The Essential PH-1’s camera is in pretty rough shape right now

[dov1978]

If people are using the Google Camera app then I'm assuming they're losing the benefit of the dual cameras?

 

[modifier]

If people are using the Google Camera app then I'm assuming they're losing the benefit of the dual cameras?

Correct. You'd still have to use the Essential camera app to use the monochrome sensor.

 

[EnemiesInTheEnd]

The daytime performance isn't really the problem. It's the low light performance. I want to see a low light shot from the Essential with the Google Camera app.

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

The daytime performance isn't really the problem. It's the low light performance. I want to see a low light shot from the Essential with the Google Camera app.

I’ve already seen them.

It’s a marked improvement

 

[Silverberg]

I have the phone, it's not bad, I have no complaints.Just took this in a low light area.
Just open stock camera app and snapped this picture.

 

[Silverberg]

This is with the stock camera app in a very dark media room, no flash.

 

[somethingknew123]

Here are some comparisons I took using the Google app and the Essential app: https://imgur.com/a/Lj1fI

Overall, I think the stock camera app and the Qualcomm Clear Sight system that Essential is using does a decent job of eliminating noise as you can see in some of the examples. I see potential but colors in low-light pictures look meh. The stock app does a pretty horrible job at handling bright lights in low-light situations and the application itself feels like a student project.

Unfortunately, I think there's a greater benefit to having a smaller aperture like the Pixel has. I suspect Qualcomm sold this Clear Sight package to Essential as part of agreeing to supply them with a certain quantity/price combination of SD835. I'm hoping Essential figures out how to at least make the app run smoothly. Unless Qualcomm somehow improves the underlying technology, I think Essential's hands are tied and vast improvements in still image quality are unlikely.

 

[anon(9918034)]

I have been able to take nice pictures with really no issues. my living room is generally on the darker side. I took some pictures of my dog on the couch and they were spot on.