Database Users

[GUIDE][REVIEW]Samsung Galaxy S3 Camera Guide/Review

I have written this guide quite some time back during the first week of launch of this Galaxy S3 and forgotten to share this here in xda too. Hope this is able to help some newbie on using their S3 camera. Advance users probably will find my guide too basic.
I do welcome any feedbacks or comments if you found any mistakes or misleading information.
Disclaimer: This is not a professional review and all the findings and opinions are based on my own experience only.
Part 1: Hardware and Features
Part 2: User Interface
Part 3: Limitations
Part 4: Shooting Mode
Part 5: Scene Mode
Part 6: Summary and Conclusion
I'm aware for the new firmware I9300XXBLFB for the camera. Check the changelog
Some sample pictures you will find in the post.

Sample pictures
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very nice review and good conclusion. well done. keep it up.
did you do any post processing at all on those pictures ? i notice less noise (compared to mine) even on high ISO ! i find lot of noise anything more ISO 200!
BTW my cam firmware ZDFE02.

nope, no PP was done. all straight out of camera..
probably have to do with the brightness of the object u r shooting i guess. indoors with ISO 200 still give quite an amount of noise too.

Camera Changelog for LFB/LF1 firmwares
blog updated with latest description for LFB/LG1 updates:
Camera Changelog for LFB/LG1 firmwares

nice work @op
can you make some comparison of pictures @ poor lighting conditions?

Great post. I know this camera isn't the best one you can get in a smartphone (probably still the iPhone 4S? Or the One X?), but it takes some really good shots, and knowing how to use it properly is all-important.
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

I love this guide, really useful, thanks!

bala_gamer said:
nice work @op
can you make some comparison of pictures @ poor lighting conditions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what type of low light photos u looking for?
- low light indoor?
- low light outdoor?
- with flash or without flash?
i do have some poor lighting condition photos in the blog anyway. have a look.
or comparisons done by this forum member
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1771006
jgristy said:
Great post. I know this camera isn't the best one you can get in a smartphone (probably still the iPhone 4S? Or the One X?), but it takes some really good shots, and knowing how to use it properly is all-important.
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, and no. the One X is not a better shooter when compared to S3. Reason bcz One X is not able to capture as much detail and sharpness as S3. The One X is only capable of getting a cleaner image during low light, thanks to its f2.0 lens. Other than that, S3 is a better shooter.
iPhone 4S on the other hand comes in neck in neck. it wins S3 in indoor shots, thanks to its f2.4 lens. But it's a no match for sharpness and details as well to the S3. the metering on 4S however seems better.
i will provide some links to let u have a look on the comparison shots.
http://www.gsmarena.com/pureview_blind_test-review-773.php
http://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s_iii_vs_htc_one_x-review-759p5.php
http://crave.cnet.co.uk/mobiles/samsung-galaxy-s3-vs-iphone-4s-vs-htc-one-x-vs-xperia-s-camera-test-50008056/
juliano_q said:
I love this guide, really useful, thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
welcome.. just to help..

Thanks, really useful guide, especially for the point-and-hope-for-the-best user - i.e. me....
Should be stickied IMO.

farscope said:
i will provide some links to let u have a look on the comparison shots.
welcome.. just to help..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for those links. Very informative. Reading all this information about my new camera phone, I find I don't have all the new effects under the wand button (even though I've downloaded all available updates), and I don't have the button which lets you take photos during video recording.
Why do you think this might be?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

jgristy said:
Thanks for those links. Very informative. Reading all this information about my new camera phone, I find I don't have all the new effects under the wand button (even though I've downloaded all available updates), and I don't have the button which lets you take photos during video recording.
Why do you think this might be?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probably yr country hasn't receive the updates yet.. just wait for it..

Thanks for the guide It whas very usefull

Strangely when the update came the camera is getting worse not better , yes more options and modes but a lot of distortion .......
I'm talking about the LFB one....

