Does anyone else feel kinda lied to? (Camera) - Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Questions and Answers

I don't know how it took me this long to realize this but when just zooming in a normal camera application the cameras never switches from the wide angle to the telephoto lens.... Obviously it happens when you use live focus mode but it never switches if you're not in that mode. So whenever i tap on that "x2" button its just giving me another digital zoom, just as with any of the previous phones before the Note 8. I guess its not a huge deal but I feel lied to. You can check for yourself, just cover the telephoto lens (the one on the left) and zoom in. I'm not sure if this is the case with the iPhones as well but i just thought this was a little weird. They bragged about actual 2x optical zoom but you can only use it when its this specialized portrait mode where focusing can be a pain...
I feel like Samsung just wanted to copy the iPhone feel with that zoom button.
Had anyone else noticed this? I feel like I'm the first one to mention this.

Are you already covering the lense before you Zoom? If so, that's why. The camera knows that it's covered, so it uses Digital on the Main. Also, the lighting condition needs to be optimal for the Telephoto lense. At least that what I heard around the Internet. :silly:

dilness said:
I don't know how it took me this long to realize this but when just zooming in a normal camera application the cameras never switches from the wide angle to the telephoto lens.... Obviously it happens when you use live focus mode but it never switches if you're not in that mode. So whenever i tap on that "x2" button its just giving me another digital zoom, just as with any of the previous phones before the Note 8. I guess its not a huge deal but I feel lied to. You can check for yourself, just cover the telephoto lens (the one on the left) and zoom in. I'm not sure if this is the case with the iPhones as well but i just thought this was a little weird. They bragged about actual 2x optical zoom but you can only use it when its this specialized portrait mode where focusing can be a pain...
I feel like Samsung just wanted to copy the iPhone feel with that zoom button.
Had anyone else noticed this? I feel like I'm the first one to mention this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open the camera.
Cover each camera until it picture doesn't appear.
Switch to 2X then do the same.
You will see it uses the two different camera. If you have it covered BEFORE the switch the software seems to adjust because the lens is covered like above mentions.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

https://www.technobuffalo.com/2016/09/23/iphone-7-plus-2x-optical-zoom-explained/
guess the cheezy zoom is a copy alright. same 'issues' or limitations as the iphone7s. the reviews of the iPhone 8's camera are not giving any real details apart that it's very good which is not helpfull and are prolly chit reviews payed by the company since their whole line of new old phones are a flop.

Tidbits said:
Open the camera.
Cover each camera until it picture doesn't appear.
Switch to 2X then do the same.
You will see it uses the two different camera. If you have it covered BEFORE the switch the software seems to adjust because the lens is covered like above mentions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs

xbmoyx said:
I don't understand.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It works like intended but you can't block the lens before you switch. The software will see it covered and adjust use the same lens as before and digitally zoom.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
It works like intended but you can't block the lens before you switch. The software will see it covered and adjust use the same lens as before and digitally zoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I saw many YouTube videos where people would say this or that camera is for zoom, so I would hold my finger over both and hit the 2x and it's always the same camera and seems the only reason for the 2nd camera is for the Live Focus.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs

xbmoyx said:
I saw many YouTube videos where people would say this or that camera is for zoom, so I would hold my finger over both and hit the 2x and it's always the same camera and seems the only reason for the 2nd camera is for the Live Focus.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are covering BEFORE they switch. The camera sees the lens is blocked and uses the same lens because the other is blocked.
Try it yourself
Camera 1 - inside lens (next to flash)
Camera 2 - Outside lens
Open camera
Cover Camera 1
Uncover camera 1
Switch to Camera 2
Cover camera 1
Then cover camera 2
You will see it works how it should. The software is smart enough if the camera two is not available it will digitally zoom using the first.
As far as covering camera 1 and it not switching to Camera 2 as camera 2 was never intended to be the main shooter so the software doesn't compensate.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 03:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:58 PM ----------
Tidbits said:
They are covering BEFORE they switch. The camera sees the lens is blocked and uses the same lens because the other is blocked.
Try it yourself
Camera 1 - inside lens (next to flash)
Camera 2 - Outside lens
Open camera
Cover Camera 1
Uncover camera 1
Switch to Camera 2
Cover camera 1
Then cover camera 2
You will see it works how it should. The software is smart enough if the camera two is not available it will digitally zoom using the first.
As far as covering camera 1 and it not switching to Camera 2 as camera 2 was never intended to be the main shooter so the software doesn't compensate.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will try and post a video later. Of how I noticed how it worked. You can't cover camera 2 before you switch to 2X or else it will use camera 1 and digitally zoom it to compensate.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
Camera 1 - inside lens (next to flash)
Camera 2 - Outside lens
Open camera
Cover Camera 1
Uncover camera 1
Switch to Camera 2
Cover camera 1
Then cover camera 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you say Switch to camera 2, you mean move your finger from blocking camera 1 to 2? It seems like no matter what I do the camera will only do 2x zoom in the inside camera near the flash? I'm lost.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs

