Help camera takes terrible pics......

[jamisont]

I am getting red eye on almost all my flash pictures. And many of them are very bad - they almost appear to be wearing illuminated goggles! Any apps which address this problem?

it happens to even high end cameras, and there's some techniques to bypass it. (it happens to DSLR with redeye reduction)
basically red eye is caused by flash and reflected from eye. (especially at dark environment when pupil gets larger so it reflexes more)
one technique is to take picture from different angle, and subject looks away from camera.
(other methods doesnt apply to smartphones cuz it requires using special flash or putting flash farther away from camera)

also on gallery, there's option to reduce red eye, but not sure how much it will do (didnt try it yet.

*forgot to mention that you can also use pre flash trick to get less red eye. Simply tab in middle of screen,and
It will ignite pre flashes then take picture. Pre flashes would make pupil in eye smaller, but u may get pics with closed eyes.

 

[brandonhutch]

Don't take me wrong here as in flaming, just hard facts from a photographer....

I gots ta tell ya. If you have never taken some kind of course or instruction in photography, you got no business knocking even a cardboard film camera.

I hear what you're saying in principle but really ... you can't use that as a blanket statement.

I've never had any "course or instruction in photography" and my old Dinc took sweet photos in just about any light - right up until the end of its life.

I've tried the Gnex in all sorts of light and it just doesn't compare. Here's a few that I took today on the golf course in PLENTY OF DAYLIGHT.

As you can see, not a focused one in the bunch. I stood with the camera in my left hand, landscape style, touched the screen where the guys were ( not centered because that's not what I wanted ), it focused, I tapped the button, and these were the results ... 3 times.

I really don't understand it.

 

[reg1233]

I had the same problem. Somebody above posted....try holding the camera button down until it focuses and then release for the shot (like a traditional camera.) My shots are 100% better. Although, this may cause you to miss the action shots.

All of my shots looked grainy like yours before trying this.

 

[brandonhutch]

I had the same problem. Somebody above posted....try holding the camera button down until it focuses and then release for the shot (like a traditional camera.) My shots are 100% better. Although, this may cause you to miss the action shots.

All of my shots looked grainy like yours before trying this.

Hmmm ... well I've been taking a few shots around the house just now with the touch & hold trick and they seem better but it's hard to tell. I mainly use my phone camera for shots like those on the course and random stuff when I'm out 'n' about. I will try some outdoor shots again during my next round, using the same "technique", and see how those come out.

Thanks for the response.

 

[Tim K]

But for quick pictures, it did a very nice job in those shots. I'd be curious to see a comparison of these two with available light (no flash). That would show a pretty huge difference I suspect.

I took some VERY low light shots tonight. Home office, just a small desk lamp and the fishtank for lighting. Both cameras zoomed all the way out, and with flash turned off. Everything else was left on AUTO.

I think the results will surprise you...

GNex vs Canon SD790 - Imgur

In my very unprofessional opinion, the GN did surprisingly well. Seemingly, doing more with less light....though sacrificing some detail/quality I suppose. The images on the web aren't good representations of the Canon though....if you DL the full image you'll see much better light and detail. The Nexus seemed to do a better job at capturing color in low light, which you can see in the brown file folder and the reddish color in the cherry desktop.


[edit - I re-shot the coffee mug as the Canon picture seemed way off]

 

[darkuni]

Tim, very nice shots .. I'm truly pleased with Gnex in low light. Better blacks, less noise.

 

[val88]

I think there is a major misconception that the GN has a bad camera. I notice this of any camera that is beyond point and shoot because people are not used to it and don't understand it.

I talked to one fool who can't understand why you need to tap on a subject to focus when all of his other phones don't do that. Never mind that he doesn't understand that those cameras are guessing at what you want to focus.

The ability to spot focus and spot meter means that if you don't know what you are doing you are going to end up with crappy photos. Even pros when they buy a new camera they have to shoot a few hundred shots to understand how the camera works.