A small question for those who have moved over to an AOSP rom, does the camera take longer to snap a photo? I ask this because obviously the Samsung Rom was built for the zero shutter lag and I have seen demos of the speed in which it snaps photos. But in some videos I have seen CM9 on the S3, it seems when hitting the button it has a small delay where it stills tries to focus before it snaps.
thanks!
ps: getting my S3 on Monday and debating which rom to use as I probably would like to mess around with the new S3 roms.

m00moo said:
A small question for those who have moved over to an AOSP rom, does the camera take longer to snap a photo? I ask this because obviously the Samsung Rom was built for the zero shutter lag and I have seen demos of the speed in which it snaps photos. But in some videos I have seen CM9 on the S3, it seems when hitting the button it has a small delay where it stills tries to focus before it snaps.
thanks!
ps: getting my S3 on Monday and debating which rom to use as I probably would like to mess around with the new S3 roms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, the S3's camera is using touchwiz framework.. CM9 is not.. hence the slower performance..
demmo81 said:
Strangely when the update came the camera is getting worse not better , yes more options and modes but a lot of distortion .......
I'm talking about the LFB one....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
distortion at the corners? hmm.. i will try to check on mine.. but as far as i'm concerned, distortion mainly due to lens..

farscope said:
yes, the S3's camera is using touchwiz framework.. CM9 is not.. hence the slower performance..
distortion at the corners? hmm.. i will try to check on mine.. but as far as i'm concerned, distortion mainly due to lens..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its not only on the edges but i feel all the pics specially with low light...
anyway ill provide some samples later on today to explain ... Thanks

demmo81 said:
its not only on the edges but i feel all the pics specially with low light...
anyway ill provide some samples later on today to explain ... Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
awaiting yr samples then.. cz i dont see any significant difference in my pictures in terms of distortion..

farscope said:
awaiting yr samples then.. cz i dont see any significant difference in my pictures in terms of distortion..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here r some I just took in the office the camera is trying to increase the light as much as it can although the light conditions r normal but the pic is coming pixeled u know...
Also I noticed the camera is trying to get all the light in that's why its getting worse....
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app

demmo81 said:
Here r some I just took in the office the camera is trying to increase the light as much as it can although the light conditions r normal but the pic is coming pixeled u know...
Also I noticed the camera is trying to get all the light in that's why its getting worse....
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hmm.. i don't really get what u mean by distortion. my understanding of distortion is the lens distortion where u get straight lines becomes curvy like a barrel distortion for wide angle lens, or the fish eye effect for fish eye lens.
in your sample picture, i cant really get the distortion that u mean. did u mean the deviation away from normal exposures? if that's the case, then it is because most of the subjects in your picture are black/dark colours. Hence, the camera's metering is fooled, by thinking you are shooting in low light and hence increases the exposure. it happens to all camera, it's a weakness of digital metering.

First full day with my Moto-x and Iphone pic comparision

I purchased a moto-x yesterday out of contract to give it a "road test" and If I liked it I would return it and order 32gb as my Iphone 5 replacement. I had to make a trip to NYC today. My train ride into Penn station is typically 1 hr 10 minutes and today I waited another 10 at the platform. I started out at 100% and started streaming Spotify over LTE and sat on reddit and google chrome for most of the way along with a few games of solitaire and burnt it down to 65%. I fared about the same with my Iphone 5 while making the same run pre-IOS7 however expect worse performance after the update. I was in battery park for the most of the day and lost another ~10% in the subway roaming/intermittent streaming. By the time I got on the train 7 hours later I was at 35%, I used the navigation for about 10 minutes to get some food (awesome btw).
Things I like about the phone.
The screen size is nicer than the Iphone 5 however may not be "as bright" I assume this has to do with the OLED screen.
The Active notifications has to be my favorite feature. It really is quite nice and I dread going back to my Iphone 5 without it.
The active feature while driving is nice however I haven't given it the full test yet.
Google Hangouts is amazing, it really is and I am going to force my girlfriend to use it on her iphone.
Android feels like a smart phone that wants to "help you". I'm sure that doesn't make sense. It just has some mystical google type power IMO.
Things I don't like.
I was hoping battery life would be a little better based on reviews, however I find it good enough.
The camera however this is an AT&T phone without the latest update. The camera will make or break this phone for me as I have a room full of fishing pictures, most are really good and taken with smartphone camera's (Iphone's.)
Also I tried to scan a barcode and it was just NOT happening while on the train, something the iphone did no problem (using myfitnesspal)
It also doesn't charge as fast as my iphone, however that may be because of the larger battery?
Also, when I return this phone this weekend, is there A way I can have everything backed up, so when I get my new phone I won't have to set everything up again and download all these apps over?
Here is the pic comparison, done side by side. http://imgur.com/a/tywmw