It will also not switch to 2nd camera in low light, presumably because zoom lens is 2.7 and main cam is 1.7, letting in more than double the amount of light. Personally I hate automation (I can make better choices that suit me better) and would prefer full manual lens choice much better, but I see where is Samsung coming from: most user don't know much about photography, just care about end results, so lets camera decide which is best for given condition. We could probably fix this, if we had root.

xbmoyx said:
When you say Switch to camera 2, you mean move your finger from blocking camera 1 to 2? It seems like no matter what I do the camera will only do 2x zoom in the inside camera near the flash? I'm lost.
Sent from my Galaxy Note8 using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you press 2X it will switch to Camera 2. If you do it enough times sometimes you can see the software transfer too slow and you can see yourself cover camera 2 then all of a sudden you will see it switch to Camera 1 and be digitally zoomed.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 03:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:28 PM ----------
Tidbits said:
When you press 2X it will switch to Camera 2. If you do it enough times sometimes you can see the software transfer too slow and you can see yourself cover camera 2 then all of a sudden you will see it switch to Camera 1 and be digitally zoomed.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try doing this cover camera 2 the one farthest from the heart rate sensor.
Then tap the 2X a few times. Do it enough times it'll bug out and you will see not switch like it should when camera two is blocked. I will have a video up shortly.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

dilness said:
I don't know how it took me this long to realize this but when just zooming in a normal camera application the cameras never switches from the wide angle to the telephoto lens.... Obviously it happens when you use live focus mode but it never switches if you're not in that mode. So whenever i tap on that "x2" button its just giving me another digital zoom, just as with any of the previous phones before the Note 8. I guess its not a huge deal but I feel lied to. You can check for yourself, just cover the telephoto lens (the one on the left) and zoom in. I'm not sure if this is the case with the iPhones as well but i just thought this was a little weird. They bragged about actual 2x optical zoom but you can only use it when its this specialized portrait mode where focusing can be a pain...
I feel like Samsung just wanted to copy the iPhone feel with that zoom button.
Had anyone else noticed this? I feel like I'm the first one to mention this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did check for myself. Opened the camera app, pointed the camera at a well-lit scene (both lenses uncovered). Tapped the x2 icon and covered the main/wide lens and the viewfinder still shows the uncovered view.
I don't appreciate being lied to by the OP.

harveydent said:
I don't appreciate being lied to by the OP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't be so hard on OP. Maybe he didn't know better? He's just trying to help. No need to go assuming he's a liar.
Anyways I did the experiment too and the 2nd camera is definitely working in 2x zoom mode. I can even see the switch happening back and forth if I cover/uncover the camera.

Yeah coming from note 5... It's underwhelming to say the least.

