Snap camera hdr as a substitute for gcam!!! Working 100% - ZTE Axon 7 Themes, Apps, and Mods

The HDR is working in Snap Camera HDR. It works like HDR+ on Gcam, although you have to tweak it.
For me, my tweak in HDR settings are: HDR Images 7, HDR Fine Contrast 3, HDR Coarse Contrast 3, HDR Overexposure 4.5, HDR Underexposure -4.5, HDR Saturation 4, Ghost Removal 3, Sharpness 0, Time Between Shots 1200 ms.
Don't forget to turn on Denoise in Photo Settings to High Quality.
I don't think it needs Camera2Api turned on to work, but I already turned it on since day one I owned Axon 7, so I can't tell.

For it to be like gcam hdr+, we first need to get gcam hdr+ working on our axon 7 since we need a comparison picture first in order to determine if snap is really capable of coming close to gcam.
And snap is also probably alot slower than gcam at capturing multiple images (like 7 or even more) which would make it necessary to take pictures using a tripod to get good and sharp results (if i am wrong on this, then feel free to correct me)
Otherwise i can imagine its an ok alternative until we either (and hopefully) get real camera2 api support in oreo, or figure out a way to implement it ourselves (which is very unlikely since that requires lots of skills to make that possible). I heard only 1 phone got camera2 api unofficially by some dev reverse engineering things in kernel and drivers etc which is really hard to achieve.
Sent from my ZTE A2017G running V1.2.0B08 using XDA Labs

GodOfPsychos said:
For it to be like gcam hdr+, we first need to get gcam hdr+ working on our axon 7 since we need a comparison picture first in order to determine if snap is really capable of coming close to gcam.
And snap is also probably alot slower than gcam at capturing multiple images (like 7 or even more) which would make it necessary to take pictures using a tripod to get good and sharp results (if i am wrong on this, then feel free to correct me)
Otherwise i can imagine its an ok alternative until we either (and hopefully) get real camera2 api support in oreo, or figure out a way to implement it ourselves (which is very unlikely since that requires lots of skills to make that possible). I heard only 1 phone got camera2 api unofficially by some dev reverse engineering things in kernel and drivers etc which is really hard to achieve.
Sent from my ZTE A2017G running V1.2.0B08 using XDA Labs
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Click to collapse
Man I couldn't agree more! I forgot to tell the results will not be as amazing as Gcam (I've used Gcam on my Mi5s, it was a total game changer). But the results from Snap Camera HDR will be better than an AOSP camera, I guarantee. The detail is there, the color.

bramhc said:
The HDR is working in Snap Camera HDR. It works like HDR+ on Gcam, although you have to tweak it.
For me, my tweak in HDR settings are: HDR Images 7, HDR Fine Contrast 3, HDR Coarse Contrast 3, HDR Overexposure 4.5, HDR Underexposure -4.5, HDR Saturation 4, Ghost Removal 3, Sharpness 0, Time Between Shots 1200 ms.
Don't forget to turn on Denoise in Photo Settings to High Quality.
I don't think it needs Camera2Api turned on to work, but I already turned it on since day one I owned Axon 7, so I can't tell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for these settings, I will test them out over the next couple of days and see how it compares to the dreadful HDR mode in the default camera app that comes with Lineage.