I'm actually having trouble making my picture look as bad off as you did and I am not able to reproduce it.
The color in my photos is spectacular, way better than my HTC One. I just took this of my salt water fish tank and it's way more than close... It's impeccably accurate.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk 2
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Doing photo comparisons at this point is a waste of time. Att is going to have the update out very soon so why bother. The camera is great after the fix.
Compare then.
To answer your question you have the option to back up ur apps through your Google account. They redownload as soon as you log in on the next phone

osiris355 said:
Doing photo comparisons at this point is a waste of time. Att is going to have the update out very soon so why bother. The camera is great after the fix.
Compare then.
To answer your question you have the option to back up ur apps through your Google account. They redownload as soon as you log in on the next phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yesterday... i have just flash the tmo firmware on my unlock bootloader rogers version... and update ! my wife now want the white moto x ! pictures quality is just like the day and night... equal or better to the iphone 5... equal to the sg4 ...
... mmm i have say the tmobile firmware is excellent ... no brand no bloat ( retail en us on the about ) ...

Would you say the battery life is pretty similar for both phones? also how much thicker is the moto x?

mhsbrian said:
I'm actually having trouble making my picture look as bad off as you did and I am not able to reproduce it.
The color in my photos is spectacular, way better than my HTC One. I just took this of my salt water fish tank and it's way more than close... It's impeccably accurate.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't think i'm dissing the phone, I like it more than the iphone5
I'm just waiting for the update.

People tend to like the over saturated photos that the iPhone and Samsung produces... The Moto X creates pictures closer to real life colors.
Its the same with DSLR's, Canon processes photos with colors close to real life but the Nikon gives it more saturation - newcomers tend to go Nikon for this reason.
I prefer the real life colors, and I'll add saturation if needed later on.
Edited.

rman18 said:
People tend to like the over saturated photos that the iPhone and Samsung produces... The Moto X creates pictures closer to real life colors.
Its the same with DSLR's, Canon processes photos with colors close to real life but the Nokia gives it more saturation - newcomers tend to go Nokia for this reason.
I prefer the real life colors, and I'll add saturation if needed later on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agree 100 percent, iPhone photos always bleed colors and it's especially seen in very detailed things.
In terms of Nikon and canon, I shoot with a Canon and only would buy an older Nokia if I was to but one myself.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk 2

mhsbrian said:
Agree 100 percent, iPhone photos always bleed colors and it's especially seen in very detailed things.
In terms of Nokia and canon, I shoot with a Canon and only would buy an older Nokia if I was to but one myself.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
-_- Nokia? I think you mean Nikon.

mentose457 said:
-_- Nokia? I think you mean Nikon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SwiftKey filled it in for me lol
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk 2

rman18 said:
People tend to like the over saturated photos that the iPhone and Samsung produces... The Moto X creates pictures closer to real life colors.
Its the same with DSLR's, Canon processes photos with colors close to real life but the Nokia gives it more saturation - newcomers tend to go Nokia for this reason.
I prefer the real life colors, and I'll add saturation if needed later on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again I think you mean NIKON. I never experienced excessive saturation on any of Nikon DSLRs. I never used retard mode or full retard mode on them though. If you are using those modes on your Canon, well, congratulations.

mentose457 said:
Again I think you mean NIKON. I never experienced excessive saturation on any of Nikon DSLRs. I never used retard mode or full retard mode on them though. If you are using those modes on your Canon, well, congratulations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NIKON, as you say.. Makes great cameras I don't see what your point here is besides starting a war that's been waged since the dawn of personal photography.
On another note, my main camera is a pentax k-5, that doesn't mean it shoots way better photos. But it's weather resistant and takes the best night pictures of any camera I've ever owned.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk 2

mhsbrian said:
NIKON, as you say.. Makes great cameras I don't see what your point here is besides starting a war that's been waged since the dawn of personal photography.
On another note, my main camera is a pentax k-5, that doesn't mean it shoots way better photos. But it's weather resistant and takes the best night pictures of any camera I've ever owned.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just pointing out that any camera that has manual control can be adjusted to take life like colors. IMO comparing auto modes on manual cameras is stupid.
My boss shoots a k-5, its an attractive camera. I like that the image stabilization is in the camera not the lens.

