Database Users

Camera quality is bad

So I've been taking a few pictures on my phone, and I have noticed that the Galaxy S2 is very very inconsistent in taking quality photos. I can have a great clear shot of some mid-ranged photos, but far distanced photos have horrible quality. I understand if you take pictures of something really far, obviously it won't be that good, but when I compared to my friends iPhone 4, the 8MP is barely on par with it. Do any of you know what might be the problem? I've tried using auto focus and manual focus, but it is always blurry.

It seems to be an hardware problem. I find the sgsw camera pretty good, especially the dynamic range. My only concern is with indoor pictures, a bit noisy and cold.

Can you upload and provide some shots samples?
Everything on auto? It might help to know which ROM/mod you are using.
I'm not an expert in mobile digital photography but if I can see your blurry distant shots it might be able to tell if I get better result with my device.

The S2 tends to like low shutter speeds (1/4s - 1/20s) ALL the frigging time.
It will select this slow shutter speed even when it should raise the ISO and get a faster shutter speed.
This is why the S2 often takes blurry photos, because even 1/15 or 1/19sec is not fast enough to take a photo sharply with a 28mm lens (effectively what the S2 is).
The slowest shutter speed the S2 should use is 1/30sec to ensure the photos aren't blurred by *camera* vibration/shake. (But, if the *subject* is moving, like a child, then 1/60s or 1/80s are the minimum that are needed to freeze the subject).
This is why the photos are so often blurry as soon as the light gets slightly low - cloud day, in shade, etc. I don't have a solution sorry!
Proof: check the EXIF data of the blurry photos you take. Most will have a stupidly low ISO (like ISO25, ISO50) and a stupid low shutter speed.

Yes I have noticed that the shutter speeds are quite low...now I'm assured that its not just me
I can take SOME really good photos, but almost every other pictures are very blurry even at a close distance.
Everything is on default, except I have enabled Anti-Shake or something like that, and I am using CheckROM 3.1.1 (KJ3)
The first 2 are taken at a considerably good range, with no zoom or any effects, just a normal shot, but then the outcome was very weird.
The last one was a closer shot, but in a darker area, and that one was a little bit more clear

I don't want to be captain obvious, and I am sure you are a better photographer than me but can you check if the focus mode is set to macro if it is then change to auto focus.
Since this happened to me once i set to macro and forgot and all the photos were blurry.
I just felt that might be the reason.

I am guessing that what you're doing is pressing on the "Capture" button without focusing on the subject yet?
I do find that it's best to press to focus on the area you want to take and then press the main capture button to capture it. It seems like the focus hasn't focused on what you want to take.
It's quite annoying because then that means I have to press in the middle and then press the capture button to take a decent shot. I wish I could just hold down the capture button to focus, then release to shoot.. which works sometimes but not as good as what I said above.

Here you have 2 images, far and close focus. You can see the great quality of the camera. Take a look at the focus settings: better in auto mode if you don't want to manage it in all photos. Maybe you have some problem in the camera hardware... so warranty is the best option here.

There are at least 2 types of camera modules in SGS II.
Check this:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1098834
Mine also had this problem (blury at far objects), the soultion is set the metering to matrix in camera menu.It works for me.

iocar said:
Yes I have noticed that the shutter speeds are quite low...now I'm assured that its not just me
I can take SOME really good photos, but almost every other pictures are very blurry even at a close distance.
Everything is on default, except I have enabled Anti-Shake or something like that, and I am using CheckROM 3.1.1 (KJ3)
The first 2 are taken at a considerably good range, with no zoom or any effects, just a normal shot, but then the outcome was very weird.
The last one was a closer shot, but in a darker area, and that one was a little bit more clear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
are you using macro mode to take farer objects ?
thats why it is more clear when you are taking photo of the specimen (3rd one)
or the camera firmware is broken , if not ,it may be the hardware issue

I always touch the place where I want to focus, and that is why I am confused
Yes I was using Macro, but only because it had the best quality...Auto-Focus doesn't really help as it never focus properly, as in when I press the "Capture" button, most of the time it goes to red and doesn't turn green. I am holding the phone still and don't know why
The camera firmware is also up to date
What I don't get is that my old HTC Desire can take photos that are much more crisp than my Galaxy S2

Try resetting the camera settings see if that works,try a third party HDR camera app or Camera 360,if quility is still bad in the 3rd party app then it could be a hardware fault
Sichroteph said:
My only concern is with indoor pictures, a bit noisy and cold.
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Click to collapse
auto contrast I find helps take better indoors

Cant say I've had any problems with the camera. Love the macro focussing.

