Snapseed Code Points to Long Exposure Camera Modes, Android Authority Reports

Snapseed already offers a Pro camera interface that lets users manually adjust ISO, shutter speed and focus before taking a photo. Those controls are intended for photographers who want more control in different environments. The reported long exposure feature would add preset capture modes rather than only manual settings, according to the code strings found by Android Authority.

Long exposure photography keeps the camera shutter open for a set period, from a fraction of a second to longer, so moving objects appear blurred or leave trails while stationary objects remain sharp. Android Authority reported that the modes found in the app range from 1.2 seconds to 6 seconds.

The modes and their listed durations are Extended silk at 5 seconds, Light trails at 6 seconds, Live Photo at 1.5 seconds, Motion freeze at 2 seconds, Night at 1.2 seconds and Silky water at 3 seconds, according to the report. Android Authority said Night could be designed for low-light situations and Silky water may be ideal for running water at a lake or waterfall. Light trails could suit moving vehicles at night, while Extended silk may be a longer-exposure version of Silky water. The report said it was unclear what effect Live Photo is meant to achieve.

The code strings also reference a progress indicator for long exposure modes, with Snapseed asking users to “Hold still” while it processes an image, according to the report. A separate string points to a setting labeled “Off,” which could allow users to turn long exposure off entirely.

Adding preset long exposure modes could make the effects more accessible to users who are unfamiliar with manual photography controls, the report said. It could also save users from making adjustments manually while editing an image in Snapseed or another app. Android Authority said it had no visuals of the new modes in action and that, as with early feature discoveries, it is hard to say whether Snapseed will implement them anytime soon. The report said it would continue to look for details.