HTC One (M8) camera discussion

[markba]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

I'm surprised that i never see anyone (not even "tech" blogs) mention one of the very biggest advantages and, likely, reason that HTC stuck with 4mps. Zoe and highlight reels.

Higher mp = bigger pictures = more data = slower processing = larger files. This would make zoes and their close cousin, the highlight reel next to impossible. With the processing, storage (speed and size), and memory bandwith constraints of the modern smartphone, it would be very difficult indeed to store 20 13mp or even 8mp along with a 1080p video clip. The increased detail is appreciable (yet not earth shattering for 90% of smartphone photographers usage scenario) in a single snap of its competitors, but I don't get to scroll through 20 full frame shots to pick a favorite. Nor do they get automagically smashed together into quick and highly entertaining montages. Much better to show a 33 second clip of a trip than to bore a coworker with an endless amount of varying quality pics on a whim.

As a DSLR and high end point and shoot owner, I dont use my phone to produce large canvas prints, but I DO enjoy the unique cataloging and assembling of my experiences that my HTC One provides. Ditto my wife on hers. You know who else enjoys highlight reels? Anybody we show them to, especially my 94 yo Grandmother when we get back from vacation or just a day with my nephews. In fact one thing that I look forward to for the most out of the M8 and sense 6 is the ability to combine zoes with my wife into unified highlight reels. My upgrade 4/1/14 cant come soon enough.

 

[madlaw1071]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

I'm surprised that i never see anyone (not even "tech" blogs) mention one of the very biggest advantages and, likely, reason that HTC stuck with 4mps. Zoe and highlight reels.

Higher mp = bigger pictures = more data = slower processing = larger files. This would make zoes and their close cousin, the highlight reel next to impossible. With the processing, storage (speed and size), and memory bandwith constraints of the modern smartphone, it would be very difficult indeed to store 20 13mp or even 8mp along with a 1080p video clip. The increased detail is appreciable (yet not earth shattering for 90% of smartphone photographers usage scenario) in a single snap of its competitors, but i dont get to scroll through 20 full frame shots to pick a favorite. Makes the HTC one a much better kid snapper in my opinion.

As a DSLR and high end point and shoot owner, I dont use my phone to produce large canvas prints, but I DO enjoy the unique cataloging and assembling of my experiences that my HTC One provides. Ditto my wife on hers. You know who else enjoys highlight reels? Anybody we show them to, especially my 94 yo Grandmother when we get back from vacation or just a day with my nephews. In fact one thing that I look forward to for the most out the M8 and sense 6 is the ability to combine zoes with my wife into unified highlight reels. My upgrade 4/1/14 cant come soon enough.

Uh, Highlights are no longer unique to the M7/M8. Anyone with an Android phone can make them via Google Photos. I've found no storage issues or slow downs associated with larger MP files.

 

[erwaso]

Just walked out of a Verizon store. Took pics of people walking about with anti shake on and no blur in any pics! They get taken quick! I love it!

Phone itself is snappy even with all the Sense widgets and what not. Still want to wait and test the G3/N6 though before upgrading, but the M8 is a nice upgrade from my aging Optimus G.

 

[Farish]

Re: HTC One M8 Camera

Did you know the mods hand out warnings and infractions for telling people to Google things?

And it's Bokeh. I'm well aware of what it is. I just don't think the effect is of really great quality. The transition from in focus to the blurred parts are so sharp that the photo ends up looking fake, for lack of a better word.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk

Sorry I wasn't going to do a full write on Bokeh. If the mods give me an infraction I am sure they will let me know.

The background of that picture looks as fake as

and sometimes that is what the photographer wants.

 

[metz65]

I don't print large pics but I do have a lot printed in a 5x7 format. Anyone have personal experience with picture quality of that size with this camera?

I don't care what kind of phone you have, that's not how I judge someone's worth or intelligence.

 

[icenija]

A lot of people on these tech forums are influencers within their Social Circles. Take that for what it's worth.

I think the reason why debates tend to be so fervent on these forums is because a lot of people here are used to being influencers who are heeded but not challenged so much. On forums like this challenges are par for the course as different people have different preferences that they don't tend to budge much on.

When someone asks a disappointed person what phone to buy, they are more likely to give their personal choice as a recommendation.

At this point, it's hard not to recommend an S5 to an Average Joe, though... The Phone is WaterProof. The Camera is better. The Software and Features are likely more familiar to the average person given Samsung's market share and the fact that they have kept a fairly consistent (HW/Software) design language from day one.

Also, did HTC really, seriously remove the video shutter [button] from the camera app and put it in a mode switcher?