It seems obvious that your device doesn't behave like it should and have focus problems. I can have the exact same results with macro mode activated (and not shooting close objects)
I would suggest :
- trying another camera app (like TheiPhoneKiller suggested)
- trying a totally stock rom
- trying a rom like CM7 or MIUI
If you still got totally unfocused shots, you may very well have an faulty device. Try to get a replacement unit if you can.
(And did you try the fix kisstom suggested?)

Well... my shots is certainly much more grainy, since i upgraded to 2.3.5 - even if shot outside in bright sunshine. And many of the pictures is becoming more yellow than before - especially when using the flash-LED, so something has happened when i upgraded... this is one of my big complaints about the new upgrade. My old W800i 2Mpx beats the SGS2 in pure quality of the pictures now (but that was also, and still is, a VERY good camera for a phone)...
When comparing the newest pictures to some of the old pictures i have shot in the past, it's clear to me that i have a loss of quality since upgrading. How do i check manually, if there's a new camera-software version available - as i can't seem to find any in the Samsung apps, even if i have read somewhere that there's a newer one, comparing to my version of the camera-software???
But a least it's still not as crappy as my old HTC's camera - THAT was lousy...

Frankly speaking, 'Camera quality is bad' makes no sense. If you've said it's bad than this or that then I'd take it. Have used all the SE phones as I loved their image quality and I'll say after playing with the Satio, C905 I don't think this one would beat them. We are talking about a small image sensor here. So the main job is how good the post image processing is, some part still depends on the lens though.
The thing is I didn't buy this one for camera, believe me or not, after purchase, that is almost six months now, I've shot barely 10 pics with it. For normal usage and as a professional can't go without 350D, and for short tours and holidays I still shoot with my C905 , but not GSII.
But still this Camera is capable of taking some great pics, posting some of them here, after seeing them you certainly can't say Camera quality is bad.
The very bests I've found,

-> ithehappy
Well - i used to have that image quality too, but it has become somewhat impossible to shot such good pictures, since upgrading... i suspect that it's because my camera firmware still is TBEC28 (but of course not sure of it)

iocar said:
I always touch the place where I want to focus, and that is why I am confused
Yes I was using Macro, but only because it had the best quality...Auto-Focus doesn't really help as it never focus properly, as in when I press the "Capture" button, most of the time it goes to red and doesn't turn green. I am holding the phone still and don't know why
The camera firmware is also up to date
What I don't get is that my old HTC Desire can take photos that are much more crisp than my Galaxy S2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confused!!! Are you saying that you always have macro focus on?
If so then turn it off. My cousin complained about the exact same thing, blurry and red box when trying to focus. Went through his settings, turned macro off and everything was good again.
Also auto focus will not work correctly if macro is on, unless your taking really close range pics, which is what macro focus is for.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

well i am on 2.3.5 Images are really Perfect for me am seriously impressed the Quality iam on kI8 here is one example
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/708/20111118205552.jpg

iocar said:
Yes I was using Macro, but only because it had the best quality
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Click to collapse
That's exactly why your pictures are blurry at a distance.
Macro focus is for close-up pictures, use auto focus for longer distances

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.
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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.

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 .
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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!

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...
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.

How good is the camera when someone is moving, specially kids?

