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Hey all
I have been so frustrated with the camera on this phone as it takes barely passable photos in daylight but low light its almost impossible to take photos that are focusd and aren't full of noise. The HDR shot is quite good but nothing special.
Also the photos are a little zoomed in and squashed down if compared against objects you've take the pic of.
So i searched around and came across Lg camera in the market.
It has a free version which seems fully featured which bugs you for purchasing it every now and again. The aspect ratio of the pics is correct and tt takes excellent low light shots especially with flash on and has less noise and focuses perfectly.
Just thought I'd share it see what people thought.
Cheers.
Tried it. Didn't notice a difference. Tried camera zoom fx and all three took the same photo. The autofocus algorithms on this phone are horrible.
Kassassin said:
Tried it. Didn't notice a difference. Tried camera zoom fx and all three took the same photo. The autofocus algorithms on this phone are horrible.
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Click to collapse
+1 on this, I kinda kiss the old camera app.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Just tried it. The quality of the pictures doesn't even change.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Sorry to say but its totally different pics on mine to stock camera. If you cant see the difference then maybe there's a fault on your phones because lg camera is perfect for me in low light and has no focusing issues at all even in a pitch black room with flash on.
You can also set infinity focus which eliminates all need to focus at all so for me lg camera fixes the problem
Also the aspect ratios in the photos on stock camera are totally different when compared to lg camera so maybe you need to compare the pictures side by side. Lg camera is true to the scene, Google camera squashes everything down. Also the Google camera is zoomed in further than lg camera.
My phone has no focusing issues with this app now.
Camera zoom fx isn't really a camera app more of a toy but anyway hope it helps someone as its sorted the camera form me and I'm very picky.
Ill update the thread with comparisons over the weekend to highlight the difference between the two cameras
check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2039553 out
zephiK said:
check http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2039553 out
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Click to collapse
That is for video...
There are many camera apps.I like camera zoom.. Works well..
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
But I take it only the stock camera app supports photosphere?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
biffsmash said:
Ill update the thread with comparisons over the weekend to highlight the difference between the two cameras
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do!
I tried lgCamera as well as other camera apps and saw no significant difference.
There are several aspects to the bad pictures problem.
- One is the limitations of the camera module which no app can fix.
- Then there's camera calibration. The LG Optimus 4X HD has the same camera module
but produces photos with less noise. There's room for improvement here but it is most
likely going to happen with a firmware update.
- Proper metering and scene evaluation will no doubt increase the picture quality.
Manual control is one avenue to peruse this but I haven't come across and app that
gives exclusive control over ISO and shutter speed. Some apps let you select one and
then automatically adjust the other.
Check out Camera FV-5.
biffsmash said:
If you cant see the difference then maybe there's a fault on your phones because lg camera is perfect for me
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this just made me lol
because you cant see anything that means your phone must be faulty!:laugh:
The camera app itself doesn't really matter.
All the actual focusing/picture taking/etc is done by the kernel module. There is a userspace driver which translate commands from the camera API (its just ends up being a string that defines parameters in plan text) and based off of that it tells the kernel module to make those changes/perform those actions. It even defines the jpg compression quality and whatnot, so there isnt much the actual app itself does.
zivan56 said:
The camera app itself doesn't really matter.
All the actual focusing/picture taking/etc is done by the kernel module. There is a userspace driver which translate commands from the camera API (its just ends up being a string that defines parameters in plan text) and based off of that it tells the kernel module to make those changes/perform those actions. It even defines the jpg compression quality and whatnot, so there isnt much the actual app itself does.
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Level of compression certainly is set by the app. My FV-5 files are twice the size at the same resolution.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
jmudrick said:
Level of compression certainly is set by the app. My FV-5 files are twice the size at the same resolution.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
The camera app *suggests* the compression it would like, it doesn't do the compression itself. The userspace module instructs the camera kernel module to do the compression, and the build in DSP in the Qualcomm chip does the actual compression.
TeamAlpha said:
Check out Camera FV-5.
