Galaxy S3 Camera - Galaxy S III General (US Carriers)

I've heard that the S2 and the S3 have the exact same 8mp camera and 1080p video camera, just slightly different software on the S3. Now I just got my S3 today and I have taken multiple photos and videos and can tell a noticeable difference in quality on my S3. The pictures are much more vivid, vibrant and clear, along with the 1080p video camera. Any opinions or thoughts/input would greatly appreciated.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA

The sensor is not quite the same. It is BSI, meaning it will take better night time pictures. The lens is a bit wider, better aperture. It's not a whole lot, but as a GS2 owner, I can tell the pictures on the GS3 look much better than the GS2, especially shots where there is less light. It's like the best camera shots on the GS2 are consistently on the GS3, no matter what the situation. Noise seems to be a whole lot less too, or at least to me. The most apparent change is color saturation. whereas the GS2 had a drab and sometimes bluish color palette, the GS3 looks much more vivid and enticing. It's not realistic by any means, but neither was the GS2 with its drab colors. I'd take some saturation over that drabness any day. Then of course the super fast capture speeds and burst shots and picture taking while video-ing. Yeah there aren't any other flagship phones that take such good pictures so consistently. The iPhone is its closest rival. The One X and Lumia definitely no. Pureview doesn't really count since its not exactly mainstream.
What Samsung has took a step back in, however, is the audio recording. It distorts a lot and has little bass compared to the GS2. It's not even a hardware limitation. They just decided it would sound better if they crippled it. Too much Korean weed in their tea that day.

I gotcha. But even during today when the sun was the brightest outside I took multiple photos and they still looked extremely better than the S2 day shots...
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA

camera shot quality blew me away, I took some at night with & without flash and they look just amazing. I thought my one S had great looking shots but the S3 blew it away entirely. The one S had saturation issue, also videos look nice and crisp on the S3. I'm very happy with the results
Sent from my S3 using xda premium

Agreed.
Sent from my SGH-T999 using XDA

The only problem is that you need steady hands. This thing is designed to focus very quickly, so if your hands shake, it may fail to focus properly. This results in an unusually high percentage of out of focus shots.

Shutter sound
Anybody take the stock camera APK and remove the shutter sound yet? I've searched for this for days. I'd do it myself if I knew how to find the camera source and mod it and APK it again... I'm trying!

Even if it was the exact same camera, viewing it on the gs3 will look better regardless. The screen is better therefore it will look better even if it was the same camera. I'm not saying it is.

NeoDude007 said:
Anybody take the stock camera APK and remove the shutter sound yet? I've searched for this for days. I'd do it myself if I knew how to find the camera source and mod it and APK it again... I'm trying!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's actually much easier than that (or harder, depending on where you are coming from). The camera shutter is a file outside the apk, "/system/media/audio/ui/camera_click.ogg", that you can simply rename to eliminate the sound (so that the camera application won't find it).
There is also the approach of editing the build.prop file (I think the field is ro.media.capture.shuttertone).
Either way, you'll need root.
Stupid laws...

Voltage Spike said:
It's actually much easier than that (or harder, depending on where you are coming from). The camera shutter is a file outside the apk, "/system/media/audio/ui/camera_click.ogg", that you can simply rename to eliminate the sound (so that the camera application won't find it).
There is also the approach of editing the build.prop file (I think the field is ro.media.capture.shuttertone).
Either way, you'll need root.
Stupid laws...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a TON. The file seems to be called Shutter.ogg. I made it lolShutter.ogg and it works now for sure!! w0000t
Ignore below this line!! fixed it.
Thanks that! I think you're on to it but it didn't work for some reason. I think the camera was silent for like 1 picture then all the sudden it made sound again. I got root explorer and renamed the file (putting an "lol") inside the file name instead of deleting or renaming the extension. Any other ideas? I'm gonna try to tinker more. The reason I wanted to mod the APK was to simply remove the line of code that triggers the sound anyways. I understand your way is easier but it is not working, yet!

I can honestly say the gs3 had the better camera. Not by alot but the difference is very noticeable.
sent from my GALAXY SIII

NeoDude007 said:
Anybody take the stock camera APK and remove the shutter sound yet? I've searched for this for days. I'd do it myself if I knew how to find the camera source and mod it and APK it again... I'm trying!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you look under settings near the bottom you can see an option "Shutter Sound" and you get the option of turning it on or off.

