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Terrible pictures

S

spetzie

Newbie
Hi

My s4 seems to take horrible photos. All of them are blurry. I have tried on the default settings as well as trying a few changes however im not very techy with camera settings. I have checked that nothing is over the lens and that it is clean. Can anyone suggest some default settings for everyday use. Just want to point and shoot stationary objects and get a clear photo. Any help would be good

thanks
 
I can't really complain, the Auto mode seem to be doing pretty good job.

If the images are noticeably bad, perhaps there is something wrong with the camera hardware.

One trick I learn long time ago, using Galaxies, is to hold steady after taking the shot. Just because the shutter is came on, it apparently doesn't mean the camera is done. Ever since I figured that one out, all the photos are pretty good.

Would you be so kind, to upload at least one example to imgur.com and send us the link?
 
I took the plastic off the lens the first day I had the phone and I have enabled the anti-shake option. I do not have a steady hand so I wonder if I am moving to soon after taking the photo. Another thing to note is a work colleague of mine has an s4 they bought only a week ago. From default - different options are selected on the two phones. Hers also appears to be really bright even when just viewing the shot on the screen where as mine is quite dark. I have tried using her settings but the shots still come out blurry. Even she had a go and still the photos turned out bad. Im starting to think there is something wrong with my camera. I have an international 19505 phone BTW
 
Could you please download and install Android's stock camera, and see if there is any difference ? Before you take it back to claim warranty, you can try to find out whether it's the software or hardware problem. If the photos are as bad using the stock Cam, then you know you have faulty device.

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43008039

You can always remove the app, it won't cause any problems. It will run two cameras and two galleries in parallel.
 
I agree, this camera is so bad at times, I have tried so many different settings yet in any kind of shot where there is movement, it's blurry. I had my kids at a park yesterday on a merry go round and could not get one clear shot of them yet my wifes phone took great pics standing right next to me, here is one of the many crappy shots. I never had this issue with any of the iPhones, I would just click away and they looked great. I agree that with perfectly stand still shots with no motion at all, the S4 takes great pics, but when you have kids running around there's no such thing, lol. I downloaded the JB camera app above and am taking the family to a park today so we shall see if that makes a difference

20130822_133650.jpg
 
SebaKL said:
One trick I learn long time ago, using Galaxies, is to hold steady after taking the shot. Just because the shutter is came on, it apparently doesn't mean the camera is done. Ever since I figured that one out, all the photos are pretty good.
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This is sound advice.

I have also noticed that moving the phone after the shutter sound will result in blurring. Since the shutter sound is completely artificial (unlike a real SLR) it appears that the sound occurs slightly too early so moving the phone just after the sound means its moving while the photo is being taken.
 
lotus49 said:
This is sound advice.

I have also noticed that moving the phone after the shutter sound will result in blurring. Since the shutter sound is completely artificial (unlike a real SLR) it appears that the sound occurs slightly too early so moving the phone just after the sound means its moving while the photo is being taken.
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Is there a way to remove that fake shutter sound (for either a rooted or non-rooted S4), besides putting the phone into silent/vibrate mode?
 
I have a Verizon Galaxy S4 and snap shots in a hurry all the time and I don't get the blurry like in your photo very often at all. Maybe the physical camera in your device is whack.

BigRedGonzo
 
beowulf7 said:
Is there a way to remove that fake shutter sound (for either a rooted or non-rooted S4), besides putting the phone into silent/vibrate mode?
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The only way I know of, which I'll be the first to admit isn't pretty, is to replace the camera sound files in /system/media/audio/ui with blank versions. Of course, you will need to have rooted your phone to be able to do this.

I assume the fact that this isn't an option is some daft attempt to limit users' ability to take surreptitious photographs but that is just my cynical guess.
 
I used the "Jellybean Camera" from the Play Store yesterday and got MUCH better results. I tended to be more careful on how fast i moved away after taking the pic. I wish the shutter was a little faster being I missed some shots as the boys went by on a ride but overall it was a much better experience
 
The easiest way to remove the shutter sound is to simply turn down the device's volume before starting the camera app. It's a pain, but becomes habitual after a short while.
 
My blondness, I mean blindless, is usualky cured with someone else's help.

With the camera open, tap the settings gear. Then, tap the NEXT settings gear at the top of the list. Then, tap the LAST settings gear on the right hand tab. Finally, scroll down to the bottom of the list and you will find the Shutter Sound option. At least that's where it is on MY unrooted AT&T S4.

HTH.
 
My version doesn't even have a menu that comes close to resembling that one. My guess is you guys have the Samsung camera, where as I have the Android camera for 4.3. No option to save to extSDCard and no option to disable the shutter sound. At least not till I get off my lazy rear and root/rom this thing.
 
lotus49 said:
The only way I know of, which I'll be the first to admit isn't pretty, is to replace the camera sound files in /system/media/audio/ui with blank versions. Of course, you will need to have rooted your phone to be able to do this.

I assume the fact that this isn't an option is some daft attempt to limit users' ability to take surreptitious photographs but that is just my cynical guess.
Click to expand...
Thanks for that tip. My phone is rooted, so worst case, I can just replace the camera sound files. I'm surprised they use .ogg files instead of .mp3 files. FWIW, my files are dated 4/29/13. It must be associated with my firmware (ends in MDK).

I don't think it's a case of the manufacturer trying to prevent sneaky pics b/c one can always put the phone on vibrate or silent mode to disable the shutter sound.

jrowlings said:
It unfortunately is not there on my Verizon S4.
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Same for my VZW S4 (as noted, MDK firmware). Is yours also MDK?

I took a screenshot of my options, similar to what speedlever did, and will attach that to this thread once I get that pic off my phone.

Edit: Here's that screenshot.
attachment.php
 

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