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Hi!
After a HUGE amount of work, it's finally here!
Raw Dumper is a simple camera app for taking RAW pictures on the Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML)
(Intel-based smartphones rocks!)
Q: What's a RAW picture?
A: Jpeg pictures are processed, meaning that multiple image processing algorithms (debayer, white balance, tonemap, sharpening, saturation, noise reduction, jpeg lossy compressing, etc) were applied; they usually retain about 1/10 of their original data.
A raw picture, however, is taken directly from the camera sensor and all captured data is preserved, leaving to the user the decision of how the image is going to look.
Since they retain all data, raw pictures occupy more storage space (A single raw 13-megapixel photo use 23 MB, on the Zenfone 2 ZE551ML).
Q: How is this possible?
A: There is a hidden camera parameter on Intel-based phones that does the trick. It's mentioned in a system library called Intel Camera Extensions (that library also enables other camera features). However, the raw feature doesn't need the library to work.
Q: The pictures captured with this app are really RAW?
A: Yes, because the captured data has the Bayer pattern, the right size and has a lot of lens shading around the image's borders (the app tries to remove the lens shading, so you probably won't appear in your photos).
Some important notes:
I'm not responsible for bricked phones, broken phones/cameras/images or thermonuclear war
It is REALLY experimental
It's currently being tested on Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) - but it should work on ZE550ML too
This app WILL NOT work on phones with non-Intel processors (Qualcomm, Samsung...)
It should work on Marshmallow stock rom
For working on custom roms that uses LL camera blobs (like Lineage OS), is required to patch the camera lib
It REQUIRES root (otherwise the camera subsystem will drain your internal storage by making another copy of every raw picture taken it in a root-only system directory; currently, there's no workaround to fix this )
The DNG pictures will be saved in /sdcard/DCIM/RawDumper (they can be opened using Snapseed, Darktable, RawTherapee and Adobe Lightroom)
It should work on the Razr I and Zenfone 5 too, but I haven't tested them properly because I don't own these devices
It only works with the Zenfone Zoom's front camera (the back camera requires the development of a specific custom kernel)
Screenshot:
Click HERE
Download APK:
Click HERE
Latest version: 3.5.0
Github repo:
Click HERE
Patched camera blobs for Lineage OS users:
(replace the /system/lib/hw/camera.vendor.mofd_v1.so file)
Click HERE
Have fun!
Created: 31/05/2017
Last update: 03/01/2019
To do list:
Low light mode
Picture format selection
Slow Sync Flash
And maaaaany other things...
Changelog:
Version 3.5.0:
Optimized APK size: from 6MB to only 2.2MB!
Better configurations switches's colors
Ultra fast picture saving thanks to asynchronous IO
Display camera aperture below shutter speed value
Added a new free-lens-camera-like effect
Fixed Original Size DNG tags
Fixed a minor interface bug
Version 3.4.0:
Optimized memory usage when saving raw pictures
Faster DNG compression using multiple processor cores
Less processor usage and garbage-collection-related FPS drops due to logcat background processing
Optimized update interval of the exposure metering features
Migrate our project to AndroidX
Added a switch to disable raw digest generation
Flash focus (beta)
Fixed the dates-related tags in Exif's data
Version 3.3.0:
Started using Adobe's DNG SDK to save the pictures
The raw files now can be losslessly compressed
The raw files are now are compatible with almost every RAW editor
Picture size selection enabled
The alternative color profiles are now saved on every raw file
Increased front camera screen flash brightness a bit
Version 3.2.1:
Several bug fixes (su shells, UI sliders, camera opening...)
