Database Users

Need camera input from someone knowledgeable

The notes camera is by far the best I've had on a phone. There are plenty of camera apps out there that supposedly improves the camera. I'm no camera expert so I need input from someone who is. Do any of these apps really improve the camera or just add effects?
The ones I've heard are the best are camera 360 and vignette. Anyway, input will be appreciated
Thanks guys
Sent from da BEST

NOW IS SURE...there are somecamera HARDWARE fault component on Note ....
veeeeeeeery few...but we are .....
no good focus...no decent quality....
the problem is of few of us.....so...it does NOT exist,....
i am sorry....

I know some had issues but I was curious if any apps were worth getting
From the Best : Galaxy Note

Just plain NO, I've tried them all the stock is the best but not sharp enough.

Depends on what you want to do.
If you are looking for effects:
1. Camera 360 : it's free now, so do try, only it will not scale up to the screen size and may crash half the time, check color-shift and tikt-shift effects
2. Picsay: this is not a camera app, but has more effects than any camera app out there
If you are looking for features:
1. Photaf Panorama
2. Time lapse for Android
Most camera apps are crappy and only apply post-process filters.

Stock camera is very good.
If you need some extra features 360 camera, and for HDR photo - HDR Camera+.

What exactly is hdr?
From the Best : Galaxy Note

Just search for High dynamic range imaging in Wikipedia (I can't post links yet) Basically it makes pictures more lifelike by shooting several and combining them in a way that makes the dark areas dark and the bright areas bright.
I'd like to know if someone has Camera 360 working properly? I was using it for several days without any problems and then suddenly it started crashing if the phone is in portrait mode or not running in full screen in landscape mode.

Stock camera is the best for all tasks.

SsTE said:
Just search for High dynamic range imaging in Wikipedia (I can't post links yet) Basically it makes pictures more lifelike by shooting several and combining them in a way that makes the dark areas dark and the bright areas bright.
I'd like to know if someone has Camera 360 working properly? I was using it for several days without any problems and then suddenly it started crashing if the phone is in portrait mode or not running in full screen in landscape mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean it ever did run fullscreen on note?

Is it just my Z2 or is camera focus a problem.

I love the camera on the Z2... when it focuses properly.
I've never had such a bad phone at focussing!
I also get the odd shot that's over processed into a mush but that's another story and something all mobile cameras can do on occasions.
Went to my eldest's first nativity play today and tried to film it, end result the back of people's heads in front of us were in focus but the kids on stage?
Nah they were a blurry mess.
It's not just the constant focus seeking for no reason in videos that annoys me either.
With stills, generally it's 50/50 if I get a focussed shot or not.
When I do the results are fantastic (as long as you use manual white balance)
Half the time the camera doesn't focus properly with touch focus or doesn't focus where you want it.
If I just try infinity focus and let the camera sort itself out I get a few pictures that the camera focuses on nothing, the entire shot is out of focus.
Never had these problems with the M8, Note2, GS2 that preceded my Z2 so I don't think it's me.
I know that the Z2 has focus problems in less than brilliant light which doesn't help (unlike the M8) but it's making my mobile photography pretty hit and miss.
Unfortunately the shot often looks fine on the phone but when viewed on a large PC monitor it's obvious the shot is useless.
It's seriously making me consider leaving the Sony stable in the next generation next year which would be a real shame because the phone itself is the best Android out there for me at the moment.
Sony really have to sort out their camera processing, if Apple can do it with a Sony lens there should be no excuse for Sony.
Either it's just a Sony thing or my phone is faulty but like I said some of the pictures I take have stellar focus and colour balance but on the whole... not.
Sorry just needed to vent some frustration!