mentose457 said:
Just pointing out that any camera that has manual control can be adjusted to take life like colors. IMO comparing auto modes on manual cameras is stupid.
My boss shoots a k-5, its an attractive camera. I like that the image stabilization is in the camera not the lens.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it's a fantastic camera... The biggest turn on for me was the Iso noise is tremendously low even at very high Iso ranges.
Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk 2

[PHOTOS] OnePlus One user photo and video discussion thread

This is the OnePlus One user photo and camera discussion thread
Camera features:
Image sensor: Sony BSI Exmor IMX214 CMOS, 1/3.06" sensor size
Lens: F2.0, 6-element auto-focus system
Maximum photo resolution: 4160x3120, 13 megapixels
Front facing camera: 5 megapixels w/80º wide angle
Maximum video resolution: 3840x2160 = 4k at 30FPS, 1920x1080 at 60FPS, 1280x720p at 120FPS
Features: HDR, panorama, image stabilization, face detection, tap to focus, geo-tagging, face-detection
The official OnePlus One camera samples
For more info, full size and EXIF, please visit the OnePlus website here: http://oneplus.net/one#features

If this photos are true i can only say " Its Amazing great!! "
Cheers

xenix96 said:
If this photos are true i can only say " Its Amazing great!! "
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The IMX214 is a very capable sensor, and 1+'s ISP (Qualcomm?) looks quality too. Of course much will depend on speed, reliability and low light, I'll be looking to find more shots.

BoneXDA said:
The IMX214 is a very capable sensor, and 1+'s ISP (Qualcomm?) looks quality too. Of course much will depend on speed, reliability and low light, I'll be looking to find more shots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As soon as the first users here own a device, this thread will be flooded with shots, I'm sure...

Not my picture but this was my favourite from some of the ones I saw from preproduction models.
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I certainly hope that with real world conditions it can deliver quality like shown above.

The best part is the 2 sensors that i have noticed that perform beautifully are the IMX179 and IMX214. Obvious 214 will be even better for sure.. Really hope they launch the phone around the different parts of the world soon.
Low light capabilities are incredible, if you search you will understand that how its better than A Nikon D3100 in low light.

Jishnu Sur™ said:
The best part is the 2 sensors that i have noticed that perform beautifully are the IMX179 and IMX214. Obvious 214 will be even better for sure.. Really hope they launch the phone around the different parts of the world soon.
Low light capabilities are incredible, if you search you will understand that how its better than A Nikon D3100 in low light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you going to be picking up this device? I don't care much for cameras but this caught my eye and since you're on here I'm even more excited about the camera.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

FuMMoD said:
Are you going to be picking up this device? I don't care much for cameras but this caught my eye and since you're on here I'm even more excited about the camera.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Sir !
Nice to see you here too..I'm trying to get this device from Europe somehow.. Seems too good to be true! What interests me is the IMX214 sensor lol..I really need that system dump too!

Jishnu Sur™ said:
Hello Sir !
Nice to see you here too..I'm trying to get this device from Europe somehow.. Seems too good to be true! What interests me is the IMX214 sensor lol..I really need that system dump too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can be sure to get one from me if I get picked with the first batch of invites. If I have to smash my Nexus 5 then I'll do it to get a system dump for the community lol.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Jishnu Sur™ said:
The best part is the 2 sensors that i have noticed that perform beautifully are the IMX179 and IMX214. Obvious 214 will be even better for sure.. Really hope they launch the phone around the different parts of the world soon.
Low light capabilities are incredible, if you search you will understand that how its better than A Nikon D3100 in low light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A good Sony IMX sensor with a proper lens and image signal processor can bring wonderful images, see iPhone 5S. Which is why I'm puzzled to this day how come Sony's own Xperia Z, Z1 and even some Z2 shots look so over-processed, showing some lens inconsistencies and some SW errors too. Both the Oppo Find 7 and the OnePlus One launch with the new IMX214, and I'm curious how will they fare compared to other Exmors, the Lumias and ISOCELL. So far it is promising.