Related

Is THIS really all the camera is capable of?!?

Or is mine bad?!? Seriously, is no one else getting this problem with blown highlights and over-exposure, or are y'all accepting it? I bought this phone for its "superior camera" and while yes it can take pictures in low light I was not willing to give up taking good pictures in good lighting >8(
I installed Android Revolution 8, then 9, to get the "updated" camera- stock kernel, Dev. Ed.
Attached photo taken with stock camera with auto settings, no custom settings, no hdr (though that has been disappointing as well). Oh and white balance was about 5-800 Kelvin too yellow as well... (sigh)
So do I send it back to get cameras as good as everyone else's or start watching the Sony rumors again? Because my 18 month old Galaxy Note could get this picture right...
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
The camera is awesome, its just you have to play around with the settings. Cange the sharpness to -1 and contrast to +1 for day light pictures. Also focus manually before taking pics.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using XDA Premium HD app
What were u expecting from a phone camera?
If you want realy good pictures you need to buy a good standalone camera..
The time isnt still there (and will be for along time) before phone cameras can compete with good standalone cameras...
I also find the camera disappointing. I love the software features like Zoe, but I personally can't rely on this camera to quickly capture a good picture. And I don't think the low light performance is very good either.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Those pictures do not look nearly as good as pictures I have taken with mine,using stock settings. Here's a couple for example. The pictures look a lot better in original format as well in full resolution.
Sent from my HTC One using xda premium
I love this camera, it lacks the raw specs but it manages to capture those special moments very well, better than even a camera.
The camera has impressed me so far, especially the speed and the amazing colours.
Completely stock trickdroid settings for camera here
@jeeptrash love your cat
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 4 Beta
My camera is working fine too
it's not perfect but it works
john291 said:
What were u expecting from a phone camera?
If you want realy good pictures you need to buy a good standalone camera..
The time isnt still there (and will be for along time) before phone cameras can compete with good standalone cameras...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
John, my expectations are to not move BACKWARD in quality. Trust me I carry my X100 half the time, but the other half this phone was supposed to fill in and it doesn't cut it.
It's your phone also blowing highlights and having white balance problems? I'm trying to understand if this behavior is typical or not.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
The overexposure thing is a little annoying it's true. HDR mode seems to recover lost shadow detail but doesn't seem to help with blown-out highlights.
Setting contrast to +1 is definitely *not* going to help it.
When you know there will be difficult highlights, setting exposure to -1 in normal non-HDR mode seems like the only response. Not ideal I know. Especially when making such a simple, temporary adjustment requires a lot of fiddling around with menus.
Yep, been playin with my camera all day, had no work in. Found the adjustment settings werent fine enough - swung too much one way or the other on +/- 1.
And indoor pictures where theres any daylight showing (doors/windows etc) caused the images to be washed out, even when focused on the lightest part first.
I think the hardware is fine, just some software improvements are needed. So its not all bad.
davedigerati said:
John, my expectations are to not move BACKWARD in quality. Trust me I carry my X100 half the time, but the other half this phone was supposed to fill in and it doesn't cut it.
It's your phone also blowing highlights and having white balance problems? I'm trying to understand if this behavior is typical or not.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello yes it have the white balance problems sometimes..
I think they need to finetune the software better..
But it can also make some nice pictures too...
But a fine tuned software would be great..
---------- Post added at 10:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:07 PM ----------