First of all this must be moved to Q & A threat,second - After the 4.4.4 update the Superior auto mode is even crappier then 4.4.2,so if you make your photos that way...its normal.Try playing with the Manual mode with 20mpxls and if you want a full focused picture - go with Multifocus mode and Multi metering,and ofcourse this is just the beginning.If you still experience those kind of focus problems see if ur camera glass antireflection coating is not removed. / scratched/ (the glass itself is not scratched.) If so - give it to sony centre for repair. You can check when putting the glass on bright light.

effective said:
First of all this must be moved to Q & A threat,second - After the 4.4.4 update the Superior auto mode is even crappier then 4.4.2,so if you make your photos that way...its normal.Try playing with the Manual mode with 20mpxls and if you want a full focused picture - go with Multifocus mode and Multi metering,and ofcourse this is just the beginning.If you still experience those kind of focus problems see if ur camera glass antireflection coating is not removed. / scratched/ (the glass itself is not scratched.) If so - give it to sony centre for repair. You can check when putting the glass on bright light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, for the advice.
I must admit I have started using Manual mode more often than Auto now because under artificial light all the auto shots turn out orange and over processed.
I'll try Multifocus and metering now.

kibbster said:
Thanks, for the advice.
I must admit I have started using Manual mode more often than Auto now because under artificial light all the auto shots turn out orange and over processed.
I'll try Multifocus and metering now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to configure the focus tô touch or center,may solve you problems .

FrosteezBR said:
Try to configure the focus tô touch or center,may solve you problems .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, touch focus is ropy as hell on this phone, often it won't actually focus where I want it to, and if it does often it'll focus on a pin point area and blur everything else.

kibbster said:
I love the camera on the Z2... when it focuses properly.
I've never had such a bad phone at focussing!
I also get the odd shot that's over processed into a mush but that's another story and something all mobile cameras can do on occasions.
Went to my eldest's first nativity play today and tried to film it, end result the back of people's heads in front of us were in focus but the kids on stage?
Nah they were a blurry mess.
It's not just the constant focus seeking for no reason in videos that annoys me either.
With stills, generally it's 50/50 if I get a focussed shot or not.
When I do the results are fantastic (as long as you use manual white balance)
Half the time the camera doesn't focus properly with touch focus or doesn't focus where you want it.
If I just try infinity focus and let the camera sort itself out I get a few pictures that the camera focuses on nothing, the entire shot is out of focus.
Never had these problems with the M8, Note2, GS2 that preceded my Z2 so I don't think it's me.
I know that the Z2 has focus problems in less than brilliant light which doesn't help (unlike the M8) but it's making my mobile photography pretty hit and miss.
Unfortunately the shot often looks fine on the phone but when viewed on a large PC monitor it's obvious the shot is useless.
It's seriously making me consider leaving the Sony stable in the next generation next year which would be a real shame because the phone itself is the best Android out there for me at the moment.
Sony really have to sort out their camera processing, if Apple can do it with a Sony lens there should be no excuse for Sony.
Either it's just a Sony thing or my phone is faulty but like I said some of the pictures I take have stellar focus and colour balance but on the whole... not.
Sorry just needed to vent some frustration!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same issue. Touch focus for video is useless and it takes forever to track into focus even when looking at sharp edges and keeping still. Google Camera does MUCH better but no 4K video or 60 fps.

sam_conrad said:
I have the same issue. Touch focus for video is useless and it takes forever to track into focus even when looking at sharp edges and keeping still. Google Camera does MUCH better but no 4K video or 60 fps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may try a different camera then.
I don't use 4k or 60fps usually so probably no loss there.
Thanks.

sam_conrad said:
I have the same issue. Touch focus for video is useless and it takes forever to track into focus even when looking at sharp edges and keeping still. Google Camera does MUCH better but no 4K video or 60 fps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the tip!
Been playing with Google camera today and I've got to say it's far more accurate for focus than the stock app!
HDR in Google camera works better than stock as well, although it's slow.
Shame I can't override the default camera button behaviour because the hardware button is a handy way to get into the camera quickly.