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Click to collapse
this is a great app!!
but how to solve "widescreen viewfinder" no effect
TeamAlpha said:
Check out Camera FV-5.
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Click to collapse
But it wants too many permissions.
Hi, I mostly use my camera for taking pics of my toddler and thus I need a fast shutter whats the best way to achieve this on my XZ without root?
I have found my wifes 18 month old arc s has a faster shutter speed..
scorpi786 said:
Hi, I mostly use my camera for taking pics of my toddler and thus I need a fast shutter whats the best way to achieve this on my XZ without root?
I have found my wifes 18 month old arc s has a faster shutter speed..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make a picture of the same object/area compare the pictures and tell us if you really need a faster shutter.
The pictures I've seen from the XZ were really really good. Of course there is a lot of noise when you look at the picture in full resolution, but it's not a DSLR.
Picture topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2172712&page=49
Dsteppa said:
Make a picture of the same object/area compare the pictures and tell us if you really need a faster shutter.
The pictures I've seen from the XZ were really really good. Of course there is a lot of noise when you look at the picture in full resolution, but it's not a DSLR.
Picture topic:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2172712&page=49
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Click to collapse
Toddlers don't stay still for very long so yes faster shutter speed is better. quality is really good that's not a problem.
You need more light or a higher iso speed(more grain).
Sent from my C6603 using xda premium
tried my brothers s4 his shutter speed is faster too...
I know what you mean. Having kids you see why it's great having a smartphone that can take pictures fast and clear.
Yes, I have a dedicated camera but I don't take it everywhere I do my smartphone.
I'm know of apps that can take fast pictures but I think it also depends on if your camera supports it. Good luck. If you find one that helps you should share it in case it helps someone else.
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk 2
Has anyone tried using burst mode? It seems to make sense that the shutter speed would be faster for that.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong as I don't know much about cameras apart from how to point and shoot!
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
kingvortex said:
Has anyone tried using burst mode? It seems to make sense that the shutter speed would be faster for that.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong as I don't know much about cameras apart from how to point and shoot!
Sent from my C6603 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the first picture is still very slow I downloaded an app called fast burst camera and it takes pictures quite fast. so the camera is capable just the software is poor.
You need a galaxy nexus, it have zero shutter lag
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
scorpi786 said:
Hi, I mostly use my camera for taking pics of my toddler and thus I need a fast shutter whats the best way to achieve this on my XZ without root?
I have found my wifes 18 month old arc s has a faster shutter speed..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ditch this phone and get the Lumia 720 with F1.9
demon2112 said:
You need a galaxy nexus, it have zero shutter lag
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Shutter lag and shutter speed are different things
I have a feeling the OP means shutter lag.
The Galaxy Nexus isn't particularly fast, they changed it so it auto focuses before taking the photo (which it didn't at launch) because otherwise all you got were blurry pictures. The Nexus 4 auto focuses than the Galaxy Nexus faster and thus takes the picture quicker. The Xperia Z auto focuses the fastest out of the 3.
The Z's camera starts up much much slower.
In terms of shutter speed you could just set a higher iso to force the camera to pick a lower shutter speed?
My XZ has almost zero shutter lag with Cyanogenmod
shutter lag = time between you press "take picture" and time the picture is taken ?
On my old Xperia X10i you culd change the Focus from Macro or Auto to Infinite and shutter lag was nearly Zero.
Same works on Xz if you switch to Burst Mode.
Haldi4803 said:
shutter lag = time between you press "take picture" and time the picture is taken ?
On my old Xperia X10i you culd change the Focus from Macro or Auto to Infinite and shutter lag was nearly Zero.
Same works on Xz if you switch to Burst Mode.
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Click to collapse
I'm talking about the time between when you press the take picture button to the time it takes it. Xperia arc s,s3 s4 HTC one are ask faster.
so this is quite messed up
scorpi786 said:
I'm talking about the time between when you press the take picture button to the time it takes it. Xperia arc s,s3 s4 HTC one are ask faster.
so this is quite messed up
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That's shutter lag. It's almost instant with Cyanogenmod so the problem on stock rom must be because on Sony's camera app, try a different app.
