Issue with odd Halo or flaring with photos

[Almeuit]

There is no way in hell this is acceptable and a software bandaid won't help.

How are you so sure?

 

[CHILLYWILL_95831]

How are you so sure?

IKR, how can he be so sure? Maybe he's written complex algorithms for camera software before and has all the answers. Or, maybe he's used a super computer to compute the millions of scenarios that could cause the different flaring artifacts that we are seeing, or maybe he's just a know it all genius. But, I can tell you this much, I have more faith in Google being able to figure it out.

 

[NexusShark]

Same photo from V20.

Do you have a V20 photo with the lamp edge in it? The direct light is what causes flare, that's why I ask.

 

[Go0gle]

Same photo from V20.

That isn't even close to the same photo The lamp isn't even in the second photo.

Lens flare is VERY specific, you need to provide a photo with IDENTICAL pixel-perfect framing otherwise unfortunately the comparison is totally irrelevant. Photographic comparisons have to be extremely precise, because the most minute change can affect the way the light enters the lens. Your photos aren't even the same orientation, and unfortunately 'close enough' doesn't work in these types of comparisons.

The Pixel seems to have a lens design that when given an extreme scenario, produces arc-like flare (not unusual, many lenses exhibit this behavior). If google plans to mitigate this phenomenon with software I am curious to see how they do it.

 

[mikef91]

That isn't even close to the same photo The lamp isn't even in the second photo.

Lens flare is VERY specific, you need to provide a photo with IDENTICAL pixel-perfect framing otherwise unfortunately the comparison is totally irrelevant. Photographic comparisons have to be extremely precise, because the most minute change can affect the way the light enters the lens. Your photos aren't even the same orientation, and unfortunately 'close enough' doesn't work in these types of comparisons.

The Pixel seems to have a lens design that when given an extreme scenario, produces arc-like flare (not unusual, many lenses exhibit this behavior). If google plans to mitigate this phenomenon with software I am curious to see how they do it.

When I took the photos you could see the flare on the screen before even snapping the photo. That was nowhere to be found on the V20, no matter how I moved the camera around. I could not replicate it on the V20 at all.

The only thing I think Google is going to do is utilize software to remove the lens flare after the photo is processed. It's a definite hardware issue - I could cup my hand over the phone and the flare would go away.

 

[anon(596177)]

When I took the photos you could see the flare on the screen before even snapping the photo. That was nowhere to be found on the V20, no matter how I moved the camera around. I could not replicate it on the V20 at all.

The only thing I think Google is going to do is utilize software to remove the lens flare after the photo is processed. It's a definite hardware issue - I could cup my hand over the phone and the flare would go away.

Yes, judging by the update from google posted earlier in this thread, it looks like they are going to take advantage of the HDR post-processing to remove the flare through an algorithm, meaning you will have to use HDR in order for the flare to be removed.. If they pull that off without really bad artifacting id be really impressed, although considering i know nothing of that type of programming i wouldnt know how difficult that is.

 

[SlappyMcgee]

Sorry if it has been suggested / tested (didn't see anything when searching HDR in this thread) , but what if you turn off HDR and take the same photo?

 

[Jerry Hildenbrand]

This is something that has to be fixed in software.

It happens on every single camera. Physics, concave/convex glass and the effect bright light will have are constants. It all depends on the way the algorithm that turns spots of colored light into a picture assembles it. Google will tell Sony they need to fix it. Sony will get with Qualcomm and build a new firmware package. Google will send it out as an update.

I hope they don't fix it too much. It's a really nice effect sometimes and trying to recreate it with an app filter doesn't look the same.

 

[dsignori]

I hope they don't fix it too much. It's a really nice effect sometimes and trying to recreate it with an app filter doesn't look the same.

Well it's ruined about a dozen of my pics, so I for one hope they definitely fix it completely.

 

[dsignori]

The Pixel seems to have a lens design that when given an extreme scenario, produces arc-like flare (not unusual, many lenses exhibit this behavior). If google plans to mitigate this phenomenon with software I am curious to see how they do it.

Well at least you've come around to admit it is a problem with the Pixel. Earlier you didn't want to believe it no matter what others were mentioning (including when I mentioned I could use 5 phones to take the same pic from the same spot, but only the Pixel displayed this issue).

 

[andrew_ackley]

Just took this photo now. Lens flare is pretty bad. Not sure how software is going to fix this. I took the same picture with my LG V20 and no flare at all. This is hardware related. I also have a case on my device covering the glass on the back.

I read somewhere that it's BC of the ultra pixels or something similar in HTC phones. I mean HTC does make it right?

 

[andrew_ackley]

I just took a picture purposely at the sky above a building were the sun was shining and I have some flare. It's not enough to bother me since I never take photos that way. I will have to see how it behaves around other types of light.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/25995482/forums/Pixel XL/IMG_20161025_123844.jpg

I wonder if a "CAMERA HUMP" helps prevent this sort of thing.

 

[shady195]

Pixel owner and Google fanboy but lmao at those that jumped down people's throats about this issue saying it's a problem with all cameras when this particular issue has been confirmed to be one specific go the pixel. Yes all lenses including high end DSLRs will exhibit some flare and haloing with intense direct light. But this issue isn't just with direct light. It's with high contrast scenes with lots of light direct or ambient

 

[dsignori]

Pixel owner and Google fanboy but lmao at those that jumped down people's throats about this issue saying it's a problem with all cameras when this particular issue has been confirmed to be one specific go the pixel. Yes all lenses including high end DSLRs will exhibit some flare and haloing with intense direct light. But this issue isn't just with direct light. It's with high contrast scenes with lots of light direct or ambient

True, but I think some of the folks were honestly trying to help. There are always complaints in forums about lots of things after a new phone comes out, and many times those complaints are unfounded, or at least exaggerated. That said, when several of us mentioned that we took the same photo with multiple phones and only the Pixel had this issue, that should have been a clue that it was more than just a normal "all-camera" flare.

