Database Develop

what camera app do you use?

Hi everyone,
It's one week I own the z3c and I was asking to myself what camera app would better performs with the 20,7mpx sensor.
I quite like the default one but I also like to have the full controll of the settings like when I'm using my dslr.
I know tha the manual mode is pretty cool but I'm sure as well that outiside there in the google play store there is a good app wich perform better
Any of you tried these apps?
PS: sorry for mistakes, I'm still learnig english.

I am also looking for a similar app, with at-least white-balance and exposure settings. Please let me know if anyone found a better application

I like the idea of being able to adjust the white balance and exposure by sliding your finger up and down or sideways on the screen without having to go into the menu. If there's a camera app that does that, I'd be very interested.

I am getting great results frm Camera JB+. It takes the interface to a simplified AOSP-vanilla look. No more overcomplicated interface. Quality-wise I get overall better performing pictures as the manual mode in 20MP. Also there is support for 20MP HDR, even with flash.
I'm very well suprised by this simple app. Another plus, is that it will come with a AOSP-gallery, wich I do very much prefer to the stock gallery.
If you deactivate the stock camera, this app will pop-up when you press the dedicated camera-button.
Only downside I have experienced, is no 4K video (but who actually needs this) and lacking a resolution option 16:9 15MP.

SnapHDR is the best for me when using custom roms
Sent from my C6602 using XDA Free mobile app

Currently using snapcamera hdr, Nothing to complain!

Interestint topic.
I bought Camera ZOOM some time ago, though not used it still on the Z3C. The default app certainly lacks manual setting sof exposer/time. Also, where is the ISO setting?? Am I stupid or why can I not seem to find it?? HDR options are also not easily accesible, nor is white balance. So interesting to hear what people use sucessfully, trying the ones mentioned so far now.

I've got some impressive results with Pro Capture and Pro HDR apps. Both are paid, I got them in a discount or so, some time ago.
Especially the Pro Capture has some fine tweaks, that increase the usability overall. There is a demo(free) version AFAIK for anyone who wants to try it.
Bought ProHDR because I loved it on iPhone.

I find the google camera app really good, you can select 15mp, 20mp and also provides manual exposure control on the screen. The panorama and photosphere are great.

On my HTC one X i used Camera FV-5. Tbh, it was in my experience the best camera app around, though their maybe others too. It doesn't do none of the filtering rubbish, but purely easy to access manual controls. You can even save as lossless png's and then do your own processing in your chosen software.
Bracketed frames, HDR/timelapse, long exposure and lots more.
Due to some other technical reasons, I haven't tried it on my z3c, but I suggest you really look into it. Unfortunately they don't do a demo.
I'm a wedding photographer so this was ideal for me. I may investigate for something better (if there is), but I know I will be using this again, soon.

davestuarts said:
On my HTC one X i used Camera FV-5. Tbh, it was in my experience the best camera app around, though their maybe others too. It doesn't do none of the filtering rubbish, but purely easy to access manual controls. You can even save as lossless png's and then do your own processing in your chosen software.
Bracketed frames, HDR/timelapse, long exposure and lots more.
Due to some other technical reasons, I haven't tried it on my z3c, but I suggest you really look into it. Unfortunately they don't do a demo.
I'm a wedding photographer so this was ideal for me. I may investigate for something better (if there is), but I know I will be using this again, soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks a nice app!!! I'll give it a try a tell you about how the snaps come out

I use the stock camera app.

I tried FV-5 and Pro Capture on my Nexus 4 but they were kinda glitchy. Might try them again on the Z3c. At the moment I'm using Open Camera.
I hope Sony offers RAW file support with the Lollipop update, which would make everything awesome and let us escape the mushy Sony jpeg processing, but I'm not holding my breath.

tikideath said:
It looks a nice app!!! I'll give it a try a tell you about how the snaps come out
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Click to collapse
That's brilliant. I just checked, I have an older version..so will update when I install it on the xperia. It would be good to see what raw data the app can get from the sony imaging chip.
Even though its said that Android L will also have RAW capabilities. Lets see.
---------- Post added at 04:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:58 AM ----------
pipspeak said:
I tried FV-5 and Pro Capture on my Nexus 4 but they were kinda glitchy. Might try them again on the Z3c. At the moment I'm using Open Camera.
I hope Sony offers RAW file support with the Lollipop update, which would make everything awesome and let us escape the mushy Sony jpeg processing, but I'm not holding my breath.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the same problem initially on my HTC Once X, but they resolved it.
I would assume the Lollipop raw feature would be available to all phones running L, though I'm not a developer so just speculating.

wow it's looks like my nikon dslr!!! I like the idea to change all the setting as when I'm using my pro camera .... I still prefer take fast snaps with the phone but ...yeah sometimes it could be go play with all these settings !!! thank you!!!
I also discovered that there is a video version " Cinema FV-5" with pretty much the same controls...interesting.
Anyway I got an issue even with the pro version...I can't save the pictures in the sd card.
Is it the same for you?

davestuarts said:
That's brilliant. I just checked, I have an older version..so will update when I install it on the xperia. It would be good to see what raw data the app can get from the sony imaging chip.
Even though its said that Android L will also have RAW capabilities. Lets see.
---------- Post added at 04:02 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:58 AM ----------
I had the same problem initially on my HTC Once X, but they resolved it.
I would assume the Lollipop raw feature would be available to all phones running L, though I'm not a developer so just speculating.
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What ISO levels are selectable in the full version? The lite version only goes up to 3200...