Every new SLR or advanced point n shoots that does have additional controls that I have purchased in the past I would spend a week shooting at random subjects until I can figure out all the controls and how the lenses work with the camera.

I suppose if you wanted a totally stupid camera then the GN's camera is going to fail you without a total dummy mode. But please don't say the camera sucks because you don't know how to handle the equipment.

But for me, I was pleasantly surprise that I have as much control over the balance and spot metering from a phone camera. Not that I would likely take it seriously for photos that I would eventually publish but its still nice to have more than just dummy mode.

 

[jamisont]

here's example of 'out of focus' using AF lock.

focused on bottom right

focused on left center

IMO main problem with GNex camera with bad photos (out of focus or with lot of noise) is due to zero shutter lag. when u tap the button, it takes pic right away while tapping causes shaking.
smartphone solerly rely on digital image stabilization (while other digital cameras can use other methods like optical stabilization, sensor etc).
so when its shaking, if it was within the limit of anti shake, u get photo with focused but lot of noise, if it was out of the limit, u get photo with nose+out of focus.

 

[fam]

last couple of days random nexus photos

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v.../?action=view&current=IMG_20111231_162537.jpg
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v.../?action=view&current=IMG_20111228_130808.jpg
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v.../?action=view&current=IMG_20111227_183651.jpg
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v.../?action=view&current=IMG_20111228_110452.jpg

 

[Stigy]

more editing fun.

 

[spaceynyc]

my problem with the camera is that the pictures come out ridiculously grainy even in daylight.

 

[Stigy]

added grain to this one in vignette, still looks good to me.

 

[chucksings]

I think there is a major misconception that the GN has a bad camera. I notice this of any camera that is beyond point and shoot because people are not used to it and don't understand it.

I talked to one fool who can't understand why you need to tap on a subject to focus when all of his other phones don't do that. Never mind that he doesn't understand that those cameras are guessing at what you want to focus.

The ability to spot focus and spot meter means that if you don't know what you are doing you are going to end up with crappy photos. Even pros when they buy a new camera they have to shoot a few hundred shots to understand how the camera works.

Every new SLR or advanced point n shoots that does have additional controls that I have purchased in the past I would spend a week shooting at random subjects until I can figure out all the controls and how the lenses work with the camera.

I suppose if you wanted a totally stupid camera then the GN's camera is going to fail you without a total dummy mode. But please don't say the camera sucks because you don't know how to handle the equipment.

But for me, I was pleasantly surprise that I have as much control over the balance and spot metering from a phone camera. Not that I would likely take it seriously for photos that I would eventually publish but its still nice to have more than just dummy mode.

The problem with this post and host of others which are easily dismissive of concerns with the picture quality of the GNEX is that they nearly all default to a "why would you ever be comparing a cell phone camera to a point and shoot camera? "

This is of course not what I said above. But let me be clear.

The GNEX does not hold a candle, it cannot stand on the same stage with, it is not even in the game with the Iphone 4s when it comes to a head to head comparison of its quality and features.

This has nothing to do with point and shoot.

It has to do with a comparison of the GNEX with current and competitive cell phone technology.

 

[Zaggs]

Here is why I would say the Nexus's camera is not up to snuff. Took my GNex and my wife's Rezound around the home to take about 8 shots holding one phone in each hand and right next to each other. 7 out of 8 shots the Rezound had the better picture. Yes this includes tapping on the screen to focus. Of course if its not light out my Gnex will give me lovely red bars of unfocusness, the Rezound just shut the hell up and took the picture.

 

[Tim K]

The GNEX does not hold a candle, it cannot stand on the same stage with, it is not even in the game with the Iphone 4s when it comes to a head to head comparison of its quality and features.

This has nothing to do with point and shoot.