Michealtbh said:
That's shutter lag. It's almost instant with Cyanogenmod so the problem on stock rom must be because on Sony's camera app, try a different app.
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high speed camera is almost instant but why can't Sony implement it? such an important thing and they've neglected it.
I find if you keep the camera button pressed it will focus the camera and when you release it it will take a picture very quickly.
Interesting never knew this before, still not as good as instantly pressing the button so it takes a pic in half a second but its good enough,
Howdy! I've got this phone for 3 days now. One of the main reasons to choose this one, is the camera. It should give stunning pictures, right? Wrong.
I can't for the love of me get even one good picture. Each and every one is either out of focus, distorted in some way, or it looks like there's not enough light (even when the picture is taken outside).
I started out with the automatic mode. What I dislike there, is that it never chooses the max. resolution. Manual mode, I can't get it to make good pictures either; though that might be because of lack of expertise.
Is my device broken? Am I doing something wrong? Help would be appreciated.
Angelusz said:
Howdy! I've got this phone for 3 days one. One of the main reasons to choose this one, is the camera. It should give stunning pictures, right? Wrong.
I can't for the love of me get even one good picture. Each and every one is either out of focus, distorted in some way, or it looks like there's not enough light (even when the picture is taken outside).
I started out with the automatic mode. What I dislike there, is that it never chooses the max. resolution. Manual mode, I can't get it to make good pictures either; though that might be because of lack of expertise.
Is my device broken? Am I doing something wrong? Help would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is your firmware version? 354 i guess.
z_harris said:
What is your firmware version? 354 i guess.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply. I'm currently on the newest firmware. I'm running RomAur v3.2. I had the same problem on a different modified stock ROM of the latest firmware build.
I only know for good light condition, you set the ISO to as low as possible and 20mp manual and need a pair of steady hands. I still havent figure out low light condition, some ppl suggest twilight mode.
1. manual mode. the automode is bull****
2. fullsize. you can resize after the shooting^^
3. let the iso as low as possible. remember that the image becomes a little brighter than in the preview. use flash if its dark
i dont have any problems with the camera, even if taking pictures of moving obejcts in dark conditions. just stop shaking your hands and geht the iso lower^^
Caffeineshock said:
1. manual mode. the automode is bull****
2. fullsize. you can resize after the shooting^^
3. let the iso as low as possible. remember that the image becomes a little brighter than in the preview. use flash if its dark
i dont have any problems with the camera, even if taking pictures of moving obejcts in dark conditions. just stop shaking your hands and geht the iso lower^^
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea iso to a lower value
Here is a picture with iso over 100
And one at 50 (if picture can't be attached then I'll post it next - having issue with xda app)
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Meh I'm not happy with xda app
Here is pic with 100 iso
U may need to adjust ev accordingly
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Colorful !
Envoyé de mon C6903 en utilisant Tapatalk
This is with bad lighting (Sun was shining at the cam), a view from my window. Is this the quality I should expect from this phonecam?
Inside, it's never sharp. There simply seems to be too little light to make sharp pictures. The flash does nearly nothing. The low ISO setting makes it lag very much as well, reducing the screen fps to 3 or something like that. I guess it's difficult for the device to keep up.
http://aciai.me/i/uk0v.jpg
Check out my images in this topic
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47315006#post47315006
Nothing wrong with the camera with the right settings and don't have shaky hands!
wezzel98765 said:
Check out my images in this topic
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47315006#post47315006
Nothing wrong with the camera with the right settings and don't have shaky hands!
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Click to collapse
Those do look better. Do I understand correctly that I should take a course in photography and buy a an app to get decent pictures out of this thing? I've heard about FV-5 before. Is it that much better than the stock camera app?
im not satisfied at all with z1 camera , am i missing something ??
Angelusz said:
I've heard about FV-5 before. Is it that much better than the stock camera app?
