the volume button as a camera button. Also being able to touch anywhere on the screen. Just my 2 cents.
Jason - 13 years ago
I like a camera button, but the workaround is getting an app called Camera Zoom FX from the market. It allows you to program your volume up or down button to take the picture. Also, it will let you take a picture by touching anywhere on the screen instead of JUST the virtual camera button.
kwasi - 13 years ago
Worst case you replace it with a different function. More hardware keys. And can I get in on the "Notification lights: YES OR NO poll"?
locon - 13 years ago
I like camera bottom for pictures especially if is a one camera touch phone is good a camera key for pictures.
M@ - 13 years ago
I've had mixed success with the hardware keys, the G1 was terrible, as was the MyTouch Slide. However, the G2 moved it to the sliding screen half rather than the keyboard half and solved my problem entirely! It's much easier to take a guess/aim self portrait with a hardware key than with the on screen button. Of course, a FFC might eliminate that issue altogether.
I prefer the hardware button. In my experience if it is done right its more stable then having it on screen. Plus the remapping option is another perk.
I like how my N1 does it. The light-up trackball acts as a camera shutter. I'm really going to miss the trackball when I upgrade to something else. Odds are whatever it is won't have one since they seem to have fallen out of fashion.
I would wrather have hardware phone keys.. it still bugs me that I have to hit the home button or install an app to access the dialer from the pulldown to make a call when I'm in an app :/
No one seems to mention this ever, but the best reason for a hardware camera button is that it provides two-step action just like a point and shoot. You hold it down half way and it auto-focuses, adjusts light settings, etc so that when you press all the way you get an instant picture. I hate that even with the best phones with a software cam button it is seconds after your press that the pic is taken. Two-step allows you to "get ready" before you want the shot and then get the shot you want when you want it.
I don't really care if the phone has a hardware button as long as it still has a software one. If it does have a hardware button then I won't use it for the camera but at least I will be able to re-purpose it for something else.
I think a hardware button on any camera phone would be ideal, I've found that generally pressing the screen knocks the camera off focus and spoils the picture, but why not offer both options for the end user to use their prefered photo method?
With the expected introduction of Cybershot phones, I think we're about to see a nice range of camera phones released in the near future :)
@Maxim: Volume keys historically adjust the zoom level.
@Robert: Sense 3.0 (HTC) introduces a quicklaunch from the lock screen to load the camera :)
By the time I've entered the screen unlock code and waited the 15+ seconds for the stupid camera app to load (after I've found it in the menu) I'll take anything I can get to actually capture that special moment. Camera button, please.
I would like to see more options, perhaps not adding any additional buttons but instead being able to use the volume button as a camera button. Also being able to touch anywhere on the screen. Just my 2 cents.
I like a camera button, but the workaround is getting an app called Camera Zoom FX from the market. It allows you to program your volume up or down button to take the picture. Also, it will let you take a picture by touching anywhere on the screen instead of JUST the virtual camera button.
Worst case you replace it with a different function. More hardware keys. And can I get in on the "Notification lights: YES OR NO poll"?
I like camera bottom for pictures especially if is a one camera touch phone is good a camera key for pictures.
I've had mixed success with the hardware keys, the G1 was terrible, as was the MyTouch Slide. However, the G2 moved it to the sliding screen half rather than the keyboard half and solved my problem entirely! It's much easier to take a guess/aim self portrait with a hardware key than with the on screen button. Of course, a FFC might eliminate that issue altogether.
M@