[Q] note 3 camera tap to focus? - Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note 3

I cannot focus on half of the objects i tap to focus on. There is usually a red box around the tap to focus. Particularly for macro testing especially with my hand. And no there is no plastic over the lens. Anyone else having this issue?
EDIT: Confirmed that the note 3 (All variants, as tested from 3 Bestbuy stores and about 10 note threes) camera sucks terribly at focusing on dark objects or objects with little difference in color. I'm surprised nobody noticed this. It can't focus on certain spots on the hand at 8 inches away depending on lighting but there will always be a spot on the hand it fails to focus on, nor can it focus on various dark objects in good light. No kernel changes, roms, or AOSP kernel/rom will fix it. The note 3 camera just sucks at focusing. Tested this against a LG G2, and Htc m7 and they could focus properly to those spots on my hand in good light that couldn't focus on.

Also tested against (Galaxy S4, S5, note 2, m8)
S4 - hardly struggles to focus maybe one or 2 fails
S5 - eerily fails at focusing [sometimes ]where the note 3 fails (software??)
N2 - no focus issues here
M8 - no focus issues here
I take allot of photos with my phones and I don't own the phones above but have spent over 30 minutes with each tinkering with the cameras in the same lighting conditions.

darkfangex5 said:
I cannot focus on half of the objects i tap to focus on. There is usually a red box around the tap to focus. Particularly for macro testing especially with my hand. And no there is no plastic over the lens. Anyone else having this issue?
EDIT: Confirmed that the note 3 (All variants, as tested from 3 Bestbuy stores and about 10 note threes) camera sucks terribly at focusing on dark objects or objects with little difference in color. I'm surprised nobody noticed this. It can't focus on certain spots on the hand at 8 inches away depending on lighting but there will always be a spot on the hand it fails to focus on, nor can it focus on various dark objects in good light. No kernel changes, roms, or AOSP kernel/rom will fix it. The note 3 camera just sucks at focusing. Tested this against a LG G2, and Htc m7 and they could focus properly to those spots on my hand in good light that couldn't focus on.
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Click to collapse
Yea this cam sucks lol
Sent from my SM-N900P using Tapatalk

Damn.
Somehow I never noticed this.
And now I can never not notice this.
Hopefully it is a firmware / software bug, and not a hardware one...

carnagecjb said:
Damn.
Somehow I never noticed this.
And now I can never not notice this.
Hopefully it is a firmware / software bug, and not a hardware one...
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Click to collapse
All software, but much of it is tied to values it's reading off of the CMOS. The camera uses software to do all of the tasks needed to set focus, aperture, shutter, noise compensation, compression, filters, exposure compensation, film speed (or its digital equivalent), everything.
But...you could always use a 3rd party to confirm.
Samsung knows a thing or two about digital cameras, so I'm certain that this could be fixed.
I haven't had any issues akin to that which you're describing, yet I don't expect much from a tiny chip crammed with so many sensors in anything but outdoor lighting, so I likely haven't a baseline.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2

micmars said:
All software, but much of it is tied to values it's reading off of the CMOS. The camera uses software to do all of the tasks needed to set focus, aperture, shutter, noise compensation, compression, filters, exposure compensation, film speed (or its digital equivalent), everything.
But...you could always use a 3rd party to confirm.
Samsung knows a thing or two about digital cameras, so I'm certain that this could be fixed.
I haven't had any issues akin to that which you're describing, yet I don't expect much from a tiny chip crammed with so many sensors in anything but outdoor lighting, so I likely haven't a baseline.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
Just tested the lot of them and even with camera fv 5 on the n3, S5 and m8. Both n3 and s5 have the same issues. It is something with Samsung kernel or software . The m8 didn't struggle to focus. So to reiterate something is up with Samsung after the s4 because the s4 can focus on those points but even with a 3rd party camera app focus fails on the n3 / s5. Daduq samsung.

micmars said:
All software, but much of it is tied to values it's reading off of the CMOS. The camera uses software to do all of the tasks needed to set focus, aperture, shutter, noise compensation, compression, filters, exposure compensation, film speed (or its digital equivalent), everything.
But...you could always use a 3rd party to confirm.
Samsung knows a thing or two about digital cameras, so I'm certain that this could be fixed.
I haven't had any issues akin to that which you're describing, yet I don't expect much from a tiny chip crammed with so many sensors in anything but outdoor lighting, so I likely haven't a baseline.
Sent from my SM-N900P using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
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That's pretty much what I was thinking. I've only used a couple different camera apps, but the issue seems to be common between them. (Even the Google Camera exhibits the problem...)

carnagecjb said:
That's pretty much what I was thinking. I've only used a couple different camera apps, but the issue seems to be common between them. (Even the Google Camera exhibits the problem...)
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Wish I never found this problem. I scrutinize my tech and want the best. I might return this and wait for an lg g3, or get an s5/m8. I'm on the fence if I should even keep this device