Fruktsallad said:
What ISO levels are selectable in the full version? The lite version only goes up to 3200...
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Click to collapse
Well all parameters are based on each hardwares capability and drivers. The max I believe is ISO 3200, though my htc one x does not support that, but does go to extended ISO 50. Though, I was told custom roms (like on my htc) can restrict or help features too.
Speaking from using pro DSLR's, I would expect 3200 or more from a camera phones sensor to be very noisy. Obviously the Z3 series does go as high as 12,800, and uses their drm protected algorithms to handle the noise.
You could ask the developers, who are quite good, and see what MAX parameters the app supports for z3c. Tbh, I'd like to know that too.

FV-5 would automatically increase ISO value when the light is insufficient, and produce a lot noise in pictures.
The default Sony Camera would extend exposure time in such environment, according to the result of metering.

I did not find an app, outside the stock, with iso setting. I'm on stock kitkat. Had Sony blocked this setting for 3rd party apps or devs must use different api?
In my old Xiaomi all worked like a charm FV5, capture Pro and ABetter camera.

Camera app for photography
I am using google camera app. It is really good. It is responsive and easy-to-use design.

[Q] Hope for the Nexus 6 Camera?

Alot of the reviews says, nexus 6 camera experience has been a "hit or miss" from taking a good pic even with HDR on. Would it help to install a new camera app and do some tweakings over it, or better yet use an xposed module (if any) to fix the issue?

I'm a photographer. Here's the thing.
Camera reviews on cell phones are reviewed by gadget freaks, not photographers. They're interested in specs, they think megapixels are important, they don't even mention the important stuff.
Android L is the first OS to have a decent camera api. This will allow the nexus camera - which is only inherently different from the note 4 camera in terms of software - to vastly outperform anything on the market given a good camera app.
This mythical camera app should take advantage of a few things - full manual control. Exposure compensation and AE/AF lock. Auto bracketing. Proper metering, with selections for spot through to matrix. FPS control. Video control with framerate and resolution options, and the ability to manually control or lock exposure and focus. And finally, take advantage of L's .dng output, so we can work on this in lightroom after we're done. I don't trust my $2000 camera to spit out a nice jpg processed the way I want it, I shoot raw, I sure as hell don't trust a phone.
The nexus 6 looks to have some nice hardware. Let the software take advantage of it and you'll be happy.

tripler6 said:
I'm a photographer. Here's the thing.
Camera reviews on cell phones are reviewed by gadget freaks, not photographers. They're interested in specs, they think megapixels are important, they don't even mention the important stuff.
Android L is the first OS to have a decent camera api. This will allow the nexus camera - which is only inherently different from the note 4 camera in terms of software - to vastly outperform anything on the market given a good camera app.
This mythical camera app should take advantage of a few things - full manual control. Exposure compensation and AE/AF lock. Auto bracketing. Proper metering, with selections for spot through to matrix. FPS control. Video control with framerate and resolution options, and the ability to manually control or lock exposure and focus. And finally, take advantage of L's .dng output, so we can work on this in lightroom after we're done. I don't trust my $2000 camera to spit out a nice jpg processed the way I want it, I shoot raw, I sure as hell don't trust a phone.
The nexus 6 looks to have some nice hardware. Let the software take advantage of it and you'll be happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good post. My girlfriend is a photographer but her biggest complaints were:
- The lens should've been bigger (1.5/3 at least - according to her the sheer size of this phone would have allowed for a much bigger lens, even 1.2/3).
- The dual LED flashes would likely overexpose the images due to their placement on the back of the phone. Sure, aesthetically it can look good (depending on your preference) but logically it will risk adding too much exposure to photos. The Note 4, 6+, top Nokia phones with large lenses all have the flashes further away from the lens for example (for good reason).
- The type of flash (LED) wont be as good an xenon flash (or dual). According to her the phone body is definitely thick enough to house the bigger flash; this would reduce noise in the images and provide better lighting/exposure in photos.
She also mentioned that even with a 10/10 camera app which does absolutely everything you want, the photo quality will not be much better (maybe the same as or potentially still worse) compared with the Note 4 or even iPhone 6+. Yes the hardware might be similar but the placement of the flash compared with the Note 4 will affect the way the camera captures photos with flash enabled. As, even though TW in Samsung has major issues it does have very heavily optimised camera software which will always improve - better than every camera app that I personally know of.
Front facing camera however will not complete with the Note 4. From demo's , despite being higher MP than the iPhone 6+, the results are worse. I do not know why, it could be down to the quality of the lens in the front but the Nexus 6 FF camera quality isn't much better than the Nexus 5 (it looks the same to me).

