Database Develop

[MOD] FFC for the Vibrant development

MODDING THE SAMSUNG VIBRANT TO HAVE A FRONT FACING CAMERA (FFC)
DISCLAIMER: It is NOT my fault if this Breaks your Device, or if you screw it up trying to do it. blah blah you know the drill. XDA is also not responsible. This WILL void your warranty. Luckily it is easy to do.
***THIS IS ONLY FOR THE VIBRANT***
Other phones are slightly different inside
Required:
-Compatible rom (Bionix fusion or eugene's froyo or any rom that the dev specifically says ffc compatiable)
-JAC's OC/UV Kernel. Stock kernel will not work, period. Voodoo should also work KK's kernel also does not work.
-An FFC, of course (see below for where to get it)
HOW TO DO IT:
1. Open your phone
2. Remove the 7 screws or so
3. Remove the internal battery cover.
4. Remove your Vibrant camera... it is snapped in under the cam chip.
5. Using Goof OFF! or denatured alcohol or something similar, dip a q-tip in the chemical, and slightly dab the whole where it is to go.
6. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes, and repeat (or if you are anxious, don't wait...)
7. Using something plastic for the safety of the digitizer glass, and scrape out the gunk.
8. Now, definitely let everything dry before putting your phone back together, and MOST definitely before you put the battery in and turn it on. Give it 20-30 minutes to be safe... depends on the chemical used.
I used a flat head screw driver, which is metal, but if you choose this USE EXTREME CAUTION!!
For more info, go to my thread in the General section as I may have missed something/got something wrong in this post. It has been a while since I first did this mod...
Useful tidbits:
If you get force closes when trying to use a the cam, then you did not read instructions. Use the proper kernel.
Banding is present in low light conditions. This looks to be a software issue. Popular belief is that the phone is powering both cameras at the same time when either is called, and is basically confusing itself. This is a work in progress.
Software that is known to work is Fring, various lame mirror apps, etc. Android video calling is only available in Froyo, but I have not tested it recently since Eugene's R3, so I cannot confirm that it working ATM. Tango may also work.
Attached the mach.aries file for those of you that wanna chip in and do some digging. Looks like most of the things we need are in there. Attached a .rar and a .zip file... for some reason I had both? It's been a loooong couple weeks.
Epic camera: thanks to KellyLewis3985 for the dl.
http://db.tt/0DEkw9X
How to Flash:
1. Download the ZIP and put it on the root of your INTERNAL SD Card.
2. Open ROM Manager and boot into ClockWorkMod (DO NOT use Stock Recovery) or boot into recovery the manual way.
3. Navigate down to "apply sdcard: select zip" and locate the .zip file in your internal SD card. Push the power button, navigate down to "YES" and push the power button once more.
4. Let it do its thing, and reboot. First boot *may* take an extra second... Play with new cam app.
To get a cam:
Just got some more cams ordered... should have them by the weekend, so any orders now will start shipping 11/8 in the order they are received.
Go here: http://bit.ly/8ZEPW4