Related

Camera Replacement

I have been having this idea from the day it was launched, i wanted to replace the camera in the MAX with the one from the Original HTC One.
Not that i find my photo's bad because of lack of OIS, it was just another crazy thought from day one of the phone being announced.
I have ordered the original camera module from etradesupply and have it with me now. i am thinking of doing it myself although i don't want to brick my phone lol.
As of now there is no guide for teardown of the MAX and that is kind of a show stopper for me. I have had experience of opening up a HTC One for a screen replacement for a friend of mine and have the required tools for it.
I would like to listen to thoughts from other users.
I use "camera awesome" from the play store it has optical image stabilization and a slew of other options
Sent from my HTC0P3P7 using xda app-developers app
Ummm... OIS is a hardware thing so no amount of software can provide it
well in the shooting modes there is image stabilization which will not allow the picture to be taken until stable and works flawlessly
Sent from my HTC0P3P7 using xda app-developers app
pradeepvizz said:
I have been having this idea from the day it was launched, i wanted to replace the camera in the MAX with the one from the Original HTC One.
Not that i find my photo's bad because of lack of OIS, it was just another crazy thought from day one of the phone being announced.
I have ordered the original camera module from etradesupply and have it with me now. i am thinking of doing it myself although i don't want to brick my phone lol.
As of now there is no guide for teardown of the MAX and that is kind of a show stopper for me. I have had experience of opening up a HTC One for a screen replacement for a friend of mine and have the required tools for it.
I would like to listen to thoughts from other users.
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Click to collapse
Diminished return. If the camera drives you nuts right now the rest of the phone/display/etc will after you have torn it apart. Worse yet, your significant other may ban you to the sofa after things go awry.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
Jiggity Janx said:
Ummm... OIS is a hardware thing so no amount of software can provide it
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Click to collapse
That what i thought...
mnsportsguy1978 said:
well in the shooting modes there is image stabilization which will not allow the picture to be taken until stable and works flawlessly
Sent from my HTC0P3P7 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
i have use a HTC One and coming from it, i did not see much of difference on the photo's.. as i said, it was just another crazy idea.
however, if image stabilization is a software thingy then Samsung and all other OEM's would have jumped into that already without needing a hardware for it.
If you consider DSLR lenses, there are lens with VC / image stabilization while other don't, so i am guessing its a hardware thingy.
dottat said:
Diminished return. If the camera drives you nuts right now the rest of the phone/display/etc will after you have torn it apart. Worse yet, your significant other may ban you to the sofa after things go awry.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
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Click to collapse
yeah, i know and that is exactly why i am being patient on doing it. i have had the camera module with me for more than 2 weeks now.
To be honest, i came to this idea just because of the hype the media and the other members who actually believe OIS is something great and needed.
but as far as i have used my phone for photo's i never felt something missing, that is probably my usage of it.
I believe this is because the MAX is huge enough that we actually hold the phone in a more stable manner while taking pics.
I should probably try taking pics while on the move to see the actual difference of the OIS thing.
pradeepvizz said:
I should probably try taking pics while on the move to see the actual difference of the OIS thing.
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This. For anyone wondering OIS is not going to magically make the pics any better. If you dont like the still shots it takes you will not like them with ois. Just my .02.
Jiggity Janx said:
This. For anyone wondering OIS is not going to magically make the pics any better. If you dont like the still shots it takes you will not like them with ois. Just my .02.
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Absolutely !
From HTC's Site:
The New HTC UltraPixel Camera
The new HTC One will be the first to feature the HTC UltraPixel Camera - an advanced imaging technology that offers a great leap in the quality of point-and-shoot photos and video. Smartphones have rapidly become the primary camera for millions of people, and taking pictures has become an indispensable part of daily life. HTC is committed to offering the highest quality camera available, so even everyday pictures are gratifying and memorable.
With our new camera, you’ll be able to quickly shoot vivid, true-to-life images with a wide range of colors, even in low light conditions. We accomplish this not by increasing the number of megapixels in the camera, but by engineering a more advanced CMOS Sensor, ISP, and optical lens system that captures significantly more light than most 8 or 13 megapixel cameras.
“We shouldn't scrap pixel count entirely when weighing smartphone cameras, but in terms of the hardware and software details that actually go into making a great photo, megapixels are highly overrated. It's high time we focus on other areas that count more, like that undersung sensor.
Jessica Dolcourt,
CNET
May 12, 2012
In this section we will describe for you how we’ve created the most sensitive smartphone camera, which include these key components of ImageSense technology:
UltraPixel Sensor - Engineered with larger pixels, it enables each pixel to capture more than 300% more light than most leading 13 megapixel cameras.
HTC ImageChip - Offers continuous autofocus, color shading, and noise reduction, as well as more realistic High Dynamic Range.
F/2.0 Aperture - The largest available smartphone camera aperture, it lets in 44% more light than the iPhone 5.
Optical Image Stabilization - Drastically reduces blur in still photos and shaky video footage.
While the HTC One max has a UltraPixel Camera Zoe only offers Digital Image Stabilization. The Definitions are below.
Optical Image Stabilization (Hardware)
Optical image stabilization is the most effective form of image stabilization. Camcorders with optical image stabilization typically feature tiny gyro-sensors inside the lens that quickly shift pieces of the lens glass to off-set your motion. An image stabilization technology is considered "optical" if it features a moving element inside the camcorder lens.
Some camcorder manufacturers let you turn optical image stabilization on and off, or include several modes to compensate for different kinds of camera movement (either vertical or horizontal).
Digital Image Stabilization (Software)
Unlike optical systems, digital image stabilization uses software technology to reduce the impact of shaky hands on your video. Depending on the model, this can be accomplished in several ways. Some camcorders will calculate the impact of your body movement and use that data to adjust which pixels on the camcorder's image sensor are being used.
For consumer digital camcorders, digital image stabilization is usually less effective than optical stabilization. Given that, it pays to look closely when a camcorder claims to have "image stabilization." It may only be of the digital variety.
Interesting... If you try this oit let us know. I cant think of changing phones any time soon but if the pictures would get that much better then I am all for it.
Btw I owned two different One's and didnt find the pictures on it that much better.
Im actually looking forward to the phone blox to become something of production. With moto and google backing the project it should happen.
Sent from my HTC6600LVW using xda app-developers app
Jiggity Janx said:
Interesting... If you try this oit let us know. I cant think of changing phones any time soon but if the pictures would get that much better then I am all for it.
Btw I owned two different One's and didnt find the pictures on it that much better.
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Click to collapse
I definitely am going to try this out, but just waiting for a dis-assembly video so that i don't damage my phone. It won't be harder than the one i hope lol
where can i find the screew driver to take the htc one max apart. the volume rocker got messed up and i need to fix it.
ifher said:
where can i find the screew driver to take the htc one max apart. the volume rocker got messed up and i need to fix it.
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Click to collapse
It's the standard Philips screw driver if i remember correctly.
Sent from my HTC One max using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Hi, can some Max users post what sensor you have? You don't need to be rooted. Navigate to /sys/android_camera, open the file called sensor and post a screenshot.
Curious if Max users have the ST electronics sensor or the Omni sensor.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
gustav30 said:
Hi, can some Max users post what sensor you have? You don't need to be rooted. Navigate to /sys/android_camera, open the file called sensor and post a screenshot.
Curious if Max users have the ST electronics sensor or the Omni sensor.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
st vd6869(1.0) cinesensor 0000-00-00
st vd6869(1.0) cinesensor 0000-00-00
International version, HK region ROM
Sent from my HTC One max using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

