Snapchat is a popular social media app that lets users send photo and video messages that disappear after being viewed. One common issue that Snapchat users encounter is the camera zooming in too close on their face when taking selfies or videos. This can make it difficult to get the framing and composition you want for your Snaps. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to fix the Snapchat zoomed-in camera problem.
Why Does Snapchat Zoom In?
There are a couple reasons why Snapchat automatically zooms in on faces when using the camera:
– Face detection technology: Snapchat uses advanced face detection technology to recognize faces and keep them centered in the frame. This auto-zooming is meant to help users easily take flattering selfies and videos focused on their face.
– App design: The Snapchat camera interface takes up the entire screen on mobile devices. With limited screen real estate, Snapchat zooms the camera in closer on faces so that heads aren’t tiny in the middle of the frame.
So in essence, the zoomed-in view is an intentional design choice by Snapchat. But while some users may appreciate the convenience, others find it limiting when trying to capture wider shots.
Fix 1: Use the Rear Camera
The easiest way to avoid the zoomed-in view in Snapchat is to simply switch to using your rear/back smartphone camera instead of the front-facing selfie camera.
Since the back camera doesn’t have face detection capabilities, Snapchat does not automatically zoom in when you use it. This allows you to capture photos and videos at the default zoom level without an uncomfortably close crop.
To switch to the rear camera when taking a Snap:
1. Open the Snapchat app and swipe right on your camera screen to go to photo/video mode.
2. Look for the camera flip icon in the top left corner of the screen – it looks like an arrow switching direction.
3. Tap the camera flip icon. This will activate your rear camera instead of your front camera.
4. You can now take Snaps using the rear camera. Snapchat will not automatically zoom in on faces when using the rear camera view.
The only catch with using the rear camera is that you can’t see yourself on the screen to frame your shot. You’ll need to point the camera back at yourself blindly. It takes some getting used to, but ultimately gives you an unzoomed view.
Fix 2: Use Camera Zoom Settings
If you want to keep using the front-facing camera but need to zoom out, try manually adjusting Snapchat’s camera zoom settings.
To zoom the camera out:
1. Open Snapchat and enter the camera screen as usual.
2. Pinch two fingers outwards on your camera screen, like you’re zooming out on a photo. This will zoom the camera out.
3. Take your Snap. The camera should stay zoomed out at your set level for that Snap.
4. To zoom back in, use the opposite pinching motion – pinch two fingers inwards to zoom the camera back in.
It takes a bit of finesse, but with some practice you can use the manual zoom gestures to control the camera zoom before taking a Snap. The zoom should stay in place for that individual Snap.
One thing to note is that Snapchat may automatically zoom back in if it detects a face after you’ve zoomed out. So you may need to gradually zoom out in stages while taking your selfie or video so it doesn’t reset.
Fix 3: Use a Third-Party App
If you want full manual control over Snapchat’s camera zoom, consider using a third-party app like Camera360.
Here’s how:
1. Download and install the Camera360 app on your phone.
2. Open Camera360 and allow it access to your camera and photos.
3. Use Camera360 to take your photo or video with the zoom set how you prefer.
4. In Camera360 go to your photo gallery and find the Snap you just took.
5. Select ‘Share’ and choose Snapchat from the sharing options.
6. This will open Snapchat’s ‘New Story’ screen with your photo or video from Camera360 ready to send.
7. Crop or edit the Snap if desired, then send it to your friends!
The advantage of using a third-party camera app like Camera360 is you aren’t limited by Snapchat’s automatic zoom. You can set the zoom exactly how you want it before taking and sharing your Snap.
Fix 4: Adjust Your Distance from the Camera
In some cases you may be able to avoid the over-zoomed look simply by adjusting the distance between you and your camera. The closer you are to the camera, the more zoomed in your image will appear.
Try standing further back from the camera to minimize the zoomed-in crop effect. You can also extend your arm out fully so the camera is farther away from your face.
Find the optimal distance where you can still frame yourself in the shot, but aren’t so close that Snapchat aggressively zooms in. You may need to move in and out while using the Snapchat camera to find the sweet spot.
Just keep in mind that moving further back can introduce lens distortion – body parts like your face and hands might look slightly warped. Play around with distances to balance zoom and distortion.
Fix 5: Use Snapchat’s Portrait Mode
Snapchat has its own “Portrait Mode” that adds a depth effect blurring the background behind a person. When using Portrait Mode, Snapchat relies less on the automatic face zooming.
To use Portrait Mode:
1. Open Snapchat and swipe over to Portrait on the selection bar.
2. Take your Snaps as normal. You should notice the background is blurred with a “bokeh” effect.
3. Your face will still be in focus but the camera shouldn’t zoom too far in.
The depth effect makes Portrait Mode ideal for selfies and headshots. Just be aware that the background blur isn’t available when using the rear camera. Portrait Mode only works properly using the front facing camera.