kibbster said:
Thanks for the tip!
Been playing with Google camera today and I've got to say it's far more accurate for focus than the stock app!
HDR in Google camera works better than stock as well, although it's slow.
Shame I can't override the default camera button behaviour because the hardware button is a handy way to get into the camera quickly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HDR in Google Camera used to be exclusive to Nexus devices but Google opened it up in the last few updates. It also does HDR at 20.7 MP but Google Camera lacks extended options like ISO speed control and such.
I switch between manual mode in the Sony app and Google Camera depending on the situation. For videos, the Google Camera app definitely wins in focus speed and accuracy. The software developers and engineers at Sony really need to get on the same page!

sam_conrad said:
HDR in Google Camera used to be exclusive to Nexus devices but Google opened it up in the last few updates. It also does HDR at 20.7 MP but Google Camera lacks extended options like ISO speed control and such.
I switch between manual mode in the Sony app and Google Camera depending on the situation. For videos, the Google Camera app definitely wins in focus speed and accuracy. The software developers and engineers at Sony really need to get on the same page!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The only shame with Google cam video is it doesn't have the steady shot that Sony camera does.
I guess the lack of constant focus shifting makes up for that though.
Oh and there's no doubt Sony's software engineers are the cause of most of the camera issues and need to sort it out!

Nexus 6 Ultimate 4K Video Test

Change to 4K/2160p in Quality Settings! The only real compression is on youtube's side. And I will say I see a little better quality on my Master File than on youtube.
I decided to test the 4k video recording on the Nexus 6 by shooting my entire vacation with it. I've compiled a recap video showcasing the camera's abilities.
-There conditions recorded in are: high light, low light, sunny, overcast, indoors and outdoors, etc.
-I've zoomed in a few times and moved the phone to force refocus in a few clips.
-There has been NO post editing to the footage such as color correction, cropping, stabilizing, etc.
-Crossfading, fade to black, muting of audio, and title overlays are the only alterations made to compile this video
ENJOY!

Looks like OIS keeps making things a bit juttery and focusing in and out at times.

knitler said:
Looks like OIS keeps making things a bit juttery and focusing in and out at times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes Google camera does that. Same on nexus 5

rootSU said:
Yes Google camera does that. Same on nexus 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does using another camera app prevent it?

knitler said:
Does using another camera app prevent it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've never tried. I doubt it

Then it's a hardware issue I assume.

knitler said:
Then it's a hardware issue I assume.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No... But 3rd party cameras are not a complete solution. They use the existing libs and camera HAL etc, which is software.
But you can try it, who knows?

i need to look around to see if there are any apps that lock focus.
That would come in handy

Robert_W said:
i need to look around to see if there are any apps that lock focus.
That would come in handy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try with Cinema FV-5

I watched the whole thing before realizing my monitor at work isn't 4K
nice video - I'll have to watch it later at home to really see the quality. The focusing issue sucks and is really pronounced on this phone, I wonder if L Camera is any better at it.

springer.music said:
Try with Cinema FV-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have that app in my wish list. Gotta do some more research to see if it offers what I want. I prefer simplicity like the stock app is designed, but I don't think google will ever include these especiall features.. Including 60/120/240 fps.

springer.music said:
Try with Cinema FV-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
camera focus doesnt seem to be an issue with cinema fv-5. pretty sure its an android issue as my nexus 5 had the same problem (as mentioned above). anyway i just shot a few minutes of 4k video w cinema fv-5 and i dont see any re-focusing nonsense going on

rman18 said:
I watched the whole thing before realizing my monitor at work isn't 4K
nice video - I'll have to watch it later at home to really see the quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you get to watch it in all its glory? Lol

Cinema FV-5 seems to fix the constant jittery focus issue. Wish I make this video test in that app instead

Manual Camera is, by far, the most feature-packed camera app for the Nexus 6. Full support with the new camera API's too ?