UPDATES:
So, now my desktop is totally dead... makes noises it shouldnt right when i turn it on... have to replace... grrr
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Got some donations recently, just wanted to say thanks, but the good people here on XDA do not need to pay for one kid's dooschery. I returned the donations back to you. Here is the response sent with the refunds:
Hey man, I appreciate the donation... but the overwhelming support I received the other day on xda was more than enough. This one guy got me down for a night, and you guys picked me up. No one else on xda should pay for his dooschery. Again THANKS
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel that there are some things more valuable than money. I wasn't pissed about losing $30 as I was about the principle and that someone would have the audacity to rip someone off that is trying to help. Again thanks.
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Well, due to over whelming support, i'm not done. Last batch has sold out, and some new options have presented themselves. Also, with the help of a few others, they are getting mad progress on diving through source code working on the banding issue... Keep following this thread for progress.
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So.... An ebay user who is also an xda member deliberately screwed me out of a camera and the money for it, so after this batch is gone, i'm done. He never updated his address with ebay or paypal, and of course i sent it to the address i had... and he got ebay to not only refund the full price but keep the fees for the sale and money transfer. Way to say thanks to the guy that got this started... asshole. oh! i get it. he is just out of high school and is a little slow to how the world works. probably because he "works on a farm with 70 dairy cows." <- quote from him.
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Next batch of ffc cams are coming in for those of you who do not have one yet. New listing, donating some of the process to breast cancer research/awareness...
eBay listing here SOLD OUT
Still settling in after the move and new job... Still w/o internet at my house too... So I am limited in what else I can do right now... Hopefully getting these out will help some of you.
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Breaking news available via my twitter feed of #vibrantFFC. my original thread here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7941083
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This thread is for android/software development of the FFC for the Vibrant. Software and ROM support is insufficient atm, so let's get that fixed.
To see how to add the FFC, check this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=804142
To get a camera check this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=804122 or hit up my ebay listing here. buying cams from the wholesaler in large quantities to provide them to you individually... Wholesaler had minimum order requirements.
Currently, I have only tested the FFC in JP3 and Bionix. Mirror app works fine, but is useless.
Video calling is doable, but not available in Bionix. Is available in JP3, but is broken.
Have not had a chance to test Tango, but Fring looks to be coded to use the rear camera...
UPDATE: there has been a lot of progress recently. Halfway through reading all of the threads... Seriously have note had much time, but should be able to finish compiling all of the info into this post soon.
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siirial said:
Currently, I have only tested the FFC in JP3 and Bionix. Mirror app works fine, but is useless.
Video calling is doable, but not available in Bionix. Is available in JP3, but is broken.
Have not had a chance to test Tango, but Fring looks to be coded to use the rear camera...
Any more ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, Siirial. Is that Bionix 1.7? I can't get Mirror app to work.

Tango doesn't work yet but I emailed the developers and they said it will be included in their next release

memorito said:
Hi, Siirial. Is that Bionix 1.7? I can't get Mirror app to work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, I am a little confused as to which thread I should be posting in. But here goes.
My FFC wont load in Mirror App using Bionix 1.8 Stock Kernel.
Here is the logcat. http://pastebin.com/biJmEhPr
----------- Edit -----------
Ok, so I finally got around to installing a Rom with a modified kernel. (Specifically Bionix 1.8 w/ Jacs)
The Mirror app now loads the FFC and the image is actually better than the rear cam at the moment.
So, it looks like whatever is going on in the kernel makes a huge difference. Perhaps someone can
take a look at the i9000 and Bell SGS Kernel's.

Posted this in the other thread and it was recommended that I post it here:
Just a thought to kick around some ideas, has anyone looked at this?
http://developer.android.com/reference/android/hardware/Camera.Parameters.html
Looks like there are a few options that could be tweaked, including 'antibanding' for 50 and 60hz

memorito said:
Ok, so I finally got around to installing a Rom with a modified kernel. (Specifically Bionix 1.8 w/ Jacs)
The Mirror app now loads the FFC and the image is actually better than the rear cam at the moment.
So, it looks like whatever is going on in the kernel makes a huge difference.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i believe the above it true, i am running bionix 1.8 with the kk kernel, and i cannot get the mirror app to work, will load in the jacs kernel and see the difference.
edit:
i reloaded Bionix 1.8 with Jacs oc/uv without voodoo, and can now confirm the front camera working with the mirror app, albeit grainy

Could not get FFC to work on Bionex 1.7 Stock kernel. Third the kernel info.

paradox4286 said:
i reloaded Bionix 1.8 with Jacs oc/uv without voodoo, and can now confirm the front camera working with the mirror app, albeit grainy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grainy or blurry?
If blurry, you can rotate the focus ring on the actual camera. That's what Cobra did to fix his.

Received camera, installed and confirmed that mirror app works on Bionix 1.7 with JAC voodoo kernel(voodoo activated). Unfortunately, the rear camera problem still exists. Tweaking focus now via outer ring of FFC.