davedigerati said:
John, my expectations are to not move BACKWARD in quality. Trust me I carry my X100 half the time, but the other half this phone was supposed to fill in and it doesn't cut it.
It's your phone also blowing highlights and having white balance problems? I'm trying to understand if this behavior is typical or not.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
By the way this was a simple picture i took out of my window..
Here i like the shadow detail and the natural look of it..
The camera does over expose yes. If you want an easy to use camera. Get the S4/iPhone 5.
Can you control, ISO, shutter speed, Exposure compensation?
Turn ISO off automatic and set it to like 50
Terrorantula said:
Can you control, ISO, shutter speed, Exposure compensation?
Turn ISO off automatic and set it to like 50
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can control iso but you cant get below 100..
The shutter speed cant be controlled manual..
The exposure can be set.
Terrorantula said:
Can you control, ISO, shutter speed, Exposure compensation?
Turn ISO off automatic and set it to like 50
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ISO & exposure yes, you can, and even better if you want to monkey with settings for every shot I recommend FV-5 which I use frequently
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...NvbS5mbGF2aW9uZXQuYW5kcm9pZC5jYW1lcmEucHJvIl0.
The point of my post though is not to find workarounds but to see if this is COMMON, or my camera chip has issues.
I'm puzzled by the lack of complaints out there and feel like the photo I posted was a good example of average sunny day conditions, done badly. Indoors, low light, we're fine, it's the sunny days that are the issue.
Everyone quiet means either
a) everyone is accepting poor quality sunny day photos
b) my camera has issues and everyone else's is fine
c) everyone is feeling a little bit bad that the camera they were promised would offer 'a great leap in the quality of point-and-shoot photos and video' (http://www.htc.com/www/zoe/) frankly isn't, and reluctant to say so, or
d) other?
So everyone shooting sunny day pics please chime, in I appreciate your input- if your pics are coming out great without clipping I'll start the RMA process, or if yours are getting blown I'll fire up the angry fan-boi machine and pester every HTC channel I can hit with requests for a camera update.
Cheers,
Dave
The latter option.
I second, go for the latter
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
davedigerati said:
ISO & exposure yes, you can, and even better if you want to monkey with settings for every shot I recommend FV-5 which I use frequently
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...NvbS5mbGF2aW9uZXQuYW5kcm9pZC5jYW1lcmEucHJvIl0.
The point of my post though is not to find workarounds but to see if this is COMMON, or my camera chip has issues.
I'm puzzled by the lack of complaints out there and feel like the photo I posted was a good example of average sunny day conditions, done badly. Indoors, low light, we're fine, it's the sunny days that are the issue.
Everyone quiet means either
a) everyone is accepting poor quality sunny day photos
b) my camera has issues and everyone else's is fine
c) everyone is feeling a little bit bad that the camera they were promised would offer 'a great leap in the quality of point-and-shoot photos and video' (http://www.htc.com/www/zoe/) frankly isn't, and reluctant to say so, or
d) other?
So everyone shooting sunny day pics please chime, in I appreciate your input- if your pics are coming out great without clipping I'll start the RMA process, or if yours are getting blown I'll fire up the angry fan-boi machine and pester every HTC channel I can hit with requests for a camera update.
Cheers,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have posted few times in this forum about disappointing camera or my expectation is too high. Maybe the next HTC software update would fix them. I like the speakers though which is undeniable to be the best.
Camera is superb.
But it's not all things to all men. If you prepared to fanny around with lighting, settings, angles etc for a photo, and expect a high res masterpiece, this isn't your bag. If you want a point and shoot camera which takes nr unbeatable pictures quickly, then this is it.
Mega bright lights will screw any photo up. Your picture is remarkable given the phone was able to cope at all.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2