spartanm99 said:
Good post. My girlfriend is a photographer but her biggest complaints were:
- The lens should've been bigger (1.5/3 at least - according to her the sheer size of this phone would have allowed for a much bigger lens, even 1.2/3).
- The dual LED flashes would likely overexpose the images due to their placement on the back of the phone. Sure, aesthetically it can look good (depending on your preference) but logically it will risk adding too much exposure to photos. The Note 4, 6+, top Nokia phones with large lenses all have the flashes further away from the lens for example (for good reason).
- The type of flash (LED) wont be as good an xenon flash (or dual). According to her the phone body is definitely thick enough to house the bigger flash; this would reduce noise in the images and provide better lighting/exposure in photos.
She also mentioned that even with a 10/10 camera app which does absolutely everything you want, the photo quality will not be much better (maybe the same as or potentially still worse) compared with the Note 4 or even iPhone 6+. Yes the hardware might be similar but the placement of the flash compared with the Note 4 will affect the way the camera captures photos with flash enabled. As, even though TW in Samsung has major issues it does have very heavily optimised camera software which will always improve - better than every camera app that I personally know of.
Front facing camera however will not complete with the Note 4. From demo's , despite being higher MP than the iPhone 6+, the results are worse. I do not know why, it could be down to the quality of the lens in the front but the Nexus 6 FF camera quality isn't much better than the Nexus 5 (it looks the same to me).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A lens is proportionate to the sensor. On top of that? It's a fixed lens. They can make those extremely small when we're talking about phone sensors. There is also no mechanical shutter, meaning the lens can be even more compact. This is why mirrorless cameras have small lenses. This of course goes for cell phone lenses in general, but the reason is there's really no need to put a huge lens on a phone.
The dual LED flashes won't overexpose the image, don't worry. In the studio we use a ring flash - same concept - there are some versions that operate as a regular flash, and there's some versions that operate constant on. You can shoot with either. Studio LED lighting is even becoming a thing now, it's cool because you can control the color temp directly and change the brightness.. it's also always on so WYSIWYG. Either way your flash will operate TTL and will not overexpose Xenon - what a hotshoe flash uses - will just use a lot of energy and drain your batteries. LED is very efficient.
The ring flash appears to be too small to have the "ring flash effect", which is uniform lighting around a subject that is popular in fashion and hides blemishes.. I mean it's like the size of a finger. The source of the flash is too small to produce any meaningful difference between the "ring" flash and the regular samsung/iphone flashes. It's going to look about the same. If you see a difference, it's software.

I am just excited about the RAW support in 5.0. I am okay with an f/2.0 aperture on a device in my pocket. If I needed something better, my DSLR has a 50mm f/1.5 which is only a camera bag away

The problem I'm having with my Nexus 6 is lag. That is, I went into my 9 month old's room, and turned on the light. So, okay incandescent lighting, not too bright, but I wouldn't call it 'low-light', either. My little son is standing up in his crib bouncing around, and every now and again turning and smiling at me. I go for the shot with my nice Nexus 6....and in the FOUR SECONDS it takes for the camera to actually take the picture, he's looked away again. I tried several times. Each time, the camera did NOTHING for a few seconds and then took the shot when the window of opportunity was gone. WHAT THE HECK?!?!?! It didn't even look like it was doing any autofocus hunting.
THIS is very depressing. Anyone know of any camera apps that will actually, I don't know, take the picture when I actually ask it to?
Randy

I'm waiting for devs to work their magic on the camera. It has a great sensor (Sony IMX214) so the potential is there. I really wish they could use the G3's software because its great. Is there a way to make the G3's software work on the Nexus for the camera? It processes images really well and is very fast.

rmagruder said:
The problem I'm having with my Nexus 6 is lag. That is, I went into my 9 month old's room, and turned on the light. So, okay incandescent lighting, not too bright, but I wouldn't call it 'low-light', either. My little son is standing up in his crib bouncing around, and every now and again turning and smiling at me. I go for the shot with my nice Nexus 6....and in the FOUR SECONDS it takes for the camera to actually take the picture, he's looked away again. I tried several times. Each time, the camera did NOTHING for a few seconds and then took the shot when the window of opportunity was gone. WHAT THE HECK?!?!?! It didn't even look like it was doing any autofocus hunting.
THIS is very depressing. Anyone know of any camera apps that will actually, I don't know, take the picture when I actually ask it to?
Randy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have HDR+ enabled? If so that's why your focus takes so long. It's taking 3 pictures in a row and is great for still images. I find the camera with HDR+ off plenty fast.
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 PM ----------
On another note is raw format already being supported on the 6 or is it coming in an update. I'm no photographer but I'm extremely pleased how well the camera functions. I've only had nexus devices. The last phone I had with a decent camera was the Nokia n 5

Smallsmx3 said:
Do you have HDR+ enabled? If so that's why your focus takes so long. It's taking 3 pictures in a row and is great for still images. I find the camera with HDR+ off plenty fast.
---------- Post added at 01:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 PM ----------
On another note is raw format already being supported on the 6 or is it coming in an update. I'm no photographer but I'm extremely pleased how well the camera functions. I've only had nexus devices. The last phone I had with a decent camera was the Nokia n 5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, HDR+ was NOT on, nor was the flash. I just wanted it to snap the stupid picture with as little muss n fuss as possible

I extracted the lib files and camera apk/odex from my g3 is there anything else I would need to make it work? I can get the framework from my system files if needed. I want to see if this will help the camera at all considering it had a lot of potential.

Pilz said:
I extracted the lib files and camera apk/odex from my g3 is there anything else I would need to make it work? I can get the framework from my system files if needed. I want to see if this will help the camera at all considering it had a lot of potential.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let us know how it goes

rmagruder said:
No, HDR+ was NOT on, nor was the flash. I just wanted it to snap the stupid picture with as little muss n fuss as possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then something is broken on your phone. Completely stock N6, not even root let alone disabling encryption, without HDR+ or Flash... the phone takes pictures within half a second every time.