It's weird I'm with T-Mobile... And a switch isn't happening for me except with live focus. With all zooms on regular mode it's always the camera closest to the heart sensor that displays the image ... And I've switched uncovered in a well lit area and even closed the app and tried. I can do anything to make it use the telephoto lens except live focus.

nique0201 said:
It's weird I'm with T-Mobile... And a switch isn't happening for me except with live focus. With all zooms on regular mode it's always the camera closest to the heart sensor that displays the image ... And I've switched uncovered in a well lit area and even closed the app and tried. I can do anything to make it use the telephoto lens except live focus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try cover the second lens(outer) and then switch between 1X and 2X.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Tidbits said:
Try cover the second lens(outer) and then switch between 1X and 2X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did... But what is that supposed to achieve the outer lens is already the one not displaying anything.

nique0201 said:
I did... But what is that supposed to achieve the outer lens is already the one not displaying anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it wasn't being use or some "tricks" then why does it not display a thing when it is covered.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Ok I got it to switch but I basically had to aim the camera at a light bulb to get it to register. I'm in a what I consider well lit room. And it wouldn't make the switch. There must have to be a crap ton of light to trigger it... Or maybe it just has to be white light.
---------- Post added at 07:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:07 AM ----------
Tidbits said:
If it wasn't being use or some "tricks" then why does it not display a thing when it is covered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I meant by not displaying (which I now see where your confusion was) was that the inner camera was the one supplying the image on both 1x and 2x.. the outer wasn't even turning on at all to display an image (obstructed or otherwise).

nique0201 said:
Ok I got it to switch but I basically had to aim the camera at a light bulb to get it to register. I'm in a what I consider well lit room. And it wouldn't make the switch. There must have to be a crap ton of light to trigger it... Or maybe it just has to be white light.
---------- Post added at 07:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:07 AM ----------
What I meant by not displaying (which I now see where your confusion was) was that the inner camera was the one supplying the image on both 1x and 2x.. the outer wasn't even turning on at all to display an image (obstructed or otherwise).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For me if I cover the outer it and I hit 2X I see nothing. I go back to 1X it switches. If I cover it with my fingers from time to time I can move faster than the software and you can see it switch from outer to inner digital zoom. Right now I don't have another phone or camera where I can record it. I hoped I could go home early but looks like I will pull a double.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Related

[Q] Camera problem? Or factory ?:D

Dear all,
I am a proud owner of this phone for a few days now, but I noticed that the camera stretches the picture on the top. Let me try to explain, so when I take a picture of a person then the forehead is abnormally stretched... of course not only with the head, but everything...
Is it normal? or Faulty camera?
you can see it on the attachments..
zimilaci said:
Dear all,
I am a proud owner of this phone for a few days now, but I noticed that the camera stretches the picture on the top. Let me try to explain, so when I take a picture of a person then the forehead is abnormally stretched... of course not only with the head, but everything...
Is it normal? or Faulty camera?
you can see it on the attachments..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should try with a full wipe and see if that persist... I Don't think that it is an hardware related problem
matt95 said:
You should try with a full wipe and see if that persist... I Don't think that it is an hardware related problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
full wipe = factory reset?
The front camera does the same tho.... it seems like a filter, for distorting..
zimilaci said:
full wipe = factory reset?
The front camera does the same tho.... it seems like a filter, for distorting..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look at this sorry cause of my ugly face this is the front camera, ( i hope its only software
haha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIxMiHCaWxI
but another video has the same
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6T1BbwJwiE
It is a tradeoff that happens with the choice to go with a widescreen lense (maybe their is a more accurate way of saying that?). If you compare the One with any other phone (that I know of) you will see that it gets much more into the picture when held horizontally. The tradeoff to this is that pictures look stretched when taken in portrait mode. So what you are seeing is normal.
I agree that I don't like the stretching, but man is it nice being able to get so much I to a picture when you hold the phone horizontally.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
ataft said:
It is a tradeoff that happens with the choice to go with a widescreen lense (maybe their is a more accurate way of saying that?). If you compare the One with any other phone (that I know of) you will see that it gets much more into the picture when held horizontally. The tradeoff to this is that pictures look stretched when taken in portrait mode. So what you are seeing is normal.
I agree that I don't like the stretching, but man is it nice being able to get so much I to a picture when you hold the phone horizontally.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not anymore, I took back the phone and got an s4 at least I can find out now which one is better
Thanks for the help
Check out this picture as an example. I was the only one in the room that was able to get this picture. Maybe if the wall went back a couple feet, someone else could get the same picture without cutting people right next to them out.
So, sucks a bit to stretch pictures out in portrait, but this is pretty damn cool.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
I have to say that I checked my camera and I don't see anything like in zimilaci's video. So for me it actually doesn't look normal.
I don't know why my wide angle photos show a fish-eye type distortion where only the part where the photo is focussed is clear and everything else seeps into a slight blur.
Feature not a bug. It *is* a wide angle lens. Wide angle lenses start to exhibit fish eye distortion the wider they go. Anything in the corners of the frame is not going to be orthogonal. End of story.
If you think it's bad on the back camera, try the front facing camera lol http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2260286
NxNW said:
Feature not a bug. It *is* a wide angle lens. Wide angle lenses start to exhibit fish eye distortion the wider they go. Anything in the corners of the frame is not going to be orthogonal. End of story.
If you think it's bad on the back camera, try the front facing camera lol http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2260286
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I dont care anymore I got it back again, I hope its only a matter of software issue....
The video... forget it, the front camera is worse but its still ok. because of that I am not gonna take it back or whatever, Support says its not normal tho
NxNW said:
Feature not a bug. It *is* a wide angle lens. Wide angle lenses start to exhibit fish eye distortion the wider they go. Anything in the corners of the frame is not going to be orthogonal. End of story.
If you think it's bad on the back camera, try the front facing camera lol http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2260286
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not quite sure anymore... a friend mine told me that she did not encounter any distortion.... I will check today other devices as well...
its not that annoying...or mabye ? its only the front camera, and a bit with the rear....
HTc online support told me it a faulty device, but both cameras?
Come on...
Go over to Android Central. They mentioned this effect in their review of the camera.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
ataft said:
Go over to Android Central. They mentioned this effect in their review of the camera.
Sent from my HTC One using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then my question is, how come that the official HTC support said its not normal?
or its only one of the technicians?