[Q] So about the camera...

We all know the the N4 camera is not the best, so i was just wondering if y'all have made any modifications to make the camera better? If you have can you please share. Thanks.
There are a few popular paid cameras that are supposed to be quite good. I've always been content with CM's camera (not Focal). Seems to take pictures MUCH quicker
its a camera phone, of course its not the best camera. but if you know how to use a camera, the nexus 4 does really well, using the stock camera app. check out the post your photos thread in the general section. but if you have only the basic knowledge of how to get around a camera, then i can see someone calling it inadequate. the n4 cam just needs a little more knowledge to adjust it how you need it for that certain photo, using all the settings.
simms22 said:
its a camera phone, of course its not the best camera. but if you know how to use a camera, the nexus 4 does really well, using the stock camera app. check out the post your photos thread in the general section. but if you have only the basic knowledge of how to get around a camera, then i can see someone calling it inadequate. the n4 cam just needs a little more knowledge to adjust it how you need it for that certain photo, using all the settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Heh, chill. I agree that if used the right way it can take good photos. All I was asking for is if there was a way to make the process faster and up to standard of the other "Camera phones"as you put it.
rockstarindian1 said:
Heh, chill.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol
i was just saying that i like really the camera. and that it gets put down without a real reason, because its being compared it to cameras from phones that cost $600+. its actually a decent camera, especially for the price of the phone. someones got to stick up for it :angel:
ziddey said:
There are a few popular paid cameras that are supposed to be quite good. I've always been content with CM's camera (not Focal). Seems to take pictures MUCH quicker
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honestly I tried focal today and I was not impressed by it in its early stages. The focus is very hard to adjust and takes forever to focus correctly... The exposure bubble also has to move around to achieve maximum results. Overall it might be a good camera with a lot of options, but you have to be very professional in order to use all of them and know exactly which ones to use at certain times. The stock camera was made for an average consumer but focal was made for a photographer. Here I will show you some tests I did with stock vs focal...
First is stock then Focal.
In the first two pictures the Focal picture has a much lower resolution than stock (I didn't notice that until now) they were both taken in automatic mode with no adjustments. You can tell how much more saturation Focal has but it just can't seem to focus as good as stock.
The second two pictures were taken with flash and in night mode at the same resolution. Once again you can see how much more saturated the colors are on Focal. While stock is a much more sharper image without any blur
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
simms22 said:
lol
i was just saying that i like really the camera. and that it gets put down without a real reason, because its being compared it to cameras from phones that cost $600+. its actually a decent camera, especially for the price of the phone. someones got to stick up for it :angel:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it definitely gets more flak than it deserves.
aanonymoushuman said:
Honestly I tried focal today and I was not impressed by it in its early stages. The focus is very hard to adjust and takes forever to focus correctly... The exposure bubble also has to move around to achieve maximum results. Overall it might be a good camera with a lot of options, but you have to be very professional in order to use all of them and know exactly which ones to use at certain times. The stock camera was made for an average consumer but focal was made for a photographer. Here I will show you some tests I did with stock vs focal...
First is stock then Focal.
In the first two pictures the Focal picture has a much lower resolution than stock (I didn't notice that until now) they were both taken in automatic mode with no adjustments. You can tell how much more saturation Focal has but it just can't seem to focus as good as stock.
The second two pictures were taken with flash and in night mode at the same resolution. Once again you can see how much more saturated the colors are on Focal. While stock is a much more sharper image without any blur
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, i've tried a few 3rd party camera apps too. Most either tend to result in very unnatural looking pics or they are pretty much stock with a different UI :I
I've never had overall success with any camera app besides stock. It does everything pretty good.
@aanonymoushuman.
Dem toes...
I bet you can hang from a tree branch by your feet with those bad boys.
simms22 said:
its a camera phone, of course its not the best camera. but if you know how to use a camera, the nexus 4 does really well, using the stock camera app. check out the post your photos thread in the general section. but if you have only the basic knowledge of how to get around a camera, then i can see someone calling it inadequate. the n4 cam just needs a little more knowledge to adjust it how you need it for that certain photo, using all the settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am one of those people that knows next to nothing. i've tried asking in the past but never got much of a solution. it seems to me that every picture i take with it is very blue or purplish. are there any simple tips on how to easily correct this?
estallings15 said:
@aanonymoushuman.
Dem toes...
I bet you can hang from a tree branch by your feet with those bad boys.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1

Dealbreaker?