Advanced Black Level Calibration
Simple tone curve
Camera lens vignetting toggle
Invert front camera pics toggle
New alternative color profile
Version 3.0.0:
Different white balance modes + manual white balance
The app's UI now auto-rotates
Fixed touch focus touch position
Added touch exposure metering
Reduced GPU overdraw
New logo! Made by Nazmul Hasan
Screen flash for the front camera
Advanced Lens Shading Correction implemented
Take pictures with volume down button/headset button/camera button (if present)
Focus with half-way pressed camera button (if present)
Fixed small graphics glitch when starting the camera
Fixed the shutter speed selector
Re-done the front picture mirroring due to incompatibilities with raw converters
Recalibrated the Zenfone 2 cameras under the Standard A illuminant
Version 2.3.1: (Quickfix version)
Fixed a not-so-rare race condition bug that crashes the app during its initialization
Fixed the shadows of certain buttons of the main UI
Removed some unused layouts from the main UI
Version 2.3.0:
Fixed a small glitch in the lower portion of the screen when the app is starting
The raw pictures now have the right rotation applied
Pictures taken with the front camera are also properly mirrored
ISO and shutter speed metering for the Zen2/Zoom front camera!
Fixed a weird bug in the lens shading correction algo
New gain based auto white balance algorithm that *should* always work
Version 2.2.1:
Focus peaking when using manual focus for a Mirrorless-like experience
A little bit faster picture taking on the Zenfone Zoom front camera
Version 2.2.0:
Added proper focus mode selection
Added manual focus (for compatible devices)
New animation when taking pictures
Added Zenfone Zoom to the compatibility list (front camera only)
A more detailed description HERE
Version 2.0.0:
A revamped inner architecture and user interface (with animations)
Added manual EV feature
Added ISO and shutter speed metering
Added a warning when the user is using Lineage OS with buggy camera blobs
Added Zenfone 5 and Razr I to the compatibility list (even though they need more testing)
The app (tries to) auto rotate the pictures (but it still quite buggy)
Added visual feedback when using touch focus
The size of the native tiff library was vastly decreased
Better white balance strategy for zenfone 2's front camera
A more detailed description HERE
Version 1.3.0: (may contain bugs)
Taking and saving pictures are executed in the background! YAY! (this may lead to hard-to-find bugs, however)
Taking pictures with the front camera is FINALLY HERE! (the front camera should work with custom roms using Lollipop's camera blobs! )
Some progress on taking raw pictures with the Razr I was done (but it won't work for now)
Version 1.2.3: (Quickfix version)
Better handling of alert dialogs
Force disabling of device list
Version 1.2.2: (Quickfix version)
Better log with some useful debug information
List of supported devices is temporarily disabled
Version 1.2.0:
(beta) Manual ISO: from 50 all the way up to 1600!
(beta) Manual Shutter Speed: short exposures like 1/10000s and long exposures like 32s!
Version 1.1.0:
DNG creation process updated with a WAY BETTER code! (Including better exif data!)
Now the app contains a list of supported devices and supported features (currently only ZE551ML and ZE550ML are supported)
Touch focus!
Changed some white balance calculations (need your feedback on this!)
Version 1.0.1:
The apk now contains only x86 and x86_64 compiled libraries.
Fixed a small bug when the flash button didin't update.
Now it should work on non-stock roms. Edit: it installs but crashes.
Minor updates on the DNG generating process.
Version 1.0.0:
First app release
Wasn't Asus Zenfone 2 unable to capture RAW images due to the restriction from sensor of the camera itself?
Testing, let's see how it works!
Also I've downloaded your project from github, I'm so curious about the structure.
SleepingAran said:
Wasn't Asus Zenfone 2 unable to capture RAW images due to the restriction from sensor of the camera itself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Every picture you take using a digital camera was raw in some point of its processing. Of course, some camera sensors do all the processing inside and only dump the ready-made JPEG (this is not the case of the Zenfone 2). But, in theory all sensors (dumb VGA webcams, point-and-shoot cameras, DSLR professional cameras, smartphone cameras) could be capable shooting in RAW. In smartphones, most of the time, the limitation is on the camera software, not in the hardware. The Zenfone's (and other Intel) raw shooting ability is just a little bit hidden
pedperpat said:
Testing, let's see how it works!