FuMMoD said:
You can be sure to get one from me if I get picked with the first batch of invites. If I have to smash my Nexus 5 then I'll do it to get a system dump for the community lol.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool ! I'll start arranging the money then! hahahaha .. Yes that would be awesome. This thing is surely worth the price they are asking.
Off topic : Thanks are over, cant press Sorry! :crying:
BoneXDA said:
A good Sony IMX sensor with a proper lens and image signal processor can bring wonderful images, see iPhone 5S. Which is why I'm puzzled to this day how come Sony's own Xperia Z, Z1 and even some Z2 shots look so over-processed, showing some lens inconsistencies and some SW errors too. Both the Oppo Find 7 and the OnePlus One launch with the new IMX214, and I'm curious how will they fare compared to other Exmors, the Lumias and ISOCELL. So far it is promising.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with you on the Sony Devices part. I have seen that actually. Sony likes to complicate stuff, i really don't know why. Where they can have a easy way to fi thing, they go the other way. Trust me they have 3-4 different apps for the camera. You tell me who in 2014 does that?! lol .. And I read an article, the ISOCELL vs the IMX179 comparison. (Here). The IMX was better
I really need to have a look at the Lumia's though, they have almost DSLR type quality..

The S5 camera is much, MUCH better than the Nexus 5 to be frank. But the IMX214 is a new generation Sony sensor.

aren't you guys a bit scared about the camera app?
i've tried few phones with cyanogen camera app and they were all a lot worst than the original rom camera app (samsung devices especially)
at least this time they are working on their hardware so i really hope it'll be a lot better

Nirael said:
aren't you guys a bit scared about the camera app?
i've tried few phones with cyanogen camera app and they were all a lot worst than the original rom camera app (samsung devices especially)
at least this time they are working on their hardware so i really hope it'll be a lot better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
their camera on this phone is completely new and we have seen the pictures right? i dont think it will suck

BoneXDA said:
The IMX214 is a very capable sensor, and 1+'s ISP (Qualcomm?) looks quality too. Of course much will depend on speed, reliability and low light, I'll be looking to find more shots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if picture #3 is indeed the correct photo here low light looks amazing
https://forums.oneplus.net/threads/contest-guess-the-oneplus-one-photo.368/
---------- Post added at 01:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:29 AM ----------
FuMMoD said:
You can be sure to get one from me if I get picked with the first batch of invites. If I have to smash my Nexus 5 then I'll do it to get a system dump for the community lol.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you do that the community may have to buy you another nexus to have you keep developing for it :crying: "for the community"

jeremykersh said:
if picture #3 is indeed the correct photo here low light looks amazing
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Remember that these pictures are taken directly from OP's press page—they might have been doctored/photoshopped. On the other hand, I'd be amazed if the camera actually was this good.

klvnhng said:
Remember that these pictures are taken directly from OP's press page—they might have been doctored/photoshopped. On the other hand, I'd be amazed if the camera actually was this good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depending on scene and light conditions, today's smartphones can take impressive photos, see some form my S5 review. As far as dynamic range and per pixel sharpness, 1+1 fits right in among the best of Android photography based on what I've seen so far.

Some of these look really good.
She's a cutie too.
http://www.phonearena.com/news/First-camera-samples-from-the-OnePlus-One-appear_id55043#32-

She is not that bad

*Д Device specific reviews Д* Sony Xperia Z4

Welcome to the home of the Sony Xperia Z4
Device Reviews Thread​
In this thread please post the following:
Your personal reviews/Observations/Findings
Written reviews found online
Any and all
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videos can be posted in this thread (no need for 30 different YT threads)
:good:
Lets enjoy the input of others regarding their point of view.
Not all points of view may represent your thoughts, so please do not disrespect the views of others​

Xperia Z3+ & Z2 Lowlight Photo & Display Comparison
Just did a quick comparison between Z3+ & Z2 camera (lowlight pictures for now due to bad weather!). Sony did improve the processing in auto mode especially auto white balance. On Z2, auto white balance is always a bit yellowish. I also included shots from Sony RX100M2 & Xperia ZL
And the phone didn't overheat yet with my regular usage! I'll be playing some heavy games this weekend and will update if things heat up!
Photo Bucket Link

Here is the display comparison with default white balance setting on both. Z3+ has a (much) brighter display and I'll add an outdoor picture later on. It's colder too but it can be tweaked by playing with the white balance settings.