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Click to collapse
there are two apps much better than FV-5
1) Pro Capture: More details. Sharper pictures. aiding grid to get great shots. (but you can't manage ISO level and the max resolution is 8MPX)
2) Camera Zoom FX: Faster focus. More MPX option (18MPX resolution is available)
Angelusz said:
Those do look better. Do I understand correctly that I should take a course in photography and buy a an app to get decent pictures out of this thing? I've heard about FV-5 before. Is it that much better than the stock camera app?
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Click to collapse
I've not done photography either mate and the pictures were taken with stock camera application, except the picture of my can
wezzel98765 said:
I've not done photography either mate and the pictures were taken with stock camera application, except the picture of my can
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Click to collapse
Then my device is broken. I tested a few shots next to a Galaxy Note 3, and it made much (MUCH) better pictures than my Z1. Tried all kinds of settings, no way to make it right. So mine must be ****. I'm getting it exchanged because of a lazy pixel anyway, but I'm really disappointed in Sony here. I thought they made quality products. :x
guybrush2099 said:
there are two apps much better than FV-5
1) Pro Capture: More details. Sharper pictures. aiding grid to get great shots. (but you can't manage ISO level and the max resolution is 8MPX)
2) Camera Zoom FX: Faster focus. More MPX option (18MPX resolution is available)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, thanks for the tips.
wezzel98765 said:
Check out my images in this topic
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=47315006#post47315006
Nothing wrong with the camera with the right settings and don't have shaky hands!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mmm, can you explain me better auto mode? Do you selected a scene? Do you select single focus point or multi point?
Metering? (Can you explain this)
HDR or image stabilizer?
Do you use the hardware button to take pictures or the software one? I noticed that using the hw one after you press focus and then more to shoot produce a little movement that can make your photo bad. Am I the only one that find the camera button too hard?
Thanks a lot!!!!
Sent from my C6903 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Angelusz said:
Then my device is broken. I tested a few shots next to a Galaxy Note 3, and it made much (MUCH) better pictures than my Z1. Tried all kinds of settings, no way to make it right. So mine must be ****. I'm getting it exchanged because of a lazy pixel anyway, but I'm really disappointed in Sony here. I thought they made quality products. :x
Okay, thanks for the tips.
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Click to collapse
Got my Z1 today.
I have exactly the same problems as you have. Even my Galaxy Nexus with 5mp does better photos :crying:
Also tried some different camera settings without any success.
Don't know what to do now...
ganex said:
Got my Z1 today.
I have exactly the same problems as you have. Even my Galaxy Nexus with 5mp does better photos :crying:
Also tried some different camera settings without any success.
Don't know what to do now...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My advice: Contact the seller and have it exchanged. I think it's a hardware problem.
yes..nexus can't take better pictures than xz1..there's a problem
Inviato dal mio C6903 con Tapatalk 4
what do you think?
http://www.pic-upload.de/view-21310660/DSC_0030.jpg.html
(sorry for the wrong rotation)
settings: manual, iso 200, light +0,7, 5284x3963.
what is wrong? what focus do you use?
I've read some really good reviews for the camera zoom fx app, has anyone used this on their Z1 or similar camera apps from the play store.
The stock app is so hit and miss and although it can produce some great quality pictures, sometimes having to fiddle around with manual settings etc. can prevent capturing precious moments.
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
gumbsy1 said:
I've read some really good reviews for the camera zoom fx app, has anyone used this on their Z1 or similar camera apps from the play store.
The stock app is so hit and miss and although it can produce some great quality pictures, sometimes having to fiddle around with manual settings etc. can prevent capturing precious moments.
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried all (decent) camera apps out there, camera fx, camera pro, fv5, motorola camera, kitkat camera and so on... all of them are worse than stock, I mean you can tweak some settings exposure stuff like that (on some of them) but the stock camera in high lights captures the best shots of all camera apps (and 95% better than manual too), when it's cloudy or lights aren't high switch to manual, no setting, no scene, no hdr, no steady shot, nothing. If the picture is too exposed I suggest to use the native resolution 20mp 4:3 which result in a bit darker photo. In low lights, or night ... ATM forget about that I'm unable (unless maybe you have patience and a tripod) to capture nice shots.
