[Q] Camera Picture Autofocus problem - Atrix 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi there,
I've recently purchased a Motorola Atrix and was very happy with it, until once upon a time, I came to take a picture and a lot of click / pop sound sounds were emitted from the mobile.
I was a bit scared and immediately opened the back cover to see if it was the battery, but to my surprise it was the camera clicking noise.
The phone was taking pictures fine for the first week and although I noticed some noise, I knew that this was normal as stated in this forum as well.
After that, clicking noise, the camera is not focusing well while taking a picture. It's kinda stuck on Macro and can't focus on distant objects / scenes.
P.S. I 've also tried to keep pressing the shutter button to focus. The square comes green and the image is blurred. So yes, i know how to use the camera.
The preset is not in Macro Mode, I've tried Auto, Landscape, everything I could.
Picture quality also deteriorated. I've tried restarting the mobile, pulling out the battery and clearing the camera cache from the applications. I've also tried a HARD RESET but still the same crappy photos =[ video is also kinda strange as well... And at night, the camera is horrible...
Do you think this is a software or hardware problem?
My Atrix is still stock and it came with Gingerbread 2.3.4
System Version: 45.31.0.MB860.Vodafone.en.EU
Build Number: 4.5.2A-74_OLE-31
Thanks,
Francesco
Attached are the pics ;/

Maybe try to install MIUI camera from http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1244829 and try to take some pictures. If they are blurry too then it is hardware. If not then software. Either way I would seriously consider returning it for repair or replacement if you can.

So I just download that and install it? Does it need CFW? or? Thanks!
P.S. I've just tried that camera from MIUI, and still the same problem, I think it must be a hardware problem :/

Bummer. I'm out of ideas.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App

I thought I bought a good phone. Guess I hv to return it ;/ Any thoughts if I keep the same phone model or get a replacement with an Lg Optimus 2x? It has an 8mp camera with full hd support and hdmi mirroring out of d box. The only drawback 512mb of ram instead of 1gb and less resolution on screen although lg has an ips display.
P.s. would you recommend any other model with same specs? I would love to get an htc but they're expensive :/.
What do you think about the HTC sensation compared to Atrix?
Thanks!

I would personally get another Atrix, unless I could get one of the new 720p display phones like the Galaxy Nexus or Razr Maxx. The camera and screen on the Atrix aren't the greatest, but overall I think this is a pretty solid phone. I haven't had hands on experience with many other phones though either.

Hmm I see, though if you would opt between an HTC Sensation and the Motorola Atrix, which one would you rather go for as solid OS and performance as well as the durability of the phone?
I also had a pretty bad experience with the Motorola Defy, constant lags and so on on the stock Rom, though it was a really tough phone. Seems Motorola engineers don't quite optimise the OS for the handset ;/ Some also say the camera of the Atrix is able to take better photos but due to the lack of software support it's kind of choppy.
As far as CFW I know a bit or two but am a bit afraid since you void the warranty... And not certain whether you can re-install the original one. Say the screen goes, you now have a jacket potato in your hand haha

it looks as if you have your camera set to macro

I've used all of the image settings, Auto, Portrait etc, and I'm sure I know how to use a mobile camera as I also have an SLR camera.
I also keep touching the shutter button so that it automatically focuses, I've even moved the focus point and tried using the autofocus by keeping pressing the shutter button. Same result unfortunately ;/

Try downloading another camera app off the market, anything at all will do and see if the problem persists. If it does then it may be worth sending it in with a broken camera. My camera makes the odd whirr when it focuses but no clicks or pops.