Be careful with magnetic camera lenses! N5 is NOT designed for them

Hi all, I just want to share my experiences I made today.
I have bought a Wide/Macro Lens like used in the Video (from Amazon, they all seems to be pretty the same) and it is NOT working! The magnets from the lens are not attracting to the magnets in the phone, they are pushing away! Be aware, I don't thing there is a standardized way how the lens manufacturers build in the magnet since it is designed to hold to a metal ring and not to another magnet.
I tried to hold the lens just to take a test picture but the magnet interferes with the OIS, in some positions it caused hard vibrations within the N5's camera lens that was also visible in the camera app preview picture.
I would be careful with this lenses! I think the magnets in the N5 are designed for the OIS and not for some cheap 3rd party lenses. Gladly my OIS still seems to work flawless (This seems also to be why Google is not advertising such feature)
fireproofrev said:
(from Amazon, they all seems to be pretty the same)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's already known that some cheap ones on Amazon have more-or-less random magnetic polarity. The only ones confirmed for being consistent are the ones on Photojojo. As for messing with OIS, I don't have first-hand experience with these lenses, but it seems that that was also confirmed for not happening with the Photojojo lenses.
Unless you got the Photojojo ones through Amazon. Then you might want to post this in those other threads about this too, so people will see this result.
You could always take out the magnet and flip it around
Andypandiiee said:
You could always take out the magnet and flip it around
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried to (with a little flat screwdriver), but it seems to be pressed in, it fits very tight. Maybe I try it tomorrow again (heat up a little??).
attached a picture of the lens
(at the amazon picture a silver one was shown but they delivered this black version)
All of this effort to turn a phone into a camera... Why not just buy an SLR and enjoy real photography? Hell, even a cheap point and shoot blows away any phone camera.
Stay Frosty said:
All of this effort to turn a phone into a camera... Why not just buy an SLR and enjoy real photography? Hell, even a cheap point and shoot blows away any phone camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uhm.. this is totally wrong, I don't want a great picture quality, I want a wide-lens to have a wider angle for party snapshots or being out with some friends. You can increase the visibility range alot and I like the effect, so why not? I definitely DONT want to carry a camera all the time (by the way I have also a canon eos d1000, yeah I know it is just a "cheap" DSLR but it is enough for me).
This is not a "camera has too bad quality" thread (IMO the N5 camera is great) so go away
By the way, the lens is working perfect with the metal ring on my GNex
I can also confirm this. I bought these from Amazon. Received these today and when tried to put them on ... the reverse polarity on the magnet on the lens and the one on the camera itself repel each other. I was only able to hold the lens in place with my hand to try out the macro lens (picture attached). However I didn't experience any vibration or OIS not working. OIS was working fine for me. I used HDR+ mode.
Anyways, lenses are going back. Only lens confirmed to work with N5 are from Photojojo and since those lenses are way overpriced I will not buy them.
zoomed out photo was taken at the closest distance where the on-screen camera focus ring turned green. YMMV.
Excuse the fingers in the macro shot as I was holding the lens with one hand while taking the photo.
enjoy
Here's my post from another thread about this:
Got the photojojo and ehh not impresive at all. Although this one didn't seem to affect the camera like the others. When put up to the camera it didn't flicker like the cheap Amazon ones. Also it required me to have the metal ring attached
You're better off going with a product called Easy Macro. It's a macro lens attached to a band that fits around your phone so no magnets
Overall for $25 it's not worth it IMO. I'm returnng it and sticking with my easy macro.
Here are some images
Here are the full resolution ones taken with my n5 and the fisheye lens. It was an act of god to get it to focus right lol
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
fullsize of the last 3 images taken with my dslr
picture 1
picture 2
picture 3
I ordered the Photojojo's from Amazon -- FROM Photojojo, and it's no-go jojo for my photo phono circo.
Anyway, the magnet doesn't work at all. Not quite reversed polarity that I can tell, but only one small area wants to attract. Not enough to keep the lens on.
