guide or advice on how to take a better photo? - Galaxy Camera Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

so, when i got the galaxy camera 2 part of my reason, a big part, was to take better pics than my old point and shoot. while pics are a bit better its pretty clear i am no wiz at taking good looking photos. in fact i would say im pretty useless. i pretty much have the thing set to "macro" and thats it. anytime i have tried to make use of the manual controls i end up producing utter crap.
so has anyone found a guide or soemthing that would help me to better make use of the camera and teach me how to make it take the photos i want to.

To make use of manual mode you need to understand how the camera handles light. A good basic guide is the book Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. Whenever someone is interested in going beyond the cameras automatic setting, this is the book I suggest.

...hmmm, judging by the plea for help this seems more of a request towards artistic, rather than technical, guidance.
See, personally I bought a refurbed SGC2 to avoid all the manual settings and have the luxury of having a glorified Android tablet with a 16+MP point-n'-shooter. If I wanted to be more technically proficient a photobug, I would've shelled out more for an SLR, lenses, bags, stands, lighting gear, a high-end PC / Mac workstation, Photoshop, etc., Ugh!
I think you should Google, Youtube, or Khan Academy something on good shot composition and techniques, rather than tinkering with settings.
"Rule of thirds" is a great start and was a creative credo in my cinematography class in video production. I still suck at lighting, but I've taken that rule of thumb almost to an unconscious level.
Now I'm hoping your SGC2 is the one with Android on it because I bought it specifically for use with the Vignette photo app. (There's a free demo in Google Play.)
Run what you consider "crap" through this, mess with some presets and tinker around with some tweaks, add frames, and you'll look like an absolute genius.
I swear by this app and have yet to use the built in camera.
(I'm sure I'm limiting myself with the camera's capabilities, but I'm stubborn that way.)
The beauty of digital (as opposed to film) photography is that you can practically shoot forever within storage and power consumption limits.
Go nuts and experiment! Find your artistic niche!
Who knows, you just might actually step up to that SLR and go pro!
Happy shooting!
(I adore this camera, BTW and I'm still wondering if there's any reason for me to root it.
I honestly haven't found one, yet. I use it more as a camera, rather than a tablet.
We'll see.)
P.S., ...by the way, my avatar was shot on Vignette on my old-ass, rooted & ROM-ed, T-Mobile LG G2X with the Vignette app. I took the photo in it, square framed (with rounded corners) it, used the Ilford (B&W) preset, clicked the 'underexposed' customize, and voila! Otherwise, it would've been an average, run-of-the-mill photo of my GF and the cat.

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Mod REQ, 5 megapixel panoramics from camera

basically i would like to use the panaramic mode but with the 5 megapixel quality, i dont know whether this can be enabled with a hack/patch, but i think it would be a good addition to the phones abilitys - i know it would take longer to finish the stitching but a worthy wait! anyone interested?
Me too
me too..
for long times..since the i900 omnia ;-)
on sgs using panoplanet lw it would be great!
This sounds reasonable! Samsung totally missed the spot with these ridiculously lo-res panoramas Love this feature, but low res output makes me do panoramas on my pc...
Why don't you take regular pictures and use windows software like Microsoft ICE (free) or AutoPano (not free) to stitch them together?
(I know, not a solution to your problem, but definitely better results)
A solution but kinda take the spontaneity and fun out it. Its nice to have the results in hand.
panoramas are usually lower res because they are, in fact, they are several photos stitched together. this holds true even in some newer point and shoot digital cameras.
the galaxy s is not alone in this. previous samsung phones such as the i900 omnia , s8000 jet, and i8910 omnia hd support the sweep panorama, but only at a lower resolution. just be thankful that the galaxy actually HAS sweep panorama - my friends with their iphones drool over this feature. otherwise, do what frauhottelmann says.
if a dev IS able to make this happen, then WOHOO!
Holy moly it would be awesome if this could happen. Doesn't need to be huge but anything better than the tiny res setting its using now.
Of course that will put a much bigger demand on the memory and processing since it takes all the photos and then does the math. I can see issues popping up...
Sent from my GT-I9000M using XDA App
even if it just took the pictures automatically leaving the stitching to do manually later it would be very handy. id actually prefer that.
i dont mind waiting while it processes the images, and if i was going to go thru the process of stitching in windows id probably take the pics with a real camera, it was just a suggestion and i, as a non techy thought it might be just a few mod's to the camera scripts - surely it would be a few lines which forces this mode into low res.