I did, I've tried about 2, the MIUI camera and the CameraFX one, same result, seems the autofocus motor is stuck on macro ;/

Yeah, I have the exact same issue on my Bell Atrix 4G that I bought used a while ago. Was working fine until recently.
Here's what I found, I tried the MIUI camera, and whenever you tap the screen it is supposed to turn on the LED and focus the camera.
First off It didn't work, then I smacked the phone against my leg, and after that it started working, definitely flaky hardware in the camera.
This and the flaky SD card trigger are both issues I would definitely be contacting Motorola about if my phone was under warranty.
Overall the phone is pretty solid, and running CM 7.2.0 RC3 has made me very happy with the phone again.
Oh well, maybe just have to put up with it until I get the Samsung Galaxy SIII.

yep, it actually was stuck, got it refunded as I am planning on getting the One S or something like that, since the Galaxy S 3 or One X would be too big and I wouldn't want to drop such phones ;/

I might try ordering a replacement camera off the internet since the Atrix 4G is supposedly one of the easiest phones to fix yourself.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using XDA

Related

Camera Tips and Tricks

Does anyone have any tips/tricks for how to take better photos with this phone? Like a 3rd party Camera app, or settings or something?
tocirahl said:
Does anyone have any tips/tricks for how to take better photos with this phone? Like a 3rd party Camera app, or settings or something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
focus first. then take pic. especially when using the led. the gs2 has the best camera of any that were released prior to the hox. it doesnt really need anything else.
if you must have a new camera app... head down to the themes and apps section and do a search for 'camera'.
ICS camera has better clarity than Stock Sammy one
IMO, the stock camera app or sammy roms is not as good as the ICS default camera app that comes with AOSP/AOKP roms. I feel that the touch to focus(in generall any kind of focus) works better on ICS one.
Apart from that clarity of pics and videos just depends on the skill of the person shooting and the sgs2 camera h/w is in manner inferior to any smartphone camera's out there.
So, I'd suggest that if you are on stock firmware or using a samsung based rom , then try app called "Camera ICS" and see if you feel the difference.. especially in the details captured in the shot.
Hope this helps !!!
phermey said:
focus first. then take pic. especially when using the led. the gs2 has the best camera of any that were released prior to the hox. it doesnt really need anything else.
if you must have a new camera app... head down to the themes and apps section and do a search for 'camera'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They still compare phone cameras to the Galaxy S II camera today, a year later. Its a great camera, one of the best still.
I agree to focus first, frame the picture, focus, and snap it. Let the phone do everything else.
For video, I use 720p instead of 1080p. For whatever reason the 1080p mode zooms in, and you can't zoom out. I also use the wide-6 option of still shots instead of 8. Most of the time I am viewing my shots its on my phone, or over MHL on my TV, and the wide-6 are full frame instead of 4:3.
I like the options and features of the Samsung camera vs the AOPK/CM9 camera, but have taken the same quality shots in both. Anytime I try an HDR camera or other apps, it just takes longer to shoot pictures and I don't see any better quality.
The only issue I occasionally have is foggy shots. If I get fingerprints or other grime on the camera lens it makes the shots foggy (shocker, I know). But, just wiping that clean on my shirt gives me back the crisp vibrant shots I am used to. I also occasionally get the whirring sound, and have since October. That goes away once I focus anyway.
Sent from my Galaxy S II
yeppers. i would say you are spot on. i should have added that i am on aokp and using the ics camera. so the focus first is even more important i think. and thats because it is capable of lowering the intensity of the led. but it will not lower the led if you just take the pic without focusing. the sammy apk may do the same. its been a while since i have used it.
i also like the samsung apk all around a little better. the layout is hands down better than the one on aokp. i hate it that aokp doesnt fill the screen when scanning through pics. and just like you... i have found that 720p works best.
In all honesty, get camera zoom fx and enjoy. Supports button mapping, which was an important feat. for me, else works like a champ.
Is there any way to get the ICS camera apk? I'm running task650 and team go **** yourself's 7.3.2012 AOKP rom. I think in an earlier release there was a camera app with a lot more features, but now it's pretty bare bones. A lot of my shots come out blurry.
insaneretard said:
Is there any way to get the ICS camera apk? I'm running task650 and team go **** yourself's 7.3.2012 AOKP rom. I think in an earlier release there was a camera app with a lot more features, but now it's pretty bare bones. A lot of my shots come out blurry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Running that same version of AOKP, no blurry shots here.
See this shot from yesterday, of the wild fire near my home.
Sent from my Galaxy S II
I can get that type of quality when I'm outdoors. It's the inside shots that don't come out too sharp. I thought that I saw that ICS was going to have better camera software like the iphone's. Not saying I want to get an iphone again, but my wife's takes really good pictures.
No problem with indoor either.
The Galaxy Nexus has the zero shutter lag, but that is a hardware thing not software. The Galaxy Nexus camera is terrible compared to the Galaxy S II.
The included camera with AOSP based ROMs does have less options, but I don't see any difference in the quality of pictures regardless of what version of android or AOSP/Samsung based ROMs.
Do you have an example picture with issues?
Sent from my Galaxy S II
quarlow said:
No problem with indoor either.
The Galaxy Nexus has the zero shutter lag, but that is a hardware thing not software. The Galaxy Nexus camera is terrible compared to the Galaxy S II.
The included camera with AOSP based ROMs does have less options, but I don't see any difference in the quality of pictures regardless of what version of android or AOSP/Samsung based ROMs.
Do you have an example picture with issues?
Sent from my Galaxy S II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. Most of the pictures that don't turn out are due to my daughter moving, so it becomes blurry. It doesn't seem like she's moving so quickly that it would make a difference. I remember my photos being better quality before, so I was thinking it was a software issue. Do you use your flash on auto? Most of the time mine is off.
BTW - cute little girl you've got there.
Thanks, looks like you got yourself a nice little bundle of cute too.
I just use auto flash and wb. The only thing I change is size. Sometimes I get a little motion blur (see attached), but overall my wife is jealous of my camera vs her iPhone 4.
I just use my phone for those spontaneous moments of fun. We have a point and shoot and a DSLR for expected moments (as much as you can with little ones).
I will say that I noticed quick the AOKP camera does not show you the actual picture preview, but the samsung camera does. The preview I get is always blurry, until I go into the gallery. At first it felt like all my shots were bad, placebo effect I guess.
If you do find a camera in the market that works better let me know. I just have found they don't work as fast as the included one, and they didn't seem to be any different on quality.
Sent from my Galaxy S II
I think I need to put the auto flash on from now on. The same thing will happen on our regular camera if there's not enough light, but it will warn you when taking the picture. I've tried other camera programs and they didn't impress me too much.
Thanks for your help.