Yea. The magnet on my phone barely holds up a paperclip. I seriously doubt it was designed for lenses. If it was, Google would be all over that with their advertising, especially since they have been flaunting their photo capabilities.
-Cupper- said:
Here's my post from another thread about this:
Got the photojojo and ehh not impresive at all. Although this one didn't seem to affect the camera like the others. When put up to the camera it didn't flicker like the cheap Amazon ones. Also it required me to have the metal ring attached
You're better off going with a product called Easy Macro. It's a macro lens attached to a band that fits around your phone so no magnets
Overall for $25 it's not worth it IMO. I'm returnng it and sticking with my easy macro.
Here are some images
Here are the full resolution ones taken with my n5 and the fisheye lens. It was an act of god to get it to focus right lol
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3
fullsize of the last 3 images taken with my dslr
picture 1
picture 2
picture 3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you enjoying them so far cause I would love to get my hands on some extra lenses for this phone if they work good and yes I have a dslr as well but not always on me
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
dakunclear said:
Are you enjoying them so far cause I would love to get my hands on some extra lenses for this phone if they work good and yes I have a dslr as well but not always on me
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The fisheye lenses that I got were REALLY subpar to me, so I returned it. Since I had to attach a metal ring to the camera lens so that the lens could stick to it, I couldn't really justify it. Like I said in my earlier post I really like the easy macro because it's on a band and I can easily remove it. If I found a fisheye that was on a band like that I might get it, but idk the image quality wasnt that great either and the metal ring was really a turnoff Use amazon, buy it and if you dont like it then return it
fireproofrev said:
I tried to hold the lens just to take a test picture but the magnet interferes with the OIS, in some positions it caused hard vibrations within the N5's camera lens that was also visible in the camera app preview picture.
I would be careful with this lenses! I think the magnets in the N5 are designed for the OIS and not for some cheap 3rd party lenses. Gladly my OIS still seems to work flawless (This seems also to be why Google is not advertising such feature)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh boy!!! I can now confirm this. After a long time I couldn't control myself and bought another set of lenses from Amazon and decided to stick the provided ring to the phone lens. Macro lens seemed to work fine however as soon as I mounted the wide angle lens ... OIS started freaking out so bad I can't even begin to describe. You can feel the vibrations and see it on the screen as well. I immediately removed the lens and put it away. OP was right about this little thing ... I won't be using wide angle lens to avoid any permanent damage to OIS in the phone .
Any kind of strong magnet will also disorient the directional sensor while using google maps. I was wondering why the turn by turn navi would randomly tell me to make a U-turn.
Test for yourself. Pop open google maps and locate your position. Then put a magnet near the top half of the phone, you'll see your directional pointer spin away.
Stay Frosty said:
All of this effort to turn a phone into a camera... Why not just buy an SLR and enjoy real photography? Hell, even a cheap point and shoot blows away any phone camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah good luck. A dedicated camera like an SLR or a point and shoot won't be there when that spur of the moment photo presents itself to you.
Sent from my Nexus 5
Stay Frosty said:
All of this effort to turn a phone into a camera... Why not just buy an SLR and enjoy real photography? Hell, even a cheap point and shoot blows away any phone camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So much NO in this post. "real Photography"? Please. The fact that a photo is taken with a phone vs a DSLR vs medium format vs etc etc is irrelevant. You don't need a (relatively) expensive camera to take good photos. You need creativity and opportunity, that's it.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
I was almost tempted to buy one to play with my N5 camera.. but reading this thread made me worried..
Now I used that little money and bought a wireless charger... should be coming to me tomorrow..
Good to know -- thanks for the warning, you just saved me some time/money no doubt!