Great comparison brother.specially the screen as i have a z2 and considering Z4

josephnero said:
Great comparison brother.specially the screen as i have a z2 and considering Z4
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problem. I just realized that I forgot to turn off 'Bravia Engine' on Z3+ . That thing got reincarnated in a new form called 'x-reality'. I'll try to post another set of pictures later on with that thing off on z3+.

schecter7 said:
No problem. I just realized that I forgot to turn off 'Bravia Engine' on Z3+ . That thing got reincarnated in a new form called 'x-reality'. I'll try to post another set of pictures later on with that thing off on z3+.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah but Z2 also has X-reality so no problems there

Hey bro you think you can do some low light tests and some camera tests?
and Do you get all the manual settings and all?

chesterr said:
Hey bro you think you can do some low light tests and some camera tests?
and Do you get all the manual settings and all?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure, I'll post more low light samples, hopefully by next Wednesday. I'm on a trip now and carrying the z3+ only.
Manual settings are there, didn't change much though. Not sure if that's what you asked...

schecter7 said:
Sure, I'll post more low light samples, hopefully by next Wednesday. I'm on a trip now and carrying the z3+ only.
Manual settings are there, didn't change much though. Not sure if that's what you asked...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing bro, Enjoy your trip
Well what I meant was to use this app if you already have it.
As you can see this video

Hey, would you mind answering a couple of questions with regards to this phone?I am thinking to upgrade from my Z1, currently using my brother's Z3.
How much RAM is available in average? Z3 has 1.5GB, but I've seen a report that Z3+ has around 860-900MB, which is quite a downgrade.
Another question is, how do speakers perform compared to other devices you own?
And the last one, does the device really heat up during extended use of camera or media exaggerates?
Thanks a lot for taking your time!

chesterr said:
Sure thing bro, Enjoy your trip
Well what I meant was to use this app if you already have it.
As you can see this video
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was planning to get that app! So yes, I'll include some samples from that app too.
alishmufan said:
Hey, would you mind answering a couple of questions with regards to this phone?I am thinking to upgrade from my Z1, currently using my brother's Z3.
How much RAM is available in average? Z3 has 1.5GB, but I've seen a report that Z3+ has around 860-900MB, which is quite a downgrade.
Another question is, how do speakers perform compared to other devices you own?
And the last one, does the device really heat up during extended use of camera or media exaggerates?
Thanks a lot for taking your time!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I get like 1.6GB - 1.1GB memory available (screenshots below) - depends on the number of running apps though. Just close the apps when you're done. They actually close pretty easily (from the multitasking view/button) unlike the previous android builds where they used to disappear from the list, but kept running in background.
Speakers are very good, maybe a bit better than Z2. I need to check on that when I get back home. Since you are using a Z3, you might find those a bit muffled though as Z3 speakers are more exposed. I'm not sure as I don't have a Z3.
I did a 4K video test (indoor). The camera app closed after 6.5 minutes. With heavy usage, it does get warm. So does my Z2. Z3+ probably gets warm a bit earlier than Z2 . There's certainly some exaggeration as it doesn't 'overheat'. Nothing exploded after 40 minutes of gaming It certainly got pretty warm, but that's expected. I personally don't think it's a big deal.
Btw, since you have a Z3, did you notice any image file size increase compared to Z1 in superior auto? I see around 300KB more on Z3+ compared to Z2.

nice, i think sony may have done well with the update for Z3+/4, judging from the video below, the Z3+/4 lasted for 11~12 mins on 4k video recording.
theres no guarantee that the Z3+ in the video is using the latest update from sony.

LitoNi said:
nice, i think sony may have done well with the update for Z3+/4, judging from the video below, the Z3+/4 lasted for 11~12 mins on 4k video recording.
theres no guarantee that the Z3+ in the video is using the latest update from sony.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: Oh shoot I am so sorry. I read it again lol my bad
19mins, whoaa, I think he might be in an AC room.