I agree I am also an "influencer" but in people who come to be asking my opinion on a phone the first thing I ask is how do they plan to use their phones and then I go over how each phone will or will not benefit them before giving them my personal choice. My personal choice for a phone usually doesn't even come up till the end of a conversation because very few people who ask me about phones will rarely use their phone the way I do.

Ice

 

[markba]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

"Uh, Highlights are no longer unique to the M7/M8. Anyone with an Android phone can make them via Google Photos. I've found no storage issues or slow downs associated with larger MP files."

I'm aware of the capability of google photos which does not include anything similar to a zoe. I like zoes in addition to highlight reels and find they compliment each other nicely. I find the decrease in detail an acceptable trade off given my usage scenario.

As an aside, if someone can confirm the presence of the same dual membrane microphones as my launch One, I will be perfectly satisfied. Love the audio quality from recordings of the many concerts we attend.

 

[madlaw1071]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

I'm aware of the capability of google photos which does not include anything similar to a zoe. I like zoes in addition to highlight reels and find they compliment each other nicely. I find the decrease in detail an acceptable trade off given my usage scenario.

As an aside, if someone can confirm the presence of the same dual membrane microphones as my launch One, I will be perfectly satisfied. Love the audio quality from recordings of the many concerts we attend.

Zoe's are easily replaced by taking a few seconds of video and adding the clip to the Google Auto Awesome. HTC deserves credit for bringing these features to the market but Google made it available for all now.

 

[markba]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

Zoe's are easily replaced by taking a few seconds of video and adding the clip to the Google Auto Awesome. HTC deserves credit for bringing these features to the market but Google made it available for all now.

You dont get 20 full frame shots in addition to the video. Not the same thing dude. The full frame shots are great since most things worth getting a video of are in motion. I have captured many great photos as a result of this. Again, we are still talking about phones here, the meager difference between the One and its competition in a single shot are nothing compared to any of them (minus true pureview) and a dedicated point and shoot let alone DSLR.

I can understand having different usage scenarios compared to me, but I just dont see the camera difference as a reason not to buy the phone if you are interested in any of the other unique features (of which there are many).

 

[markba]

I don't print large pics but I do have a lot printed in a 5x7 format. Anyone have personal experience with picture quality of that size with this camera?

I don't care what kind of phone you have, that's not how I judge someone's worth or intelligence.

I would say that at the viewing distance of most prints, 8x10 out these phones is acceptable if slightly behind the competition. 5x7 would be interchangeable between any of them.

 

[iN8ter]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

You dont get 20 full frame shots in addition to the video. Not the same thing dude. The full frame shots are great since most things worth getting a video of are in motion. I have captured many great photos as a result of this. Again, we are still talking about phones here, the meager difference between the One and its competition in a single shot are nothing compared to any of them (minus true pureview) and a dedicated point and shoot let alone DSLR.

I can understand having different usage scenarios compared to me, but I just dont see the camera difference as a reason not to buy the phone if you are interested in any of the other unique features (of which there are many).

Thanks but no thanks to carrying around a dedicated camera. You people can keep wailing and crying that out all year but it won't change the fact that a phone with a subpar camera is a deal breaker.

I don't want a dedicated camera. I don't need one. I just need a good camera on my smartphone and this one does not qualify.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk

 

[icenija]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

Thanks but no thanks to carrying around a dedicated camera. You people can keep wailing and crying that out all year but it won't change the fact that a phone with a subpar camera is a deal breaker.

I don't want a dedicated camera. I don't need one. I just need a good camera on my smartphone and this one does not qualify.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk

Yes you are correct, you and madlaw and quite a few others choose to want a better camera on your smartphone which would make this phone not for you. I think the thing from some people are if you know this is not the phone for you why continue to make M8 bashing posts? You and several others have made very valid points for the way you would use the camera on a smartphone that this phone would not benefit you but like I said in a previous post it seems that HTC was thinking of the majority of consumers. I truly hope you find a smartphone with a great camera.

Ice

 

[markba]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

Thanks but no thanks to carrying around a dedicated camera. You people can keep wailing and crying that out all year but it won't change the fact that a phone with a subpar camera is a deal breaker.

I don't want a dedicated camera. I don't need one. I just need a good camera on my smartphone and this one does not qualify.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk

I can understand not wanting to carry a dedicated camera. For me that would mean that I no longer printed any 13x19 photos. Out of curiosity what do you do with most of your photos?

 

[metz65]

I would say that at the viewing distance of most prints, 8x10 out these phones is acceptable if slightly behind the competition. 5x7 would be interchangeable between any of them.