StrizzMatik said:
Manual Camera is, by far, the most feature-packed camera app for the Nexus 6. Full support with the new camera API's too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fv5 supports the new apis as well. i read manual camera has issues. like you can't zoom and theres no way to switch between front and rear cameras...
but on topic, does manual camera support video recording?

indianajonze said:
fv5 supports the new apis as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope they add 60/120 fps soon. That's the only camera feature I really want

Open camera supports everything people!!!! Just downloaded it and is now my default camera!!!! It support all resolutions for stills and recording, shows amount of memory left in real time, and a lot of other things and you get really check the options for a lot and best part of all its open source!!! So always free and never ad filled, I think Google should have hired this guy to make their camera app!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sourceforge.opencamera
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

I started watching the video on my phone, then decided to stream it to my 42 inch flat screen tv to check out the quality on a larger scale, and then realized my 42 inch TV is lower resolution than my phone as a result. lol!
i was recently looking around for other camera apps so as to see how the device's ability to shoot in RAW compares to various cameras. I was considering trying FV5 but was checking out the free alternatives first.
I tried L Camera, which did let me adjust ISO, white balance, and so on, but it had some pretty major issues that need to be worked out still.
While I haven't tried FV5 yet (so I can't say much about that app specifically) I just tried out Open Camera (the above post caused me to remember it showing up in the app store several times while I was browsing) and wowee it's actually really good so far. Only one bug so far that I've encountered and it's very minor. The customization and various settings are really well thought out.
It says it can do 60/120 fps with a disclaimer that it may not always reach the designated fps if the hardware doesn't support it..so maybe?
auto-focus seemed quite a bit faster compared to google's stock camera app and it's much easier to adjust the lighting quickly than any other camera apps I've tried so far.
Right now the only thing I can really find "wrong" with it is the overall design and layout of the app, but it's not poorly designed at all.
I'll be using Open Camera as my default camera app until a major flaw presents itself or google amps up it's own app to compete. Very pleasantly surprised so far.

Robert_W said:
Change to 4K/2160p in Quality Settings! The only real compression is on youtube's side. And I will say I see a little better quality on my Master File than on youtube.
I decided to test the 4k video recording on the Nexus 6 by shooting my entire vacation with it. I've compiled a recap video showcasing the camera's abilities.
-There conditions recorded in are: high light, low light, sunny, overcast, indoors and outdoors, etc.
-I've zoomed in a few times and moved the phone to force refocus in a few clips.
-There has been NO post editing to the footage such as color correction, cropping, stabilizing, etc.
-Crossfading, fade to black, muting of audio, and title overlays are the only alterations made to compile this video
ENJOY!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome video and very helpful. Thank you.

Which camera app?

Just got the phone today and I'm really enjoying it. Camera seems to take pretty decent photos, I'm just not liking the UI of the stock app itself. What are you guys using?

cas239 said:
Just got the phone today and I'm really enjoying it. Camera seems to take pretty decent photos, I'm just not liking the UI of the stock app itself. What are you guys using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock.
If you use another camera, it won't work with the Moto wrist flick action.

Darnell_Chat_TN said:
Stock.
If you use another camera, it won't work with the Moto wrist flick action.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea, I figured as much. I can almost live without that though. Coming from a Note 4 and i'm used to touch to focus.

cas239 said:
Yea, I figured as much. I can almost live without that though. Coming from a Note 4 and i'm used to touch to focus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Moto camera app has touch to focus. You just have to turn off the auto focus..