Related

Photo quality

Say "cheese", then rate this thread to express how photos taken with the LG G6 come out. A higher rating indicates that photos offer rich color (without over-saturating), sharp detail (with all subjects in-focus), and appropriate exposure (with even lighting).
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
This camera is amazing. Sometimes the LG camera gets the white point a little off. For example, if you're in a restaurant with a lot of red lamps, it may read as a warmer setting. This is something that can be adjusted manually (and easily fixed in an image editor)
I feel like some of the details are "smoothed" out, but I don't know if that has to do with the camera as much as the app. It's not necessarily bad. If you take micro shots, it's more noticeable, this smoothing effect. It may be a setting in the camera... if you want crisp shots, it's certainly feasible. For example, I was taking up close shots of the fabric of the clothes I am wearing. However, sometimes it is hard to get the camera app to focus on the right thing. It's worse the closer you are to the subject. However it can definitely focus up-close with the non-wide angle camera, though I think a bit less than my Samsung S5 used to be able to do. If you need textures for graphic design work, it's definitely feasible though.
Camera does do some heavy post processing. You can tell when you zoom in.
First Picture is using Stock Camera Auto Mode
2nd Picture is using OpenCamera Camera2 API Auto Mode
3rd Picture is using RAW OpenCamera Camera2 API Auto Mode
I think the wide angle is garbage for landscape shots. Click on photo and zoom in a bit you'll install see what I'm talking about. I love wide angle for closer you shots though. 2nd photo of fire is really just to show why u love the manual settings.
Does anyone use any other camera application to unlock the full potential of this camera? coming from the Galaxy s6 edge, I really liked their camera application and was easy to access the more advanced settings (iso, exposure, ect...) this camera allows that but it makes it very difficult and is overly complicated when those settings are finally available.
brandonpa said:
Does anyone use any other camera application to unlock the full potential of this camera? coming from the Galaxy s6 edge, I really liked their camera application and was easy to access the more advanced settings (iso, exposure, ect...) this camera allows that but it makes it very difficult and is overly complicated when those settings are finally available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using a camera app other than LG's own stock camera app will most likely result in poorer quality images. LG specifically optimizes their app to take advantage of the phone's hardware to the fullest potential.
Thus why if you ever flash a non-stock-based ROM, you will find that your camera is just not as good as before.
brandonpa said:
Does anyone use any other camera application to unlock the full potential of this camera? coming from the Galaxy s6 edge, I really liked their camera application and was easy to access the more advanced settings (iso, exposure, ect...) this camera allows that but it makes it very difficult and is overly complicated when those settings are finally available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The manual option gets easier when you figure out how to use it.. You'll be able to get some great pics with it.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
Someone should do some guide with best settings.
There's some guides on YouTube for the V20.. It's the exact same concept
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
Thanks, i will check it, its my first LG after years with Samsung.
this one is pretty in-depth..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ82z1E92NU&t=2s
Yeah... other then the stock App. for Camera results in lower quality photos like when i use the Z-Camera App. which is great for Editing but other then that use stock
I really like the camera, feels like an upgrade from G5, but too bad there's no 13mp 16-9 mode
Why is nobody here talking about the front camera? The rear camera has a horrible oversharpening effect and the front camera is plain trash (normal & wide both). What I further do not understand is why the 13MP mode doesn't have a 16:9 or 18:9 ratio. Clicking pictures in 4:3 on this already narrower display is a mediocre experience. With the G6 camera being ported to the G4 already, I do not find a single advantage having the G6 over G4 for still photography (both manual & auto). Why are people being irrational and praising a sub-par camera setup on the G6?