HTC one mini 2 with 13MP camera.... WTF????

Thanks HTC for bring a bigger mp camera to a phone that's suppose to be the little brother of the m8.........
http://mobile.theverge.com/2014/5/...tes-the-companys-flagship-phone-in-a-trimmed
...because we're ALWAYS complaining about the MP on our camera when we just upload the photos to instagram and fb..
You can't say that for ALL users. A lot of people don't need a expensive camera to take pics. Especially if you want to use that pic past Facebook etc. All I'm saying is instead of adding a second camera. HTC could have added more to the m8 to help keep it from being the same camera with a second camera. End of the day 4mp camera is a 4mp camera
When I want to use my pics past loading onto social apps. I use my note 3. But if I want to use this pic to upload then yes either my m8 or note 3 will do the job just fine
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I'll agree that what smartphone camera is "better" depends on how you in particular use the camera. But just because a camera has more MP, does not make it "better" either. We'll have to wait and see if the camera on the One Mini 2 actually yields better quality images than the M8.
Unless you are blowing up or cropping photos a lot, 13 MP is too much and a joke for a camera phone. High MP smartphone cameras really struggle in low light. And unless you are taking pictures outdoors in broad daylight, its often low light.
I'll agree that HTC probably should not have opted for the dual camera on the M8. Kinda cool at times, but also pretty gimmicky. The money probably would have been better spent improving image quality on the single rear camera (even if not to increase the MP).
It's kinda a slap in the face to a certain degree. Here is the new m8 with the same camera with a secondary camera which is mostly gimmicky while nice at the same time. Then they decide to make the new HTC one mini from a 5 mp camera to a 13MP camera...........
Now will it have better pics? Probably not or probably so. For most people it don't matter, but after being in retail when trying to sell a customer the one the camera is its downside cause on PAPER the 4mp camera doesn't sound good at all compared to the other smartphones out in the market. People will buy the mini 2 because of it has higher mp count than the m8. While the m8 blows the mini in other specs that 13MP camera looks a lot better to somebody who doesn't care to have the latest and greatest specs.
While a higher mp count doesn't make a camera phone any better yes, but why bring the same thing to the table for your flagship but have a mid range phone with a better spec camera on paper WHEN it comes to mp count. .
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
903tex said:
but after being in retail when trying to sell a customer the one the camera is its downside cause on PAPER the 4mp camera doesn't sound good at all compared to the other smartphones out in the market. People will buy the mini 2 because of it has higher mp count than the m8.
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Unfortunately, Average Joe is always going to fall for that marketing gimmick of chasing big numbers, without having any real understanding of what they mean. How many times have you seen someone with a fancy, big screen 1080p TV; and the owner just has a standard definition program on it; and not even in the right aspect ratio (so the picture is all stretched out to fill the screen). That kinda crap drives me crazy!
I for one applaud HTC for turning their nose up at the megapixel arms race. Its gotten absurd. I mean seriously, do we really need a smartphone with a 41 MP camera? Of course not (I understand its actually a really good camera, but not because its 41 MP).
903tex said:
While a higher mp count doesn't make a camera phone any better yes, but why bring the same thing to the table for your flagship but have a mid range phone with a better spec camera on paper WHEN it comes to mp count. .
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Click to collapse
That is a really good point. Why push a certain marketing strategy (and one that particularly bucks the trend) for one device, then do nearly the exact opposite for another device.
In any case, I don't think that the Mini 2 will really compete directly with the M8. Price point alone, even the Average Joe Blow is going to know its a flagship versus a "budget" phone. Don't know about the One Mini in particular, but for the most part, any HTC phone aside from the "flagship" tends to sell in extremely low numbers. At least here in the US (don't know about other regions).
redpoint73 said:
Unfortunately, Average Joe is always going to fall for that marketing gimmick of chasing big numbers, without having any real understanding of what they mean. How many times have you seen someone with a fancy, big screen 1080p TV; and the owner just has a standard definition program on it; and not even in the right aspect ratio (so the picture is all stretched out to fill the screen). That kinda crap drives me crazy!
I for one applaud HTC for turning their nose up at the megapixel arms race. Its gotten absurd. I mean seriously, do we really need a smartphone with a 41 MP camera? Of course not (I understand its actually a really good camera, but not because its 41 MP).
That is a really good point. Why push a certain marketing strategy (and one that particularly bucks the trend) for one device, then do nearly the exact opposite for another device.
In any case, I don't think that the Mini 2 will really compete directly with the M8. Price point alone, even the Average Joe Blow is going to know its a flagship versus a "budget" phone. Don't know about the One Mini in particular, but for the most part, any HTC phone aside from the "flagship" tends to sell in extremely low numbers. At least here in the US (don't know about other regions).