When you use the stock camera in auto please keep an eye on bottom right and before each shot check if it detects the correct scene, if not change angle if you don't want then switch to manual (with settings said before). Remember that we don't have OIS (optical image stabilizer) but a software one, which IMHO currently is a lie, so keep your hands steady as a brick.
Probably wait and see what the 4.3 update will bring to the camera before even spending money on buying anything.
gumbsy1 said:
I've read some really good reviews for the camera zoom fx app, has anyone used this on their Z1 or similar camera apps from the play store.
The stock app is so hit and miss and although it can produce some great quality pictures, sometimes having to fiddle around with manual settings etc. can prevent capturing precious moments.
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the LG camera app to be excellent. It's taking some great shots on my Z1. Mind you, I'm no photo expert so I could be wrong but I just did a compare with some 20mp shots on the manual mode with stock cam and the 20mp shots with the LG app. Found the LG app much better as I can't be bothered with tweaking settings. Most shots I take need to be completed within 2-3 secs. I also tried FXcameraZoom and wasn't too happy with it.
DAddYE said:
I have tried all (decent) camera apps out there, camera fx, camera pro, fv5, motorola camera, kitkat camera and so on... all of them are worse than stock, I mean you can tweak some settings exposure stuff like that (on some of them) but the stock camera in high lights captures the best shots of all camera apps (and 95% better than manual too), when it's cloudy or lights aren't high switch to manual, no setting, no scene, no hdr, no steady shot, nothing. If the picture is too exposed I suggest to use the native resolution 20mp 4:3 which result in a bit darker photo. In low lights, or night ... ATM forget about that I'm unable (unless maybe you have patience and a tripod) to capture nice shots.
When you use the stock camera in auto please keep an eye on bottom right and before each shot check if it detects the correct scene, if not change angle if you don't want then switch to manual (with settings said before). Remember that we don't have OIS (optical image stabilizer) but a software one, which IMHO currently is a lie, so keep your hands steady as a brick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So more often than not you just use superier auto unless it's dark then you go for manual?
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
gumbsy1 said:
So more often than not you just use superier auto unless it's dark then you go for manual?
Sent from my C6903 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly
DAddYE said:
Exactly
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a good camere is: Camera awesome.
Now i have ihacher 1.1 and superior is set to 20 mp ... very good
gioiellino said:
a good camere is: Camera awesome.
Now i have ihacher 1.1 and superior is set to 20 mp ... very good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried that one too, I didn't see any substantial difference
after several tests Pro Capture is my favourite camera app
faster, more precise and better focus than stock
special support for Xperia Z1 (optimized algorithm and 16/9 wide 20MPX)
better auto mode performance than stock superior auto
macro have more sharp details
sometimes I use stock camera because it can handle ISO level and if I have a lot of light I can set ISO 50 and reduce the exposure to obtein perfect panorama images
We gave our Nexus 5 in the hands of a photographer (friend of mine) for a month, and this is what we get!
Very impressive!
http://www.androidworld.it/2014/01/...i-di-un-fotografo-il-nostro-test-foto-209321/
cisoprogressivo said:
We gave our Nexus 5 in the hands of a photographer (friend of mine) for a month, and this is what we get!
Very impressive!
http://www.androidworld.it/2014/01/...i-di-un-fotografo-il-nostro-test-foto-209321/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Knowing a thing or two about taking picture taking results in some impressive pictures.
Whodathunkit!
Cirkustanz said:
Knowing a thing or two about taking picture taking results in some impressive pictures.
Whodathunkit!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup
There's some pretty severe pink-camera-problem going on in the center of most of the photos.
Wow, these look great.
Getting excited to see if I'll be able to get shots which look are remotely as good
and you had to get a photographer for those shots? :laugh:
anyways, OP has "generating clicks" written all over it.
Nice shots! I especially like how well OIS works on the n5 when taking videos too, much better than the n4.