I just got my Indian G6 (64GB & Quad-DAC). I am coming from an LG G4 (H818N) and I haven't been impressed by the cameras. The display on the G6 is better, the design & ergonomics are better, the build quality is exceptional too. But if you have used a G4 or an S7e or an iPhone 7, you will not like the cameras on this one.
For anyone reading this who is out to buy a new device, if you prefer a good smartphone camera you will be let down. Go for a Pixel or S7e or S8/S8+ for better camera performance.
rahulsuneja said:
Why is nobody here talking about the front camera? The rear camera has a horrible oversharpening effect and the front camera is plain trash (normal & wide both). What I further do not understand is why the 13MP mode doesn't have a 16:9 or 18:9 ratio. Clicking pictures in 4:3 on this already narrower display is a mediocre experience. With the G6 camera being ported to the G4 already, I do not find a single advantage having the G6 over G4 for still photography (both manual & auto). Why are people being irrational and praising a sub-par camera setup on the G6?
I just got my Indian G6 (64GB & Quad-DAC). I am coming from an LG G4 (H818N) and I haven't been impressed by the cameras. The display on the G6 is better, the design & ergonomics are better, the build quality is exceptional too. But if you have used a G4 or an S7e or an iPhone 7, you will not like the cameras on this one.
For anyone reading this who is out to buy a new device, if you prefer a good smartphone camera you will be let down. Go for a Pixel or S7e or S8/S8+ for better camera performance.
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I have a Xiaomi Mi5 too. What I did notice for sure is that the Mi5's front camera is way better that the one on the G6. Also, the back one seems better on low light conditions. The one on the G6 seems to "lag" in stand-by mode. On the G6 : the main camera is having exposure and saturation issues, the wide angle one has oversharpening issues. I don't know what everyone are praising about... I sure hope they will fix some issues with the next updates.
I kinda feel sorry I didn't chose the S7 Edge.
nabooxxx said:
I have a Xiaomi Mi5 too. What I did notice for sure is that the Mi5's front camera is way better that the one on the G6. Also, the back one seems better on low light conditions. The one on the G6 seems to "lag" in stand-by mode. On the G6 : the main camera is having exposure and saturation issues, the wide angle one has oversharpening issues. I don't know what everyone are praising about... I sure hope they will fix some issues with the next updates.
I kinda feel sorry I didn't chose the S7 Edge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are still talking about a recently launched device. The G6 front camera is worse than my good old G2 and S4. I have a Oneplus 3 in my house whose front camera is way better than this S#! T on G6. How I wish we had return policies here in India. Very disappointed. I am done with LG atleast for this life time! ?
Sent from my LG-H818 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Lukijs said:
I really like the camera, feels like an upgrade from G5, but too bad there's no 13mp 16-9 mode
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the full resolution isn't cropped like the 16:9 one.. You can open it in an app and do the cropping yourself.
Sent from my LG-H872 using Tapatalk
Hmm. I'm getting a little confused. I was considering buying the Huawei p10, because I want to use my mobile more, for taking pictures. Then the LG G6 is on a discount, making the G6 almost as cheap as a Huawei p10. And some reviewers says that the G6 camera is better than the P10 also in low light.
ClausG76 said:
Hmm. I'm getting a little confused. I was considering buying the Huawei p10, because I want to use my mobile more, for taking pictures. Then the LG G6 is on a discount, making the G6 almost as cheap as a Huawei p10. And some reviewers says that the G6 camera is better than the P10 also in low light.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you do not care about the front camera, the G6 is probably the best phone for you. But if you do care about the selfies and also want exceptional quality stills, I'd suggest going with the Pixel or Pixel XL.
Sent from my LG-H818 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
I would like to know how to get the best low light pictures using manual settings.