Hey guys, I've had my Moto X for a week now and I might return to my Note 3. I really like this phone overall, but man the camera really is that bad. I read all the stories but hoped the update would be good enough for me. Unfortunately it hasn't been.
I can't even imagine how bad the camera must have been before the update. The camera is simply dreadful. Do I have a defective Moto X or is it really this bad?
If I'm not outside on a sunny day or in a really well lit room, it's the worst camera I've ever had on any smartphone that I've ever owned. And that includes phones from over 4 years ago. Is it really this bad?
Here are some sample shots. I took these same shots with my Note 3, and those shots blew these away. I will try to post those later.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Yes, It is that bad. Coming from a S4 and I know what you mean. But I still love being free with a unlocked bootlaoder and would not go back.
Ughh, I was afraid of that. I really like the phone, but not sure I can deal with this. Thanks bro.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I don't think the camera is bad at all. I didn't get to experience how it was before any of the updates though.
So far color representation looks to be spot on. I was even impressed by the low light quality. I took a picture last night in a dimly lit room and was astounded at how good the picture came out. It's way better than my last phone (EVO 3D).
ahhh ya i came from an iPhone 4 which is 3.5 yrs old and the camera on that was better in every category except low light performance.
Are you using HDR?
I also see that your flash seems to be firing. I have Auto Flash OFF because the pictures to look very washed out with the bright white flash. I find that the camera works much better and has much better saturation in lower light with the flash off.
If I'm just taking a picture of a list or piece of paper and I only need to be able to see/read it, I use the flash, otherwise I keep the flash off for "nice" photos.
Have you tried using any camera apps. I would recommend the following two apps :"a Better Camera "almost fully functional in the free version and FV-5, a paid app and I don't believe there is a trial version. I have been experimenting with both apps and have been quiet successful getting some really decent low light shots. Both apps allow you to set the ISO level and "a Better Camera" allows you to set the amount of noise reduction for low light shots (the options are None, Minor & Hard). Worth trying out either app in my opinion.
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
I've got pics of the kids inside at night, with flash on... And the pics are easy better than my s2 was. I find background light can make the pic taking tricky tho. I have to move slightly one easy or the other and when I get it right the pics are just fine. Maybe other phones handle background light easier.... But with a little practise, I find this camera pretty good.
That's just me.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 12:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:08 PM ----------
And yes... Sometimes you think you need a flash inside... When you don't. And the pics are easy better with no flash. Again... I had to play around and get to know how and where the best pics turn out.
But again.... I'm one of those, it's just a phone camera guys... I'm maybe not as picky. I'm not trying to sell my pics, so I'm happy. If I know I want to take very good pics somewhere... In advance... I bring my camera.
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk
Right about now it would be nice to see 4.4.2 with camera update. Noise/quality are un-exeptable for a $500+ phone. Yes S4 is night and day difference with Moto X in camera.
S4 was the FIRST camera in phone that I used and I took many pictures, most came out usable and some pretty impressive. With MX, most pictures indoors I cant even look at.....I delete all of them right away.
The only place I find camera quality to be bad is in low light, but it's not the hardware, it's the software. The camera software just sets the ISO higher than it should and overexposes everything in low light. I use FV-5 to manually set a lower ISO and manually set the metering point so that it doesn't overexpose the shot, and then I can get great shots in low light. If you don't know a little about cameras or aren't willing to take the time to manually adjust low light shots though, you'll be disappointed. In decent lighting I can get some great shots even with the stock camera app though, especially with HDR.
gtg465x said:
The only place I find camera quality to be bad is in low light, but it's not the hardware, it's the software. The camera software just sets the ISO higher than it should and overexposes everything in low light. I use FV-5 to manually set a lower ISO and manually set the metering point so that it doesn't overexpose the shot, and then I can get great shots in low light. If you don't know a little about cameras or aren't willing to take the time to manually adjust low light shots though, you'll be disappointed. In decent lighting I can get some great shots even with the stock camera app though, especially with HDR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps you are right. But how hard is it for a TEAM of developers at Motorola/Google to figure this out ? We are on 2nd camera update here its still ****
PS. on S4 I used only 2 modes and didnt even touch settings, Auto and Night Mode......thats all I needed to take excellent photos.