PoisonWolf said:
There's some pretty severe pink-camera-problem going on in the center of most of the photos.
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Click to collapse
I think that issue is pretty common these days, you camera might even produce those with the very same conditions.
Nice Pic's, probably could have been a litter better if it was from a White N5
Grande ciso!
EarlZ said:
I think that issue is pretty common these days, you camera might even produce those with the very same conditions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My N4 has it as well, I agree, but not to the extent as observed in those photos.
ghettopops said:
Nice Pic's, probably could have been a litter better if it was from a White N5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O_O explain
biscuitownz said:
O_O explain
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Auto correct. Little. White N5's are better than the black ones
ghettopops said:
Auto correct. Little. White N5's are better than the black ones
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Click to collapse
How are they a little better?
cisoprogressivo said:
We gave our Nexus 5 in the hands of a photographer (friend of mine) for a month, and this is what we get!
Very impressive!
http://www.androidworld.it/2014/01/...i-di-un-fotografo-il-nostro-test-foto-209321/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am assuming that your friend bit**ed and moaned about the lack of manual shutter speed and aperture control, default camera app (awful), and in general lack of a manual mode (which is how most pros shoot- manually setting everything).
Disclaimer: I'm a photographer (not the 'I have a DSLR and use AUTO mode and press this thingy' photographer, the 'I have my own successful business' kind) and the lack of manual shutter & aperture is beyond frustrating to me. Sure there are (mostly worthless) apps that give you some control of ISO, WB, burst mode, etc., but without those vital exposure controls (shutter and aperture) to me all smartphone cameras will suck.
I know, I know. It's not a pro level slr... it's a phone...
Of course having stunning locations always helps.
anactoraaron said:
I am assuming that your friend bit**ed and moaned about the lack of manual shutter speed and aperture control, default camera app (awful), and in general lack of a manual mode (which is how most pros shoot- manually setting everything).
Disclaimer: I'm a photographer (not the 'I have a DSLR and use AUTO mode and press this thingy' photographer, the 'I have my own successful business' kind) and the lack of manual shutter & aperture is beyond frustrating to me. Sure there are (mostly worthless) apps that give you some control of ISO, WB, burst mode, etc., but without those vital exposure controls (shutter and aperture) to me all smartphone cameras will suck.
I know, I know. It's not a pro level slr... it's a phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I agree with you that the default camera app is incredibly awful and lacks many controls, mobile phones are replacing point and shoot cameras, not DSLRs or micro 4/3. Also, most people use photos nowadays for stupid web shots/social/ready-made-filters etc and not for printing or cropping and zooming for the perfect frame.
I replaced my Cannon P&S since I had the HTC One X two years ago, but no mobile will ever replace my Fuji X-A1
anactoraaron said:
(which is how most pros shoot- manually setting everything).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't disagree with you on anything but this - most modern SLR pros I know (less than 100, but many more than 10) do NOT shoot all manual. Most may shoot A-priority or S-priority, or use P mode and wheel their way to the desired blend, but only landscape, product or portrait shooters really can practically go all manual, all the time - you need non-moving subjects and somewhat consistent lighting to rock all manual and get a decent return on your shots.
And let's be fair, manual shooting modes do not make better pictures: better photographers make better pictures.
mr.r9 said:
While I agree with you that the default camera app is incredibly awful and lacks many controls, mobile phones are replacing point and shoot cameras, not DSLRs or micro 4/3. Also, most people use photos nowadays for stupid web shots/social/ready-made-filters etc and not for printing or cropping and zooming for the perfect frame.
I replaced my Cannon P&S since I had the HTC One X two years ago, but no mobile will ever replace my Fuji X-A1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this and agree with you entirely, but I do have an old Polaroid P&S that allows me to set the shutter speed (like from 1/30-1/200, but no aperture control) and that thing is 5+ years old now. But yeah, the need to own a P&S is mostly non-existent with how good smartphone cameras are getting now. It still wouldn't stop me from griping about the things I mentioned if someone gave me a smartphone to take photos with the expectation of delivering pro quality work though (OP was 'I gave my phone to my pro friend to see what he/she could do').
big_adventure said:
I don't disagree with you on anything but this - most modern SLR pros I know (less than 100, but many more than 10) do NOT shoot all manual. Most may shoot A-priority or S-priority, or use P mode and wheel their way to the desired blend, but only landscape, product or portrait shooters really can practically go all manual, all the time - you need non-moving subjects and somewhat consistent lighting to rock all manual and get a decent return on your shots.