xperia s camera. is this normal?

So ive been using my xperia s for 4 months now and ive noticed that the camera capabilities is really close to perfect when taking pictures under very good lighting conditions but under low light, the exmor r is really bad.. I always end up getting either noisy, grainy, and blurry pictures.
whenever i switch to night mode and take a picture on low lighting environment, everytime the camera locks on ( green square thing) i see a very sharp and perfect pic. But as i snap it, the picture that comes out is not even half as good. And whats worst is that 4 out 5 shots are blurry. i dont know if this is a software issue or hardware. Im currently on ics. 452 firmware.
You can clearly see a perfect picture when you half press using night mode. But as you press it all the way, its a whole different pic. Is this a bug? Also, im really struggling at times taking still shots. The problem doesnt occur under good lighting conditions thats why im suspecting its probably a software bug. Anybody experiencing the same?
Search the forums, its a well known fault. Doesn't seem to be a fix that I've seen unfortunately.
Sent from my HP Touchpad via xda app.
Yea, I have the same problem, try using 3rd party apps, like FV-5 Camera, and try using as low ISO setting as possible to get perfetct pictures at night, but you must hold your hand still, I really don't like XS camera since it's not as good as SONY says, but apps make it better
Multi autofocus makes it a bit better for me also in low light.
i think it will be better if you use touch focus

[Q] Why is the camera so slow on this phone?