few night/low light shots from S4, last one was taken in almost complete darkness, camera just picked up light from night club flashing lights
I agree. I love this phone but the camera sucks. Snoop Dogg came to my Christmas party and I was so excited to get some shots.
They all came out blurry all my buddies with S4s got killer shots. I don't know, maybe I'll blame it on the alcohol....
That ticked me off a bit.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk
gtg465x said:
The only place I find camera quality to be bad is in low light, but it's not the hardware, it's the software. The camera software just sets the ISO higher than it should and overexposes everything in low light. I use FV-5 to manually set a lower ISO and manually set the metering point so that it doesn't overexpose the shot, and then I can get great shots in low light. If you don't know a little about cameras or aren't willing to take the time to manually adjust low light shots though, you'll be disappointed. In decent lighting I can get some great shots even with the stock camera app though, especially with HDR.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. For low light shots, I either use fv5 or take the photos with the stock camera and run them through Perfectly clear. I've gotten a lot of fantastic shots with my X. Low-light is the only setting in which I need to kind of finagle anything.
WizeGuyDezignz said:
Hey guys, I've had my Moto X for a week now and I might return to my Note 3. I really like this phone overall, but man the camera really is that bad. I read all the stories but hoped the update would be good enough for me. Unfortunately it hasn't been.
I can't even imagine how bad the camera must have been before the update. The camera is simply dreadful. Do I have a defective Moto X or is it really this bad?
If I'm not outside on a sunny day or in a really well lit room, it's the worst camera I've ever had on any smartphone that I've ever owned. And that includes phones from over 4 years ago. Is it really this bad?
Here are some sample shots. I took these same shots with my Note 3, and those shots blew these away. I will try to post those later.
Sent from my XT1058 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you take a pic of your tree with an SLR with the same exposure settings and you'll get an equally awful pic.
honestly i think the camera on the X is fine. i think it could be better but i think overall its a pretty good camera, on par with some point and shoots i've used. it all comes down to lighting, plus the HDR mode really helps.
Been using Camera FV-5 for whenever I need low light shots. First one is the stock camera app and the second shot is via Camera FV-5. These were shot in very low light conditions.
il buono said:
Been using Camera FV-5 for whenever I need low light shots. First one is the stock camera app and the second shot is via Camera FV-5. These were shot in very low light conditions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gonna give it a try. Big difference there
kolyan said:
Gonna give it a try. Big difference there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CameraZoomFX lets you pick the ISO setting too, which could increase the exposure.
640k said:
if you take a pic of your tree with an SLR with the same exposure settings and you'll get an equally awful pic.
honestly i think the camera on the X is fine. i think it could be better but i think overall its a pretty good camera, on par with some point and shoots i've used. it all comes down to lighting, plus the HDR mode really helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am curious if these photos were taken with the stock camera app or a 3rd party app?
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
telefoner said:
I am curious if these photos were taken with the stock camera app or a 3rd party app?
Sent from my XT1060 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Stock. You can tell from the image properties.
EDIT: I take it back. There's no specific information that says what app took the pic, only what device. Technically we're talking about the inability of the Moto X's sensor to perform adequately. Different apps can force different settings/processing techniques, but you're still limited to the sensor/lens capability of the device.
Here's a CameraZoomFX photo taken with a DROID4:
It's all about lighting.
I'm with you on this one WizeGuy. At first I didn't think the camera was as bad as people said it was. But after using it in the wild and over the course of a week, it really is disappointing. The biggest issue for me is consistency. I CAN get a decent shot if I try to. Low light performance is terrible however and it's really tough to get a good shot most of the time. I was also coming from an S4 and didn't expect it to be on the same level obviously, but now that I've played with it enough, I'm positive even my S3 was better overall. In fact, I've been comparing it with an old iPhone 4S and I couldn't say it's better than that camera (except when there is ample lighting). I take a lot of pictures and it is important to me. Yes it is a camera phone, but downgrading is harder to accept than I thought it would be. I guess I value something that is consistent and easy in auto mode when it comes to my phone. Much sadder is the fact that I really like everything else about this phone, much more than the s4. I prefer the size the moto x by far to anything out there, but the nexus 5 is tempting me right now.