[Q] The camera is good?

I have been looking at the camera, he actually and ordinary card machine than what outstanding? Easy to use? The best a few proofs, give me have a look.
Awsome camera go into the main general thread there is a best pics thread with some good pics . Ive just updated it so it should be near the top
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda premium
What I generally tell people who ask me that very same question, is this, admittedly there are cheaper cameras that produce a better image quality, that's not to say the photos are rubbish, I just know that you could spend considerably less for the same or equal image quality.
You're paying a premium for what it is, as there is only one other device like it on the market right now (more are on the way) if you buy this camera, you're definitely buying it as a WANT, not a NEED and probably succumbing to the need to have the latest and greatest tech.
The functionality you get over a standard point-and-shoot (PaS) is definitely the key thing here, I've not plugged this thing in to a computer to transfer images one, it's all done over the air.
I will go out, take whatever photos and by the time I've got home, they are already waiting for me to view, whether that's on Google+ via it's auto upload feature, or the full size images that have been synced through to my machines via dropbox. The ability to instantly share those photos using any method available to the Android platform is another massive bonus, as well as all the editing apps available on the platform too.
The lens on the camera gives ample range and in some cases greater than other, normal, cameras out there and the pre defined "Smart Settings" work very well, as well as the manual settings which for me, is a very welcomed feature.
The remote viewfinder and the ability to control the camera from your phone is an excellent feature, doing group shots, with yourself in the group is now an easy thing to do, without the hassle of setting a timer and running back etc...
One problem I have found with the camera, which will get better with upcoming software updates I believe, is the occasional lag, not just in the camera app but the while device and it's no where near as quick to load from a cold boot.
Overall it's a great device, the build quality is good and all the features you get from having the Android OS bolted on is great. But only you can decide whether you think it's worth shelling out the money they're asking for it and if not now, maybe when the price drops you might. And if your sole requirement is to have the best image quality possible and nothing else, then there are other cameras in the same price bracket that yield better results.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2

Is the camera really as bad as the reviews say?