Smallsmx3 said:
Let us know how it goes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's still FC's even after I moved the camera.apk and camera.odex into the system/app and I wrote over the Nexus's libs with the G3's. I'm not sure why its FC's maybe I can install the framework.apk from my G3 and see if that works.

Try some low light shots....

tripler6 said:
I'm a photographer. Here's the thing.
Camera reviews on cell phones are reviewed by gadget freaks, not photographers. They're interested in specs, they think megapixels are important, they don't even mention the important stuff.
Android L is the first OS to have a decent camera api. This will allow the nexus camera - which is only inherently different from the note 4 camera in terms of software - to vastly outperform anything on the market given a good camera app.
This mythical camera app should take advantage of a few things - full manual control. Exposure compensation and AE/AF lock. Auto bracketing. Proper metering, with selections for spot through to matrix. FPS control. Video control with framerate and resolution options, and the ability to manually control or lock exposure and focus. And finally, take advantage of L's .dng output, so we can work on this in lightroom after we're done. I don't trust my $2000 camera to spit out a nice jpg processed the way I want it, I shoot raw, I sure as hell don't trust a phone.
The nexus 6 looks to have some nice hardware. Let the software take advantage of it and you'll be happy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Any chance for Slo Mo video (at least 120fps) with this "mythical camera app"?

rmagruder said:
Try some low light shots....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found this thread after searching for a better camera for my n6. Realized after reading your post that it is the low light shots that suffer from severe shutter lag. Pics in good light are perfect. Ugh. My original moto x Dev. Took awesome pics compared to this low light garbage

Cwoomer said:
I found this thread after searching for a better camera for my n6. Realized after reading your post that it is the low light shots that suffer from severe shutter lag. Pics in good light are perfect. Ugh. My original moto x Dev. Took awesome pics compared to this low light garbage
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The pics are great when you are in a very well lit place. The moment you start to lose even a little light (semi lit), the camera really struggles. I'm very disappointed to start, but I'm going to stay patient and wait for Google to fix this.

Pilz said:
I'm waiting for devs to work their magic on the camera. It has a great sensor (Sony IMX214) so the potential is there. I really wish they could use the G3's software because its great. Is there a way to make the G3's software work on the Nexus for the camera? It processes images really well and is very fast.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G3 is the best camera on a phone because of the hardware.. not sure if the software has much to do with it because I've switched camera apps on that phone many times and the pics still come out amazing

dannieloco said:
The G3 is the best camera on a phone because of the hardware.. not sure if the software has much to do with it because I've switched camera apps on that phone many times and the pics still come out amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The G3 uses the IMX135 sensor while the Nexus uses the IMX214 which is a better sensor. So in theory the Nexus 6 is capable of better photos if the software can back it up. The G3 still uses the lib's and framework from LG no matter what camera app you are using from what I understand.

Anyone know anything about the Slo Mo capabilities? Im wanting to buy the N6 but the Slo Mo feature is really important to me. Hopefully it is possible with the sensor which everyone seems to regard as a pretty high quality sensor.

best camera app for nexus 6?

What do you think is the beat camera app for the nexus 6??

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2917061
What's your favorite Camera App(s)?

how many times has this question been asked? and how many threads on this are there? did you bother to search?

snap camera seems the fastest... not sure on the quality of the HDR
#notaphotoexpert

Geko-x said:
What do you think is the beat camera app for the nexus 6??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the N6? Manual Camera! Lovin this app! It's still a work in progress, but it is a very cool app.
Manual Camera
Other articles on the app:
http://www.droid-life.com/2015/01/1...ext-purchase-if-you-own-a-nexus-5-or-nexus-6/
http://androidcommunity.com/manual-camera-brings-dslr-experience-to-your-android-phone-20150116/
http://www.androidauthority.com/manual-camera-control-picture-580907/

I switched from Manual camera to Camera FV-5, which also uses the new APIs (so it can output DNG). It is a lot more polished and stable than Manual Camera.

BartmanJax said:
For the N6? Manual Camera! Lovin this app! It's still a work in progress, but it is a very cool app.
Manual Camera
Other articles on the app:
http://www.droid-life.com/2015/01/1...ext-purchase-if-you-own-a-nexus-5-or-nexus-6/
http://androidcommunity.com/manual-camera-brings-dslr-experience-to-your-android-phone-20150116/
http://www.androidauthority.com/manual-camera-control-picture-580907/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manual camera capture in 4:3 and you cant change quality and HDR seems very broken or non functional.
Very slow shutter rate, aosp and google camera is so much faster, Manual Camara not worth it at all.

Android-Desire said:
Manual camera capture in 4:3 and you cant change quality and HDR seems very broken or non functional.
Very slow shutter rate, aosp and google camera is so much faster, Manual Camara not worth it at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems you have missed the idea of the app. It's called MANUAL CAMERA!
You don't change "quality" settings. You don't have HDR mode. Those are AUTOMATIC modes. This is a MANUAL application that allows you to adjust MANUAL settings like ISO, Shutter Speed, Over/Under exposure, white balance, etc. If you want all the "programmed" or "automatic" settings that come in the camera app, then use the camera app!
And if your shutter rate is slow, it's because you have a SLOW SHUTTER SPEED selected!!!!
Complaining about an app that is doing what it's supposed to do, is epitome if stupidity!
ARGH!!!!!!!