Also I've downloaded your project from github, I'm so curious about the structure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's quite simple, is just a simple camera app with lots of hardcoded stuff (I'm going to fix it, don't worry hahaha). I just wanted to publish something to show is possible to shoot in RAW on the Zenf2. I'm planning to clean up the code and add some nice manual/auto ISO and shutter speed in the next versions (I've tested and these features work perfectly with RAW )
dreckneck said:
It's quite simple, is just a simple camera app with lots of hardcoded stuff (I'm going to fix it, don't worry hahaha). I just wanted to publish something to show is possible to shoot in RAW on the Zenf2. I'm planning to clean up the code and add some nice manual/auto ISO and shutter speed in the next versions (I've tested and these features work perfectly with RAW )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had some problems to use the C++ libraries on Android Studio. I can't install the NDK, it's weird...
Btw, great job enabling the raw shoot mode at this phone.
pedperpat said:
I had some problems to use the C++ libraries on Android Studio. I can't install the NDK, it's weird...
Btw, great job enabling the raw shoot mode at this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks! I've updated the project to use the latest gradle plugin now, try updating Android Studio. NDK building is WAAAAAAY easier on the latest versions. If you need help, you can PM me
PS: I hate Android Studio hahaha
not working it's not compatible on my z00d mokee rom nightly 7.1.2, why?
dreckneck said:
Thanks! I've updated the project to use the latest gradle plugin now, try updating Android Studio. NDK building is WAAAAAAY easier on the latest versions. If you need help, you can PM me
PS: I hate Android Studio hahaha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate Android Studio at the update of NDK Libraries only. Android Studio is a great IDE despite of its slowly load times.
I'm at work, will try again your app when I came home
Let's check the github repo a little
dreckneck said:
Every picture you take using a digital camera was raw in some point of its processing. Of course, some camera sensors do all the processing inside and only dump the ready-made JPEG (this is not the case of the Zenfone 2). But, in theory all sensors (dumb VGA webcams, point-and-shoot cameras, DSLR professional cameras, smartphone cameras) could be capable shooting in RAW. In smartphones, most of the time, the limitation is on the camera software, not in the hardware. The Zenfone's (and other Intel) raw shooting ability is just a little bit hidden
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
TIL! I've been searching for application that could take RAW format since Camera2 API was released, but all of them are not compatible with Zenfone 2. Looked up to the internet and most of them claimed that the hardware does not support taking photos in RAW format, then I eventually accepted it as a fact.
Thanks for the awesome application.
I try your app on my Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) with resurrection remix 5.8.3, but it won't install, is your app only for stock rooted firmware??
Sorry,but i can't find any photo i've taken and there is no menu at all
themonyo666 said:
not working it's not compatible on my z00d mokee rom nightly 7.1.2, why?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because the sensor used in the Zenfone 2 ZE500CL is different. Unfortunately, the app needs some specific information about the camera sensor to generate the DNG files. However I'm planning to make the app smarter to get all this specific sensor info automagically so it could work on a wider range of phones
amerli73 said:
I try your app on my Zenfone 2 (ZE551ML) with resurrection remix 5.8.3, but it won't install, is your app only for stock rooted firmware??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... That's weird. What was the error message during the installation?
dimitrakhs1 said:
Sorry,but i can't find any photo i've taken and there is no menu at all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Inside the "DCIM" directory there is another directory called "RawDumper"; the DNG pictures should be there
dreckneck said:
Hmmm... That's weird. What was the error message during the installation?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just this
amerli73 said:
Just this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got the same result.
Using: Lineage OS 14.1 - Latest Build
dreckneck said:
Inside the "DCIM" directory there is another directory called "RawDumper"; the DNG pictures should be there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know.Still nothing...
This is a bomb! Good quality and a lot of headroom to play with ir RAW developing program (i use raw therapy)
Dear friends,
November has been a very productive month for P2 owners with all sorts of Pie ROMs roaming around. But what everyone wants is a stable ROM with a working port of GCam 6.1 because it has got the magical "Night Sight" feature which actually does magic in low light.