I've currently got a rooted HTC sensation which I'm due to upgrade. My choice is between the HTC one and the galaxy s4, but my choice seems to come down to the camera quality. Is the one camera really as bad as the reviews suggest?
I havent got any examples that I can post but the quality seems much crisper that my previous device (Sensation)
Low light shots seem ok and auto-focus seems to work much quicker. Zoe is also a nice feature!
link to the review?
Why create a new thread? There's at least 3 threads talking about the camera....... :banghead:
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Check out THIS thread and make your own mind up, i personally don't have any problem with the camera quality.
StuartTheFish said:
I've currently got a rooted HTC sensation which I'm due to upgrade. My choice is between the HTC one and the galaxy s4, but my choice seems to come down to the camera quality. Is the one camera really as bad as the reviews suggest?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you just being lazy or just being a troll by opening a thread with a negative impact title? Hard to tell...Anyway, if really interested you could have looked at least at one photo thread which contains dozens of camera reviews.
Florin82 said:
Are you just being lazy or just being a troll by opening a thread with a negative impact title? Hard to tell...Anyway, if really interested you could have looked at least at one photo thread which contains dozens of camera reviews.
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Click to collapse
No need to be like that, that thread has loads of pictures from all the one series. Not specifically the new one. And the various reviews I've read seem to conflict, some saying it's okay, others stating it's useless. Hence me asking for anyone's first hand experience with the phone now it's been released.
Start at the last page and work backwards, plenty of user pictures from the One.
StuartTheFish said:
No need to be like that, that thread has loads of pictures from all the one series. Not specifically the new one. And the various reviews I've read seem to conflict, some saying it's okay, others stating it's useless. Hence me asking for anyone's first hand experience with the phone now it's been released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, for serious photography I hang a DSLR around my neck and carry a couple of extra lenses in the backpack. For snapping a quick shot whilst I'm just pottering about or hanging with the guys the camera is far more than adequate.
Sent from my Tricked out HTC One via xda-developers application
StuartTheFish said:
No need to be like that, that thread has loads of pictures from all the one series. Not specifically the new one. And the various reviews I've read seem to conflict, some saying it's okay, others stating it's useless. Hence me asking for anyone's first hand experience with the phone now it's been released.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry man but today we have already seen a topic closed for plane trolling and in this context your thread title seemed a little out of line especially since there are already lots of user pictures and opinions available, i needn't speak about dozens of reviews. Didn't mean to be rude but next time better check first what info is available and maybe select a more appropriate title.
In my opinion i was expecting the photos taken to be a bit better but i am also quite optimistic about the fact that software updates might turn it into an excellent smartphone camera.
Florin82 said:
Sorry man but today we have already seen a topic closed for plane trolling and in this context your thread title seemed a little out of line especially since there are already lots of user pictures and opinions available, i needn't speak about dozens of reviews. Didn't mean to be rude but next time better check first what info is available and maybe select a more appropriate title.
In my opinion i was expecting the photos taken to be a bit better but i am also quite optimistic about the fact that software updates might turn it into an excellent smartphone camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's okay, not trying to bash the phone, just trying to find out which phone to upgrade to!
I saw that thread you're talking about and even commented a little, but unfortunately there were a couple of Samsung fanboys who turned it into a company vs company thread instead of just having unbiased comparisons between phones.
I don't have a decent camera, nor do I have the option to carry one around all the time since I'm normally dragging a couple of infants around with me, I'm not really an avid photographer either. I just want it to be at least as good as the one on my sensation since I do use it fairly regularly, but can't make my mind up on handset! I think I may have to just go into a phone shop and compare for myself.
Like I keep saying
The HTC One camera is an extremely well equipped camera, OIS, super fast shutter, low light ability, f2.0, wide angle lens, powerful macro ability, best HDR on phones, all combined gives a very powerful camera
However as usual with HTC it will still require manual efforts from ur side those camera settings are there to be used
Compared to your sensation its light years ahead of it, compared to the One X you loose something and gain something in return
Things to keep in mind always reduce sharpness in HTC cameras and for the One in specific auto enhance or contrast increase might be needed as well due to the extra light in its day light photos
But it's not match to the 13MP detail from the sgs4 camera purely in terms of resolution
I came from DHD, wife still has Sensation. We're in full agreement that the One takes much better pictures.
Sent from my Tricked out HTC One via xda-developers application
I am in similar position. For me which phone I choose next will be down to camera. One thing I missed after iphone was the way you cam trim videos before sending to get correct file size. As far as I am aware only htc on android can do this - forward to 1145 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23nQyOpixiU&feature=youtube_gdata_player.
I will no doubt get the one but camera is a worry as htc are not really promoting it in any adverts I have seen so far in uk. More blink and boom ?? Waiting for 64gb too but if we ever get it who knows ???
The camera thread is great but I am now info overloaded so really have to go test one in more depth.
Custom Stock Rom 4.1 Eternity
Brilliantly Stock
Do you use digital zoom or lot, or blow up pics after you make them? IMO, this is the weak point of the camera. It's lens is 28mm (35mm film equivalent) and you don't have the latitude to zoom that you would with more MP. Personally, I am more a telephoto guy than wide angle so it bugs me, but everyone is different.
(I decided to punt and keep my S3 for now. Camera plus questions on headphone audio. Mixed feeling though, as I really like the low light attributes and boomsound speakers.)
Just wait until release and judge for yourself and decide if it's really an amazing camera.
I have never, in too many years to mention, used a digital zoom. Never saw the point in stretching one sensor pixel to fill 4, 9, 16 or more final image pixels.
Sent from my Tricked out HTC One via xda-developers application
Yeah, digital zoom is terrible regardless of the camera used. I do however sometimes zoom in on my photos, which I assume won't be much good with the one.
Afraid that zooming after the event won't get you anywhere with the One. Granted, although my phone's have progressed from being a phone/txt device that could play snake when I was bored all the way to a miniature computer that can make calls as well I've never viewed them as a camera replacement. Hell, you can get a little 8Mp snapper that's smaller then current headline phones for a fraction of the cost AND they've got optical zoom with a lense that retreats into the body of the camera when you put it back in your pocket.
Sent from my Tricked out HTC One via xda-developers application
HTC One vs Samsung S3 - audio recording comparison

Blurry photos of (slightly) moving objects. Advice?