Really two cameras ?!

Hello guys, I'm really disappointed and I need your explanations please !
I bought my Galaxy Note 9 (960F variant) from an official Samsung store so I'm sure I'm having a genuine one
As you know, there are two cameras in the rear. I thought that the main one is in the middle, and the 2X optical zoom powered is the one at the left.
Well, yesterday I was playing with my phone, and I masked the camera on the left with a paper. So I thought that I can take pictures in normal mode with the camera on the middle, but the 2X option should give me a blank picture only because of the mask. But no ! Both modes (1x and 2x) are using the same middle camera !
It's normal ?! So what is the purpose of the left sided camera ? Is the 2X really an optical zoom or just a software one ?!
Please do the test and answer me !
Maybe this explains is it
https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-note-9-camera
My side camera works only on live focus. Everything else I tested works on the center only. I have a snapdragon, the same setup as my wife's Note 8 too. It's the way they are designed.
kaalalto said:
Hello guys, I'm really disappointed and I need your explanations please !
I bought my Galaxy Note 9 (960F variant) from an official Samsung store so I'm sure I'm having a genuine one
As you know, there are two cameras in the rear. I thought that the main one is in the middle, and the 2X optical zoom powered is the one at the left.
Well, yesterday I was playing with my phone, and I masked the camera on the left with a paper. So I thought that I can take pictures in normal mode with the camera on the middle, but the 2X option should give me a blank picture only because of the mask. But no ! Both modes (1x and 2x) are using the same middle camera !
It's normal ?! So what is the purpose of the left sided camera ? Is the 2X really an optical zoom or just a software one ?!
Please do the test and answer me !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the same thing with the Note8. It all depends on the lighting and if anything blocking the other camera. It works by design. So when you hit 2x it seems it's blocked and gives you 2x digital zoom instead.
So it's truly an optical zoom ? I ask because if it's "just" a software one, I won't never use it to preserve picture quality !
kaalalto said:
So it's truly an optical zoom ? I ask because if it's "just" a software one, I won't never use it to preserve picture quality !
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, AFAIK, it is true optical zoom. The camera just changes back to main camera if something is blocking the secondary one.
Um I try to not cover it ,but it still using the main one
JalenHo said:
Um I try to not cover it ,but it still using the main one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here !
I hope I didn't started a "cameragate" scandal !
There are no official specifications from Samsung explaining the purpose of each camera ?!
It depends on the lighting
Try and go outside, on a sunny and bright day, point at the clouds or something, and zoom
Then cover the center camera, it should be using the 2x lens (can confirm with my SM-N960F)
kaalalto said:
Same here !
I hope I didn't started a "cameragate" scandal !
There are no official specifications from Samsung explaining the purpose of each camera ?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't, it's working properly. You are just confused. Cover the middle one and see. Take multiple pics @ 1x and then at @ 2x on both cameras with and without covering. Covering the camera just out it into a different mode so as to not take bad pics by default. The difference is clear of you understand the 2 technologies and have any eye for photography. It's working completely correctly and very nicely.
Yeah like the others stated, it's not supposed to work completely independently and take pictures even with no light to the sensor, it's supposed to be smarter than that, if it's working correctly.
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Hey all, I worked this out.
In a low light situation the wide camera is used for the 2X zoom (So technically Digital zoom)
In a situation with more light, it switches to the dedicated 2X camera.
You can test this by putting your finger over the camera and showing it a bight light, then dark. I'm guessing this is because the main (Wide) camera is better at low light.
willhemmens said:
Hey all, I worked this out.
In a low light situation the wide camera is used for the 2X zoom (So technically optical zoom)
In a situation with more light, it switches to the dedicated 2X camera.
You can test this by putting your finger over the camera and showing it a bight light, then dark. I'm guessing this is because the main (Wide) camera is better at low light.
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Yes, although you mean digital zoom for low light situations.
My issue is that sometimes the camera still decides to use digital zoom in good lighting instead of the second camera because it decides that a slightly overcast day or sunset is "low light" or the subject is too close. I'm guessing the second camera can't focus as closely and its optics aren't quite as good as the main camera. In more inconsistent conditions I can sometimes see the viewfinder image jump between the two lenses and usually settle for the digital zoom. Doesn't seem to be used at all in Pro Mode. (I also wish Pro Mode had burst capture)
If you look at the EXIF data you can see which lens is used for your photo. The wide lens is 4.3mm and the telephoto lens is 6mm. The mushroom images were taken 20 seconds apart with "2X" in Auto mode; in the second shot the camera decided to use the wide lens with crop, and the EXIF shows 4.3mm compared to the first image. The crop version just looks like an upscale and has more aggressive nose reduction and edge enhancement; it's not too bad compared to some phone cameras which add too much sharpening or use a simpler interpolation filter. The third image of the grasshopper/locust was in very bright daylight, but the camera decided to use the main camera with 2X crop.
https://imgur.com/a/MYpRogb
With video it tends to be even more obvious which camera is used because if you take 4K in low light with 2X enabled it looks more noise-reduced and interpolated.
I get that Samsung tried to make its camera app "smart" but the 2x button implies that it's using the 2x lens and doing otherwise is deceiving.
If I knew that a zoomed photo would use digital zoom then I'd rather take the full shot and crop later so that I can have more flexibility in framing.
While this is unlikely to ever happen, here's how I feel this should be fixed:
1) Add an option to force switch cameras in all conditions (perhaps in pro mode only?)
2) Hide the 2x button unless the telephoto camera will actually be used. Still allow pinch to digital zoom.
I've looked around but couldn't find any 3rd party camera apps which are able to use the zoom lens. Does anyone know of one?
I've tried a few shot it seems if the lighting isn't good enough it will stick with the primary camera., in good lighting it does work though.
Just do two shots with each and compare the level of detail, it should be obvious.