But the benefit is you get nicer looking selfies without the frustrating zooming issues found in Snapchat’s regular camera mode.
Fix 6: Submit Feedback to Snapchat
If the Snapchat zoom is still bugging you even after trying the above fixes, one last option is to provide direct feedback to Snapchat about the camera issues you’re experiencing.
Here’s how to formally submit camera feedback to Snapchat:
1. Open Snapchat and go to your profile page.
2. Tap the Settings (gear) icon in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down and select ‘Support’.
4. Choose ‘Camera’ and then select ‘Camera issues’.
5. Pick the issue that closest matches your camera problem. For zooming, choose ‘Camera zooming in too much.’
6. Follow the prompts to send a report describing the camera bug you want fixed.
While there’s no guarantee Snapchat will implement changes based on your feedback, reporting issues is a great way to make your voice heard directly. If enough users complain about the camera zoom problems, Snapchat may finally update the app with more zoom control options.
So don’t hesitate to provide constructive criticism to Snapchat on how the automatic zoom affects your experience using the app. Your feedback can potentially help improve Snapchat for everyone.
Best Practices for Avoiding Zoomed-In Snaps
– Use the rear/back camera instead of front camera
– Manually pinch-zoom out before taking your Snap
– Increase distance from the camera lens
– Try using Portrait Mode
– Submit camera feedback to Snapchat
Why You Should Avoid Taking Zoomed-In Snaps
Here are some reasons why you’ll probably want to avoid taking ultra close-up, zoomed in Snaps if possible:
– Can look distorted and unflattering – Being too close to the camera can make facial features look warped and exaggerated. You want to look your best in Snaps.
– Less creative framing – With the camera zoomed in, it’s hard to capture anything in the background or show off your outfit. A wider angle shot gives you more creative freedom.
– Feels amateurish – Extreme close-ups generally look less professional and polished than properly framed shots.
– Wastes Snaps’ full visual potential – Snaps let you take mini photos and videos. But super zoomed shots waste that visual storytelling ability.
– Makes Snaps feel repetitive – If all your Snaps are just zoomed in on your face, it gets boring for friends watching your story. Vary your camera distance.
So unless you’re intentionally going for a stylistic close-up, it’s usually best to avoid taking zoomed-in Snaps by adjusting your camera distance, zoom, or shooting angles.
Troubleshooting Snapchat Camera Zoom Issues
If fixing the Snapchat zoom still proves tricky, here is some troubleshooting advice:
Problem: Manually zooming out resets after taking Snap.
Solution: The face detection likely causes it to zoom back in. Gradually zoom out in stages while taking your Snap.
Problem: Rear camera makes shots look distorted.
Solution: Try holding the phone slightly further away from your face.
Problem: Portrait Mode isn’t working properly.
Solution: Ensure you are using the front camera for Portrait Mode. The depth effect doesn’t work with the rear camera.
Problem: Submitted feedback but no update from Snapchat.
Solution: Unfortunately there is no guarantee Snapchat will act on feedback. Keep reporting issues and try alternative fixes for now.
Troubleshooting the zoomed camera issues requires some experimentation. But combining different fixes and tools should help provide a solution for your particular phone and usage scenario. Don’t give up!
FAQs About Fixing Snapchat Zoom Issues
Here are some frequently asked questions about dealing with Snapchat’s camera zoom:
What causes Snapchat to zoom in on faces?
Snapchat’s automatic face detection and app design cause it to default to a zoomed-in view during selfies. This keeps faces centered in the frame.
Why is the front camera zoomed and not the back?
Only the front camera has the face detection capability required for the automatic zoom. So the rear camera gives an unzoomed view.
Can you permanently disable the Snapchat zoom?
Unfortunately there is no setting to fully disable Snapchat’s face zoom. You have to manually adjust the zoom before each Snap.
Does Snapchat notify users when it gets camera feedback?
No, Snapchat does not directly notify or respond to users who submit camera feedback. The reports go to their product team.
Will Snapchat definitely fix issues if enough users report them?
There’s no guarantee. But reporting camera problems is the best way to make Snapchat aware of needed fixes. So it’s still worth doing.
If you have any other questions about troubleshooting Snapchat’s temperamental camera zoom, don’t hesitate to search online forums and help sites for solutions. Other users have likely experienced the same issues.
Conclusion
Snapchat’s automatic face zooming can certainly be annoying when you’re trying to take wider selfies or videos. But with a few simple tricks such as using the rear camera, adjusting your distance, and submitting feedback, you can avoid the dreaded ultra close-up view.
While Snapchat’s camera has its quirks, the app is still hugely popular for quick photo and video sharing. Learning techniques to control the zoom will help you take your Snaps to the next level and fully utilize Snapchat’s fun creative tools.
The most important tip is don’t be afraid to experiment and find the right solution for your specific phone and use case. Mix and match the fixes as needed until you get Snaps you love without the awkward zoomed pixels.