I'm trying to live with the Moto camera app....I also like it for the barcode scanner...... But, I found the HTC One camera app here on XDA. I've used that app for the last 3 years and have always wished it was available for other phones. It's in the Android apps and games section (here's the link to the thread): http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/themes-apps/mod-htc-one-m9-camera-gallery-t3143538 I like the gallery too.
I've also tried MANY other cameras and the one I like the best so far, and it's new, is: ProShot
I also like Camera FV-5..... I just purchased it today. The 3.0 update that's coming out looks pretty good, that's why I got it now. I don't like the 21mp ratio aspect and if you change it, it takes off 5mp, but we'll see what happens?
Also like: A Better Camera - pretty good, but don't like the UI
AZ Camera - Manual Pro Cam - Just tried it this week, seems ok for a freebie
Open Camera - This one really impressed me for a free camera
Snap Camera - Looks like an upgrade to Open Camera, but I have some "touch" issues with it from time to time
Cameringo+ Effects camera - It has great reviews and 4.6 stars, but I just didn't like the UI either.
CameraMX - Pretty good for a freebie too
Google Camera - It's Google Camera Not much more to say
I plan on messing around with Camera FV-5 tonight to get a better feel for it......But I'll probably always use the Moto camera for the ease of access to it.

Thanks for the suggestions. Do any one of the cemera apps you mentioned allow users to manually set e.g. ISO? (I don't own a MXPE yet so I can't test this myself)
tele_jas said:
I'm trying to live with the Moto camera app....I also like it for the barcode scanner...... But, I found the HTC One camera app here on XDA. I've used that app for the last 3 years and have always wished it was available for other phones. It's in the Android apps and games section (here's the link to the thread): http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s4/themes-apps/mod-htc-one-m9-camera-gallery-t3143538 I like the gallery too.
I've also tried MANY other cameras and the one I like the best so far, and it's new, is: ProShot
I also like Camera FV-5..... I just purchased it today. The 3.0 update that's coming out looks pretty good, that's why I got it now. I don't like the 21mp ratio aspect and if you change it, it takes off 5mp, but we'll see what happens?
Also like: A Better Camera - pretty good, but don't like the UI
AZ Camera - Manual Pro Cam - Just tried it this week, seems ok for a freebie
Open Camera - This one really impressed me for a free camera
Snap Camera - Looks like an upgrade to Open Camera, but I have some "touch" issues with it from time to time
Cameringo+ Effects camera - It has great reviews and 4.6 stars, but I just didn't like the UI either.
CameraMX - Pretty good for a freebie too
Google Camera - It's Google Camera Not much more to say
I plan on messing around with Camera FV-5 tonight to get a better feel for it......But I'll probably always use the Moto camera for the ease of access to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

case-sensitive said:
Thanks for the suggestions. Do any one of the cemera apps you mentioned allow users to manually set e.g. ISO? (I don't own a MXPE yet so I can't test this myself)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, most of those do.
The Camera FV-5 and Cameringo+ are capable of being almost fully manual. The ProShot has several of those too and the HTC camera even has several manual settings. Not sure about the others, I didn't explore them that much? Pretty sure they'll say in the description? If you get it narrowed down or need more specific info, I can *try* to help by downloading (one I own) and trying something with it? I'm a little restricted on time later this week, headed to St Louis for a business meeting (and Cardinal's game).

Are any of these apps able to shoot 720p in 120 fps? In the other cameras I have tried, I get a pop-up saying fps over thirty isn't supported even on 720p

tele_jas said:
Yeah, most of those do.
The Camera FV-5 and Cameringo+ are capable of being almost fully manual. The ProShot has several of those too and the HTC camera even has several manual settings. Not sure about the others, I didn't explore them that much? Pretty sure they'll say in the description? If you get it narrowed down or need more specific info, I can *try* to help by downloading (one I own) and trying something with it? I'm a little restricted on time later this week, headed to St Louis for a business meeting (and Cardinal's game).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! When you get a chance, could you use one of these apps to take a couple of photos in low light setting, and see if manually setting the ISO and/or (probably and?!) extending the exposure time would improve the camera's low light performance (without flash)? You probably need a (very?) steady hand
THANKS!