So I myself own a Z3 compact that has been amazing, I love everything about it, now, I have an aunt that wants a good phone to take pictures of her kids, but the issue is that kids are always moving, so with the ads that say this has the fastest auto focus, and specifically the video ad shows a parent taking pictures of his daughter jumping around and while for me, I enjoy the Z3c, the camera it's not that good when someone is moving. Can anyone with little kids confirm this, all she wants is non blurry subjects on the photo.
I was considering the gs6 but I would rather go with Sony to support them.
Thanks everyone.

In my experience with a 4 year old, pictures turn out blurry if she is moving. I've only used automatic mode as most of my shots don't allow me the time and luxury of setting up an ideal manual mode. Perhaps manual mode can handle action better, but auto mode is not good for action.

The camera is extremely blurry and the horrible shuttertime makes this otherwise fantastic phone useless for taking pictures of kids. The moment will pass and a blurry useless picture will be the result. I have these 3 phones which all take fantastic pictures of my kid.
iPhone 6s
Samsung s6 Edge
Lumia 950(possibly the best i have)
Dont buy the z5 compact if you want great photos.
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I've got both S6 and Z5c. You have to turn Sports mode on to capture movement, otherwise both phones will result blur. Focusing indeed S6 faster and more accurate because of existing Z5c software not yet a mature version, I think it will get improvement when Android 6.0 to arrive later.
The best thing on Z5c is the stock camera remember your last setting, so you can always set Sports as default(I think I'll more recommend Z5c for this reason). On S6 every time you have to click on Mode and pick Sport, pretty time consuming.

Camera is useless with kids, takes great pictures if you can make your kids sit still. But that's not the shots you want, you want to capture moments and thats not possible.

you can try motion shot

I can also confirm that the camera is absolutely useless in whichever option you pick! Really disappointed in Sony (again). Bragging: yes, delivering: no.

I will pitch in, Yeah the camera is cack. Any less than full daylight and they just come out blurry or noisy. Can't say I am surprised. At least I won't rue loosing the DRM keys when I unlock the bootloader, as I don't see how the camera could be much worse.

Recording video is better than my g4. However, photos are better in g4
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Coming from a LG G2, I am pretty happy with the Z5C. But if you have a Z3C, I think you'd be getting pretty much the same experience. It is unfortunate that the shutter speed can't be set manually in the standard camera app. I haven't tried 3rd party apps, as I mostly get the photos I need of my kids (also indoors) with Sonys app. Of course, blur depends on shutter speed which depends on the amount of lighting that you have - possibly I have more lighting where I live compared to the posters above.
On my G2 the problem was that it had OIS - knowing this, the phone defaulted to a slow shutter speed to take advantage of the OIS. Which obviously doesn't work when it is the subject and not the photographer's hand that is moving...
Will try Sports mode more myself after reading the suggestion above.

Luckily Sony's open source camera driver will allow to fix all the... strange decisions they've made in the default camera app.

The focus problem on Z1~Z3 finally get fixed and with camera 2.0 image quality is reasonable now, just the video quality still not clear enough which clearly a software issue. Sony tends to has realistic WB and exposure which I much prefer over Samsung/LG/Apple, others phone always with over saturated color(though some actually like it).
It's already the best camera phone without OIS I've ever used, overall it's still worth to upgrade. Sure it won't beat S6/G4 with OIS at low light. I understand at this price a new phone now have no OIS is very suck, this is my last Sony too if no OIS.

karimero said:
I can also confirm that the camera is absolutely useless in whichever option you pick! Really disappointed in Sony (again). Bragging: yes, delivering: no.
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zakiwashi said:
I will pitch in, Yeah the camera is cack. Any less than full daylight and they just come out blurry or noisy. Can't say I am surprised. At least I won't rue loosing the DRM keys when I unlock the bootloader, as I don't see how the camera could be much worse.
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Agree. By far an away my biggest disappointment with this phone. I have now resorted to the machine gun principle - if I have to use this camera. Take loads of shots in the hope one will be OK. However my preference is to avoid using it altogether.
To my mind a decent phone camera has to be point and shoot, with a high rate of keepers in the shots. Unfortunately I find most of the pics from my Z5C are plain average. I have nothing good to say about it.