S5 camera - crappy

[spikman]

Anyone else notice how 'crappy' the S5 camera is?

It's terrible in low light...and the preview of the photo looks way better then the actual photo.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[AZgl1500]

Make sure that HDR is turned OFF and I think Image Stabilization.

I'm not having trouble in that regard and actually I am very pleased with how well the camera functions on the S5.

Conversely to you, I think it is very good.

I just played with the settings, read the docs on how to use it and have been doing just fine with it.

Here is one article on it.

* Camera How to Use the Samsung Galaxy S5 Camera: Everything You Need to Know

 

[prlundberg]

I read about low light performance not being good, but I'm satisfied with it. My photos compare well to my wife's Lumia Icon, generally regarded as one of the best phone cameras out there. Granted, I'm not a professional photographer or even an enthusiast, but I think they look great for a phone. It won't compare to a DSLR.

The speed of taking a picture has been an issue from time to time. But the quality has been very good.

If the preview is looking a lot better than the actual photo, it sounds like either some settings are off or you're not holding it steady. Try using the voice activated shutter and see if that helps.

 

[thatguy97]

Granted low light performance is OK but when I take pics outside with them there very vibrant

Posted from my Nexus 7 2013 or Samsung galaxy S5

 

[Rev2010]

Until the technology changes low light performance is going to continue to suffer because of how small the sensor is. Even camcorders with larger sensors still are renowned for poor low light performance. I've found the S5 camera to be wonderful in normal to bright light conditions and perfectly acceptable in low light conditions. Besides, in low light I usually just use flash anyhow like I did this past weekend at my sister-in-law's wedding.

The primary function of a smartphone is never to be a camera first and foremost but a phone. If you need DSLR quality might want to consider buying one.


Rev.

 

[scipper77]

My camera is quite good. I took a few pictures of my shed when I cleaned it out and the ones I took from outside looking in (standing in full sun shooting into dark shed) look as good as the ones I took from inside (low light).

I have never seen a phone that shoots well in the dark.

EDIT: I looked back at those pictures and the low light pictures are not nearly as sharp. I presume this is because the shutter stays open longer to compensate for the low light.

 

[JakRox]

This is going to sound condescending, but I don't mean it to be.
Make sure the little plastic covering the lens is off. I've had a couple of friends who complained about photos then realized the plastic was still covering the lens from shipping.
Just a thought.
Tim

 

[PsychDoc]

Make sure that HDR is turned OFF and I think Image Stabilization.

Actually you should pretty much ALWAYS leave HDR engaged. The resulting pics are far more saturated and pleasing. However image stabalization is horribly mis-named as it has nothing whatsoever to do with image stabalization but is, rather, a low light algorythym that dramatically improves low light performance. It produces much, much better images than those shot with the flash but it should only be engaged when you're shooting in poor light conditions.

Why Samsung decided to label this circuit "image stabalization" is beyond bizarre.

Here's a good article on the subject: Samsung Galaxy S5 camera tip: Turn off picture stabilization unless you really need it | Android Central

Here's a quick pro tip for making the best of your new Samsung Galaxy S5 camera. We've seen a few threads appear in the Android Central Galaxy S5 forums claiming frustration that the camera is really, really slow to focus and take pictures. That's not always the case. If it is, you've probably got Picture Stabilization turned on as outlined by forums member atg284 and are shooting in lower light situations.

Picture Stabilization is a mode on the Galaxy S5 camera app that helps you take clearer and brighter pictures in low light situations without using the flash. As such you need to hold the phone still for longer to allow it to do its thing. In good lighting situations you really don't need this.



If you're not sure where to find it, it's real easy. Tap the gear icon in the top or bottom left (depending on which orientation you're holding the phone) and you'll see a box on the top row, second in from the right. Make sure it's checked to off and you're golden. It's also worth turning off if you don't mind using the flash to illuminate.

Hopefully that helps explain any sluggishness you've been experiencing. It's perhaps not the best way to label this feature and could be a little misleading to folks who might mistake it for an OIS style software feature. We can't change that, but hopefully this little tip helps you take some better pictures!

 

[Morq]

When doing photos in lowlight situation phone requires shutter to be open for a longer period - the more the phone moves in this moment (even if its really little) the more blured the photo will be.

Wish they added more manual options to android camera api. Imagine 2 years old lumia 820 with windows phone having manual shutter speed and focus distance, something me with my s5 can only dream of..

 

[krystalramsey]

This is going to sound condescending, but I don't mean it to be.
Make sure the little plastic covering the lens is off. I've had a couple of friends who complained about photos then realized the plastic was still covering the lens from shipping.
Just a thought.
Tim

I read this and checked mine. Sure enough it still had a piece of plastic on it!! HAHA thanks!!