I'm not new to Android or the Galaxy family - this is my fourth Android phone, and I'm most recently coming from the Epic 4G Touch (Galaxy SII) which has the same camera [hardware-wise] as this phone... and software wise I'd expect similar if not some improvements, given this is the next version of that phone line.
I've only had this phone a few weeks, so I'm hoping there's a setting that I'm not aware of to relieve this: the autofocus is painfully slow. Much slower than the E4GT (GSII) Why?
I was at a wedding yesterday, and missed about HALF my shots, because after pressing the shutter button, it took I'd say between 2 and 3 seconds for the camera to autofocus and finally take the picture. And - half of the time, they didn't even autofocus right, the pictures ended up blurry.
I've also observed this in the past just taking random snapshots on this phone - it didn't become such a concern until I found myself at an important event like this wedding. I can't have a camera that's completely unreliable and impossibly slow.
I didn't have this problem with the E4GT, that camera performance was absolutely beautiful. I showed off the detail of the pictures I took to my family who was taking pictures with "real" cameras. This doesn't even compare - my old HTC G1 had a faster autofocus and shutter.
What's the deal here?
Faulty camera?
I'd say you have a faulty camera? I've taken hundreds of pictures with mine, with absolutely no auto-focusing issues. It's blazing fast. If you know someone else with a GS3, try a comparison, if yours is struggling while the other one takes pictures with ease, then you have your answer. On the other hand, a software update might fix the issues. Jelly Bean should be out soon for the S3, see if that does the trick.
Which ROM/Kernel/app were u using when u took the photos?
If u used the stock ROM, it should be super fast...
That's really strange...
they are instant on mine.
which i dont like cuz i am not sure if they are well focused <.<
Stock. All stock. Even still running Touchwiz.
It's only occasional. Sometimes I snap a pic and it's fast. But I never had such delays on my E4GT...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
geolemon said:
Stock. All stock. Even still running Touchwiz.
It's only occasional. Sometimes I snap a pic and it's fast. But I never had such delays on my E4GT...
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't waste your time and take it to the Service Center if you re clueless.
Mine snaps instantly, and i mean it.. always.
Sounds like you are clueless. I don't appreciate that comment. And honestly, what kind of fool snap-reacts and exchanges his fully-configured phone on instinct? That's the definition of clueless. Wow.
If you tap the shutter button, yes - instant - because it skips focusing entirely.
But if you hold the shutter button down and release to take the picture, it's not instant. It's not instant when you release - it finishes focusing, THEN captures the picture. And if there's any motion of the camera (like trying to capture the bride/from walking into the reception), if anything else comes into the focus box momentarily, it seems to restart focusing again.
Even if you don't do that - if you try to whip your phone out, unlock it, open the camera, and point it at something - it initially auto-focuses on its own. It's a nice feature, but that box doesn't go green instantly - far from it.
This is a software difference, not a defect, compared to the GSII.
Yes, focus is important.
There's clue #1 for you do you don't ruin important photos.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Sounds faulty. Tested one in the shop the other day and it worked superb.
You could try changing the focus mode to macro maybe or by a sony xperia s I hear the phone has a dedicated camera button and is 12 mp. If you want the phone to be a camera sony maybe better.
On my s2 the focus is slow like you said but I use fixed focus mode in a custom rom and just touch the screen then snap away.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
Yeah sounds like you are in macro mode, usually takes a long time and at the end it doesn't focus the object but does take the picture regardless of focus, It has happened to me too many times now... if you are on auto then there might be a problem, and HARDWARE wise this camera module is not the same as any other android in the market.. you can say it's the same as the iphone 4s but not GS2 or whatever other phone out there with 8mpix camera.

So the HTC One takes amazing close-ups and low light...but atrocious normal shots.