FireFly3k said:
The app works perfectly fine on my Nexus 6 and I really like the manual options. Too bad it's not possible to edit the raw images on the phone yet.
And the low fps isn't a problem on a phone for me because the auto focus isn't that fast anyway.
A timer for timelapse photos could be a nice feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit RAW with Photo Mate R2 in PlayStore.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Manual Camera was updated to v2.1 today, and it is now showing as incompatible on the N6. Anyone else seeing this?

seem problem incompatible N6
Edit : the fix should be available for download in an hour or two in play store
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

i have a noob Q, why is it until now there is no app for Android for slo-mo? or like funny faces camera with voice changer like in the iOS, is it from android itself or the hardware or the developers ?
because i see the apps for iOS and i just wonder just WHY !

prestige2 said:
i have a noob Q, why is it until now there is no app for Android for slo-mo? or like funny faces camera with voice changer like in the iOS, is it from android itself or the hardware or the developers ?
because i see the apps for iOS and i just wonder just WHY !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google kinda dropped the ball on it. Hopefully it will be functionality added in at some point.

core issues with N6 video before slo-mo can happen
prestige2 said:
i have a noob Q, why is it until now there is no app for Android for slo-mo? or like funny faces camera with voice changer like in the iOS, is it from android itself or the hardware or the developers ?
because i see the apps for iOS and i just wonder just WHY !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My sense is there are some very serious issue preventing slo-mo. That is, slo-mo you want to share because it would be close to garbage as it stands.
I shoot video frequently and was very unhappy when I got my N6.
- signal to noise (S/N) is not good on this device at this stage of the game. It simply is noisy, and it is correctable in software. Until then, slo-mo will be very nasty if anyone is brave enough to try to encode it.
- exposure compensation in video mode is poor - if you shoot a video of a person sitting in front of a blank wall (or a sky) and slowly pan up and down - you can see the exposure compensation "clicking" in stairstep manner as the device adjusts to brightness changes. It needs to be silky smooth or video looks like crap. It can be corrected in software.
- you can workaround the exposure issue by using a third party app which locks exposure compensation - but shooting video with locked exposure compensation is not a good solution.
my opinions.

@warriorpluto I couldn't agree more...I was hoping that there be at least a working port of maybe lenovo, sense 6 camera,z2 or z3 camera...maybe when more devices get lollipop well be able to enjoy the nexus camera...but I suppose for now the google camera shall do for now lol smh

Z camera is good enough. The only one u can take picture wit no lag. But no HDR .
Sent from my Nexus 6 using XDA Free mobile app

Manual Camera
Geko-x said:
What do you think is the beat camera app for the nexus 6??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manual Camera just came out a few weeks ago, but it's by far been the best for me (a camera junkie).
It's best used if you're used to the settings on a DSLR, but has an awesome auto setting and the fastest auto-focus i've seen yet on the N6.

So is the best camera app "Camera FV-5" with Cinema FV-5?

Just cleaned up in here. You guys can take the political debate to a different forum, please. I have absolutely no idea why this subject got brought up in camera thread (actually I do, but I'll deal with the certain member(s))......on a development site.
No need to discuss what I just cleaned in here. Please keep it on topic.

jlehenbauer said:
Manual Camera just came out a few weeks ago, but it's by far been the best for me (a camera junkie).
It's best used if you're used to the settings on a DSLR, but has an awesome auto setting and the fastest auto-focus i've seen yet on the N6.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I liked the Manual Camera, but there is no option for video mode and front camera mode..

[Q] Will the Lollipop update fix the terrible camera?

As we all know the sensor and lens on the Z3 are some of the best on the market right now. However, for some reason, Sony, who make maybe the best compact cameras out there, seems to have failed miserably in regard to the camera software in its phones. All photos come out with little detail, soft focus, artifacts and overprocessed. Do you think that will get fixed in 5.0(2)? Will the camera finally be comparable to, say, the Galaxy Note 4 or some of the Lumias?
Regards.

what terrible camera?
i'm no Ansel Adams, but i think the Z3c has a great camera, especially once you get the hang of it.

seklerek said:
As we all know the sensor and lens on the Z3 are some of the best on the market right now. However, for some reason, Sony, who make maybe the best compact cameras out there, seems to have failed miserably in regard to the camera software in its phones. All photos come out with little detail, soft focus, artifacts and overprocessed. Do you think that will get fixed in 5.0(2)? Will the camera finally be comparable to, say, the Galaxy Note 4 or some of the Lumias?
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In theory yes. With Lollipop we will be able to take RAW images with the camera due to the new api. RAW images are unprocessed, straight from the sensor. The Sony camera sensor is good but the software image processing isn't. Taking photos in RAW eliminates the poor image processing so the images should be much much better.
Sent from my D5833

I actually agree on this, especially when taking photos. All the other devices I used before my Z3 Compact did not try to focus again after I already touched focus a certain area, but my Z3C actually does so as I press the shutter button. It also has trouble trying to focus on really close objects, only able to get precise focus 1/10 of the time.

I personally use google camera for simple, clear, low-processed pictures. The drawback is that the photos cannot be saved on the sd card w/o root.
Or, you can very well use the manual mode - this one also is pulling some nice photos, w/o blur,

ro_explorer said:
I personally use google camera for simple, clear, low-processed pictures. The drawback is that the photos cannot be saved on the sd card w/o root.
Or, you can very well use the manual mode - this one also is pulling some nice photos, w/o blur,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Atleast on the regular Z3 you can choose to save photos and videos on the sd card directly.
Camera, the three blocks, settings icons.