Thanks a lot! Seems like a great phone, especially considering that I do not play mobile games at all, will be a huge upgrade from my Z1.
schecter7 said:
Btw, since you have a Z3, did you notice any image file size increase compared to Z1 in superior auto? I see around 300KB more on Z3+ compared to Z2.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Z1's size is 2.27 MB, while Z3's is 1.41 MB, but I assume it also depends on a lot of other conditions, such as lighting and stuff.

http://smartcam.club/node/3306
Maybe somebody with Z3+ will confirm...
The article says Z3+ doesn't allow Manual ISO control in higher res than 8mpx.

chesterr said:
Sure thing bro, Enjoy your trip
Well what I meant was to use this app if you already have it.
As you can see this video
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manual camera crashed over 5 times in a minute. So I had to give up Did you use that app before?
doministry said:
http://smartcam.club/node/3306
Maybe somebody with Z3+ will confirm...
The article says Z3+ doesn't allow Manual ISO control in higher res than 8mpx.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Confirmed. Same 8mp limit just like what previous Z phones had

It's ok

schecter7 said:
Manual camera crashed over 5 times in a minute. So I had to give up Did you use that app before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, Haven't used the app since My Z2 doesn't support, I thought it would work fine since the video showed everything should work.
Too bad the app crashed, I hope you're up to date bro. Anyways Waiting to see more photos from you

Singapore sets will come with the Sony Digital Noise Cancelling Headset (MDR-DNC31) and the Sony Quick Charger UCH10. Those who pre-order will also get the DK52 charging dock.

@schecter7 and @Jozinek
Thank you for your observations and reviews:good:

Thinking of buying this phone as it's price has fallen a lot. But one thing stops me.

Soooo.. The price of this phone has come down below 20000 rupees, which is approximately 300 dollars. However, I've noticed it only has a single camera, hence not offering that portrait mode. And that bokeh effect is really mouth watering to me.
I looked around the device forums, but couldn't find a good thread about the status of Google Camera on this phone. So, I thought I'd start one. Does Google Camera work well with this device? Right now, I'm basically deciding between this and the Mi5s Plus, but I'm edging slightly towards this because of that AMOLED panel. Am a sucker for AMOLED. Or if anyone can recommend me some other phone under 300 bucks, I'd appreciate it.
My requirements are a SD 821 processor, AMOLED panel, if possible, and a decent camera. The camera should have that sweet bokeh mode tho. I can make a sacrifice for an okay camera if it has an AMOLED panel. Oh, and minimum screen size should be 5.5 inches.

Well if you don't use MIUI then there exists already a solution (I changed to AEX a few days before) and all GCam modes are working perfectly. Only the quality of lowlight pictures is not so good.
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"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
Gesendet von meinem Mi Note 2 mit Tapatalk

haarmatte said:
Well if you don't use MIUI then there exists already a solution (I changed to AEX a few days before) and all GCam modes are working perfectly. Only the quality of lowlight pictures is not so good.View attachment 4496857View attachment 4496858
Gesendet von meinem Mi Note 2 mit Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great pics!
Where did u shoot does?

There is a good thread on Google Camera. And the status is that it is working nearly 100% on some custom ROMs!
I got this phone for under 300$ and for that price having a SD821 and 6GB of ram is a steal.
The main issue on the camera front is bad low light performance. With a huge sensor size of 22.6MP, the pixels are too little to get any decent light inside them. There's a good reason why the Google Pixel stuck to just 12MP.
The google camera does make it a bit better, and with good lighting the 22.6MP resolution really shines!

Mimi Mix said:
There is a good thread on Google Camera. And the status is that it is working nearly 100% on some custom ROMs!
I got this phone for under 300$ and for that price having a SD821 and 6GB of ram is a steal.
The main issue on the camera front is bad low light performance. With a huge sensor size of 22.6MP, the pixels are too little to get any decent light inside them. There's a good reason why the Google Pixel stuck to just 12MP.
The google camera does make it a bit better, and with good lighting the 22.6MP resolution really shines!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please give me a link for that camera? This is really good news. I can definitely go for this now. Thanks a ton!