So I've been using my HTC One for a little over a month now. Tried many different ROMs, currently running the leaked 4.2.2 stock ROM.
I've noticed since day one the camera takes really fantastic close-up (3 feet or closer) and macro shots (few inches from subject). It also takes really great low light shots, again close up and macro. These shots in these situations rival my point and shoot Canon.
Once you go outside and take a "normal" shot in great daylight of a group of friends/family, scenery or a building ect. all hell breaks loose. We're talking like one of the worst camera images from a smartphone I've seen recently. Heck my Galaxy S2 and iPhone 3GS took much better looking "normal" shots from a distance.
Images become instantly washed out, details are completely lost, the picture is injected with a super dose of noise everywhere. What is up with this? Is there anyway software will be able to fix the camera in the future? Is it a hardware limitation?
I owned a Galaxy S4 for a few weeks and that phone took brilliant "normal and close up shots" but was severely lacking in low light where images would just be too dark or too blurry.
I'm really quite bummed because the HTC ONE with the new 4.2.2 update is nearly perfect, amazing battery life and performance, much smoother and faster than the POS Galaxy S4. I'm just really pissed that the Camera can't perform in normal situation with great lighting, I would think any Camera would excel in those condition over any other scenario. That and that stupid 5 minute time-out of the LED notification really holds back the HTC One from becoming the perfect smartphone for me.
I wouldn't go as far as saying the camera is atrocious in normal situations, however, the details might not be as good/clear as some other phones. I know the international version got a software update where it addressed many problems such as noise and exposure (issue with pics being washed out ect)... As for the noise issue i think if you go into the camera setting and make sharpness -1 or -2 it will help, at least it did for me. A big issue sometimes for me is that the auto focus is off so it makes the whole picture become what you described, but i guess its probably because i dont have the most steady hands when taking pics lol. I know tmobile pushed a software update a week and a half ago, but i dont think that it did anything to the camera. Apparently, some people say that when you first buy the phone it already comes with that update installed for the camera... but who the hell knows! Tmobile's, AT&T, and Sprints software versions are all different so its hard to tell
darkstarlotus said:
I wouldn't go as far as saying the camera is atrocious in normal situations, however, the details might not be as good/clear as some other phones. I know the international version got a software update where it addressed many problems such as noise and exposure (issue with pics being washed out ect)... As for the noise issue i think if you go into the camera setting and make sharpness -1 or -2 it will help, at least it did for me. A big issue sometimes for me is that the auto focus is off so it makes the whole picture become what you described, but i guess its probably because i dont have the most steady hands when taking pics lol. I know tmobile pushed a software update a week and a half ago, but i dont think that it did anything to the camera. Apparently, some people say that when you first buy the phone it already comes with that update installed for the camera... but who the hell knows! Tmobile's, AT&T, and Sprints software versions are all different so its hard to tell
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
regarding "steady hands", i thought this phone has optical image stabilization? i've only taken a few pictures so far and agree that i'm not liking what i see. my previous htc one s takes much better looking picts on well-lit areas. then again my tmous one is still stuck on 1.27 software