case-sensitive said:
Thanks! When you get a chance, could you use one of these apps to take a couple of photos in low light setting, and see if manually setting the ISO and/or (probably and?!) extending the exposure time would improve the camera's low light performance (without flash)? You probably need a (very?) steady hand
THANKS!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I had a few minuted today, so here's the setup..... I play in a band (just a weekend thing), so I went into my music room (aka, my bedroom) and turned off the light, but left the door half-way open and the hall light on... I then took some pics of my gear.
I snapped several pictures using 4 different apps.... There was almost no difference with any of the apps vs the Moto camera as far as quality goes. One disappointing thing, when I tried to change the ISO, 3 of the 4 apps crashed and the 4th didn't allow me to click on the different speeds?? It's almost like the ISO is locked to auto? They all offered a "night mode" which made it brighter, but added quite a bit of noise. There was also an exposure compensation that brightened up the image, but basically did the same thing as night mode and added noise.
I didn't post any of the images, since there was no difference and it wasn't the best of settings. I'll try to get some better testing this evening and see if I get anything worth posting?

The stock camera sucks, because it doesn't have different pic sizes. Only 16m for 4:3 or 21m on 16:9. Witch results in huge file sizes. I take a lot of pics for work and 2m is big enough. The lack of options is weird.

I have tried a bunch of camera apps with this phone.
Stock camera .....very poor quality compared to other apps.
These are the best (not in order):
Snap camera ...takes great pictures, probably the best of the three with the right settings ..... but currently buggy though with this phone ...auto-focus is not that sharp in low light, touch to capture works great and takes sharp focused pictures but is buggy (you often have to double tap to capture, but if you can live with that until it's fixed..) and also the video mode doesn't currently work
Camera FV-5 ....very good quality pics, sharp, detailed, on par with snap, no bugs found
Open Camera ....Very good quality pics, auto focus works best of all the apps, or on par with Camera FV-5 ...no bugs found ....video mode works ....and it's free

Does this app like snap camera or open camera drain more battery than stock caméra ?

Took this one last night at the St Louis Cardinals game.. The post game fireworks.. Not too bad for stock, set on automatic.

Darnell_Chat_TN said:
Stock.
If you use another camera, it won't work with the Moto wrist flick action.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock is ok but wow does the files really have to be so large. Kinda stupid. You don't have enough control to change picture size before taking a pic. Most of the time I am just emailing and texting pics you don't need a 7MB pic for that.

Anyone using Proshot?

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riseupgames.proshot2
I'm interested in manual setting for the camera apps. Anyone tried proshot on their 6p? How is it? any problems? limitation?
What camera apps are you using?
Thanks

check this review, it seems pretty good
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRRFn12XP5Y

Hi! I'm the dev of ProShot. Feel free to ask any questions
To answer yours:
1) No limitations (except for exposure compensation, Google sadly removed that from the Nexus line earlier this year)
2) Working on a bug fix for the upside-down-oriented image sensor. Hope to have that live by the end of the day

I've been using it since it was featured on phonearena. Its a nice full featured app. I just don't think the 6p camera has lived up to the hype for me.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

i downloaded the demo, looks pretty neat. Much more easier to use than Manual Camera. Planning to buy soon!

Hi,
Is there a way to lock the white balance and the focus? Cause I found a little bit annoying when the app is changing the WB all the time during the capturing process.
Thanks!

I have it, but wish there was HDR. Without it I don't use it since it makes a big difference.

No, HDR on Proshot?

Well I hope not.
Leave HDR and any such post processing for Lightroom,CaptureOne,Darktable,Aftershot, (maybe even the not-so-optimal Photoshop) etc... the source file for those programs should be as clean as possible second to the data that went out from the camera sensor. Thats the whole point of any RAW format, that it leaves room for more post processing.
If you need to do instant HDR within there are plenty of apps that does all the "cooking" into a fine ready-to-go JPEG.
Anyway, would be nice to se a sale campaign on this, I just fell on this thread accidentally.

how to quick reset?