It has to do with a comparison of the GNEX with current and competitive cell phone technology.

idon't have access to an iPhone because iHate Apple and have no desire to use their products. That said, I'd like to see a comparison done that supports your statement. Have you seen a comparison? Do you have an iphone that you can take comparison shots with? The GN camera seems very good to me, but I can only compare it to my old Moto Droid (which sucked) and my Canon P&S (to which i think the GN holds its own pretty well).

I found this comparison set online, but haven't had a chance to look too closely. I did find it odd that the author claimed "Obviously, the LED flash of the 4S did a better job as well." I just don't see that at all in the sample flash picture.

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus-vs-Apple-iPhone-4S-camera-comparison_id24078

 

[Tim K]

I've read and watched a number of comparisons now between the cameras and not one has made the claim that the Nexus "cannot hold a candle to the 4S". In most cases the reviewer claimed that the 4S was slightly better overall, but that the Nexus was better at a few things.... but the common claim was that the Nexus held its own and that no one would be disappointed in it.

This thread seems to hit the nail right on the head (or at least its spot on with what I got from looking at comparisons).... he says that "One camera appears to make more "appealing" pictures while the other seems to better capture the "raw" aspect of the image."

Side-by-side comparison of iPhone 4s / Galaxy Nexus pictures (can you tell the differ - xda-developers

Kind of like how in the store they turn up all the TV displays to really WOW you, but in reality grass isn't that green and the sky isn't that blue.

 

[Stigy]

Stock Camera App:

Edited with Vignette:

 

[jamisont]

I've read and watched a number of comparisons now between the cameras and not one has made the claim that the Nexus "cannot hold a candle to the 4S". In most cases the reviewer claimed that the 4S was slightly better overall, but that the Nexus was better at a few things.... but the common claim was that the Nexus held its own and that no one would be disappointed in it.

This thread seems to hit the nail right on the head (or at least its spot on with what I got from looking at comparisons).... he says that "One camera appears to make more "appealing" pictures while the other seems to better capture the "raw" aspect of the image."

Side-by-side comparison of iPhone 4s / Galaxy Nexus pictures (can you tell the differ - xda-developers

Kind of like how in the store they turn up all the TV displays to really WOW you, but in reality grass isn't that green and the sky isn't that blue.

I like iphone photo there
its easier to tell which one's iphone and which one's GNex.

Iphone has longer focal length so its more like telephoto than GNex (Object look larger)
if OP says top top bottom is iphone pic then I think he took shots from different distance.

 

[chucksings]

idon't have access to an iPhone because iHate Apple and have no desire to use their products. That said, I'd like to see a comparison done that supports your statement. Have you seen a comparison? Do you have an iphone that you can take comparison shots with? The GN camera seems very good to me, but I can only compare it to my old Moto Droid (which sucked) and my Canon P&S (to which i think the GN holds its own pretty well).

I found this comparison set online, but haven't had a chance to look too closely. I did find it odd that the author claimed "Obviously, the LED flash of the 4S did a better job as well." I just don't see that at all in the sample flash picture.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus vs Apple iPhone 4S: camera comparison

Yes ---I hate about all things Apple too. I don't want an IPhone and I will never get one.

But ----

When comparing the cameras --- the GNEX (except for it's ability to take photos in quick succession) appears to me to be just another camera on a cell phone.

I spent the last 10 days on vacation. Both my wife and my son carry Iphone 4S's. We were not a day on the trip where my wife and son said to me, "Put that Samsung away. We'll take of the vacation with a real camera."

The contrasts were stark, saliently noticeable.

BTW --- after reading some other posts below - I have not seen a single anywhere on the web or elsewhere who has compared the flash features and capabilities of the Iphone verse the GNEX. In short my experience you should not attempt to take a flash photo of a person (or dog!) in non-ideal lighting settings ---- with a GNEX. It is simply too risky. I do not know why red eye is such a major problem with this phone compared to the Iphones. Is it the placement of the lamp? Is it that the Iphones have some way of flashing that reduces the chances of red eye.