Is the secondary front facing camera real?

So the phone has 2 front facing cameras. The 24 megapixel camera is working fine. But is the 2 megapixel one working for you? I tried covering the camera and there is no difference in portrait blur. It looks like it's just some software blur instead of a real one.
The secound one i used for the bokeh effect.
I know. I have enabled bokeh and covered the second camera but the background is still blurred. Also it does a really bad job identifying what's in the background and what's in the front.
Try with covered lens on Aperture mode. You will see the difference.
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There is no aperture mode for the front facing camera.
ShareACoke said:
There is no aperture mode for the front facing camera.
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My bad. Didn't read "front camera"... Yep on front one no difference if you cover the second sensor.
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Thanks for your answer. Do you know any way to check whether it is real or not?
That's very interesting.. i tried every mode, that i could, but as i can see, i don't really know, how to test it out :/
I just got a Mate 20 Lite. Funny if it is a fake camera.
Both secondary "cameras" are "depth sensors".
Anybody with Pie who got the depth sensor working?
Second cameras are working but they are working in conjunction with software. Software utilizes the additional information that is collected from the depth cameras but it does not solely rely on that information. And if you cover it you may not be able to see any difference because thanks to machine learning the software is really good at identifying subjects from the background. There is never a real bokeh on these smartphones because of the tiny lenses and sensors that are being used in them. So you are always in need of some software trickery to achieve good blurr. Another option is to get really close to your subjects but in many cases that is not useful.
Both the secondary cameras, front or rear, are real. But they are only used to the boken effect most of the time.
They are used to capture the depth of a cenary, imrpoving the effect in the final version.
You probably wont notice a difference if cover the secondary sensor, but in some cases can have impact.
Most of the work isn't done by that sensor, but by the câmera software, thats why you don't see any real difference in the images.
That secondary câmera can also be used to improve the quality of some photos, for instance, in the night.
So, is a real câmera? Yes, it is.
But like in any other dual câmera smartphone, is used for some situations, not all the time.

