Camera PQ Question

[thunderclap]

I'm thinking of moving back to Android from an iPhone 4S, and the two phones I'm considering are the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but one thing that would tip the scale for me is the cameras PQ. I've seen comparisons and I'm just not as keen on the HTC Ones camera. The PQ just isn't as sharp as the S4 from the examples I've seen. That said, I'm wondering if it's a camera issue or a software issue. Would a different camera app work better, handling the compression better?

 

[SCjRqrQCnBQ19QoYCtdl]

I'm thinking of moving back to Android from an iPhone 4S, and the two phones I'm considering are the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but one thing that would tip the scale for me is the cameras PQ. I've seen comparisons and I'm just not as keen on the HTC Ones camera. The PQ just isn't as sharp as the S4 from the examples I've seen. That said, I'm wondering if it's a camera issue or a software issue. Would a different camera app work better, handling the compression better?

I don't think a different camera app will help.

I do think the HTC camera is better overall due to 1) much better low light 2) very responsive 3) zoes/burst mode 4) Highlights. 5) smaller file sizes

However, the s4 is better in good light and for heavy zooming/cropping due to more pixels. Additionally it has a longer focal length, which is an advantage in some circumstances.

Having said that, I think the One camera is sufficient in good light.

 

[adriandb]

Coming from an iPhone 4S I'm unimpressed with the One's camera. Others on this forum have basically told me I'm insane for noticing obvious problems with the One's camera, but they're clear to me.

Not everyone has issues so you should probably try it for yourself.

 

[SCjRqrQCnBQ19QoYCtdl]

Well I guess you have to look at as many pictures as you can and decide if you think they are good enough.

Here is a flicker group with a bunch of pictures - some good -some bad, but you can get a good feel for what to expect: Flickr: The New hTC One UltraPixel Camera (801) Pool

 

[thunderclap]

Coming from an iPhone 4S I'm unimpressed with the One's camera. Others on this forum have basically told me I'm insane for noticing obvious problems with the One's camera, but they're clear to me.

Not everyone has issues so you should probably try it for yourself.

I'm going to check out a side-by-side comparison this weekend. Coming from an iPhone 4s, what are your other impressions?

Well I guess you have to look at as many pictures as you can and decide if you think they are good enough.

Here is a flicker group with a bunch of pictures - some good -some bad, but you can get a good feel for what to expect: Flickr: The New hTC One UltraPixel Camera (801) Pool

Great link! Very helpful.

 

[adriandb]

Beyond the camera, this device is amazing.

Adjusting to Android took a couple weeks, but it was fun learning a new OS. It took me a while to find replacements for all my jailbreak apps, but once I did I had a device that was far more functional than my iPhone, that looked as good and that had a larger screen. I'm very happy with my decision to switch.

The only other minor issue was having to focus more on battery conservation. You have to figure out a few battery saving techniques, but this too is manageable.