Just installed the new camera. Still on stock JI6 ROM. Banding happens. I recorded some video and can post it if people are interested. Might check if there is any logging that happens when the camera starts up.

memorito said:
Grainy or blurry?
If blurry, you can rotate the focus ring on the actual camera. That's what Cobra did to fix his.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ahh gotcha, i'll try that when i get home after work.

when using the rear camera in vignette, the area where the camera chip is gets very warm after not very much use.
maybe the stock vibrant camera data files don't place nice with the i9000 camera

Does any dev have a cam yet?

So here's a thought, can I use sgs tools-prop.editor and change the info there to mimic the i9000? I nelieve it will trick fring (and all other apps) into thinking my phone is an i9000, but I dont wanna brick my **** as my laptop is not with me to odin.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

orells said:
So here's a thought, can I use sgs tools-prop.editor and change the info there to mimic the i9000? I nelieve it will trick fring (and all other apps) into thinking my phone is an i9000, but I dont wanna brick my **** as my laptop is not with me to odin.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DO IT! LOL
Um, I would try it but I am on a Mac... so even worse, should it brick.

orells said:
So here's a thought, can I use sgs tools-prop.editor and change the info there to mimic the i9000? I nelieve it will trick fring (and all other apps) into thinking my phone is an i9000, but I dont wanna brick my **** as my laptop is not with me to odin.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont think fring works on the i9000 either...

I read in another post that a person flashed the captivate Rom on to the vibrant and it worked..everything works good...what if we try to flash the i9000 Rom on to the vibrant...won't.that work perfectly since the settings for the camera is already set up...we should try it.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Video Calls
orells said:
So here's a thought, can I use sgs tools-prop.editor and change the info there to mimic the i9000? I nelieve it will trick fring (and all other apps) into thinking my phone is an i9000, but I dont wanna brick my **** as my laptop is not with me to odin.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used SGS tools as you suggested and changed the ro.product.model to GT-I9000, rebooted, and the FFC works on the test call. I have yet to try it on Tango, because it is early in the morning and it takes two to tango. (Sorry could not resist)

Thats the ****! Where can I find the info to change it to?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

(MOD) FFC Development Clean Thread

8So everyone begged for it and here it is, a beggining to end revamp of the ffc mod thread.
Original threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=770854
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=804146
(note im doing this from my phone, so please let ne know of any typos, broken links, or missed topics)
This will be in Q&A form, so lets get started.
1) Where do I get an FFC?
Globaldirectparts.com sells them in bulk, shipping is slow, so now your best bet is ebay.
2) How do I install it?
Start here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOvt6atrin8&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Then here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=8436475&postcount=375
Video removed...
3) I got it installed, but how do I use it?
Most custom roms include support for the ffc. If yours does not there is a flashable zip here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=11172683&postcount=1482
4) My FFC is blurry... wtf?
You need to focus it, there is a small ring on the FFC, play with it until you find the sweetspot for you.
5) There are red lines in low light, is there a fix?
Currently no, there has been signifigant progress on lowering the amount, but its not perfect yet. Be patient its coming.
6) How do I videochat?
First you need an app called sgstools, get it here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?xtw16417su40j7b
Next go into the .prop editor and select build.prop. Press menu, and then unblock. Now for every field that reads "SGH-T959" change it to "GT-I9000". Hit menu then save, now reboot. You can now go to tye market and download apps such as fring and Tango!
7) In the chat app, my image is rotated 90degrees.
Its an app problem. Ask the person you are chatting with if they see you sideways, if they say yes, uninstall the app and try changing your build.prop to SPH-D700.
8)What if I have more questions?
Ask them here, I vow to keep this thread flame free. (although there will be sarcasm)
9)What is SGStools?
Its a program used to install the i9000 cam, change build.prop, anf even access hidden features of your phone such as gps test and network status. You can find the latest version here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?xtw16417su40j7b
Thanks to Sirrial, Kellylewis, Scrizz, Master, Eugene, hell everybody, we've been working on this for 4 mos. and we are the reason the Vibrant 4g exsits.
Update: There is an update to sgstools. After you install, reboot then open your market. When you look at your apps list you will see an update, dont click it you'll get an error. Instead, long press it and select update.
(I didnt do this to step on toes. There was a huge demand for this. If you want faster production I highly advise on donating to Kellylewis, he is trying to juglle this project along with life and service to.his country, correct me if i'm wrong there. Also I purposefully left out the test kernals posted before because they aren't a full fix and have produced errors with kb1 roms)
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

