I am finding Google's default camera too restrictive. The GUI gets in my way and cannot be adjusted. Sometimes I do want manual controls. And honestly I find that the screen of the Pixel 3a is too dim for me to even see it in bright sunlight, so then I'm shooting blind. I feel like Google just wants to take the picture for me without me even being involved in the photography experience. For now I am preferring Open Camera, which gives me that level of control (not to mention the option to link to whichever gallery app I want, and even voice controls!). Even if there is a small reduction in photo quality, it is improving my experience of taking the photograph to begin with. If there were a way to at least change the UI of the Google camera app I would go back to it. I sent them my feedback, not sure if anything ever comes of that, but we'll see what the future holds.