Photo quality

Say "cheese", then rate this thread to express how photos taken with the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 come out. A higher rating indicates that photos offer rich color (without over-saturating), sharp detail (with all subjects in-focus), and appropriate exposure (with even lighting).
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
I'll be honest, it's pretty bad, frequently off focus, poor low light, lack of stabilization, but maybe fine for the price range I guess
Redmi Note 5 is probably the better choice for photo quality
Nonetheless, I think updates might help. At least I hope
XDA_RealLifeReview said:
Say "cheese", then rate this thread to express how photos taken with the Asus ZenFone Max Pro M1 come out. A higher rating indicates that photos offer rich color (without over-saturating), sharp detail (with all subjects in-focus), and appropriate exposure (with even lighting).
Then, drop a comment if you have anything to add!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In daylight conditions pictures turns out good with good focus , saturation levels etc. But color reproduction needs work and in low light conditions noise is quite apparent. Portrait is like 7/10. Selfies turn out good after the recent update, 8.5/10.
P.S. For stabilized videos I use nokia camera app and its upto the mark .
Low-light picture quality is abominable. Zoom tears images, there is a lot of noise. Images in daylight are pretty decent. For this price range, the camera quality is justifiable (I suppose). I have a Moto G4 Plus and it takes amazing photos compared to this device. If you remove the portrait mode, Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1 has nothing over the Moto G4 Plus camera.
Hope to see changes in future updates.
Yes, pretty disappointed with the camera performance. I should have got the RN5 instead but since I already got this, I'll stick with it as taking pictures is not the main thing for me on this phone. Still, the quality is far off from the various paid reviews.
Is it better with Google Camera , anyboby ? Thanks
batterytwo said:
Is it better with Google Camera , anyboby ? Thanks
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Click to collapse
For sure Gcam pics are better. I have been using it from past one week and will sure never turn back to stock camera.
Moreover with Gcam you also get additional features like panorama , ar stickers and google lense.
Can anyone show the photo quality difference with gcam and the stock one?
Abby 244 said:
For sure Gcam pics are better. I have been using it from past one week and will sure never turn back to stock camera.
Moreover with Gcam you also get additional features like panorama , ar stickers and google lense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude pls give me the apk for it ..i am unable to find it and does ur g cam have slow motion and other ****..
It's quite bad with the built-in camera app , but it's quite acceptable with some manual camera apps and especially in HDR mode
I am yet to purchase the phone. I have seen lot of camera comparison with Redmi note 5 pro on YouTube but still confused. I am planning to use Lineage os if I buy the device.
Can anyone please tell me how is the picture quality taken with gcam mod on 6gb ram model with Redmi note 5 pro?
Enable camera to api and use Google camera
parveen_kumar said:
Enable camera to api and use Google camera
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is photo quality better than redmi note 5 pro if I use google camera on zenfone max pro m1?
Don't know but it is definitely better than the original Asus camera app
Earlier the photos taken from Asus were not that great as that of redmi note 5pro, but now with Google cam installed these are now coming extra ordinary, thanks for the team made possible without rooting the phone.
Abby 244 said:
For sure Gcam pics are better. I have been using it from past one week and will sure never turn back to stock camera.
Moreover with Gcam you also get additional features like panorama , ar stickers and google lense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how to get the AR stickers????
jaguar1106 said:
Earlier the photos taken from Asus were not that great as that of redmi note 5pro, but now with Google cam installed these are now coming extra ordinary, thanks for the team made possible without rooting the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed Google camera after enabling api through fastboot but not much big effect is seen from Snapdragon camera
For example I did portrait mode on Google camera but it takes much time than Snapdragon camera and also showing images of low resolution and small megapixel (my camera support 16 MP but it showed images from 8 MP and allow motion is not working and hdr+enhanced is allowed but not working, the camera got stuck every time it is turned on
Okay at well lit conditions, not good at low light
During daylight, the rear camera photos are good.
But the phone doesn't focus properly on close objects.
The low light camera is bad. A lot of noise, less light detection, slow focus,etc.
The video quality (1080p) during day is good. But the device takes time to focus during a video recording.
Abby 244 said:
For sure Gcam pics are better. I have been using it from past one week and will sure never turn back to stock camera.
Moreover with Gcam you also get additional features like panorama , ar stickers and google lense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but how to get slow motion in GCAM?
kartikkasat said:
but how to get slow motion in GCAM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Record video s l o w l y...

Terrible camera quality on stock oreo

After oreo update my camera quality turned from great to sometimes impressive to pure disappointment. Photos come out blurry with no details on objects or faces or hair. Is there a way to fix it? I took a look at the settings everything is set to its max quality setting. Hdr did nothing to improve results, same bad quality with auto, on or off. Google camera app also produces similar quality results. Any suggestions?
I can say, without doubt, it has something to do with your phone specifically.
Have the stock Oreo update here, both front and back cameras work fantastically. Nothing like you describe.
First, I'd try a factory reset, make sure the lenses are clean, and re-check them.
You didn't mention if you were referring to the back or front camera.
Selfies with the LG app are still awful, as they were with Nougat, although in Oreo there is a slider to adjust the level of image processing, But even at the minimal level when you zoom in it looks like a brush drawing.
The above problem can be completely overcome using the ported GCam app, discussed extensively in other threads.
In contrast, the native camera app does an excellent job with the main cameras in most scenarios, especially with the new "bright mode" in very low light situations.
Again, in certain situations the Gcam does a slightly better job. The main issue with GCam is that it uses "bursts" of photos and then HDR processing to make these great sharp photos. This works great in static situations but if the subject is moving (like with children) there will inevitably be blur of the subject. In these situations the LG app does a better job.
Since you are reporting a problem specific to your device there is probably no "fix" other than try resetting it, use Gcam, or there is physical damage to your camera.
leodiavata said:
After oreo update my camera quality turned from great to sometimes impressive to pure disappointment. Photos come out blurry with no details on objects or faces or hair. Is there a way to fix it? I took a look at the settings everything is set to its max quality setting. Hdr did nothing to improve results, same bad quality with auto, on or off. Google camera app also produces similar quality results. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jshames said:
Again, in certain situations the Gcam does a slightly better job. The main issue with GCam is that it uses "bursts" of photos and then HDR processing to make these great sharp photos. This works great in static situations but if the subject is moving (like with children) there will inevitably be blur of the subject. In these situations the LG app does a better job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haven't run into that problem with the Gcam I'm using. Though I use normal HDR+ and not HDR+ enhanced.
Yeah sorry for not fully describing the issue. I have some pre update photos from the back main sensor as well as the wide angle one that look fantastic , after I updated to oreo , everything turned blurry and washed out. Will try to factory reset the phone and take some sample shots to check if there is any difference . Thank you all for the replies.
Let down by the same issue.post oreo update the photographs from back camera are overexposed and washed out and the colour accuracy and clarity has taken a kick in the gut.
Same here, since the Q Lens option has appeared on the screen.I still have my lgg4 and thats crystal
What about try to replace Oreo camera with Nougat (7.0) one? It would be nice to compare pics from both versions in Oreo (any download Nougat camera only?).