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The same reason we need 4k Tv's and 2k screen on smartphones. To keep making them money lol! Exactly why say your not going to follow the trend but all your other phones are right in the trend? Lol but HTC could have tried a little harder for the m8 speaking of the camera of course. The phone is rock solid but don't have these commercials making fun of these mp trends and being different when your other devices join right in with today's trends.
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Some of my favorite shots have come from the camera on my M8. In terms of higher quality, I'm actually looking at the Sony G Lens, since it is supposed to take really nice shots, and is $200 at my local best buy.
Some people such as my self want a phone with camera and some prefer cameras that can be used as a phone.
Sent from my HTC One_M8 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
903tex said:
You can't say that for ALL users. A lot of people don't need a expensive camera to take pics. Especially if you want to use that pic past Facebook etc. All I'm saying is instead of adding a second camera. HTC could have added more to the m8 to help keep it from being the same camera with a second camera. End of the day 4mp camera is a 4mp camera
When I want to use my pics past loading onto social apps. I use my note 3. But if I want to use this pic to upload then yes either my m8 or note 3 will do the job just fine
Sent from my SM-N900A using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
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If I want to use my pics for something worthwhile, I use my Canon EOS.. otherwise I use a crappy phone camera.
lets all cut the crap. the camera is nice on the M8 and i do agree. to a certain degree. mega pixels don't make the camera. but it sucks for details when blowing up pictures or zooming we dont need 20 mp. but i think we should have something alittle higher
daddioj said:
lets all cut the crap. the camera is nice on the M8 and i do agree. to a certain degree. mega pixels don't make the camera. but it sucks for details when blowing up pictures or zooming we dont need 20 mp. but i think we should have something alittle higher
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reviews for the one mini 2 have started surfacing. in ideal conditions it is resolving a lot more detail, by a huge margin. but anything other than ideal and the m8 takes it.
i think the 2.0 pixel size is great and all, but i think we couldve benefited a lot for 1.8 sized pixels and an extra megapixel. that configuration shouldn't lead to a large camera hump.
i'm happy with what i got either way, i do miss the old OIS from my old m7. but whatever, the m8 has proven to be a capable shooter. and my nx300 is always on stand by in case i need a real camera
Any advice on rooting the Mini 2. I receive it tomorrow from carphone warehouse (379sterling.) Has the original Mini gained from official CM11 support thus far?
Any insight on how to root my forthcoming mini 2 and gaining cwm and porting roms would be greatly appreciated.
Does anyone know what phone o could potentially port from for the Mini 2.
How difficult to root and install a custom cwm recovery?
Hello community!
I have just bought the new HTC One Mini 2, it is locked with EE network. It looks like I am unable to get the unlock code anywhere. Do you have any suggestion or advice?
Wrong board
what sucks is having a super light sensitive camera.. while living in Florida. It's always bright unless you paint your windows black.
So what if it has a camera with higher MPs. That doesn't make it a better phone than m8. Unless HTC comes up with a device having the same internals as the m8 but a better camera resolution, I don't see what is there to fuss about.
mindmajick said:
what sucks is having a super light sensitive camera.. while living in Florida. It's always bright unless you paint your windows black.
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Click to collapse
I'm not so sure that having a more sensitive sensor (while better for low light situations) necessarily means that there will be too much light in bright situations. The camera controls the sensitivity (ISO based on the old "film speed" terminology) as well as the aperture (f-stop). It might be that the automatic exposure that the camera is trying to achieve (balance between ISO, aperture and shutter time) is too bright for your local conditions. In which case, you can manually lower the exposure by tapping the 3-top menu button in the camera app, tap EV and lower the exposure value.
redpoint73 said:
I'm not so sure that having a more sensitive sensor (while better for low light situations) necessarily means that there will be too much light in bright situations. The camera controls the sensitivity (ISO based on the old "film speed" terminology) as well as the aperture (f-stop). It might be that the automatic exposure that the camera is trying to achieve (balance between ISO, aperture and shutter time) is too bright for your local conditions. In which case, you can manually lower the exposure by tapping the 3-top menu button in the camera app, tap EV and lower the exposure value.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've messed with all the settings. I appreciate the feedback though...
Unfortunately, if i have any picture with a bright spot from the sun the whole picture gets washed out. Full indoor is fine and full outdoor is fine. But daytime pictures indoors with sun coming in the window- washed out. Granted- if i still lived in Philly (or most parts of the country) i doubt it would be an issue.
mindmajick said:
I've messed with all the settings. I appreciate the feedback though...
Unfortunately, if i have any picture with a bright spot from the sun the whole picture gets washed out. Full indoor is fine and full outdoor is fine. But daytime pictures indoors with sun coming in the window- washed out. Granted- if i still lived in Philly (or most parts of the country) i doubt it would be an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any camera will have issues if there are areas in the frame which are very bright, or spotty lighting (mix of bright and darker spots). Or does it seem worse with the phone? Often forcing the focus to a different spot by tapping the screen helps a lot.