Second camera not x2?

In standard photo app. Doesn't the X2 button switch to the other "telelens" camera?
If I put my finger on top of lens 1, then tap X2 button, it still shows my finger true lens 1. What the..???
Mine works as expected. It switches lenses. Someone said it has to do with lighting conditions. If it's too dark. It will remain on the regular camera and no switch over.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
Mine works as expected. It switches lenses. Someone said it has to do with lighting conditions. If it's too dark. It will remain on the regular camera and no switch over.
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How did you test it? I was in a well lit room during the day
Can more people test this please and report here.. and be sure
melchiar said:
In standard photo app. Doesn't the X2 button switch to the other "telelens" camera?
If I put my finger on top of lens 1, then tap X2 button, it still shows my finger true lens 1. What the..???
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Click to collapse
click the 2x then AFTER cover the middle camera with your finger.
bober10113 said:
click the 2x then AFTER cover the middle camera with your finger.
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That's exactly what I did
melchiar said:
That's exactly what I did
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melchiar said:
If I put my finger on top of lens 1, then tap X2 button, it still shows my finger true lens 1. What the..???
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well either i can't read or you can't write.
again, tap x 2 BEFORE covering the middle sensor.
bober10113 said:
well either i can't read or you can't write.
again, tap x 2 BEFORE covering the middle sensor.
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In your first comment you said After. Well I did it both now, once before once after and it behaves the same.
@Mister Orange's info seems to be in the right direction. I found this
https://www.androidguys.com/news/note-8s-x2-zoom-toggle-doesnt-always-use-the-telephoto-sensor/ that's about note 8
melchiar said:
In your first comment you said After.
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Click to collapse
bober10113 said:
click the 2x then AFTER cover the middle camera with your finger.
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Click to collapse
bober10113 said:
well either i can't read or you can't write.
again, tap x 2 BEFORE covering the middle sensor.
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Click to collapse
so its confirmed.. your literacy part. :good:
I just tested it with my finger. And it only works in the stock camera on Auto. I don't believe Pro mode uses the telephoto lens.
Just knew it after this thread. So samsung really make it auto select, not force it to 2x optical lens everytime we choose 2x..
Mr. Orange 645 said:
I just tested it with my finger. And it only works in the stock camera on Auto. I don't believe Pro mode uses the telephoto lens.
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I'm testing again in my office. Well lit room. Sometimes it uses the telephoto lens after pressing x2, sometimes it uses digital zoom with normal lens..
To be honest, I find this very dissapointing. Why not include the option to use digital or telephoto. They can include notifications for blurry images, but this not? All that shameless marketing talk, unbelievable.. To be honest, camera is far from good, Exynos performance and battery way less then Snapdragon, then this.. , all the disadvantages keep coming up. First and last time I buy an expensive flagship phone!
I think the Note 9 has an amazing camera! It takes beautiful, clear pictures, has 2x optical zoom, etc. And wiru GCam, it really shines. Portrait mode and night sight are amazing.
I don't know anything about the Extra, but my Snappie is an amazing phone. It outshines any other phones I've had, and I've had many, LOL.
Mr. Orange 645 said:
I think the Note 9 has an amazing camera! It takes beautiful, clear pictures, has 2x optical zoom, etc. And wiru GCam, it really shines. Portrait mode and night sight are amazing.
I don't know anything about the Extra, but my Snappie is an amazing phone. It outshines any other phones I've had, and I've had many, LOL.
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Which Gcam do u use?
on an other note, here's a fun fact:
live focus uses the 2nd sensor by default. it uses the regular sensor for the effects only...

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