Camera quality

[Photo_Drew]

But the camera certainty isn't that bad. Took all of 5 seconds to take and a minute to do a quick edit, contrast adjustment, etc.

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[jephanie]

Manual focus is definitely the preferred option. And Lollipop makes a marked improvement in quality. Since Lollipop came out, I can get good shots very easily. That wasn't the case with the initial release software (KitKat).

 

[Haalcyon]

The sensor in the 2014 X is a Sony sensor. Same one that's in the S4 and G3.

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Very interesting. I wonder why such a performance disparity.

 

[sharkita]

Yes! You've echoed my original post. I wasn't expecting a great camera because I did my research before I bought this phone. But it is worse than I expected. And that disappointment stems from the fact that my phone from years ago gives me better results. Which it shouldn't.

Cameras are most definitely not Motorola's strong suit, as evidenced by comments in all of the Moto forums here on AC (take a look at the Turbo forum, for example - and that's a phone with impressive hardware). Getting good pictures in low light can be a challenge with the Moto X, but it can be done if you follow some of the suggestions offered here and in the "Post Pictures Taken" stickie. No one is arguing that Apple does a great job with cameras on the iPhone, but those of us who chose a Moto X chose it for all of its other strengths - which, for me, far outweigh anything an iPhone has to offer - including the 6 and 6+.

 

[Photo_Drew]

In some of the early reviews they said the turbo camera wasn't noticeably better than the X. Haven't checked the forum to see.

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[erasat]

Have you checked this thread and try this modified Motorola Camera app where it unlocks Hidden Camera features and settings?

The most important one after you install it is to turn off QC Denoise in Feature settings, according to one of the guys over that thread he posted pictures with this enabled (Default) and without it and the difference is huge. It seems that Motorola's issue is just Software related and post processing, just like happens with Sony Xperia Z3 that has a great 20.7 sensor but it still needs some adjustments because the software doesn't help that much.

Just in case, you can do what I did, this can be installed as a separate app, if you are rooted you can replace the original one with it but it you are not just install this also, and then you can simply disable the original one. Give it a try and see what happens, I can't compare because I haven't taken the time to do photo comparisons, but with just the extra features you have using it, and due that it's just the same Motorola Camera app with Unlocked features, I disabled the original one and kept this one.

 

[jkercado]

Pro tip: Disable HDR. Your photos will be in focus 95% of the time.

 

[rlb]

Pro tip: Disable HDR. Your photos will be in focus 95% of the time.

I thought most people felt HDR made a big improvement.

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[nickname303]

Have you checked this thread and try this modified Motorola Camera app where it unlocks Hidden Camera features and settings?

The most important one after you install it is to turn off QC Denoise in Feature settings, according to one of the guys over that thread he posted pictures with this enabled (Default) and without it and the difference is huge. It seems that Motorola's issue is just Software related and post processing, just like happens with Sony Xperia Z3 that has a great 20.7 sensor but it still needs some adjustments because the software doesn't help that much.

Just in case, you can do what I did, this can be installed as a separate app, if you are rooted you can replace the original one with it but it you are not just install this also, and then you can simply disable the original one. Give it a try and see what happens, I can't compare because I haven't taken the time to do photo comparisons, but with just the extra features you have using it, and due that it's just the same Motorola Camera app with Unlocked features, I disabled the original one and kept this one.

Thank you for that erasat, that's very helpful. I will download it and give it a try

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[nickname303]

Pro tip: Disable HDR. Your photos will be in focus 95% of the time.

I'll try that too. Thank you

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[nickname303]

But the camera certainty isn't that bad. Took all of 5 seconds to take and a minute to do a quick edit, contrast adjustment, etc.

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That is indeed a very good picture Drew

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[Haalcyon]

That is indeed a very good picture Drew

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My Note 4 can take what seems like a minute to do its initial focusing.

 

[dmark44]

I thought most people felt HDR made a big improvement.

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It can make a big difference. But it does take longer to take the shot, so if you don't have the time to let it focus it's better to leave it off.

However, I feel the HDR Mode really improves the Moto X photos of landscapes and stills that have high contrast between lit areas and shadows.

Sent from my Moto X

 

[Michael Saxon]

Another thing I've noticed about the camera software is that it will try to not use the flash, even in cases where it would be an option. So, you might try forcing the flash on in low light situations. The higher shutter speed will reduce blur.

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[maverick96]

The camera seems to have a very hard time focusing and most of the time doesn't even focus properly. Needs to be fixed bad.

 

[Haalcyon]

The camera seems to have a very hard time focusing and most of the time doesn't even focus properly. Needs to be fixed bad.

If you shake the phone does it still not focus?

from the S5

 

[maverick96]

If you shake the phone does it still not focus?

from the S5

Not sure I understand the question here.

 

[Haalcyon]

Not sure I understand the question here.

When my previous Note 4 wouldn't focus a quick shake of the phone got it to focus (as if the shake jostled the OIS sensor or something).

from the S5

 

[maverick96]

When my previous Note 4 wouldn't focus a quick shake of the phone got it to focus (as if the shake jostled the OIS sensor or something).

from the S5

I honestly never tried this. I'll give it a shot. Is everyone else getting the phone to focus right away?

 

[nickname303]

I honestly never tried this. I'll give it a shot. Is everyone else getting the phone to focus right away?

I have trouble with it focusing right away as ive mentioned earlier in this thread. Takes forever. As has been pointed out to me, its best if you manually focus. By the way, the moto x hasn't got an OIS sensor, so if the reason haalcyons Note 4 worked if he shook it was because it jostled the sensor (which may or may not be the case), then its not gonna work on this phone, cos there's no sensor to jostle.

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