orells said:
So everyone begged for it and here it is, a beggining to end revamp of the ffc mod thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I say its a good idea.. A fresh start to a oh so very long thread.
maybe link the original thread also?

ipeench said:
I say its a good idea.. A fresh start to a oh so very long thread.
maybe link the original thread also?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP updated, Thanks.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Thanks for the new thread it really helps outs. I'm just waiting until the V4G comes out to pull the trigger on the ffc.
Fear the beard...

Alright, clean slate.
We need to search the old threads for the updates or latest 'news' of what has happened to this.
I'll take my part in searching certain post by KellyLewis on what progress he's done to this, along with other users.
Also, OP, we need an extra space for all the post that has attachments, you know how it is, everybody will start asking "where can i find that one attachment that fixes...etc." on this thread. We don't need that such.
I believe Siiral had a one stop shop for the attachments, and i think we can just link that up for that particular post?
What you think?

ndwgs said:
Alright, clean slate.
We need to search the old threads for the updates or latest 'news' of what has happened to this.
I'll take my part in searching certain post by KellyLewis on what progress he's done to this, along with other users.
Also, OP, we need an extra space for all the post that has attachments, you know how it is, everybody will start asking "where can i find that one attachment that fixes...etc." on this thread. We don't need that such.
I believe Siiral had a one stop shop for the attachments, and i think we can just link that up for that particular post?
What you think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I think it was the OP to second thread that had most of the attatchments.
I know I missed the i9000 camera apk. I couldnt find it from my phone, but it is included in that flashqble zip and SGS Tools.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

orells said:
Yeah I think it was the OP to second thread that had most of the attatchments.
I know I missed the i9000 camera apk. I couldnt find it from my phone, but it is included in that flashqble zip and SGS Tools.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok im on board with the new thread. Im talking to my kernel dev as I write this on more things to try. The issue were having right now isnt banding well what were used to anyways. We have color lines at the moment like greens and blues, we got rid of the red and white so far. We get rid of one and create another.
If your feeling generous.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9LJGLQUYYDZR2

KellyLewis3985 said:
Ok im on board with the new thread. Im talking to my kernel dev as I write this on more things to try. The issue were having right now isnt banding well what were used to anyways. We have color lines at the moment like greens and blues, we got rid of the red and white so far. We get rid of one and create another.
If your feeling generous.
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=9LJGLQUYYDZR2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats awesome, I wish I had coding experience, but alas I'm only good for testing.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I've a FFC mod, i'd like to know if it is possible to make a video call to a phone number, with no other application like tango or fring.
Thank's

As I have stated before I'm a amateur photographer and I have learned that in low light situations it is very important to understand that banding will always be a major hurdle. Since this is a "Fixed" lens, and the camera has no flash, post processing of video/pictures will IMO go the furthest with lessening/eliminating banding. Have you guys been able to find what (software) the I9000 uses for this? Can the Image Stabilization software be tweaked? ISO be increased or shutter speed be sped up. I know I am asking/presenting more problems than solutions but I really think that these are the key.