Hello everyone,
I am really frustrated with this devices ability to take any other photo outside landscapes, stones and any other stationary thing.
The camera start slow, takes photos really slowly and there is absolutely no focus. The memories of going to the pool... Ruined. Selfies... Ruined. Photos of my dog... Ruined. It is REALLY annoying.
I have the L29 C432 (Germany) with EMUI 8.1.0.161. 4D focus is activated (but I don't think it is working), Master Ai makes things worse because it takes a second to determine the scene (and switches to portrait when exactly when I want to snap the photo).
Will updating to EMUI 9 help? Should I root and flash AOSP???
I have the unlock code, but didn't use it until now.
Thanks in advance for your help!
I have the same German version, though I have updated to Pie. I say updated and not upgraded.
The camera to horrible for moving object. 4D focus does nothing to help. You may try changing to the low resolution. I honest do not know why this phone gets good reviews from the camera. My iphone 6 took better photos. My 20015 motorola X pure took better photos. Then Nexus 6P took much better photos.
Literally the ONLY thing this phone is good at is very low light. That's it. The rest is crap, especially for what this phone costs.
remusgod86 said:
Hello everyone,
I am really frustrated with this devices ability to take any other photo outside landscapes, stones and any other stationary thing.
The camera start slow, takes photos really slowly and there is absolutely no focus. The memories of going to the pool... Ruined. Selfies... Ruined. Photos of my dog... Ruined. It is REALLY annoying.
I have the L29 C432 (Germany) with EMUI 8.1.0.161. 4D focus is activated (but I don't think it is working), Master Ai makes things worse because it takes a second to determine the scene (and switches to portrait when exactly when I want to snap the photo).
Will updating to EMUI 9 help? Should I root and flash AOSP???
I have the unlock code, but didn't use it until now.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes this is the main problem with this camera, using pro settings helps, but if have to set every time the speed and iso you will loose the moment...
Like you've said, pro mode is only for "arranged" photoshooting. Is the Google camera app, in its current state a good alternative? Will an AOSP firmware make a difference (because it should be lighter and faster)?
@remusgod86
Use Pro Mode next time and manual exposure time, 1/500 or shorter = 1/640 and other setting on "auto".
Settings of my sample - exposure time = 1/1000 - other = Auto
starbase64 said:
@remusgod86
Use Pro Mode next time and manual exposure time, 1/500 or shorter = 1/640 and other setting on "auto".
Settings of my sample - exposure time = 1/1000 - other = Auto
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
like he said, in that case, he would lose the moment.
Also, IMO that photo looks horrible. So un-sharp it looks like it was taken through a water lens. I think my old motorola razr got more detail than that.
or buy a "camera"...
settings: ISO200 1/200 f10
The "camera" can take pictures with the flash in completely dark conditions.
a flash will freeze everything!
Handy vs DSLR in der Nacht - just for fun by Maik Reifschneider, auf Flickr
@starbase64 thanks for the exposure tip. I'll try it.
Regarding the "camera" advice, I will suppose that you mean a handheld or a dslr. I don't want dslr level photos. What I want, is to take USABLE photos with "the world's best smartphone camera". Which was more than possible with my 3 year old Galaxy S6 Edge+.
@remusgod86
the simplest way is go back to galaxy s6 EDGE+
remusgod86 said:
Hello everyone,
I am really frustrated with this devices ability to take any other photo outside landscapes, stones and any other stationary thing.
The camera start slow, takes photos really slowly and there is absolutely no focus. The memories of going to the pool... Ruined. Selfies... Ruined. Photos of my dog... Ruined. It is REALLY annoying.
I have the L29 C432 (Germany) with EMUI 8.1.0.161. 4D focus is activated (but I don't think it is working), Master Ai makes things worse because it takes a second to determine the scene (and switches to portrait when exactly when I want to snap the photo).
Will updating to EMUI 9 help? Should I root and flash AOSP???
I have the unlock code, but didn't use it until now.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The camera issue is known since the .156 firmware which is broke the camera. Since then no 4D predictive focus, night mode is worst, overall picture quality in photo mode bad. I'm in the same boat as you, I have got 4 updates but the camera issue is still not fixed! I'm also really upset.
My negative feelings regarding this device seem to have brought it to its doom. My wife dropped it on tile flooring and the display cracked in the worst way possible. Just ordered a Poco F1 (on which I will install the Google Camera App) to use until next year (after CES).
I am still really disappointed with Huawei and I feel that it is becoming the "new Samsung", in regards to the business model. It is sad, because in my eyes, they make the best hardware (the Mate series of phones and laptops) on the market, but their slow, bloated and buggy software/-updates make them noncompetitive.