For a unique camera experience; go to this page:
https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/
Google Camera 6.1
Search for:
MGC_6.1.021_FINAL_V1b_A8.1+
4/Dec/18:
MGC_6.1.021_B-S-G-based_v.0.1_TlnNeun
30/Dec/2018:
MGC_6.1.021_BSG_Arnova-based_v.1.3d_TlnNeun_2
Changelog:
1. Settings updated with options to enable/ disable Portrait Mode, Motion, Hide SlowMo, Max brightness
2. Added FIX settings for Black level adjustments for both cameras, Buffer Fix, Improved Low Light photos and Motion Photo resolution
2. Face retouching working well with Night Sight mode
3. Motion Capture works now
4th Feb 2019:
MGC_6.1.021_BSG_Arnova-based_v.1.3e_TlnNeun
1. Video capture in dark light works now. Just choose Pixel 3 from Settings>Advanced>Base>Interface style. Now kill the app from recents/ overview and adjust settings as mentioned below.
3. Swipe to Video and you'll see "Auto" on top left of screen. Keep it in auto mode and you can have video recording in dark light as well. See the screenshot.
14th Feb 2019
MGC_6.1.021_BSG_Arnova-based_v.1.4_TlnNeun
Changelog: (by developer)
- Pixel 3 AWB (auto white balance), by BSG/Savitar. There is no more pink shade, also colours with a lack of lighting are more natural. (Settings > Advanced > FIX > Pixel III AWB).
- Quick app opening.
- Lens blur is now enabled.
28th Feb 2019
MGC_6.1.021_BSG_Arnova-based_v.1.4a_TlnNeun
14th June 2019
Arnova's Advanced 1.6: Gcam_6.1.021_Advanced_V1.6.190614.0200.apk
Recommended:
GCam 7.4.104 by Parrot043 for Android 10+
GCam 7.0 for Android 9 and Android 10 by Parrot043
Features:
# AWB of Pixel 4XL resulting in color saturation as shown by viewfinder for both cameras
# High level yet quick HDR processing
# Maximum possible zoom
# Fix green tint for front camera
# Binary settings as well as default saturation settings for better color correction if needed
# All features working except Slowmo
Tested on Official Mokee Android 10.
19th August 2019
MGC_6_1_021_xcam6_beta11.apk
Features:
1. Dark mode settings if system interface is dark
2. Improved front cam photographs and more natural color tone just like back cam
3. Brighter night mode with both cameras (Use SparklingNight config file for flawless front cam night sight)
4. Photobooth working
5. Manual focus control and lot more
Google Camera 7
GCam_7.0.009_A_011.apk by marlin-ku
Features:
Night Sight replaced Panorama
Swipe down to access quick settings to enable one-hand usage
Quick toggle for ISO/Exposure Time for HDR+ and Night Sight
Time Lapse up to 120x
Long press screen to access Google Lens immediately
Long press image viewer for accessing a setting of your choice
Long press shutter to record a quick video (not working though)
Green tint on front camera fix in Color Settings
4k Video recording working
Developer settings available for further tweaking as per your phone's capability
Bugs:
Face retouching isn't working even in Night Sight unless you select "test key Pixel2017 or 2016" from "Mask". However, it will disable the Portrait mode
SlowMo not working. However, it never works for me with GCam so try it yourself.
Google Camera 7 may only work with Android 9 and above. Please, test yourself if you are on Android 8 and report in the thread.
Google Camera 7 for Android 10
PMGC_7.0.009_PopugVersion_V11_1
Front camera greenish photos under dim light can be corrected by doing few things:
1. Enable HDR+ enhanced from drop down menu
2. Go into advanced settings and set time for front camera "1/5s" in ISO/ Exposure Time HDR+ or ISO 100. 1/5 captures photos faster though.
3. Reduce HDR+ frames to 5-10. Whenever you want to capture night shots without flash then enable HDR+ enhanced.
Configuration file
Video Capture Issues:
GCam is bad at capturing videos with P2.
Hence, install Open Camera, select 30 fps from video setting of the app then select audio source as default or optimised for voice recognition.
Keep resolution at 1080p for capturing, otherwise app will force close.
Adjust exposure while capturing videos at will.
This solution would work on Android 10 as well and it will record audio too.
Don't forget to test capture video to understand how it works.
Note: Config files are given as attachments.