In any case --- my experience with the GNEX camera is two thumbs down.

And for all of you who say "why are you comparing a cell phone camera to a flash and shoot camera" my response is this: You're right. Do not ever leave home with your GNEX without a flash and shoot camera in your pocket. Because without the flash and shoot in your pocket, you have no camera!

 

[Tim K]

I like iphone photo there
its easier to tell which one's iphone and which one's GNex.

Iphone has longer focal length so its more like telephoto than GNex (Object look larger)
if OP says top top bottom is iphone pic then I think he took shots from different distance.

According to my reverse engineering, its

iPhone
Nexus
-
iPhone
Nexus
-
Nexus
iPhone

And I agree its easy to tell. The iPhone seems to artificially enhance colors. Also, its clear he wasn't being very precise with lining up his shots.

 

[Tim K]

Yes ---I hate about all things Apple too. I don't want an IPhone and I will never get one.

You let your wife and kid get iPhones? My wife tried to tell me she wanted an iPhone and I told her I'd have nothing to do with it.

I spent the last 10 days on vacation. Both my wife and my son carry Iphone 4S's. We were not a day on the trip where my wife and son said to me, "Put that Samsung away. We'll take of the vacation with a real camera."

The contrasts were stark, saliently noticeable.

Do you have photo examples to compare? I took some horrendous pics on vacation with my Nexus until I figured out I wasn't letting it focus properly.

 

[s.m.knipe]

Here's two from this morning's sunrise, auto everything (except flash as it was through my windshield), very much non-optimum conditions (I held it on my steering wheel, tapped somewhere in the sky, tapped the shutter, and hoped they came out). I'm more than happy with it, the colors are very close to what the scene actually looked like, and are way better than anything my Captivate or Atrix could have done (on par with the N1, which I thought had a great camera for outdoor shots).

I was actually trying to capture the Altocumulus undulatus (I think, my stratification estimate might be off) formation (that wavy dotted bit of clouds) that was an Altocumulus duplicatus formation dispersing into just an Altocumulus spread with the change in weather this morning. The pattern to its undulation (waviness) looked like a sine wave at first glance, which I had not seen before- still it was a really pretty drive into work this morning!

 

[ZachMob]

If you are having trouble taking good pictures with GNex, try using a third party app. Camera Zoom FX and Camera360 are good option to use with GNex, and pictures come out clear almost every time.

The current implementation of the stock camera app makes it hard to take focused clear pictures. In Android 4.0.3, these issues are supposedly resolved and will make the camera work better. Until you get updated, try using a 3rd paty app to do the job. It can make a big difference in your experience using the camera.

I no longer have any reservations about the camera and can rely on it using it as a point and shoot camera. The problems are more software related than hardware and will be fixed.

The iPhone 4s, GS2 and Rezound can take better pictures in some lighting conditions, but the differences are not that great. The Gnex holds its own and in some cases takes better pictures than the competition.

 

[adamalter]

idon't have access to an iPhone because iHate Apple and have no desire to use their products. That said, I'd like to see a comparison done that supports your statement.

Wow, HATE Apple... as a logical person who appreciates TECHNOLOGY rather than a BRAND, I will just say I HATE fanbois J/K they're funny.

Anyways, I've tried them both out and did a quick image search to see results that compared with mine. This site shows the same results I found to be true when comparing the two... especially this picture in low light (left, GNex, right iPhone):

Picture 45 (Review) Galaxy Nexus vs. iPhone 4S Camera Quality Samples - Shayes Says

My daughter takes better pics with her iPhone, knowing nothing about cameras, than my friend does with his GNex while actually trying... in low light and moving objects at least. It's not even close in those two situations from my experience.

 

[syntrix]

There's a thread on increasing the bitrate of the camera by a substantial amount.... on xda. Not much discussion yet, but mostly about a video test.... could potentially help the photos.