Just recently, WhatsApp started the beta testing of its Communities feature on Android with the potential to improve group chat experience on the app. For the ones involved with the test, the option to create new Communities occupies a spot in tab bar on fat left-hand side alongside the options for chats, status and calls. This is the place which was used for be for camera, so how were you suppose to take the photos. Thankfully it looks like WhatsApp has found new spot for the camera.
WhatsApp camera shortcut had been available by swiping right on list of chats or in the tab bar on the left side. With the Communities taking its place, WABetaInfo observes missing shortcut could return, though now next to the search button as well as hamburger menu. Works for the relocation is in process and is not available to the beta users just yet and it is completely possible that the app could find another home for camera shortcut by the time Communities makes its way to stable channel. There is another possibility is a floating camera button like the one the users see in Status tab.