What works:
Portrait, Night Sight, Face Retouching, AR Stickers, Playground, Photobooth, Panorama, RAW image, Video capture, Photo sphere, Lens, Motion Capture, Super Res-Zoom (Full zoom with HDR+ enabled), SlowMo (ROM dependent), Lens Blur
Comparison of Lenovo P2 photos with Pixel 3a XL photos. Thanks to @andyscuff!
Having green tint in front cam photos? Try this!
How to import config files for GCam?
FAQs and Troubleshooting
AR Stickers for Android 8 & Playground for Android 9!
Download, install and get pumped for a new camera experience :highfive:
It is not my work at all so don't forget to Support and Thank the worthy developers who are working day&night for a flawless modded GCam for Android devices.
Also share if your favorite ROM allows this Gcam port to work in full swing. Sharing of some photos will be an added benefit. Peace!
Samples of como6ariso between photos with night sight and without night sight
Not working for Lenovo p2 lineage os 15.1
Work fine on crdroid 9.0
Inviato dal mio Lenovo P2a42 utilizzando Tapatalk
rahulacharya029826 said:
Samples of como6ariso between photos with night sight and without night sight
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't play with it much because I couldn't get a chance to check it in clear outdoors but the attached photos might be useful.
[email protected] said:
Not working for Lenovo p2 lineage os 15.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I know, RR is the only 8.1 ROM for P2 with almost zero or controllable bugs so an upgrade to RR should do the trick.
i found thiis version MGC_6.1.021_FINAL_V1b_A8.1+ .apk = it works but i don't know how to set it up
where to find BSG MOD settings ? when i go to gcam settings its not there
How to Solve this, When i take close up/ near side images using flash , the picture become so bright and over exposure, what is this issue i attached a image ,.
AEX 5.8 Oreo
HACKIMTOSH said:
i found thiis version MGC_6.1.021_FINAL_V1b_A8.1+ .apk = it works but i don't know how to set it up
where to find BSG MOD settings ? when i go to gcam settings its not there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The version is alright and BSG Settings are above all other settings. See the attachments.
salmanvts said:
How to Solve this, When i take close up/ near side images using flash , the picture become so bright and over exposure, what is this issue i attached a image ,.
AEX 5.8 Oreo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
May be the camera is not focusing the object you are capturing. First touch the area you want to focus and then capture. Otherwise, restart the app. I tried a few flash photos and found that it did shoot few overexposed photos. I restarted the app and it was all good again.
Tested on pie works like charm video doesn't work though
yourmine20 said:
Tested on pie works like charm video doesn't work though
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
flash the pie video fix zip file and it will work too .
tanzeel.ahmed1306 said:
flash the pie video fix zip file and it will work too .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did that didn't work
yourmine20 said:
Did that didn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fix video for pie work for me
kalel77 said:
fix video for pie work for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Flashing video recording fix by Astrid always works for me.
Can confirm.
I have tried all pie roms, and the zip fixed it for all of them.
sm00th4f3 said:
Flashing video recording fix by Astrid always works for me.
Can confirm.
I have tried all pie roms, and the zip fixed it for all of them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry it did fixed it thanks
4th December build available. Check first post for info and instructions.
Front camera portrait mode doesnt work for me, did all the instructions.
Doesn't it capture photos or is there problem with photos? Which ROM?
alirazaagha said:
Doesn't it capture photos or is there problem with photos? Which ROM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is green tint in portrait
This is a modded version of the gcam by tigr that I made for the a70 with wide angle camera working
I thought I'd share incase someone finds it useful.
