Moto X (second generation): Camera

[someguy01234]

Moto X 2014 Camera Sensor
IMX135:
4208 x 3120
1.12 μm
16.5 mm^2


Moto X (2013)
OmniVision OV10820
4320 x 2432
1.4 μm
20.6 mm^2

So the SENSOR in the 2014 Moto X is 25% SMALLER then the 2013 X! A smaller sensor is BAD. And more megapixels on a smaller sensor just means more noise. Boo Moto. They went with 100% marketing MP crap for the camera.

It is used in the LG G3, so if it is bad, then the G3 also take bad photos.

Secondly, I have seen the camera interface of the new phone in videos, it will not take video at 4K DCI, like the G3 and Note 3, it will only take videos in 4K UHD.

Also Ultrapixel is overrated.

 

[Eli_C]

It is used in the LG G3, so if it is bad, then the G3 also take bad photos.

There is no doubt that implementations of the IMX135 so far have been better then the Moto X. But a camera is also more then the sensor alone. The Moto X however lacks additional quality features such as Optical Image Stabilization and advanced focus features, such as the laser focus.

Also Ultrapixel is overrated.

HTC's implementation of "ultrapixel" is overrated because they don't use enough pixels!
8+MP of 2+μm would be a great sensor
12+MP of 2+μm would be an AMAZING sensor

If large pixels ("ultrapixels") are so over-rated, then why does every professional camera use pixels that dwarf the size of smartphone pixels?

Decent read on sensor size:
Camera sensor size: Why does it matter and exactly how big are they?

 

[someguy01234]

I don't record videos much so OIS isn't that important to me. I think I am capable of holding the phone still for photos. As for laser focus, I'm okay with taping on the screen. Also it have that pre-shot buffer mode. My only concern is Motorola digital processing of low light photos.

 

[Paul627g]

So far those first pics from Andrew and Phil look good. It will be interesting to see low light/indoor quality.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Green_Laser]

speaking of the camera, allow me to ask this (which I also asked last year on the 2013 moto x)...

on a moto x, if I download google camera app (or any other 3rd party camera app), when I flick my wrist to load camera, will it let me set a default as to which camera app I want to use, or will it automatically load the default camera?

reason for me asking is that I know on previous x, camera ALWAYS takes photos at 10MP and video at 720HD.

I don't want to take a 13 mp picture for every picture. What I mean is, not every picture taken is needed to be in such a high mp, which results in taking up so much room on phone (~2-3mb/photo). Would be great if there were options so such as 5mp, 10mp, and 13 mp.
e.g. texting picture to wife from supermarket "is this the spice you needed?" <<-- that pic doesn't need to be in 13mp

Same goes for video.

I applaud moto for giving us the ability to customize so much, including speaker grills this time around, and hope they'll allow us to customize how we take a photo/video.

(for the record, I do not own the previous moto x. Got one for my dad few months back, though haven't tried installing a 3rd party app to see what happens when flick wrist)

 

[Ry]

speaking of the camera, allow me to ask this (which I also asked last year on the 2013 moto x)...

on a moto x, if I download google camera app (or any other 3rd party camera app), when I flick my wrist to load camera, will it let me set a default as to which camera app I want to use, or will it automatically load the default camera?

reason for me asking is that I know on previous x, camera ALWAYS takes photos at 10MP and video at 720HD.

I don't want to take a 13 mp picture for every picture. What I mean is, not every picture taken is needed to be in such a high mp, which results in taking up so much room on phone (~2-3mb/photo). Would be great if there were options so such as 5mp, 10mp, and 13 mp.
e.g. texting picture to wife from supermarket "is this the spice you needed?" <<-- that pic doesn't need to be in 13mp

Same goes for video.

I applaud moto for giving us the ability to customize so much, including speaker grills this time around, and hope they'll allow us to customize how we take a photo/video.

(for the record, I do not own the previous moto x. Got one for my dad few months back, though haven't tried installing a 3rd party app to see what happens when flick wrist)

Everything I've seen so far points to the second gen Moto X being the same as the first gen Moto X with regards to twist gesture and camera settings.

 

[Green_Laser]

Everything I've seen so far points to the second gen Moto X being the same as the first gen Moto X with regards to twist gesture and camera settings.

