S20 Ultra - Autofocus is a mess after latest update!

[Mooncatt]

Opinions are just opinions and facts are simply facts. It serves a purpose, but since you haven't tried it that's a difficult call to make.

Not that one specifically, but my LG V60 operates similar with a 64MP sensor. The 64MP images are no better than the binned 16MP photos. Even if I digitally zoom in, the added image noise alone ruins any potential benefit of the higher resolution.

The more dense a sensor is, the worse it is affected by electrical noise and lens quality. That's not opinion, that's physics.

 

[Mike Dee]

Not that one specifically, but my LG V60 operates similar with a 64MP sensor. The 64MP images are no better than the binned 16MP photos. Even if I digitally zoom in, the added image noise alone ruins any potential benefit of the higher resolution.

The more dense a sensor is, the worse it is affected by electrical noise and lens quality. That's not opinion, that's physics.

That doesn't change the fact that there are certain advantages to more megapixels....they are just not an end all solution or without compromises.

 

[Mike Dee]

But pixel binning is set by default right?? It's 108mp mode you have to drill into setting to change.

I'm not sure default is the right word. It's an option with the picture resolution settings. I don't recall if it was on or off the first time I went into settings. Once you turn it off or on it stays off or on.

 

[Mike Dee]

When you set the camera to true 108mp mode and take a pic, isn't that taking a full 108mp pic un-binned?? I think I saw someone post a pic somewhere in that mode but I don't remember anyone saying it was that great over default mode or so great that people are setting it by default as their mode of choice like going full QHD on displays.

When wanting a zoomed in pic, is it better then to go into full 108mp mode, take a pic and crop up?? What is the main advantage of using 108mp?? So that you have a more detailed pic to edit with??

Keep in mind 108 is only the main wide camera. The ultra wide is only 12mp. The tele zoom is 48mp.

 

[Mike Dee]

When you set the camera to true 108mp mode and take a pic, isn't that taking a full 108mp pic un-binned?? I think I saw someone post a pic somewhere in that mode but I don't remember anyone saying it was that great over default mode or so great that people are setting it by default as their mode of choice like going full QHD on displays.

When wanting a zoomed in pic, is it better then to go into full 108mp mode, take a pic and crop up?? What is the main advantage of using 108mp?? So that you have a more detailed pic to edit with??

Also, 108mp is only in the native 3:4 resolution

 

[Gray Area]

After playing with the camera for a few weeks now, I have no issues with the s20 ultra camera. I've taken consistently great, vibrant and sharp photos and good quality 4k video. The autofocus was an issue initially but as of late seems to either be better or I've gotten better at taken pictures . I love all of the camera features and options. Single take is a great feature to capture the kids and dog playing etc... The zoom is good to about 30x and after that its just optional but not bad if your looking at a big structure in the distance. If kids move to fast in auto mode then you will get the hasn't been fixed in years samsung camera blur, but other then that the camera has been excellent for me.

 

[AlphaBeepBeep]

I'm still debating getting rid of my ultra and going for the plus. but we are getting closer to the note 20 so idk. I might wait for that. like op I love the size and feel of the ultra but I'm let down by the camera.

 

[donm527]

Then wait for the Note 20+... The 100X Zoom is a gimmick... (still rumor but) 30X Zoom is more realistic and I wouldn't be surprised if it performs and scores (DXOMARK) better than the Ultra. But honestly I won't be surprised if it has an Ultra price.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tn6V5wF8bPk

I'm still debating getting rid of my ultra and going for the plus. but we are getting closer to the note 20 so idk. I might wait for that. like op I love the size and feel of the ultra but I'm let down by the camera.

 

[Notefan161]

With the rumours of the note 20 plus coming with 108MP as well should this be a worry? There were rumours that there will be some camera changes coming to note 20 but dunno if samsung can improve enough on it in a matter of like 6 months?

 

[donm527]

I would take the glass is half full view on this... that they didn’t stick with the same setup, that they are still trying to fix, with the May update. They took what they learned with the Ultra and make the changes they can’t on the that phone. They ditch the laser focus and go a different direction and ‘say’ it eliminates the focus issue the Ultra has is promising. Now if they can bring the best of what the Ultra camera had and make a couple of improvements, we may end up with a top 5 camera?? Too much to hope for?? They have to honestly because Apple will be coming out with their improved camera system and I will bet it won’t be a bottom 5 camera this year. I don’t expect Google to be a slouch in the camera department this year either.