Note 3 camera blur/post processing

Well, hello there,
as you Note 3 owners probably noticed, the Samsung Camera Stock app applies a heavy (!!) blur filter on every picture. Why? Don't know, because it's the Samsung way. My Note 1 made far better and sharper pictures.
But fear not, there is a solution. There is an App called "FV5" in the store which has far less agressive post processing and is much sharper. Here is a comparison.
You should really get rid of the stock-app, I suggest. It's horrible and there is much more in the Note 3 camera when we thought so far. It's pretty ok in combination with the right app.
Stock:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/g1g4kxw65e8gkzf/20140106_092845.jpg
FV5:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1rb0qp0qzxs09ck/DSC_0089.JPG
I have FV5 and Snap camera, but I rarely use my camera unless it's for a drunken pic of something stupid. - Haven't really tested the differences in any of them either. But I will later today
I've had mine little over a week and have to say I have been far from impressed with the pictures it takes.
descb600f said:
I've had mine little over a week and have to say I have been far from impressed with the pictures it takes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The hardware itself is pretty good. It just needs the right software to drive it. Without the blur of the stock app you can make nice pictures.
Sephi said:
Well, hello there,
as you Note 3 owners probably noticed, the Samsung Camera Stock app applies a heavy (!!) blur filter on every picture. Why? Don't know, because it's the Samsung way. My Note 1 made far better and sharper pictures.
But fear not, there is a solution. There is an App called "FV5" in the store which has far less agressive post processing and is much sharper. Here is a comparison.
You should really get rid of the stock-app, I suggest. It's horrible and there is much more in the Note 3 camera when we thought so far. It's pretty ok in combination with the right app.
Stock:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/g1g4kxw65e8gkzf/20140106_092845.jpg
FV5:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/1rb0qp0qzxs09ck/DSC_0089.JPG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have noticed that the first image is 9.6 Mp whilst the second is full 13mp
The default setting is 16:9 aspect ratio
Try setting 13mp in standard camera app then repeat your test.
Certainly FV5 has a lot of flexibility if you're familiar with photography settings
Sent from my SM-N9005 using xda app-developers app
I know that was a mistake I made. But fear not, that is not the issue here. In fact it does barely make a difference. It's the Stock-Apps post processing that kills all image quality. FV5 is far superior.
Sephi said:
I know that was a mistake I made. But fear not, that is not the issue here. In fact it does barely make a difference. It's the Stock-Apps post processing that kills all image quality. FV5 is far superior.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've also noticed a slight blur with the AOSP Camera app under CM 11. But at least there is no annoying post-processing. I would say the stock camera app does provide the best image quality results, due to the post-processing, since the hardware by itself is nothing incredible (the sensor is rather small compared to the sensors used in the latest Sony and Nokia phones). A bigger sensor not only enables greater detail, but when combined with OIS (like in the aforementioned phones), minimizes blur as well. I tried the FV app, and while it has a lot of added functionality, I did not like the layout in which they were implemented, and the picture quality was similar to the stock Samsung app. If the Lenovo Super Camera app worked on my ROM, that would probably be the best alternative.
semendemon said:
I've also noticed a slight blur with the AOSP Camera app under CM 11. But at least there is no annoying post-processing. I would say the stock camera app does provide the best image quality results, due to the post-processing, since the hardware by itself is nothing incredible (the sensor is rather small compared to the sensors used in the latest Sony and Nokia phones). A bigger sensor not only enables greater detail, but when combined with OIS (like in the aforementioned phones), minimizes blur as well. I tried the FV app, and while it has a lot of added functionality, I did not like the layout in which they were implemented, and the picture quality was similar to the stock Samsung app. If the Lenovo Super Camera app worked on my ROM, that would probably be the best alternative.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but the Stock Camera App from Samsung applies HEAVY post processing. It basically blurs the whole image, all sharpness is gone. It's horrible. FV5 does take much better pictures.
Sephi said:
You should really get rid of the stock-app, I suggest. It's horrible and there is much more in the Note 3 camera when we thought so far. It's pretty ok in combination with the right app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good find, seems like a nice app, the stock camera app really is garbage.
Kinda funny, i come from a z1 and i take better pics with my note 3 in low light i just play with ev and iso
Lexrg said:
Kinda funny, i come from a z1 and i take better pics with my note 3 in low light i just play with ev and iso
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You will take even better pictures with FV5. The stock apps noise filter is so heavy that it blurs everything, imo it's impossible to shoot a really sharp picture. It's always kinda blurry.
Take some photos and compare, it's super obvious.