Mate 10 EMUI 9 camera Impressions, changes from early EMUI 8 till now.

So I finally updated my Mate 10 from China with EMUI 9, I couldn't get OTA updates for the past year or so and I was stuck with software from April, so, old stuff. Now I got EMUI 9 and I have some things to note that possibly not many noticed because I got all these in one update rather than many in between:
Camera quality is better, the auto mode doesn't overexpose anymore and as result the photos are just way better now and I don't have to use exposure compensation every time I take a pic on auto. Of course detail and noise reduction didn't change, its basically the same camera but now the auto exposure just works way better and all the photos look noticeably better to my eye, and no this is not placebo, I've taken thousands of photos with my Mate 10 and I know the difference it made.
Camera app and features.
#1. I love the new camera features, the 960 FPS video with the Samsung motion detection feature is amazing, Sony does slow motion better (1080p 960fps) but this is good for me!
#2. Night mode works, hallelujah! it works! I had my doubts when this update rolled out to the phones as to how similar it truly was to the P20 Pro night mode, was it the same or was it a lesser feature just named similarly to trick us? Turns out, it's the same, it really does take 4 second shots with AI stabilization hand-held mode. And it's glorious, it's really really good both quality wise and usage wise.
#3. AI master. Improved AI scene recognition, more scenes detected, better less aggressive tuning, and you can turn it off! What's not to like? I usually leave this on most of the time because I take a lot of casual photos with friends and when outside, so I like the added pop and they look like ready to post photos, don't have to edit them. But I also like that when I need more control I can disable it.
#4. Portrait mode improved, I didn't see this mentioned anywhere but now my portrait shots are noticeably better and edge detection works better, you get more options for the blur and just feels better overall, probably the improvements from the P20 Pro portrait mode?
very nice post!
I agree with everything you've said, and now that you said, I've tested a little and I can notice that it no longer overexposes the shot!
About night mode, I got it since the 8.1 update, what model do you have?
Sent from my Mate 10 using XDA Labs
Selfie portrait is gone i cant find it
I disagree that the details are the same in emui 9 and 8........I think the details in the photos decreased alot in emui 9 camera...... I notice this but I thought that I am wrong but when I saw my old photos I found that the photos size generally(1.5-2.5MB) deceased about to half comparing to the photos I have taken with emui 8 camera(3.0-4.5MB)... especially in night mode (6.5[EMUI 8]-->1.5MB[EMUI 9]) AND SELFIES ..... Yes I know that there are alot of new and awesome features in new camera app(like fixing the auto settings) but the details in the photos disappointed me??
Any one has the same problem or just my model?
Photos
Asemx2114 said:
I disagree that the details are the same in emui 9 and 8........I think the details in the photos decreased alot in emui 9 camera...... I notice this but I thought that I am wrong but when I saw my old photos I found that the photos size generally(1.5-2.5MB) deceased about to half comparing to the photos I have taken with emui 8 camera(3.0-4.5MB)... especially in night mode (6.5[EMUI 8]-->1.5MB[EMUI 9]) AND SELFIES ..... Yes I know that there are alot of new and awesome features in new camera app(like fixing the auto settings) but the details in the photos disappointed me
Any one has the same problem or just my model?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your first clue should have been the photo sizes, it's not that the detail is any less, the jpg compression is higher so the "quality" will be less. You might want to check if you can change the jpg settings, or better yet take your photo in raw format as that uses no compression.
Can you share your camera app?
im on latest camera update emui 9.1.. loss the detail in the result.. how to turn of the beautification mode sir? on level 0, the picture result still like on the beautification.. loss the detail a lot..
shoot in raw, spend some quality time on quality results, quit comparing jpeg mediocre processing on mobile phones

V30 camera quality?