I thank you for your advice and wish you all good luck.
PS- maybe we'll see each other on the Poco forums
Hi Guys,
I'm interested in the P20 Pro for its camera tech. Most pics I take will be of family kids and pets etc so lots of movement unfortunately. I'm worried about the comments above. Is this everybody's experience with lots of motion blur or is it maybe restricted to certain handsets?
Thanks
breenod said:
Hi Guys,
I'm interested in the P20 Pro for its camera tech. Most pics I take will be of family kids and pets etc so lots of movement unfortunately. I'm worried about the comments above. Is this everybody's experience with lots of motion blur or is it maybe restricted to certain handsets?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got no issues what so ever.
Really love this camera.
breenod said:
Hi Guys,
I'm interested in the P20 Pro for its camera tech. Most pics I take will be of family kids and pets etc so lots of movement unfortunately. I'm worried about the comments above. Is this everybody's experience with lots of motion blur or is it maybe restricted to certain handsets?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's more like the camera app is broken for certain firmware versions. Most of the people reported the issue starting with version 156. For me, I'm still with version 155 and the camera is awesome. Best phone camera I've ever use. That's it. Comparing to my DSLR, the AI photo editing is a little bit overdone. Maybe it's just my taste, but comparing with other phones, this is the best for now. Maybe Mate20 Pro could be better but I haven't try it out yet.
breenod said:
Hi Guys,
I'm interested in the P20 Pro for its camera tech. Most pics I take will be of family kids and pets etc so lots of movement unfortunately. I'm worried about the comments above. Is this everybody's experience with lots of motion blur or is it maybe restricted to certain handsets?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Honesty, you would be nuts to buy this phone. I was also nuts and definitely regret buying. I "try" to use it a lot to capture moments from my 2 month old baby. So.. he barely moves at all, yet that tiny amount of moment is too much for this horrid phone.
If you hold perfectly still, you "might" be able to get an ok image.
Each update makes the camera even worse. Huawei also offers basically zero tech support to solve any issues. DO NOT DO IT!!!!
Just buy a pixel 3 XL. It's cheaper (marginally), the camera app is massively better AND you will actually get real software updates as soon as they come out.
Not to mention, you get unlimited photo storage at full resolution.
I have been searching for someone to trade a pixel for this crap box, but as you can imagine... no takers so far.
If anyone tells you the camera on the P20 Pro is amazing then, frankly, they're talking rubbish. The sensor is big, it has optical zoom and the Night Mode sometimes produces some nice results. That's about it.
If you want a phone with a good camera and you're *not* the sort of person who sees a phone as a pro photographer tinkering tool (that you'll only ever use in Pro mode and only ever shoot in raw with) then, honestly, there are so many phones that are better than the P20 Pro at capturing fleeting moments. I have a P20 Pro, a 10S Max and a Pixel 2 and both of those latter two phones are so much better at capturing spontaneous, clean shots in auto mode that I often don't even bother using the P20 Pro for its camera at all when I'm out and about. Huawei's image processing is smeary and destructive and the camera is frankly incapable of capturing human beings doing anything with any semblance of movement in anything but ideal light.
Most of the "see, it *is* good" photos people upload to demonstrate the camera's qualities are in beautiful warm light with stunning vistas or architecture that even a potato could do a good job with.
I've bought enough phones this year to be comfident about what 'good' or 'bad' is within the current flasghip phone space and if any phone reaffirms my belief that DxOmark are completely full of sh*t then it's this phone.
I think all the free devices Huawei hand out to social media influencers is having a 'Kool Aid effect' on consumers to be honest. The sulky comments these Huawei flat-earthers often spout along the lines of 'well go back to your old phone then' - as if only positive comments need apply - reinforce my belief that people are suffering a zombie effect driven by either marketing or cost-justification.
What I will say is that I really like the overall hardware on the P20 Pro, and that's the only reason I keep hold of it. Would I buy a Mate 20 Pro for its photography process based on the views of the 'reviewers' so far? HELL NO.
starbase64 said:
or buy a "camera"...
settings: ISO200 1/200 f10
The "camera" can take pictures with the flash in completely dark conditions.
a flash will freeze everything!
Handy vs DSLR in der Nacht - just for fun by Maik Reifschneider, auf Flickr
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In automatic mode, ever moving fire.
Sent from my CLT-L29 using Tapatalk