I'm currently playing around with the app ABetterCamera and so far images are taken faster and low light photos look much better. They have an option to choose where to store the photos and if you choose external card it gives you the message Android doesn't allow that...BUT there is an option to choose custom folder which I pointed to the SDCard and it worked!

Yeah I find the camera terrible too.
My dads Note 2 takes much better pictures. If I put them side by side at a certain distance and take a picture of a piece of paper, on one I can clearly read what is written on it, and on the other it's all blurrines. I didn't expect this camera to suck that big especially compared to such an old low-res camera.
If that was not enough, colors are much more innatural on the sony, while the note 2 reproduces them much better...

michyprima said:
Yeah I find the camera terrible too.
My dads Note 2 takes much better pictures. If I put them side by side at a certain distance and take a picture of a piece of paper, on one I can clearly read what is written on it, and on the other it's all blurrines. I didn't expect this camera to suck that big especially compared to such an old low-res camera.
If that was not enough, colors are much more innatural on the sony, while the note 2 reproduces them much better...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you print out the pictures or look at them on the same screen it's really not possible to compare color reproduction from camera to camera.
Try ABetterCamera app, for me it takes better shots.

lol1rfs said:
Atleast on the regular Z3 you can choose to save photos and videos on the sd card directly.
Camera, the three blocks, settings icons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use the sony camera yes you can, but he was using Google camera that can't save to Sdcard.

Back camera is mostly ok. But the front camera is the worst! I cannot wait to sony fixes this soft skin efect bug. It's driving me nuts!!

I think the camera Lumia 925 that I had, much better than the camera's compact Z3. To be honest, the camera of this device did not please me so much.

android167 said:
Back camera is mostly ok. But the front camera is the worst! I cannot wait to sony fixes this soft skin efect bug. It's driving me nuts!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can actually turn the "soft skin effect" off in the menu and if you want better pictures from the front camera make sure the "HDR" option is always enabled.
---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:22 PM ----------
FSRBIKER said:
Unless you print out the pictures or look at them on the same screen it's really not possible to compare color reproduction from camera to camera.
Try ABetterCamera app, for me it takes better shots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Camera FV-5 is a better choice. It allows 100% JPG Quality, 100% Thumbnail quality AND uncompressed PNG format option for taking shots.

seklerek said:
As we all know the sensor and lens on the Z3 are some of the best on the market right now. However, for some reason, Sony, who make maybe the best compact cameras out there, seems to have failed miserably in regard to the camera software in its phones. All photos come out with little detail, soft focus, artifacts and overprocessed. Do you think that will get fixed in 5.0(2)? Will the camera finally be comparable to, say, the Galaxy Note 4 or some of the Lumias?
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally will not get my hopes up that Sony will do anything to the camera software to improve image quality just because 5.0 supports RAW format. Sony may not even include RAW support in their version of 5.0.
So many times, phone manufacturers pick and choose which features of android to implement or substitute that feature with their own.

seklerek said:
As we all know the sensor and lens on the Z3 are some of the best on the market right now. However, for some reason, Sony, who make maybe the best compact cameras out there, seems to have failed miserably in regard to the camera software in its phones. All photos come out with little detail, soft focus, artifacts and overprocessed. Do you think that will get fixed in 5.0(2)? Will the camera finally be comparable to, say, the Galaxy Note 4 or some of the Lumias?
Regards.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The formal answer is "no" - it will NOT fix the poor image processing. RAW format is not supported by Sony in Android 5.0
http://www.xperiablog.net/2015/03/1...-does-not-support-manual-camera-settings-raw/

PuffDaddy_d said:
The formal answer is "no" - it will NOT fix the poor image processing. RAW format is not supported by Sony in Android 5.0
http://www.xperiablog.net/2015/03/1...-does-not-support-manual-camera-settings-raw/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's sad, I had my hopes up that they would finally do something about it. How can a camera company make a phone camera so bad I can't understand.

Daryll99 said:
You can actually turn the "soft skin effect" off in the menu and if you want better pictures from the front camera make sure the "HDR" option is always enabled.
---------- Post added at 01:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:22 PM ----------
Camera FV-5 is a better choice. It allows 100% JPG Quality, 100% Thumbnail quality AND uncompressed PNG format option for taking shots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You cannot. Try to turn it off, take a picture, then take a picture when it's on. There is apsolutely no difference.

camera is not terrible, doesn't need to be fixed. because iphone has better camera doesn't mean it's terrible, it's just second best after Gs5 in android (third after iphone)

ilgreco112 said:
camera is not terrible, doesn't need to be fixed. because iphone has better camera doesn't mean it's terrible, it's just second best after Gs5 in android (third after iphone)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hardware is indeed great, but software is very bad, and since the combination of both make the picture, the camera needs to be fixed (software part).
I mean look at all the phones using SONY sensors, they take excellent pictures on AUTO. Z3? Nope, rarely. Manual is super, but sometimes you do not have the time to fiddle around with the settings. And no DNG RAW in 5.0.2? Well, totally wasted potential of this phone's camera.