I completely understand that part and that wrist twist rolls over to newer x (which I'm happy it does). Though I'll clarify better, for those with a current X, if you download a 3rd party camera app, flick wrist, does the phone then ask you which app you'd like to use as default? (reg camera or 3rd party camera)

curious to find out.

 

[Ry]

I completely understand that part and that wrist twist rolls over to newer x (which I'm happy it does). Though I'll clarify better, for those with a current X, if you download a 3rd party camera app, flick wrist, does the phone then ask you which app you'd like to use as default? (reg camera or 3rd party camera)

curious to find out.

Everything I've seen so far points to the second gen Moto X being the same as the first gen Moto X with regards to twist gesture and camera settings.

As-in, the gesture is still with the Motorola Camera app.

 

[Green_Laser]

As-in, the gesture is still with the Motorola Camera app.

Thanks, would be cool if we could designate that.
I'll either be less "trigger happy" or will have more to delete when reviewing gallery with new moto x.
It's still not stopping me from getting the new x,

Posted via Android Central App

 

[Eli_C]

As for laser focus, I'm okay with taping on the screen. Also it have that pre-shot buffer mode.

Tapping on the screen is now how the camera focuses, it how you take a shot, which will be blurry if the camera is not properly focused. Features like LG's laser focus and HTC second camera allow for allow for faster focusing.

The Note 4 seems to be using a nice sensor:
IMX240
4608 x 3456
16MP
9.769 mm diagonal (vs 5.867 mm for the IMX135)

that works out to pixels of ~1.7μm

 

[livetoride4666]

I am starting to read review after review regarding the inconsistent camera. Super bummed.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[dwd3885]

I am starting to read review after review regarding the inconsistent camera. Super bummed.

Posted via Android Central App

Yea seems like the camera isn't all that great. I actually might prefer the Nexus 5 camera.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[globster2000]

I'm thinking that the camera may be fixed by the third gen of the moto x.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[livetoride4666]

I'm thinking that the camera may be fixed by the third gen of the moto x.

Posted via Android Central App

Motorola is notorious for subpar cameras so I doubt it will be fixed, however, maybe Lenovo will change that. You could be right. Right now it's the only thing holding me back from this phone. Hopefully the nexus x will have a good camera.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[guesswhat_567]

Yea seems like the camera isn't all that great. I actually might prefer the Nexus 5 camera.

Posted via the Android Central App

Pictures I'm seeing online look pretty good better than one m8 for sure

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[dwd3885]

Pictures I'm seeing online look pretty good better than one m8 for sure

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Yea M8 camera sucks though.

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[Jonathan Lin1]

After looking at this review and the pics that they took, it doesn't look as bad as I thought. I keep swinging back between the new moto x or xperia z2/z3... I'm coming from nexus 4's poor camera so any would be an upgrade, but I'm debating between the near stock android, with handsfree features or the powerful camera/battery of the z2/z3... I'm having a difficult time making a decision.

I can't post links yet.. but its the review from androidheadlines moto x review page.

 

[guesswhat_567]

After looking at this review and the pics that they took, it doesn't look as bad as I thought. I keep swinging back between the new moto x or xperia z2/z3... I'm coming from nexus 4's poor camera so any would be an upgrade, but I'm debating between the near stock android, with handsfree features or the powerful camera/battery of the z2/z3... I'm having a difficult time making a decision.

I can't post links yet.. but its the review from androidheadlines moto x review page.

Here is how i look at it With moto x you will get pretty decent camera and battery which should be ok for most of the users .. If you go for other phone you are for sure missing out on all the great features of the moto x which are unique and change how you use your phone and take the user exclusive to next level..also don't forget the quick updates you will get on moto x especifically with android L around with the corner

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[CarbonOak]

Ars Technica has some great comparison pics of the 2014 Moto X vs the 2013 Moto X, iPhone 5S, Nexus 5, and other current phones. Review: In its second generation, the Moto X becomes a true flagship | Ars Technica

 

[Jonathan Lin1]

Here is how i look at it With moto x you will get pretty decent camera and battery which should be ok for most of the users .. If you go for other phone you are for sure missing out on all the great features of the moto x which are unique and change how you use your phone and take the user exclusive to next level..also don't forget the quick updates you will get on moto x especifically with android L around with the corner

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Indeed. I will see more camera reviews before making decision.