Besides, I’ll bet that this setup was/is in the direction of what they wil be using in next years + model so already in development. If rumors are right they are going to go 150mp sensor in the S21.. Ultra... I’m guessing so they will be putting the 108 in the + at least. I wonder if they will use that huge looking 50mp setup in the base S21.

With the rumours of the note 20 plus coming with 108MP as well should this be a worry? There were rumours that there will be some camera changes coming to note 20 but dunno if samsung can improve enough on it in a matter of like 6 months?

 

[Gray Area]

This article has really good info on the update that I hadn't read before. if anyone is interested. The part about the close up zoom notification is new to me and I tried it and it definitely works and the autofocus is significantly improved. Great update.

https://www.sammobile.com/news...camera-update-t-mobile-sprint/

 

[neil74]

I would take the glass is half full view on this... that they didn’t stick with the same setup, .

I honestly do not think the hardware is the issue (Other than for AF of course for close focussing). It is Samsung's software choices or maybe they just lack the capability to get the processing right? It is not a new issue, the Note 10, S10 and S9, S8 etc before were also not great.

 

[neil74]

This article has really good info on the update that I hadn't read before. if anyone is interested. The part about the close up zoom notification is new to me and I tried it and it definitely works and the autofocus is significantly improved. Great update.

https://www.sammobile.com/news...camera-update-t-mobile-sprint/

This is basically just a hack, 1.5 digital zoom and step back.

 

[amyf27]

I'm not really the camera technical genius but could this possibly have a play in it - the ratio you choose? I did a search online for the best ratio option and this is what I saw this is just a suggestion

So the best camera mode is 4:3 (or 4:3 64Mp)? 4:3 uses the main sensor (12Mpx for S20 and S20+, 108 Mpx for Ultra but processed to 12Mpx), 64 uses zoom sensor for S20/S20+ and main sensor for Ultra. I recomend using 4:3 if possible and switch to higher resolution only when you really need that

 

[Mike Dee]

I'm not really the camera technical genius but could this possibly have a play in it - the ratio you choose? I did a search online for the best ratio option and this is what I saw this is just a suggestion

So the best camera mode is 4:3 (or 4:3 64Mp)? 4:3 uses the main sensor (12Mpx for S20 and S20+, 108 Mpx for Ultra but processed to 12Mpx), 64 uses zoom sensor for S20/S20+ and main sensor for Ultra. I recomend using 4:3 if possible and switch to higher resolution only when you really need that

The ratio is just a crop factor and 4:3 is the native resolution for the sensor. The other ratios like 9:16 are just lower resolution crops that increase the size of the photo.

 

[DanielLoreti]

I'm not really the camera technical genius but could this possibly have a play in it - the ratio you choose? I did a search online for the best ratio option and this is what I saw this is just a suggestion

So the best camera mode is 4:3 (or 4:3 64Mp)? 4:3 uses the main sensor (12Mpx for S20 and S20+, 108 Mpx for Ultra but processed to 12Mpx), 64 uses zoom sensor for S20/S20+ and main sensor for Ultra. I recomend using 4:3 if possible and switch to higher resolution only when you really need that

I thought it was 48mp for Ultra?

 

[Gray Area]

maybe so, but the autofocus is definitely better, I've done a few tests. It is what it is, I have no issues with the camera anymore.

This is basically just a hack, 1.5 digital zoom and step back.

 

[jtcannonball]

maybe so, but the autofocus is definitely better, I've done a few tests. It is what it is, I have no issues with the camera anymore.

You’re happy with the camera now? Still getting blur in low light with slightest bit of movement?

 

[Gray Area]

There's moments where they're still can be a blur from small movements but so far, from what I've seen it's no more worse then any other phone camera that I've used.

You’re happy with the camera now? Still getting blur in low light with slightest bit of movement?

 

[Mike Dee]

There's moments where they're still can be a blur from small movements but so far, from what I've seen it's no more worse then any other phone camera that I've used.

I think the issue is the expectations because the Pixel cameras do a better job with eliminating motion blur in auto. To get that in Samsung you need to bump up the shutter speed and ISO in Pro mode.