There's a nice little camera apk that can be flashed on page 149 of the main thread that could go in the op.
Fear the beard...

amwilliams9 said:
As I have stated before I'm a amateur photographer and I have learned that in low light situations it is very important to understand that banding will always be a major hurdle. Since this is a "Fixed" lens, and the camera has no flash, post processing of video/pictures will IMO go the furthest with lessening/eliminating banding. Have you guys been able to find what (software) the I9000 uses for this? Can the Image Stabilization software be tweaked? ISO be increased or shutter speed be sped up. I know I am asking/presenting more problems than solutions but I really think that these are the key.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is very true, as i am filmmaker and have been working with film for many years. if, like you say, it is an ISO problem, which it seems to be, it is all software, and we need to figure out how to let more light in, or somehow bring up the contrast (which might also fix the problem).
we need more light to go into the lens

We do need more light in the lens I took a video outside in the daytime and there was almost no banding only indoors or artificial lighting is where the banding is bad
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I'm on board as well, I did some work on grounding... succeeded in frying one camera, won't be so clumsy on the next.
I think it would help to incorporate some of the findings in one part of thread (op)
Then at least we can get rid of the redundancy and repetitive questions.
BTW my earlier Nikon DSLR's had banding issues as well in low light, so it is a common issue

has anyone been able to successfully swap out their vibrant (if necessary) with t-mobile after applying this mod? I have it done, and am thinking about trying the nail polish trick to see if i can get a replacement for dropped calls. just not sure if it will work.

ravigodhwani said:
has anyone been able to successfully swap out their vibrant (if necessary) with t-mobile after applying this mod? I have it done, and am thinking about trying the nail polish trick to see if i can get a replacement for dropped calls. just not sure if it will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did. Black finger nail polish works fine.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

blasian shadows said:
I did. Black finger nail polish works fine.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
really? i've been trying but no matter what i do it's still kind of obvious that something has been changed there when you look towards that corner

I have noticed that prior to displaying a photo with the gallery that there appears to be some processing of the picture. I am wondering if the I9000 does that prior to saving a picture to memory. Has anyone tried to import (hope that's the right term) that APK and seeing if it helps?

I returned my vibrant with this mod as well.. So far no extra fees other than shipping since I don't have insurance..
At first I used spray paint.. I spray painted a paper and collected enough paint to let ONE drop drip into the hole..and with a toothpick I spread it around.. But it wouldnt dry and once it did I missed a spot. It was a pain. But I think it works most effectively if done right.. When I returned it however, I just used the black nail polish mentioned before. It was soo obvious but it worked. Btw my camera had goo-gone IN it which made every picture blurry.. (why I returned it) plus my vibration didn't work so....
You should be good
ravigodhwani said:
really? i've been trying but no matter what i do it's still kind of obvious that something has been changed there when you look towards that corner
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

RoZm X said:
I returned my vibrant with this mod as well.. So far no extra fees other than shipping since I don't have insurance..
At first I used spray paint.. I spray painted a paper and collected enough paint to let ONE drop drip into the hole..and with a toothpick I spread it around.. But it wouldnt dry and once it did I missed a spot. It was a pain. But I think it works most effectively if done right.. When I returned it however, I just used the black nail polish mentioned before. It was soo obvious but it worked. Btw my camera had goo-gone IN it which made every picture blurry.. (why I returned it) plus my vibration didn't work so....
You should be good
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awesome. thanks a lot! i found that using my sisters old mascara pen thing with a mixture of black nail polish did the trick. it's drying right now. will post back results in case anyone is wondering!

Projector from our HD2

So I was searching online and I found this way of making a portable mobile projector...can surely use with our HD2..now I havent tested this myself but based on past experiences with lenses and lights...it surely looks promising..check the video below !

Very basic version was promising
I found one of those old portable microfiche type things a while ago, the really cheap plastic kids toy variety, and tried using the lens in that to get a good image. I've got to say i didn't have a lot of luck, as to get the correct focus the image was tiny, but the brightnes was surprisingly good- in a pitch black room you could see that a good focus would give you a visible image of a decent size. I guess if you used two lenses, one to direct all the light from the screen forwards and one to focus the final image you could get a good result?

backlashsid said:
So I was searching online and I found this way of making a portable mobile projector...can surely use with our HD2..now I havent tested this myself but based on past experiences with lenses and lights...it surely looks promising..check the video below !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What magnifying glass did you use?
5X/10X/24X? Any recommendations?
I'm quite impressed with the idea and plan on starting to collect some stuff for this DIY project. Lemme know if you made any improvements to your projector after making the video.. Thanks for sharing

WOW that is an impressive idea

Wow, pretty awesome.