Base: trcamera xmas release
Dev: tigr
Gcam version: 7.4
*Features
Spoiler
Wide angle support
Portrait
Video
16 x zoom (digital)
Night sight with astrophotography optional
Raw+jpeg capture (import raw file to lightroom to view it as samsung gallery has a bug of showing only low resolution)
Hdr+ and hdr+ enhanced (use hdr+ for fast pictures and motion photo or hdr+ enhanced for the best quality)
Motion photo (viewable in google photos only)
Pro mode for manual focus / iso / shutter speed (toggle auto/pro mode in viewfinder)
Focus tracking (toggle on/off in viewfinder but disable for better performance as it may cause lag)
Google awb (toggle on/off from drop-down menu, recommended only for night sight or for unique shots)
Libpatcher advanced enabled for better processing and customized for a70
Enabled DCI-P3 color space
*Install instructions
Spoiler
Place config in internal storage/trCamera/XMLConfigs folder
Install gcam, open, and give required permissions
Double tap on black bar beside the capture button
Select config and restore
make sure to use the gcam provided below as it won't work with other mods
And dont mess with the settings as it was made with the optimal settings specifically for the a70
For oneui 2.0, 2.5, and 3.1
Make sure to check out our telegram channel for more gcam mods for the a70
Spoiler
A70 GCam Configs
Hi. This is where admins and I share some GCam Configs for Samsung A70. Enjoy
t.me
*App/config download:
Spoiler
GCam link:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145724540
Config link:
https://www.androidfilehost.com/?fid=17248734326145724594
Credits:
gcam devs
and my friends at telegram for helping and testing
reserved
Can't seem to find the folder of Trcamera...
Nick312 said:
Can't seem to find the folder of Trcamera...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Create a folder in internal storage as mentioned above trCamera and inside create another one called XMLConfigs
Love this version, but I can't seem to find how to turn on the 3x3 grid, it helps me a lot to take good pics. Also, pics sometimes have too much contrast with this config (main lens) and the pics on the wide angle lens are too noisy.
Batpope said:
Love this version, but I can't seem to find how to turn on the 3x3 grid, it helps me a lot to take good pics. Also, pics sometimes have too much contrast with this config (main lens) and the pics on the wide angle lens are too noisy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The grid cam be found if you go to settings/general settings (first option)
And unfortunately the quality of the wide angle camera isn't great to begin with and if i wanted to decrease the noise the picture will become unnatural and not that good
AbOuLfOoOoOuF said:
The grid cam be found if you go to settings/general settings (first option)
And unfortunately the quality of the wide angle camera isn't great to begin with and if i wanted to decrease the noise the picture will become unnatural and not that good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oops, don't know how I missed the grid option, thanks! Damn that sucks about the wide camera, but yeah, I figured. Thanks!
why would u need DCI-P3 or AdobeRGB or anything other than sRGB?
sRGB is best option for JPEGs. If u don't believe me - ggl it. AdobeRGB, for example, will use same 256 gradations but map it to different colors. Those "colors" will be outside of normal sRGB spectrum in which most displays work. What u will get is less gradations and more banding of regular sRGB colors.
Thank you very much! I had a problem with the latest update and ended up bringing it to the Samsung repair service. My old gcam wont work the way it used to. This one takes photos a little slower than 7.3 (?) but still good quality photos. I really appreciate it!
In a previous post I compared the stock Asus Zenfone 8 camera with the latest Wichaya GCam + config xml. I much prefer the look of the Asus shots which are brighter and have more shadow detail than the GCam pictures.
Unfortunately I have not found any info of how to adjust most of the GCam Ram Patcher settings to make the pictures brighter and show more shadow detail. Blindly playing about with combinations of the Ram Patcher settings made the pictures look worse.
Then I came across a YouTube video in a foreign language showing how to adjust Ram Patcher settings and copied what was shown - my GCam shots are much improved.
The custom settings I now use are:
In the GCam’s drop down menu:
HDR+Enhanced is selected.
In the GCams Settings menu:
Shasta Factor set to 5; Multiframe HDR+Enhanced set to High.
In the Settings > Advanced menu > Ram Patcher:
Sharpness 1,250; Denoise 1.250; HDR Range Plus 12; HDR Range Minus -2.
I still prefer the slightly more punchy look of the Asus Camera, but GCam shots have a more natural look. The Asus Camera over-sharpens fine detail, and in flatter areas smoothes and reduces the detail. Unfortunately here’s no possibility to alter these aspects of the Asus camera.
The attached examples show a picture taken with the Asus Camera.
Then with Wichaya’s GCam and the above custom settings.