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The only problem I have with P, A, and S priority modes is the reaction time of the camera to lighting conditions - especially outdoors. I particularly have an issue with P mode as most cameras seem to want a neutral/balanced shutter and aperture - like 1/60 @ f8 - whereas I may want 1/125 or faster @ f4.5-6.3 - and it gets worse outdoors (like wanting 1/160 @ f25 instead of 1/800 @ f8 etc) almost necessitating use of S mode if auto operation is desired. It also seems to take too long sometimes for the camera to read the amount of light and adjust the exposure (shutter speed in A mode or aperture in S mode) correctly. Shooting in manual mode for me is easier and better for me as I can read the light and pick a proper shutter, etc. based on conditions where I am shooting without having to worry about being occasionally slightly too bright (concern for a loss of detail being washed out) or too dark (where softness/pixelation comes into play).
But I suppose how you use your camera will vary on what you are taking pictures of. My gripe with the Nexus 5 is that with adequate lighting indoors and having the flash on auto the camera seems to always want to take pictures with the flash off at 1/10 or 1/20 @ f10 ISO ~400 or something like that, and that's just no good with really anything especially pictures of the kids. Why can't I at least just set the shutter? So many blurry pics... I thought there would be more emphasis on getting the camera experience better on a Nexus phone... the sad thing is that the hardware is actually really good for a phone but sadly the software side is woefully behind :crying:
And let's be fair, manual shooting modes do not make better pictures: better photographers make better pictures.
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Absolutely correct.
I always love these posts,
I have been an on again off again professional photographer for over 10 years mostly in industrial photography.
Even once owned an online photography magazine with pros writing articles from around the world.
My first thought is that it never really has much to do with the camera, its the photographer that stands behind this.
The best example I can give you of this, is the gear snobs that say you can't use mirror-less cameras in the professional setting.
Just grab a pro photographer give them a Nikon V1 or a Olympus OM-D and let them go shooting for a day.
As far as not having P/S/A/M modes, it's a phone....
1 in 100 000 people will even know what that is and about a third of those will actually know how to use it.
If we want to talk camera geek for a moment.
Sensor size is 1/3.2″
Aperture is f2.4 (fixed Aperture)
Max iso is 100 - 800
What does this mean?
Low light shots will still be grainy (Tiny sensor doesn't collect enough light)
The Lens is equivalent to about 28mm which if you have a Canon Rebel or a Nikon DXXXX camera it works out to the 18mm on a kit lens.
So why no manual control?
Well with a fixed aperture of 2.4 what can you change?
Well if you know cameras there is something called the exposure triangle, all this means is aperture, shutter speed, iso have to line up just right for an image to be exposed correctly. In A (aperture priority) you only control aperture and iso, S (shutter priority)you only control shutter and iso, and M you control everything. If you can't change the aperture then you can't use these modes.
Any app that says it gives you control of these things are just simulated.
Every photographers favorite word.... Bokeh!
The blur in the background, how to get it on a phone.
First we have to look at two things the 28mm lens and the tiny sensor. The smaller the sensor does not help at all in this case and nether does the focal length. To get Bokeh with your phone you have to get really really close to your subject almost as if your taking a macro shot.
One more trick for you guys if your still reading this, the camera phone is not ideal for taking portraits.
The reason why is at 28mm you get barrel distortion that pulls the center of the image towards the viewer. You can give people longer than usual noses and get strangeness going on. If your going to take a portrait of a person, instead of taking a close up on the face back up a bit. It will help hide this distortion.
Wow didn't mean for this to come out this long but I am at work, and bored.... lol