In addition, this problem is further complicated by the fact that the issue seems to affect some Pixels less than others - at least according to the owners here. Some are saying they don't see it at all, some say only very rarely. Even the guy in the video in my OP said he had 3 Pixels, and only 1 of them did this. How much of all of that is true is up for debate, but I think the issue is not very black and white at all.

 

[shady195]

Oh I'm aware. I dont' really have the issue with those referencing how lenses work and how this is an issue with even high end glass.

It was those that dismissed it saying that people were finding anything to complain about as a big "F YOU" to google even after people were posting multiple examples with difference devices that were not exhibiting the issue.

 

[Robin Hebert]

So it seems that I have an issue with the camera on my Pixel XL. On certain shots I have an odd halo effect (different from a lens flare) that shows up when there is a bright light source in the frame or even out of the frame sometimes. It's quite annoying and has ruined a few of my shots so far.

I have seen others on Reddit and other places talk about this, and there is even a video here video here from a user showing the issue. Does anyone else have this issue? It happens frequently when pointing at a bright light source (and sometimes even a dimmer one). It manifest differently in different situations, but I know it's an issue. I haven't had this with other cameras yet ..

I am getting a bit frustrated today, and even tried the new Google Help chat in the settings (to little avail so far).

View attachment 243527

View attachment 243528

I'll add one I took below with an iPod touch to show is not just the lighting..

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Update:

So .. some good news of sorts. It turns out Google is aware of this issue, and will issue a software fix . Isaac Reynolds, a member of Google's camera team, posted the following in the Pixel user community forum:

"Hi, all!

First, for some background -- flare is a property of ALL camera lenses. It comes in a ton of different shapes and sizes and can even be used for creative effect -- good and bad . The shape, color, amount, etc. of flare is related to dozens of different parameters of the lens structure and inclement light.

However, we have noticed Pixel has a little too much of the "halo/arc" type flare. This is the specific kind of flare that appears as a bright/low-contrast arc in the corners of the frame.
You can expect a software update in the next few weeks that will improve the effects of this issue. We're working on some algorithms that recognize the halo/arc flare, characterize it mathematically, and then subtract it from the image. You will need to use HDR+ to see the benefits of this software.
Also, there is no point getting your device replaced thanks to this issue. The Pixel camera's lens structure is very highly controlled -- this means that all Pixels take high-quality images, but it also means all Pixels have the same flare characteristics.
I wrote a post a while ago about how by doing things in software, we are able to make Pixel's camera even better over time. This is one of those ways.

Isaac"
https://productforums.google.com/for...g/V8Ue-0gvCAAJ


So yes. This is an actual, real problem. And there will be some attempted software fix. Yay!!!!

Google will be fixing it.

 

[Wildo6882]

I actually feel pretty secure in knowing that at least Google has announced that some sort of fix is coming. At least it seems like they're being proactive with this phone and wanting to make it as good of an experience as possibly. It's pretty refreshing. Especially when Apple has said ZERO/NADA/ZILCH about static, hissing, and buzzing in the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

 

[T79phoenix]

Yeah I think it seriously has something to do with lens thickness or the glass on top of the lens, or a combination of both that is causing an increased prism effect. Like people have said earlier in the post, this happens with all cameras. Some more than others based on hardware design. And some software programming does come into effect since there can be some white balance adjustment that can help.

That being said, I think Google knows it's a hardware design issue because like the guy in the OP said in the red letters, that you'd only be able to get the benefits of the software fix in HDR+ mode. And HDR doesn't work well in all situations. The overall picture itself can essentially look worse if the scene is too bright. What it seems they're trying to do is tweak the "lower light" capture of the HDR shot and use that to dim down the overall flare effect. Or potentially go on the opposite end of the spectrum and lower the intensity of the "higher light" capture. This is all fine and dandy but like I said before, HDR is not a mode that works everywhere.

 

[pbike908]

Hey, I applaud Google for attempting to step up their game and produce the Pixel. However, I stand by my assertion that no phone is worth the price of an Iphone except an Iphone. Sure Iphones have troubles from time to time (no tech is perfect). But across the board Apple has proven themselves as the gold standard for smartphones -- hardware, software, and service (hundreds of stores).

Can Google get there??? Perhaps time will tell.

I have used both Android and IOS. I am currently on Android. I am eyeing the Pixel with great interest. But I just don't feel that it is worth Iphone money....

 

[Wildo6882]

Yeah I think it seriously has something to do with lens thickness or the glass on top of the lens, or a combination of both that is causing an increased prism effect. Like people have said earlier in the post, this happens with all cameras. Some more than others based on hardware design. And some software programming does come into effect since there can be some white balance adjustment that can help.

That being said, I think Google knows it's a hardware design issue because like the guy in the OP said in the red letters, that you'd only be able to get the benefits of the software fix in HDR+ mode. And HDR doesn't work well in all situations. The overall picture itself can essentially look worse if the scene is too bright. What it seems they're trying to do is tweak the "lower light" capture of the HDR shot and use that to dim down the overall flare effect. Or potentially go on the opposite end of the spectrum and lower the intensity of the "higher light" capture. This is all fine and dandy but like I said before, HDR is not a mode that works everywhere.

I think it's a hardware design. I don't notice it much at all in indoor shots or outdoors if I'm facing away from the sun. So I think it could be handled pretty well, however. But at least they're doing something about it. Better than just telling everyone to deal with it.