haarmatte said:
Well if you don't use MIUI then there exists already a solution (I changed to AEX a few days before) and all GCam modes are working perfectly. Only the quality of lowlight pictures is not so good.View attachment 4496857View attachment 4496858
Gesendet von meinem Mi Note 2 mit Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I intend to use an Oreo custom rom, and your photos are absolutely beautiful. If you don't mind, can you send some portrait shots? Both from front and back camera? And how is video recording?

bavoolek said:
Great pics!
Where did u shoot does?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you... These Pics were taken this week in southern germany... neary the castle Neuschwanstein https://www.google.de/maps/place/Alpsee/@47.548953,10.7146399,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x479cf64325f111bd:0xe5e28cdca0ca1360!8m2!3d47.5497149!4d10.721625.
HDR+ is definitively improving pictures, colors are more brilliant without using any additional filter.

adityabanerjee1303 said:
Yeah, I intend to use an Oreo custom rom, and your photos are absolutely beautiful. If you don't mind, can you send some portrait shots? Both from front and back camera? And how is video recording?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just shot:
Portrait and Focus effect
Different is the depth of focus and the focus picture is darker. About Video: I'm more a photographer and normally using a Sony A7R but i shot a slow motion video from a waterfall and will try to post a link to that Video.

Video:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5G8AIQOIgrkcNwS93

haarmatte said:
Video:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5G8AIQOIgrkcNwS93
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is very nice footage.. Thank you so much. But the two pictures you sent.. The left is without portrait mode, and the right is with portrait mode, yeah? Does turning portrait mode on make things so dark?

The left one is with portrait mode.... Google cam store these pics into another directory. The right one is with Focus effect which darken the picture. I got the same effect for panorama pictures where you have to increase brightness afterwards.
adityabanerjee1303 said:
That is very nice footage.. Thank you so much. But the two pictures you sent.. The left is without portrait mode, and the right is with portrait mode, yeah? Does turning portrait mode on make things so dark?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gesendet von meinem Mi Note 2 mit Tapatalk

haarmatte said:
The left one is with portrait mode.... Google cam store these pics into another directory. The right one is with Focus effect which darken the picture. I got the same effect for panorama pictures where you have to increase brightness afterwards.
Gesendet von meinem Mi Note 2 mit Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the information. I will ask one request and it is okay if you do not want to do it, but could you use portrait mode on a human subject and send me results? ?
Both from the front and back camera

adityabanerjee1303 said:
Thank you so much for the information. I will ask one request and it is okay if you do not want to do it, but could you use portrait mode on a human subject and send me results? ?
Both from the front and back camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, i'm not attractive enough to provide good pictures ?? maybe someone else...

adityabanerjee1303 said:
Thank you so much for the information. I will ask one request and it is okay if you do not want to do it, but could you use portrait mode on a human subject and send me results?
Both from the front and back camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can send this. What's your email ?

Nathan2004 said:
I can send this. What's your email ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just message it personally on XDA

adityabanerjee1303 said:
Just message it personally on XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So i prefer to an email it's more simple for me

https://forum.xda-developers.com/mi-note-2/how-to/fix-camera-sensor-gcam-mod-t3782495
This is the thread you're looking for, about a working Google Camera!
You can use it not only with aosp ROMs, but also MIUI, in case you go for MIUI EU or you manage to root an official MIUI Global.
I'm using it with Aosp Extended ROM and picture quality is indeed great, much better than MIUI I'd say, Google really did a heck of an amazing job on HDR+, no wonder everyone wants to also have GCam on their phones lol
Like it was already explained, because of the size of the sensor and the tiny size of the pixels, it struggles a bit with low-light, even on MIUI Camera, using manual controls, but for mid to high lights, artificial or natural, it takes amazing shots, GCam really makes Mi Note 2 camera shine <3
Here goes some samples:
First two were taken at about 5-6pm, when sun was starting to set, light source was natural
Second pic in my bedroom, with the lights on, so an artificial source (it was night)
Third pic was taken in my dark (lights off) bedroom, at night, source being only the notebook screen, so also artificial
Sent from my Mi Note 2 using Tapatalk

Forgot to add: do remember the pics are not full quality, since I uploaded them directly to the forum, I'll add them to my Flickr tomorrow, then share the links so they can be seen full quality!
Sent from my Mi Note 2 using Tapatalk