Nexus 6P Night Camera Samples

Thought this relevant since the nexus 5x has the same camera.
This is a comparison to the iphone 6...looks pretty impressive
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/3ogvrg/nexus_6p_vs_iphone_6_low_light_photos/
Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk 2
It looks AMAZING!
Woah - impressive. In fact, I dont think I have ever seen such a definitive improvement with anyone doing a camera side by side comparison as this. Sheesh! I wqonder how much of that is HDR trickery?
I doubt the Nexus 5x will do as well without image stabilization. Unless these were taken on a tripod. Apparently the 810 can handle electronic image stabilization but the 808 processor can't.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...-because-the-snapdragon-808-isnt-fast-enough/
Both have some pretty ugly digital noise in the shadows, but you can see the effect of the larger pixels in the clarity of the detail. In the last pair of photos I see some chromatic aberration in the Nexus that's not there in the Apple, but the shadow detail is still better.
Anyone regret getting the 5x over the 6p now?
SysAdmNj said:
Anyone regret getting the 5x over the 6p now?
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Click to collapse
no, the 6p is too big, I can deal without EIS
danthepan124 said:
no, the 6p is too big, I can deal without EIS
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Click to collapse
Me either. 6P is too big for me too
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G850A using Tapatalk
SysAdmNj said:
Anyone regret getting the 5x over the 6p now?
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Click to collapse
Show me the 5x night camera samples and I will tell you.
Seriously speaking, the camera for these types of shots should be very close to the same for 5x and 6p
Hi
Evo_Shift said:
I doubt the Nexus 5x will do as well without image stabilization. Unless these were taken on a tripod. Apparently the 810 can handle electronic image stabilization but the 808 processor can't.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2015/0...-because-the-snapdragon-808-isnt-fast-enough/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't do EIS when taking a photograph, it only works on video where each frame can be zoomed in and cropped to match up the position of points in the previous frame. EIS on video doesn't remove blur on each individual frame either due to motion, that will still be there resulting in a lowering of overall captured detail, but each frame lines up better with the ones either side resulting in less visible shake making it easier to watch.
What the 6P is likely doing with pictures is taking several in quick succession, then picking the best one based on contrast detection which is easily done in software, and the picture with the most contrast is the best out of the bunch. This helps, it isn't OIS of course, but you get the picture with the least blurring due to motion or shaky hands, this assumes you do manage to capture a shake free photo in the bunch taken of course.
To be fair, OIS in tiny smart phone camera modules struggles to be effective, as there is a limit to how much movement those tiny optics can make and how many axis of movement they can compensate for.
Regards
Phil
PhilipL said:
Hi
You can't do EIS when taking a photograph, it only works on video where each frame can be zoomed in and cropped to match up the position of points in the previous frame. EIS on video doesn't remove blur on each individual frame either due to motion, that will still be there resulting in a lowering of overall captured detail, but each frame lines up better with the ones either side resulting in less visible shake making it easier to watch.
What the 6P is likely doing with pictures is taking several in quick succession, then picking the best one based on contrast detection which is easily done in software, and the picture with the most contrast is the best out of the bunch. This helps, it isn't OIS of course, but you get the picture with the least blurring due to motion or shaky hands, this assumes you do manage to capture a shake free photo in the bunch taken of course.
To be fair, OIS in tiny smart phone camera modules struggles to be effective, as there is a limit to how much movement those tiny optics can make and how many axis of movement they can compensate for.
Regards
Phil
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the info on EIS. I've been wondering how it works. The camera/software picking the best pick is called "lucky shot" internally and I think both phones have it, if I read the AMA correctly. I understand that the phone camera module is tiny, but since it has enlarged pixels, and a camera hump which makes it seem that the module is bigger than normal, perhaps OIS isn't needed as much?
SysAdmNj said:
Anyone regret getting the 5x over the 6p now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, but not because of the camera! I had to cancel my 6P order because monies. 5X a compromise in getting a Nexus but I would have enjoyed the more premium phone a lot more. **** happens. Smaller size is a bonus, though.
Hi
0.0 said:
Thanks for the info on EIS. I've been wondering how it works. The camera/software picking the best pick is called "lucky shot" internally and I think both phones have it, if I read the AMA correctly. I understand that the phone camera module is tiny, but since it has enlarged pixels, and a camera hump which makes it seem that the module is bigger than normal, perhaps OIS isn't needed as much?
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Click to collapse
It's all down to shutter speed really, the faster the shutter speed the less likely any camera shake is noticeable. Generally a shutter speed of 1/30th to 1/60th sec is considered the slowest speed a camera can be handheld reliably without camera shake ruining too many pictures with typical lenses. A wider angle lens can go slower in shutter speed than a zoom lens where avoiding camera shake is concerned. This is because when you are zoomed in, a small tremor from our hands is amplified to be a much bigger movement, something you will notice if using binoculars. So smart phone cameras have an advantage already as they are pretty wide angle lenses.
Outdoors in the daytime shutter speeds are pretty high, high enough that OIS is probably pointless and having no benefit for photography on smartphone cameras. It's still important for video in daylight, that is because video is recording over time, and not a split second instance that freezes the action like a photo with a fast shutter speed.
In dark situations, the larger pixels of the new Nexus are more sensitive, this means the gain can be turned up higher without destroying the picture with noise, resulting in the ability to speed up the shutter speed. This can mean an indoor scene that might need 1/30th second shutter on another camera, on the new Nexus it can be faster and might be set at 1/60th of second, so resisting camera shake. Of course go a bit darker, the new Nexus needs 1/30th of a second now, another camera might need 1/15th second but that has OIS, so shake becomes evident on the Nexus, but is corrected on the other camera. So the advantages of larger pixels only help in a very specific situation, i.e. they aren't making that big a difference.
The above ignores the effect of the flash of course, add in the flash and that helps freeze action anyway plus allows faster shutter speeds.
I think the main difference not having OIS will make is when you are in poor light, perhaps indoors, and want to take a picture close up of something, for example a document to "scan to Google drive" or a 2D barcode, the close up nature is like being zoomed in so blur becomes more evident.
Regards
Phil
PhilipL said:
In dark situations, the larger pixels of the new Nexus are more sensitive, this means the gain can be turned up higher without destroying the picture with noise, resulting in the ability to speed up the shutter speed. This can mean an indoor scene that might need 1/30th second shutter on another camera, on the new Nexus it can be faster and might be set at 1/60th of second, so resisting camera shake. Of course go a bit darker, the new Nexus needs 1/30th of a second now, another camera might need 1/15th second but that has OIS, so shake becomes evident on the Nexus, but is corrected on the other camera. So the advantages of larger pixels only help in a very specific situation, i.e. they aren't making that big a difference.
I think the main difference not having OIS will make is when you are in poor light, perhaps indoors, and want to take a picture close up of something, for example a document to "scan to Google drive" or a 2D barcode, the close up nature is like being zoomed in so blur becomes more evident.
Regards
Phil
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the informative post! I enjoyed reading it.
I was informed that tucking in your elbows to your body when taking a photo or video can help a bit in stabilization. How effective is that? Any other stabilization tips since OIS is gone?
Sent from my Nexus 5
There's already a picture posting thread here....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/nexus-6p/general/post-pictures-nexus-6p-t3213937
One is all we need. :good:
Thread closed.
Darth
Forum Moderator