Ok GUYS !!! I tried this....and it works...i used a pretty big magnyfying glass and the result was pretty good...i was able to get a screen size of bout 19-22 inches !!

pics or vid please
backlashsid said:
Ok GUYS !!! I tried this....and it works...i used a pretty big magnyfying glass and the result was pretty good...i was able to get a screen size of bout 19-22 inches !!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mind posting pics or videos of it?

shahul_555 said:
Do you mind posting pics or videos of it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont have it anymore..gave it to a friend ! results are ok !! not HD !!

Just google pico projector". Like $250.
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA App

Tips for taking good Photospheres

Hey everyone,
I've seen there's only been a few people posting Photospheres in the N4 section, and even then, no one has really talked about how to make them the best we can.
I believe there's a similar topic in the Galaxy Nexus Section, so why not make ours as well. So far, this is what I've noticed helps towards getting good results:
- Try to avoid having people/objects too close to you: The lens is a wide angle, meaning perspective changes A LOT with close elements.
- Do it calmly: At first I just thought "Too fast" was just fixed once I stopped moving the phone, but the thing is, apparently the phone's gyroscope DOES get a little confused, making it think we're on a different angle than we really are, shifting its whole perception of the picture.
- Use the phone in landscape mode: From what I've seen, the camera has more trouble stitching images in a vertical alignment, while it usually has no trouble stitching images next to each other. So the best option is to get the pictures that are below/above each other as close as possible (so that the tilt angle varies as little as possible), while the pictures next to each other can afford to have a larger difference in their panning angle. - Update: According to user kcls, this is a sure black dot in the top-bottom of your sphere.
I also read a couple other tips that I'd like to implement once I have the chance:
- Use your lens as your rotating axis: I wonder why I didn't think of this before. The sphere should be built around your camera (specifically, the lens/sensor), but we usually move our arms around with it, meaning the point in space where we take the picture from, is different all the time, meaning our perspective is different, meaning the pictures might not stitch as well.
- Use the back arrow: D'uh
Anyone has more stuff to comment?
From other users in this thread:
quickmirror said:
You should add "A well lit area" is useful too, like most photos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gilgil28 said:
using myself as the axis does the trick sidewise. As for up and down, I use my rist as the axis. so far perfect spheres.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

You should add "A well lit area" is useful too, like most photos.

I'd like to note, however, if you plan on making one of the "Tiny Planets" out of your photosphere, and you don't want a big black dot in the center, you must take the photosphere in portrait mode.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk²

quickmirror said:
You should add "A well lit area" is useful too, like most photos.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kcls said:
I'd like to note, however, if you plan on making one of the "Tiny Planets" out of your photosphere, and you don't want a big black dot in the center, you must take the photosphere in portrait mode.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk²
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True! Updated the original post with your comments, thanks !

Thanks for this thread! Man I suck at photospheres Just need to practice more, but these tips will help. :good:

Keep the phone in one position. Don't rotate yourself, rotate the phone only.

I've just added this to the Nexus 4 Complete Index
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium

Here's my backyard with the tiny planet effect. Used portrait to get it all.
Sent from my N4 using Tapatalk 2
*Stock*Unrooted*4.2.1*OG LL3*

Great thread OP, im not good at photospheres but im gonna try those tips!

SBGS-FTW said:
Here's my backyard with the tiny planet effect. Used portrait to get it all.
Sent from my N4 using Tapatalk 2
*Stock*Unrooted*4.2.1*OG LL3*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice pic man.
My photosphere skills are lacking...
Edit: When are you gonna take the plunge and unlock/root? I thought you would've been tinkering with your N4 by now.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

Good tips. I'll have to try the landscape photosphere soon as so far I've only been doing them in portrait. Never know you could hit back to remove a photo, genius! I'll post some goo photospheres when I get a chance in the photo thread

KidCarter93 said:
I've just added this to the Nexus 4 Complete Index
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
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I made it to the index! Thanks
barondebxl said:
Great thread OP, im not good at photospheres but im gonna try those tips!
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Great, hope you upload the results!