I’ve included a GCams DNG (RAW) picture that I’ve edited.
And for fun the same picture taken with a DSLR RAW file I’ve edited.
I now use the Asus camera for general photography, and the GCam (Jpejs + RAW) for more important shots that I may wish to process and improve later.
Mod Edit
Thread closed per [OP] request.
jackeagle
Forum Moderator
I have made a few posts about the Asus camera and became familiar with some of its less obvious details and features. Here’s some notes that apply mainly to daylight shots. I’ll make a separate post about night shots.
Asus 64MP Jpegs
You can take a 64MP Jpeg picture in one of three ways;
The normal camera’s “4:3 (64MP)”
The Pro camera’s “4:3 (64MP)”
And the Pro camera’s “RAW+JPG” settings
HDR processing is not used on the 64MP Jpegs so they are not suitable for general photography as they can lack detail in the highlights and shadows.
You might find a use for the normal camera’s 64MP Jpeg if you ever need the highest resolution Jpeg of a subject with limited dynamic range as it is slightly sharper than the normal camera’s 16MP HDR Jpeg.
I’d avoid ever using either of the Pro camera’s 64MP Jpegs - they are a lot more noisier than the normal camera’s 64MP Jpeg.
Asus Smaller Resolution Jpegs
All of the 16MP(and smaller sized) Jpegs have HDR processing and so will make better looking pictures than the 64MP Jpegs, especially for general subjects. They also have smaller file sizes than the 64MP pictures.
Asus Raw Files
Use the Pro camera’s “RAW+JPG” setting to record a 64MP DNG file if you want to make the very highest quality shots. I transfer the DNGs to my laptop and edit then in a Raw file editor, Capture One. Other Raw editors, such as Lightroom and Affinity Photo, etc, can be used. The noisy 64MP Jpeg that is recorded alongside the Raw file can be discarded.
Raw files are the best option to use if you want to produce the highest quality shot from a mobile phone. Jpeg files can be edited afterwards too, but Raw files contain lots more digital data than Jpegs and are more suited to post production. I use the Asus normal camera HDR Jpegs for general photography, but for special shots use either the Asus 64MP Raw or the the Wichaya GCam Raw files and edit them afterwards.
The final look of an edited Raw file depends on your skill, experience and preferences. But the edited 64MP (9168x6872 pixels) Asus Raw beats the 16MP (4560x3416 pixels) Wichaya GCam Raw, as it is definitely sharper and more finely detailed.
However you won’t see much difference between these two edited Raw files unless you view them alongside each other at the same viewing size - i.e. Asus at 100%, Wichita at 200%. So for general purposes either and be used. (See attached screenshot)
Although the Asus Raw is sharper it is also grainier, especially in smoother, less detailed areas - but sharp detail is more important than visible grain if you ever need to make large prints.
Asus camera fast startup
You can open the Asus camera from the lock screen without entering a pin code or unlocking the phone. At the bottom right corner of the lock screen is a small symbol - swipe it up to open the Asus camera without unlocking the phone.
Gallery app Raw file previews
When you open a Raw file in an editor app it has almost no color, the highlights are white and shadows are black. The camera’s gallery app shows you a preview of how it looks as a Jpeg.
Asus camera vs Wichaya GCam
All of my previous tests have shown the Asus stock camera produces better looking pictures than the Wichaya Gcam, at least in my opinion. They are punchier, better exposed and have a more accurate white balance. They are, however, generally over-sharpened and highlights are over-smoothed. When enlarged they look flatter and less natural that the Wichaya GCam shots.
Unfortunately the Asus camera allows no control over sharpness, highlights and shadow detail, HDR intensity, etc. Wichaya’s GCam Ram Patcher settings let you adjust many parameters but so far I have not been able to alter them to look as good as the Asus camera. I look forward to the Wichays’s next GCam version and hope to have more success.
If you have used a different GCam APK that produces better results than the Asus camera please share your findings, preferable with comparison pictures - I’m sure Zenfone 8 users would be interested.
Mod Edit
Thread closed per [OP] request.
jackeagle
Forum Moderator