Why is the front facing camera so awful?

I'm comparing it to my old HTC 10 and the quality is night and day. It's blurry/fuzzy, the colors are washed out. It reminds me of the quality of my old cheap webcam from 10 years ago.
Because you didn't turn off all the skin toning and skin lighting junk that's on by default. I was able to shoot selfies with more detail than any model would ever want to see on themselves so I know it isn't the camera's fault.
CHH2 said:
Because you didn't turn off all the skin toning and skin lighting junk that's on by default. I was able to shoot selfies with more detail than any model would ever want to see on themselves so I know it isn't the camera's fault.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, everything is disabled. It's terrible quality.
Mudig said:
It's terrible quality.
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Click to collapse
My testing and photos say otherwise. Like I said, way more detail in the selfies I've taken than most people who sit for me would ever want to see in a photo. It's not the camera.
Hey, coming from a Nexus 6 ... this is a major improvement.
Okay let's settle this, 5 mp camera is not the best out there, especially compared to iPhone 8's new front facing camera or even Samsung's I guess, although I can only tell based on what I see on internet, as I don't own them. Makes me wonder why it's so hard to create a perfect phone? I mean you did almost everything perfectly right, put a damn 8 mp camera with ois or whatever and hit a home run, why did they choose this front facing camera is beyond my understanding
Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk
Because the reality is that in order to actually see a doubling of resolution, you actually have to quadruple the megapixel count. So to see twice the detail of a 5mp sensor, you would have to use a 20mp sensor. 20mp at selfie cam size would be insane. The cameras that are using 16mp selfie cameras (such as the HTC U11) are actually using the main shooter from the V30. But to squeeze that extra sensor in with OIS would require more room and produce more heat which would cause issues with amp glow on your other sensors. Digital imaging can be a real P.I.T.A. even with dedicated cameras. Cellphone cameras are a miracle that they even produce anything worthwhile. And that's usually due to being conservative in your approach to what hardware you use.
CHH2 said:
Because the reality is that in order to actually see a doubling of resolution, you actually have to quadruple the megapixel count. So to see twice the detail of a 5mp sensor, you would have to use a 20mp sensor. 20mp at selfie cam size would be insane. The cameras that are using 16mp selfie cameras (such as the HTC U11) are actually using the main shooter from the V30. But to squeeze that extra sensor in with OIS would require more room and produce more heat which would cause issues with amp glow on your other sensors. Digital imaging can be a real P.I.T.A. even with dedicated cameras. Cellphone cameras are a miracle that they even produce anything worthwhile. And that's usually due to being conservative in your approach to what hardware you use.
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Thanks! I already learned something interesting today Is that the reason why the Nokia 8 and the HTC U11 have larger bezels as well in order to have enough room to tackle these technical challenges?
emmanuelw said:
Thanks! I already learned something interesting today Is that the reason why the Nokia 8 and the HTC U11 have larger bezels as well in order to have enough room to tackle these technical challenges?
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Click to collapse
Yes, bezels really only exist to hide hardware that they haven't figured out how to downsize or place elsewhere. To get tiny bezels, you have to use tiny camera, earpiece, and proximity sensor hardware or just get rid of them. OIS units make things much bigger as you have to put a ring of motors around the object you're stabilizing. Earpieces/speakers take up a lot of space. I'm guessing Google used the headphone jack space to add more battery and the second speaker, with the second speaker adding more bezel. Proximity sensor is probably the smallest thing in the bezels. Display drivers used to be a big contributor (Moto 360 flat tire was a display driver if I remember right) but with the modern OLED panels they just, er, tuck 'em.
Not passing judgement on the quality of the selfie cam, but I notice that as with the main camera, it too has a "wide angle" setting.
But with only the single camera, necessarily this means that the non-wide setting is digitally zoomed, plus I'd bet there's heavy software correction going on to get rid of all of the wide angle distortion. Perhaps that's asking too much from a 5 MP sensor?
However, I rarely take selfies, and when I do, I'm often trying to squeeze in the other people that are with me, or some scene in the background, so maybe I'll find the native wider angle appealing? Hard to tell in-store with all the florescent lighting.
Mudig said:
No, everything is disabled. It's terrible quality.
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Click to collapse
Agreed, turned all that off too and it still looks like crap.
Maybe find something better looking to shoot? The camera does really well.
CHH2 said:
Maybe find something better looking to shoot? The camera does really well.
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Click to collapse
Lol wow dude is talking about a selfie this guy says find something better to shoot lmao.
I've never taken an awful photo with the front facing V30 camera. I really don't understand how anyone thinks it's awful.
Sent from my LG-H931 using Tapatalk
From my experience, it only does poorly in low light, that is, compared to 2017 flagships. I don't think it's nearly as bad a many claim it is.
If you look at a lot of of comparisons with the between the likes of the note 8, iphone x and pixel 2, it holds up really well. The biggest difference is really between the pixel 2 and pretty much every other flagship front facer, it has by far the best front facing cam on the market by a good margin imo. The v30 front cam can look really good, is just dosen't produce quite as much detail as the others, and maybe lacks in dynamic range a bit.
If you turn on flash in low light, you see better results. It’s not real flash obviously but I’ve been impressed when it gets it right.
maybe youre ugly lol jk