I'm very disappointed with the Z3C camera too... I mean, considering the specs, I was hoping for a lot much better pictures.
I´ve just got mine, I did a lot of research before buying a new phone (I had a Note 2), and the main reasons why I bought this phone are: size/specs, battery life and camera. I also considered buying the Moto Maxx (Brazilian Droid Turbo variant) but the Z3C compactness (is this a word?) made me chose it and I'm kind of regretting it a little bit... lol

PETITION: Samsung to implement Camera API 2 in Note 4 firmware

Hi.
We all want better camera control and access to manual controls for our Note 4 camera.
Google has made that possible with Camera API 2 in Android 5. But Samsung decided not to implement that into they're Android 5 build for Note 4.
This will give us Manual shutter control, more ISO control, Manual blender and so on.
I have started a petition at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/implement-camera-api-2-in-note-4-firmware
Please sign

yeah i really want this camera2 api, i really love the custom controls on my Lumia would be perfect if they came to the note too.
I want to vote but the page you linked is not availible

Daemonum1980 said:
yeah i really want this camera2 api, i really love the custom controls on my Lumia would be perfect if they came to the note too.
I want to vote but the page you linked is not availible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ups. link fixed

..

I want this too, sure.. But isn't there a way a developer can actually transfer part of the camera firmware from the s6 to the note 4?

@arovik
Petition should also Include
-Fast Firmwares Updates
-Update Apps like Gallery and Launcher just like HTC and Sony Do

Camera2 API would be perfect, but let's face it, Samsung will not react to an online petition and give us what we want.
As far as I know the Galaxy S6 supports Camera2 API, so chances are high that we'll get a Note 5 in autumn that will also support it.

Stefan0vic said:
I want this too, sure.. But isn't there a way a developer can actually transfer part of the camera firmware from the s6 to the note 4?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No no.. Closed source Sammy firmware that controls the hardware.. It would be awesome (and incredibly difficult) for a Dev to implement something like this.
foo said:
Camera2 API would be perfect, but let's face it, Samsung will not react to an online petition and give us what we want.
As far as I know the Galaxy S6 supports Camera2 API, so chances are high that we'll get a Note 5 in autumn that will also support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes S6 does (but still NOT 100%)..Figures! Still no manual shutter and one other of the main api's (can't remember which one)
But yes you're right Sammy won't do anything about a petition.
I was however practically praying for this before their LP firmware came out! But of course Sammy didn't and I just don't know why! (left out multi-users from LP too)
But this is so sweet in LP and gives their more advanced users the pro/manual controls we all crave!
Especially this camera (which for the most part is incredible but has one major flaw) where the shutter speed is way too damn slow.. It's indoor/lower lighting shooting just causes way too much motion blur - basically my one major gripe with this awesome phone.. Us with kids who like to take lots of indoor candid shots (and lighting isn't absolutely perfect as Sammy expects) will often get motion blur in parts even with the slightest movements.. Better hope your subjects stay immaculately still and don't breathe, flinch, move an inch lol!
Damn I want Camera2 on this.. Maybe (if ever) on 5.1.x? Probably not though.. Note5 and flagships beyond

electech13 said:
No no.. Closed source Sammy firmware that controls the hardware.. It would be awesome (and incredibly difficult) for a Dev to implement something like this.
Yes S6 does (but still NOT 100%)..Figures! Still no manual shutter and one other of the main api's (can't remember which one)
But yes you're right Sammy won't do anything about a petition.
I was however practically praying for this before their LP firmware came out! But of course Sammy didn't and I just don't know why! (left out multi-users from LP too)
But this is so sweet in LP and gives their more advanced users the pro/manual controls we all crave!
Especially this camera (which for the most part is incredible but has one major flaw) where the shutter speed is way too damn slow.. It's indoor/lower lighting shooting just causes way too much motion blur - basically my one major gripe with this awesome phone.. Us with kids who like to take lots of indoor candid shots (and lighting isn't absolutely perfect as Sammy expects) will often get motion blur in parts even with the slightest movements.. Better hope your subjects stay immaculately still and don't breathe, flinch, move an inch lol!
Damn I want Camera2 on this.. Maybe (if ever) on 5.1.x? Probably not though.. Note5 and flagships beyond
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They'll do nothing about it on the Note 4 and market it as a new feature on the Note 5.

Batfink33 said:
They'll do nothing about it on the Note 4 and market it as a new feature on the Note 5.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
simple .. i ll buy a nexus or an htc or a sony

Count me in!!!!!!!!!

Count me 2

electech13 said:
No no.. Closed source Sammy firmware that controls the hardware.. It would be awesome (and incredibly difficult) for a Dev to implement something like this.
Yes S6 does (but still NOT 100%)..Figures! Still no manual shutter and one other of the main api's (can't remember which one)
But yes you're right Sammy won't do anything about a petition.
I was however practically praying for this before their LP firmware came out! But of course Sammy didn't and I just don't know why! (left out multi-users from LP too)
But this is so sweet in LP and gives their more advanced users the pro/manual controls we all crave!
Especially this camera (which for the most part is incredible but has one major flaw) where the shutter speed is way too damn slow.. It's indoor/lower lighting shooting just causes way too much motion blur - basically my one major gripe with this awesome phone.. Us with kids who like to take lots of indoor candid shots (and lighting isn't absolutely perfect as Sammy expects) will often get motion blur in parts even with the slightest movements.. Better hope your subjects stay immaculately still and don't breathe, flinch, move an inch lol!
Damn I want Camera2 on this.. Maybe (if ever) on 5.1.x? Probably not though.. Note5 and flagships beyond
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is my biggest problem. Shots during the day are fantastic, but anything in "less than outside light" (not low light...) come out ... Meh... I had the 930 and the 1520, wow, those took FANTASTIC photos! In almost every lighting condition. And EVERY Review for the Note 4 said how it was just as good or better... I couldn't believe they said that... The Note 4 camera leaves a lot to be desired in the camera department. I hope they fix this. If they don't, since I change devices frequently, I can promise my next device WON'T be a Samsung device. Other than that, and the lousy lag for recent apps and reviewing picture after taking it on the camera (all very well documented), I'm very happy.
Bring Camera2.0!