Post Front Camera Pictures

Hey,
Can I get some full quality pictures posted from the Note 4 Front Camera? Good & Bad lighting, With and Without Beautyface.
They don't need to be selfies, but I would like a few to be.
I noticed my Note 4 when taking front camera pictures and selfies suck compared to my Note 3.
I tried recreating the same pictures (same room, same lighting, same angle) I took with the Note 3 and the White Balance is way off, there are more artifacts, and distortion, and the pictures really are not in focus, especially at a minor distance on the Note 4. Even lights in pictures have an starburst/halo effect that others don't seem to get on the same shot.
I contacted Samsung and they had me pretty much clear app cache and data and factory reset the mobile. Not much help.
I wanted to see if this is just the norm for the Note 4 or if I have a bad cmos sensor or whatever before I send it for repair or exchange.
With full spectrum daylight led and cfl bulbs, all front pictures are yellow hueued. Adjusting the white balance helps, but shows more artifacts and can't be done in apps like snapchat, skype, google hangouts... pretty much anything you would use a front camera for that's not a camera app selfie. I even have a softbox setup with proper professional lighting and images show up with lots of artifacts and halos.
It's almost as if it's ever slightly out of focus and when the system API jpeg compresses it, it shows sloppy artifacts.
My cat took a selfie the other day! Lol! Not sure if this will get alot of replies. Most of us are too ugly for front camera shots
sino8r said:
My cat took a selfie the other day! Lol! Not sure if this will get alot of replies. Most of us are too ugly for front camera shots
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, they don't have to be face shots. Like point it at a bottle of something with text on it or pictures.
htmltag said:
Thanks, they don't have to be face shots. Like point it at a bottle of something with text on it or pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I know. Couldn't resist though. Hehehehe! I'll play around with it some and see if I notice what you mentioned. What rom are you using? Have you tried the camera mod and talked to the guy who's been modifying the camera apk? Here's the link...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/themes-apps/mod-camera-quality-mod-t2917502
sino8r said:
Yeah I know. Couldn't resist though. Hehehehe! I'll play around with it some and see if I notice what you mentioned. What rom are you using? Have you tried the camera mod and talked to the guy who's been modifying the camera apk? Here's the link...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/note-4/themes-apps/mod-camera-quality-mod-t2917502
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm on Stock Rooted Rom.
I have used multiple apps with the same result.
Apps that allow you to adjust the exposure and white balance can compensate a little.
I have a feeling when Android 5.x is released for our phones, if Samsung updates the driver to allow raw images, things would get a lot better.
It would be nice if you could adjust camera variable defaults in the OS for applications that don't provide an interface to them.
I am definitely going to check out that modded camera app. Thanks for pointing me at it.
Even if it doesn't make a difference, "No audio interruption if listening to music" alone is worth it.
htmltag said:
I'm on Stock Rooted Rom.
I have used multiple apps with the same result.
Apps that allow you to adjust the exposure and white balance can compensate a little.
I have a feeling when Android 5.x is released for our phones, if Samsung updates the driver to allow raw images, things would get a lot better.
It would be nice if you could adjust camera variable defaults in the OS for applications that don't provide an interface to them.
I am definitely going to check out that modded camera app. Thanks for pointing me at it.
Even if it doesn't make a difference, "No audio interruption if listening to music" alone is worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah mine seems a little like that with the modded camera. I noticed the yellowed tint a little but it seems to be related to the lack of flash and it seems like it's being processed like it's in low light mode to make up for lack of a flash. Have you tried in day outside with alot of light? Might help a little. Not a fan of those low light/night modes. They are alway pixeled up and blurry. Look like sh!t most of the time. I've never used the front facing camera much on my phone or even on my computer. All my friends, family, and gf live here in town so I haven't had much need for it much. Sucks, I know, for those who need it. But!... Like you said, the lack of timer, audio interruptions and now that the camera works while on a phone call makes the camera mod worth it. Maybe the driver could be modded or at least the software related to it could be cleaned up by a dev or future updates might improve stuff some. You never know... Let us know if you think the camera mod helped any with the FFC at all. I just don't use it enough to know for sure. Thanks!
Selfie
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks donnyp1, it appears you have Christmas spirits in there. You're in the spirit, you have spirits (drinks), and it looks like there is a Christmas Spirit hovering behind you guys.
All over it. This phone takes great selfies. This wasnt one of my better ones. Merry Christmas
Sent from my SM-N910T using XDA Free mobile app
Representin'
I thought this might be appropriate...
The AT&T version never took sloppy shots. I'm experiencing a poor performing front facing camera on the T-Mobile Note 4 as well. Solution is, use the rear facing camera.
htmltag said:
Hey,
Can I get some full quality pictures posted from the Note 4 Front Camera? Good & Bad lighting, With and Without Beautyface.
They don't need to be selfies, but I would like a few to be.
I noticed my Note 4 when taking front camera pictures and selfies suck compared to my Note 3.
I tried recreating the same pictures (same room, same lighting, same angle) I took with the Note 3 and the White Balance is way off, there are more artifacts, and distortion, and the pictures really are not in focus, especially at a minor distance on the Note 4. Even lights in pictures have an starburst/halo effect that others don't seem to get on the same shot.
I contacted Samsung and they had me pretty much clear app cache and data and factory reset the mobile. Not much help.
I wanted to see if this is just the norm for the Note 4 or if I have a bad cmos sensor or whatever before I send it for repair or exchange.
With full spectrum daylight led and cfl bulbs, all front pictures are yellow hueued. Adjusting the white balance helps, but shows more artifacts and can't be done in apps like snapchat, skype, google hangouts... pretty much anything you would use a front camera for that's not a camera app selfie. I even have a softbox setup with proper professional lighting and images show up with lots of artifacts and halos.
It's almost as if it's ever slightly out of focus and when the system API jpeg compresses it, it shows sloppy artifacts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an unfortunate answer.
I notice with face beauty set to 4 and up it creates a blur effect so I slide all the way off and my images are sharper but I haven't noticed and yellow tint that some of you are reporting.

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