General Galaxy S23 Ultra camera performance

I've had the phone for a couple of days now ant the battery life is stellar but the camera is such a disappointment. Compared with the S22 Ultra it lets in less light and the pictures are overall darker. Same goes for low light pictures, the S22 Ultra is consistently brighter in all scenarios. It reminds me of the difference between my iPhone 13Pro and my S22 Ultra last year the former always capturing more light. To be honest I was expecting the opposite to be true with all the reviewers clamoring about the S23 Ultra's better low life performance and camera overall. I'm really not impressed so far.
Anyone else still in possession of both phones? What's your experience been like? Any suggestions? Did I miss something in the setting? So many questions
Clear cam data, try a hard reboot and clear system cache. Try in safe mode.
Carefully go through -all- the cam settings and options.
Return it if you don't like it for a cash refund.
Are you using the 12 MP default option instead of 200 MP? The 12 MP is said to give the best results on colors and contrast when shooting in low light.
"Binning pixels like this increases their effective size, allowing them to gather more light and detail. So the ISOCELL HP2 can bin every four pixels to effectively make them 1.2μm in size and produce 50-megapixel images, or bin 16 for even larger 2.4μm pixels and 12.5-megapixel images."
blackhawk said:
Clear cam data, try a hard reboot and clear system cache. Try in safe mode.
Carefully go through -all- the cam settings and options.
Return it if you don't like it for a cash refund.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Done. No dice. The camera still lets in less light on the S23U. In the settings I noticed that Camera assistant is missing. Must be a One UI 5.1 thing. Do you also have the S22 and S23 Ultra? Is that the reason for your suggestions? Are you seeing different results?
I'm upgrading from S22U (SnapDragon) to S23U and the few comparison shots I've taken I found that the S23U does capture slightly more detail, but there's not much difference at all. Remember this is the initial firmware for the phone though so the camera performance should hopefully receive some updates over time.
p.dixon0 said:
I'm upgrading from S22U (SnapDragon) to S23U and the few comparison shots I've taken I found that the S23U does capture slightly more detail, but there's not much difference at all. Remember this is the initial firmware for the phone though so the camera performance should hopefully receive some updates over time.
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Click to collapse
For sure. I totally get that. The thing is all the reviewers said that the s23u captured more light and that has yet to materialize for me. They were using the same software. To your point, the software should get better but I feel as though this is a hardware thing. But I'm no expert.
Paul_Deemer said:
Are you using the 12 MP default option instead of 200 MP? The 12 MP is said to give the best results on colors and contrast when shooting in low light.
"Binning pixels like this increases their effective size, allowing them to gather more light and detail. So the ISOCELL HP2 can bin every four pixels to effectively make them 1.2μm in size and produce 50-megapixel images, or bin 16 for even larger 2.4μm pixels and 12.5-megapixel images."
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Click to collapse
If by 12MP you mean 3:4 absolutely. Didn't change anything.
mrnovanova said:
If by 12MP you mean 3:4 absolutely. Didn't change anything.
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Click to collapse
I don't have my phone yet but there is a setting somewhere that you can choose between 200 MP, 50 MP or 12 MP in settings.
mrnovanova said:
Done. No dice. The camera still lets in less light on the S23U. In the settings I noticed that Camera assistant is missing. Must be a One UI 5.1 thing. Do you also have the S22 and S23 Ultra? Is that the reason for your suggestions? Are you seeing different results?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try shooting raws, at least 3 f/stops more exposure and WB correction. Downside is the post processing effort/time required.
The issue may simply be the firmware instruction set. Samsung is notorious for dialing things in after the release. I'm still happily running N10+'s on Pie and Q. I demand a dual drive capable device. I'm not pleased at all by the newer Android versions from Gookill either.
The dead zone between pixels on such a small sensor with such a huge pixel count is concerning as is the individual pixel microlense quality. Even 20mp is pushing it. Canon full frame sensors are maxed out at about 26mp.
Regardless of the camera learning it's capabilities, limitations and shooting effectively within those boundaries is what grabs keepers.
I haven't had issues so far with the camera outputting dark images. I've tried some shots inside at night (with main cam), shots outside, shots with main 12, 50 and 200mp modes, 3x, 10x. So far I'm pretty satisfied and also noticed a huge improvement in processing especially for 3x and 10x outside which, on my s21 ultra, I was always doing those shots with gcam. Now I could actually consider using stock, though I need to test way more extensively to know for sure.
Might help if you provide us with some pictures of the issue you're having, maybe side by side with your s22 if you still have it.