Camera Settings and Taking Photos

Ive seen some of the photos that other people have taken with the P20 Pro and they look amazing.
I'm no professional photographer and don't pretend to be one. I just want to take photos of my children when on holidays, days out, events and birthdays etc.
Every photo I take seems like a good shot, until you zoom in on the photo, then the image becomes pixelated. Another thing that seems to happen a lot is colour fading, every shot looks washed out or like it's lacking vibrant colours.
I've got the Huawei P20 Pro mainly because the camera was classed as the current best in mobile phones. I feel like I either don't understand the camera or that doing something wrong.
Could anyone offer any advice.
Depends on shooting mode and how much light you have. If I try to shoot in Aperture Mode in low light, I get pixelated photos as well. From my 1 month experience with the phone, I can tell you the camera is far inferior to that of other current flagships (especially when shooting pictures of people), mostly because of software overprocessing. It will usually oversharpen the crap out of everything (especially when using the 3x zoom lens) and will destroy skin texture (regardless of beauty mode selection). I get wildly inconsistent quality across. While some pictures end up fine, most will look a lot better on-screen than on a computer. Also, the pictures will almost always be brightened after processing, which means that what you're seeing on screen when taking a picture is not how the final photo will look. I'm coming from a Samsung S7 and its camera provided very predictable (and sometimes maybe even better than Huawei's) results, where what I saw on screen is what I got. I'm quite disappointed by this phone. They really need to fix their software, but I doubt they'll ever do that.
I tend to just use the standard AI and have got (IMHO) some lovely pics without filters or tinkering. I've started an Instagram of some of my favourite P20 Pro pics - not sure if we are allowed to link to them on here these days ?
That's what I've been doing recently and they seem better than before.
I think we can link pictures as it's not advertising.
bu44er said:
That's what I've been doing recently and they seem better than before.
I think we can link pictures as it's not advertising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
https://www.instagram.com/stuartsphotomix/
I've just started adding a few of (what I consider to be) my best shots.
I will admit, those are some nice photos.
I think I'm going to take some outside shots tomorrow and see what they turn out like.
I'll gladly share them with you, for comparison purposes.
I have the P20 Pro since few months and i compare it with S9, S9+, Pixel 2 and IPhone X, i assure you that this device have one of the best phone's camera in 2018, you can also look in the DXOMark that is the TOP-1, i came from Galaxy S7, and S7 have a good camera very similar with S8 and S9, but the versatiliy of the P20 Pro is far from them, also if you take pictures in sunny days with the 40mpx sensor, you will see that looks like a professional camera, its true that sometimes the IA is overworking the scene, but you can disable on the screen easy
If you want camera samples, you can just check this thread: https://forum.xda-developers.com/hu...hotos-huawei-p20-pro-share-fantastic-t3774488
don't using 4000w

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