The problem with too slow shutter speeds can be controlled to some extend.
When I use a real camera with a fixed focal length lens, I have control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO. This 3 variables mainly define the outcome of my picture.
On a smartphone the aperture is fixed, so only 2 variables are available in theory: Shutter speed and ISO.
If I increase the shutter speed, there is less time for the light to hit my sensor, to compensate this, I have to increase the ISO (and get more noise), but moving subjects will be less blurry. Unfortunately we need camera2 API to do this.
BUT: as ISO and shutter speed are directly related I can do it the other way round. If you increase the ISO the shutter speed will also increase, so setting the ISO to the highest value (and not "auto") will increase noise in your picture, but it will also increase the shutter speed.
You can also trick the metering to increase the shutter speed even more, by adjusting the exposure value ("EV"). If you decrease the EV by -1, your picture will be darker as you requested the camera to collect less light by doing so, but this will lead to an increase of the shutter speed as well.
Last but not least you can add more light by forcing the LED-flash to fire no matter what.
The app "Camera FV-5" allows to set a fixed ISO of 1600 while the stock camera app limits this to ISO 800.
You may want to try this out, if you're taking pictures of your moving kids indoors.
One more thing: If noise becomes too bad you may try to convert the image to black and white. As color noise is not an issue in b/w images, your image may look much better as in color (luminance noise will still be present though).

foo said:
The problem with too slow shutter speeds can be controlled to some extend.
When I use a real camera with a fixed focal length lens, I have control over shutter speed, aperture and ISO. This 3 variables mainly define the outcome of my picture.
On a smartphone the aperture is fixed, so only 2 variables are available in theory: Shutter speed and ISO.
If I increase the shutter speed, there is less time for the light to hit my sensor, to compensate this, I have to increase the ISO (and get more noise), but moving subjects will be less blurry. Unfortunately we need camera2 API to do this.
BUT: as ISO and shutter speed are directly related I can do it the other way round. If you increase the ISO the shutter speed will also increase, so setting the ISO to the highest value (and not "auto") will increase noise in your picture, but it will also increase the shutter speed.
You can also trick the metering to increase the shutter speed even more, by adjusting the exposure value ("EV"). If you decrease the EV by -1, your picture will be darker as you requested the camera to collect less light by doing so, but this will lead to an increase of the shutter speed as well.
Last but not least you can add more light by forcing the LED-flash to fire no matter what.
The app "Camera FV-5" allows to set a fixed ISO of 1600 while the stock camera app limits this to ISO 800.
You may want to try this out, if you're taking pictures of your moving kids indoors.
One more thing: If noise becomes too bad you may try to convert the image to black and white. As color noise is not an issue in b/w images, your image may look much better as in color (luminance noise will still be present though).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know all this stuff as I use DSLR's a lot but those are all unfortunate work-a-rounds or bands aids for this phone.
Other then the fixed aperture Camera2 would give access to everything else and open up a lot of possibilities.
The S6 and G4 with their f1.9 and f1.8 apertures respectively are insane.. Makes a big difference. S6 pics are phenomenal and what I've seen in G4 reviews are even better, especially in low light!
Btw I love Camera FV-5 and Snap HDR.. Amazing apps and help a bit but this note can't access all of their amazing features... Due to no camera2 of course... Grrrr
---------- Post added at 02:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:03 AM ----------
zkyevolved said:
This is my biggest problem. Shots during the day are fantastic, but anything in "less than outside light" (not low light...) come out ... Meh... I had the 930 and the 1520, wow, those took FANTASTIC photos! In almost every lighting condition. And EVERY Review for the Note 4 said how it was just as good or better... I couldn't believe they said that... The Note 4 camera leaves a lot to be desired in the camera department. I hope they fix this. If they don't, since I change devices frequently, I can promise my next device WON'T be a Samsung device. Other than that, and the lousy lag for recent apps and reviewing picture after taking it on the camera (all very well documented), I'm very happy.
Bring Camera2.0!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep... It sucks.. There are so many who think this is literally the best camera ever and go on and on.. And it is good but that one (in my case) big scenario, it really sucks! It was made for perfect lighting and if so the shots are incredible.
Sure.. Crank up the ISO all the way and get a super noise filled shot or try the useless "sport mode" lol.. Even then, shutter still too slow

heh just checked back on this topic and it's going great guys, we will have api2 in 2075 if we kep em going like this
But seriously, we need to spread the word for this petition or nothing will happen.

SquirtingCherry said:
heh just checked back on this topic and it's going great guys, we will have api2 in 2075 if we kep em going like this
But seriously, we need to spread the word for this petition or nothing will happen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
serious, nothing will happen anyways, petition or not. Do you guys seriously think Samsung will care about the 0.0001 % of users who actually know what Camera V2 compatibility is. If you want really want it, buy a Note 5 in a couple of months or S6/edge if you want it now. Let's face it Note 4 is already outdated