Thanks for the answer. I'm really on the fence about giving up my DNA for this. I like the phone and don't expect it to function like a full featured shooter. I can live without casting to the TV or even not great on a computer screen. It is however important to me to be able to have at least a good quality 5x7.

I don't care what kind of phone you have, that's not how I judge someone's worth or intelligence.

 

[markba]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

"Thanks but no thanks to carrying around a dedicated camera. You people can keep wailing and crying that out all year but it won't change the fact that a phone with a subpar camera is a deal breaker.

I don't want a dedicated camera. I don't need one. I just need a good camera on my smartphone and this one does not qualify.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 3 using Tapatalk "

Do they look like anything like this?

http://www.colbybrownphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/htc-one-m8/IMAG0130.jpg
http://www.colbybrownphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/htc-one-m8/IMAG0112.jpg
http://www.colbybrownphotography.com/wp-content/gallery/htc-one-m8/IMAG0137_1.jpg

Don't mistake me for trolling. My shots are not as good as a pro photographer either, but if the M8 can capture these, I think I can live with it.

 

[madlaw1071]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

Yes you are correct, you and madlaw and quite a few others choose to want a better camera on your smartphone which would make this phone not for you. I think the thing from some people are if you know this is not the phone for you why continue to make M8 bashing posts? You and several others have made very valid points for the way you would use the camera on a smartphone that this phone would not benefit you but like I said in a previous post it seems that HTC was thinking of the majority of consumers. I truly hope you find a smartphone with a great camera.
Ice

I have well over $1,000.00 invested in my 3 M7s. I was among those very interested in purchasing an M8 and improvement to the camera was my top concern. As the reviews have pointed out the camera is still lacking. In my posts, I have not attacked anyone or impugned their decision to purchase an M8. Truth be told, if the M8 had a micro SIM, rather than nano, I'd probably have bought one and used it along side my N5 but I'd prefer not to go thru the hassle of cutting my SIM card and using an adapter.

 

[gtg465x]

Re: HTC One M8 Camera

I remember shooting years ago with a Nikon D50, which "only had a 6 megapixel sensor". I look back on those images and they are outstanding with plenty of detail and sharpness, and better than anything I can take with any phone camera today, even though those older images are "only" 6mp. Why are those old images better than the higher megapixel cameras today? Because the sensor itself is much larger, and because the lens is larger. There are other, more important factors that make an image a good one.

The problem is, the One doesn't have a huge sensor and lens like the D50 to compensate for the low pixel count. The sensors and lenses in the One are no bigger than on any other phone, they just have less pixels and therefore slightly larger photosites, which in my opinion is not enough to compensate for the low pixel count.

 

[Loiter]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

Zoe's are easily replaced by taking a few seconds of video and adding the clip to the Google Auto Awesome. HTC deserves credit for bringing these features to the market but Google made it available for all now.

It's not the same unfortunately.
HTC's camera may not be the best around in terms of overall quality but the excellent interface and things like Zoe and Video Highlights are still way ahead.
Oh yeah, and the excellent gallery app (compared to the laggy Touchwiz one).

 

[GolferChris68]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

Well, I finally had a chance to take some photos outside with the M8, and am really disappointed. The sun is out and it's incredibly bright. Despite that, there is noise in the blue sky, and the image in general looks murky. There is snow on the ground, and a deep blue sky, so the dynamic range probably can't be handled by the 4mp sensor. Exposure also seems to be all over the place unless I lock the exposure myself. I wanted this camera to be more than the sum of its parts, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I'm torn, because I love all the other aspects of this phone. The hardware design is fantastic, the screen is excellent, and the music output via the headphone jack is amongst the best. So not sure yet whether I'll keep this or not.

Ironically, the front camera is better than the back ultrapixel camera, as you can see by the attached images.

Edit: Looking at the landscape shot, I think it's underexposing because of the snow. Cameras try to expose for 18% gray, so a scene with snow needs to be overexposed by one or two stops when taking the shot, in order to get the correct exposure. I'm going to try to retake that shot shortly, adding a stop of extra exposure to see if that makes it better.

 

[markba]

Re: Share your HTC One (M8) photos, videos, and camera thoughts!

I have well over $1,000.00 invested in my 3 M7s. I was among those very interested in purchasing an M8 and improvement to the camera was my top concern. As the reviews have pointed out the camera is still lacking. In my posts, I have not attacked anyone or impugned their decision to purchase an M8. Truth be told, if the M8 had a micro SIM, rather than nano, I'd probably have bought one and used it along side my N5 but I'd prefer not to go thru the hassle of cutting my SIM card and using an adapter.

Then I guess its camera is a moot point to you, nanoSIM and all.