Hello, please update camera software-color are
oversaturated and unreal ( for example Red color
at most), reduce processing and sharpening. My
Samsung Note 10plus has better results! Thanks
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Is it the camera or the display?
Check/compare images on a properly color calibrated monitor... yeah, it's a can of worms.
PhilMorin said:
I haven't had issues so far with the camera outputting dark images. I've tried some shots inside at night (with main cam), shots outside, shots with main 12, 50 and 200mp modes, 3x, 10x. So far I'm pretty satisfied and also noticed a huge improvement in processing especially for 3x and 10x outside which, on my s21 ultra, I was always doing those shots with gcam. Now I could actually consider using stock, though I need to test way more extensively to know for sure.
Might help if you provide us with some pictures of the issue you're having, maybe side by side with your s22 if you still have
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll try tomorrow
PhilMorin said:
iI'll t.
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Click to collapse
mrnovanova said:
I'll try tomorrow
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In low light hold the phone as still as possible.
Use a nearby fixed object to brace it or yourself on when possible.
Using the spen as a remote shutter release will help too.
mrnovanova said:
I'll try tomorrow! This app is so wonky for me. I'll try tomorrow and post the pics.
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Click to collapse
blackhawk said:
In low light hold the phone as still as possible.
Use a nearby fixed object to brace it or yourself on when possible.
Using the spen as a remote shutter release will help too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got a Benro Tripod with a Phone attachment mounted on top. Gonna try that when I get the Ultra Monday doing some dark photos and using the pen as remote shutter release. Will also do same with the S22U before sending it back to Samsung.
PhilMorin said:
I haven't had issues so far with the camera outputting dark images. I've tried some shots inside at night (with main cam), shots outside, shots with main 12, 50 and 200mp modes, 3x, 10x. So far I'm pretty satisfied and also noticed a huge improvement in processing especially for 3x and 10x outside which, on my s21 ultra, I was always doing those shots with gcam. Now I could actually consider using stock, though I need to test way more extensively to know for sure.
Might help if you provide us with some pictures of the issue you're having, maybe side by side with your s22 if you still have it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay I think this worked. I'll let you guess which is which.
Edit: @blackhawk was spot on. They were both from the S22u. I have such a hard time with the app. I re-uploaded the correct pics. Left S23u Right S22u.
Paul_Deemer said:
I got a Benro Tripod with a Phone attachment mounted on top. Gonna try that when I get the Ultra Monday doing some dark photos and using the pen as remote shutter release. Will also do same with the S22U before sending it back to Samsung.
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Click to collapse
I loathe tripods. Learned to improvise and shoot in low light with my Canon Pro cam 15 years ago.
I'll use anything at any height or angle I can reach as a brace; with practice you can land one of a kind keepers no tripod can grab.
Smart phones are poor shooting platforms; light weight so there's little stabilizing inertia and lousy handholds. Poor shutter release and controls. However they lend themselves to bracing well enough. In a case you don't have to worry much about what you brace it on...
The traditional elbows in, wide staggered foot stance, hold your breath works too. Shooting technique counts...
mrnovanova said:
Okay I think this worked. I'll let you guess which is which.
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Click to collapse
Poor example; different shooting heights skews the results. The AF lock on point is also different so the bottle's print is out of focus in the one shot. Light metering and colors look near identical in both.
blackhawk said:
I loathe tripods. Learned to improvise and shoot in low light with my Canon Pro cam 15 years ago.
I'll use anything at any height or angle I can reach as a brace; with practice you can land one of a kind keepers no tripod can grab.
Smart phones are poor shooting platforms; light weight so there's little stabilizing inertia and lousy handholds. Poor shutter release and controls. However they lend themselves to bracing well enough. In a case you don't have to worry much about what you brace it on...
The traditional elbows in, wide staggered foot stance, hold your breath works too. Shooting technique counts...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might work for Photos but not very well for videos especially when you are zooming in 20x. Here's is an example where I have S22U on a tripod and zoom in on a waterfall from across the canyon and pan up and down. No way you gonna do it that smoothly holding it in your hands even braced. So for videos I love the tripod. It's the very lightest one they make and perfect for cell phones or light cameras. Change YouTube resolution to 1080p for best viewing.

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