Great tip about the portrait mode, I was very annoyed by the black dots in landscape.
I was wondering about the "Use your lens as your rotating axis" part and I looked it up. It seems that google's instructions are to move the camera "laterally" which for me translates to something different: having your body as the axis and rotating it around you. In my opinion it makes more sense; it's too awkward trying to rotate the phone around itself. It wouldn't be harder for photosphere to stitch the photos as long as your arms are always the same distance from the imaginary sphere center. In short, imagine that you are moving your phone in a way that it's tracing a sphere which has your neck as its center.
Google instructions:
http://support.google.com/nexus/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2839084
Camera movement info (ctrl+f lateral):
http://meet-the-media.nuvvo.com/lesson/7479-camera-movements

kritonas said:
Great tip about the portrait mode, I was very annoyed by the black dots in landscape.
I was wondering about the "Use your lens as your rotating axis" part and I looked it up. It seems that google's instructions are to move the camera "laterally" which for me translates to something different: having your body as the axis and rotating it around you. In my opinion it makes more sense; it's too awkward trying to rotate the phone around itself. It wouldn't be harder for photosphere to stitch the photos as long as your arms are always the same distance from the imaginary sphere center. In short, imagine that you are moving your phone in a way that it's tracing a sphere which has your neck as its center.
Google instructions:
http://support.google.com/nexus/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2839084
Camera movement info (ctrl+f lateral):
http://meet-the-media.nuvvo.com/lesson/7479-camera-movements
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. Maybe they did think of the Photosphere function in this way, but it's just a matter of logic that, due to the variation in angle, it's better to use the camera as the axis...
It does get harder to manage, though. It is awkward, and hard to keep it in the same spot in space for that long, while moving it 360 degrees. But the advantage is undeniable. As I said, it's as simple as keeping the same point of view, vs changing it for every snap.

Omfg, use the phone as the axis.
I've been taking spheres for a while, starting on my sensation running jellybean. Why in the world did I not figure this out!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

mrbkkt1 said:
Omfg, use the phone as the axis.
I've been taking spheres for a while, starting on my sensation running jellybean. Why in the world did I not figure this out!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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I know, right?! I thought the same thing when I read about it. It's so obvious, yet for some reason never thought of it.

Great tips here!
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

thanks

Seems like common sense to me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app

kyle1b1 said:
Seems like common sense to me.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
It is, mostly. But for some reason, sometimes we just don't think about it. If you had read the thread, you would understand

[Q] front facing camera distortion

I just purchased my new HTC one and I love it, it's a remarkable phone. However I have found something that seems rather odd. When using the front facing camera, if you are not centered in the field of view, you are distorted and stretched out. This could be an effect of the wide angle lens, but I am not sure. I just want to be sure I do not have a defective unit and should try to return it. I have attached two pictures, one with myself in the center of the shot, and the other with myself in the bottom of the shot showing the distortion I am talking about.
Thanks for your help!

http://forum.xda-developers.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2117

Brave man. Putting pictures of yourself on the internet (even in the name of science). Pretty soon there's going to be the evanogrady meme generator.
Anyway mine does the exact same thing. I'm just not as secure as you to prove it with pictures.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda app-developers app

Mine does the same thing, seems like the nature of wide-angle lenses. You have to get it as far away from you as possible and aim it dead center...

LOL, I was considering not posting the pictures, but felt like it was necessary to properly explain my point haha.
& I'm glad it's not just my unit doing this, I was watching videos of the front facing camera online and none of them had the level of distortion that my camera is showing!

Maybe a test image of a square grid would be useful

BenPope said:
Maybe a test image of a square grid would be useful
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Good idea! This is the best I could do, a little awkward trying to take the shot with the front!

evanogrady said:
Good idea! This is the best I could do, a little awkward trying to take the shot with the front!
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It might be solved with newer software
I hope, I guess