Camera and Video settings

Hi gang,
I come to you today a little sad and depressed. I live in Pittsburgh and its blue skies here today, 73 degrees.
Naturally I'm out and about taking pictures.
Quick background, I love cameras. Love the S6 active, but there were times I wish I had more manual settings ( all the time).
Enter the LG V10. Loved the presentation, advertisements, heck I love manual video mode. But I'm a little disturbed by the quality.
I'm one of those people that zoom in, not necessarily to critique but to enjoy the delicacies that my eye cannot normally see.
Day1 of the LG V10, I dropped some money and bought it.
Was a little curious why after I take a picture whether it's in manual or auto mode I have to wait a second until I take another picture. This is 2015, almost 2016. Not 2012.
Also, the compression LG uses on this is...to say the least, disappointing. I'm talking picture mode. I zoom in just once and its distorted, blended, blurred. Why, LG, why?
This is LG's chance to shine. Not with the processor gpu or RAM, but with the camera and Video.
I'm considering fresh installing and master resetting this just to see if the camera is any better after complete reinstall. Has anybody had any success? I'm...seriously disappointed. Not a Samsung fanboy but when I see greatness I appreciate it. I know Samsung will copy this on next flagship, more manual camera and Video settings but this is now, I want a great camera that can compete with the big boys with that f1.8.
Any suggestions? I don't want to take this back but on a beautiful day like today, these pictures should be turning out amazing. Sad That the RAW image is crap too. ?
Can anybody help or am I just whining (gulp)? Could I have a bad camera or not have an update?
sledgie said:
Can anybody help or am I just whining (gulp)? Could I have a bad camera or not have an update?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hate to say this, but sound like you are whining to me. Though I am not a camera savey individual...so I can't fully say. The camera...I can tolerate one second for anything. If I wanted true manual camera, I will buy a camera...a real one.
You could try factoring reset to see if that will change your perspective. Also you can return to the store and play with their store demo and see whats up.
From my stand point, i think you are whining lol
Thanks. I honestly want to hear what other people say. I can wait too, but the point is not to wait with these processors. Snap snap snap. Just was curious about how other individuals felt, not the reviewers who honestly almost never know what they are doing or have another objective in mind.
Also thanks for honesty. I figure I am whining, I just wanted to see something amazing today.
I think if hold the button down it will shoot in burst mode? Have you tried that?
Mytwuk said:
I think if hold the button down it will shoot in burst mode? Have you tried that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, that's not what I'm referring to, however. From the time you take a picture to the time it takes to take the next picture, there is a delay.
That being said, there must have been something wrong while taking pictures outside yesterday. Not sure what but pictures are a little better today for another wonderful clear blue skies and 73 degrees.
Btw it appears to be an autofocus issue. I'll press button and it will take photo but won't allow me to take another photo for over a second. Same on G4. Tried it in Best Buy last night then the S6. S6 can repeatedly take shot almost instantaneously after you take last shot. I'm still not sure why there is such a delay.
Is this happening for everybody? I keep reading in posts that everyone who loves this phone the camera is "fast" and I'm not sure what they are referring to?
In AUTO mode I think it has a lot to do with HDR. If you turn that off, it'll be much faster. I'm not exactly sure how much will you lose in quality though...
But in Manual mode, it's quite fast for me. I can basically take the next picture instantenously. It doesn't have that lag that it has in Auto mode with HDR on.
After I read this I tested again to see how quickly mine takes shots and the details. I've not done too much with the camera as of yet.
The results :
In Auto mode with HDR auto it fires off pics as quickly as I can press the button.
In simple mode there is a slight delay because when I touch the screen it wants to focus then snap the pic.
There is a little bit of grain upon zooming in with both modes which I've not noticed before. Seems like a little much for a 16mp shooter and I don't think it was that much on my G3. I think for what it is though it is very solid. As some others have said if you want the most crisp detail for zooming an cropping you can't beat a true DSLR camera but I don't think you're sacrificing alot by using this for everyday point and shoot.
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA Free mobile app
Youre definitely NOT whining! I believed the v10 camera hype and bought one two days ago. And i agree 100% with you that the camera is not great. I'll even go further and state that it sucks. The shutter delay is bad and the quality is muddy and noisy beyond words in low light. This clearly stands as my last big mistake of 2015!
I agree. The cams are absolutely not what they are hyped up to be. Especially the front cams. The selfie quality is just horrendous. Both cams are very noisy, terrible in low light, and blow out lights, lamps, etc. to an excessive amount. If I didn't get the phone on AT&T's Next plan.... it would be going back. The cam/vid hype was a huge decision in getting it & it doesn't live up to it.
The best thing to do is complain on both their Twitter & Facebook pages, although they are more responsive on Twitter. I would like to think a lot of these issues could be remedied with software updates for the cameras.

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