Camera

A Camera and its associated HUD icon in GTA Vice City

The Camera is a device used to capture images as still photographs in Grand Theft Auto. It appears in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories.

Description

GTA Vice City was the first to feature an interactive camera, although, like later games GTA Liberty City Stories and GTA Vice City Stories, the player could only use it in one mission and will be unable to use afterward without the use of mods or trainers. The player can zoom in and out using the camera, similar to sniper rifles and their controls.

The device is also available in GTA San Andreas, albeit with more functionality, allowing the player to use it freely. It can be used in San Fierro to collect snapshots, which are required to achieve 100% completion. Pictures taken with the camera can be saved. If the player recruits a gang member, the player can give the camera to him by walking up to him and following the prompt. After that, the game is viewed through the perspective of the gang member and pictures of CJ can be taken. The player can also aim the camera at a girlfriend or a Grove Street gang member and CJ will say unique dialogues related to photo-shooting. Girlfriends and recruited gang members will wave to the camera. Taking out a camera within either the Los Santos Police Headquarters or the Las Venturas Police Headquarters will trigger a 2-star wanted level, as in-game AI considers the camera as a weapon.

In Grand Theft Auto IV, the player acquires a Whiz camera phone during the mission "Photo Shoot." The camera is used in certain missions where a picture is required. Outside of missions, snapshots can be taken, but there is no way of saving them. Accessing the camera function of the phone when in a cable car or train allows for first-person view. In a player-controlled vehicle however, the car will stop immediately when the camera is selected, no matter what speed (this glitch was fixed in the PC version). In the episodic pack The Lost and Damned, a camera phone option is available from the start of the game, and can be used to provide a first-person perspective at any time Johnny is on foot.

Prominent appearances in missions

GTA Vice City

GTA San Andreas

GTA Liberty City Stories

GTA Vice City Stories

GTA IV

GTA IV: The Lost and Damned

Locations

GTA San Andreas

Gallery

Scope