When my wife got her Samsung Galaxy 10e I noticed how bad my pictures actually looked on my phone. I have tried cleaning my lens and what not but everything still seems blurry/smudged compared to her pictures. Is there a way to up the quality or does the 10e just have a better camera?
Well yes, realistically the S10e does have a better camera, especially if you're using the V30's stock camera app.
would the 10e app be able to go on the v30?
akira022 said:
would the 10e app be able to go on the v30?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can't use the 10e app on the v30, I was talking about the GCam port. Still even then, I think 10e should be better. Maybe not by much, but it's simply just a superior sensor.
Got it, thank you very much ^_^
adsubzero said:
Well yes, realistically the S10e does have a better camera, especially if you're using the V30's stock camera app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
adsubzero said:
You can't use the 10e app on the v30, I was talking about the GCam port. Still even then, I think 10e should be better. Maybe not by much, but it's simply just a superior sensor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock camera app is way better then G-Cam port.
Sent from my LG-H932 using XDA Labs
akira022 said:
When my wife got her Samsung Galaxy 10e I noticed how bad my pictures actually looked on my phone. I have tried cleaning my lens and what not but everything still seems blurry/smudged compared to her pictures. Is there a way to up the quality or does the 10e just have a better camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried putting on AI? These are old photo just trying out the AI. It's backed up to Google photos at reduced quality.
Sent from my LG-H932 using XDA Labs
BROKEN1981 said:
The stock camera app is way better then G-Cam port.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most definitely not. It has more features, it has a manual mode and the video is unarguably better, but the gcam kills it with pic quality.
There hasn't been a single scenario in my entire time using this phone where the stock app was better.
adsubzero said:
Most definitely not. It has more features, it has a manual mode and the video is unarguably better, but the gcam kills it with pic quality.
There hasn't been a single scenario in my entire time using this phone where the stock app was better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hahahaha awesome joke. Thanks!
If it was sooooo good, custom ROM's users would not be begging for the stock LG camera app to get ported.
Sent from my LG-H932 using XDA Labs
BROKEN1981 said:
Hahahaha awesome joke. Thanks!
If it was sooooo good, custom ROM's users would not be begging for the stock LG camera app to get ported.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like I said, more features (manual mode) and better video recording. Gcam doesn't support 4k video for the V30.
But photo quality better in the stock app? Yeah, in your dreams...
adsubzero said:
Like I said, more features (manual mode) and better video recording. Gcam doesn't support 4k video for the V30.
But photo quality better in the stock app? Yeah, in your dreams...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We agree to disagree.
I personally want to take the best photos I can, so I use stock LG camera app. Many others who run custom ROM's feel the same and would rather have the LG camera app then G-Cam.
Sent from my LG-H932 using XDA Labs
adsubzero said:
Like I said, more features (manual mode) and better video recording. Gcam doesn't support 4k video for the V30.
But photo quality better in the stock app? Yeah, in your dreams...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gcam has historically had issues. Green tint on front camera, slow to process successive shots. Crashing. No seamless switching between lenses.
None of that applies or has ever applied to LG camera.
I've kept up with all the threads. I'm the one who told cstark to start his own camera thread since so much interest was being shown for his versions. Exciting times back then.
Yes, those problems are being/have been addressed in most recent Gcam versions -- but it's also a pain to find those versions that work.
___
Stock LG camera of course has manual mode. See screenshot. For ease of use + excellent pictures, LG camera is better than any Gcam.
There are some instances (low light) you can take superior pictures to LG cam -- but I've seen tons of side by side shots on LG V30 Telegram thread where LG cam was as good as Gcam. You could not tell the difference.
IF you can have two cameras, sure -- add Gcam also if you want to experiment. But I will NEVER have Gcam as my only camera on my LG V30.
If I can only have one camera, I want LG camera. But on custom ROMs, you can only have one camera and it can NOT be LG camera.
One of the most frequent questions in the custom ROM threads is "how do I get LG camera back?"
I used to run custom ROMs all the time, but on those previous phones I could still have the stock camera also.
I understand the interest in Gcam, and the expectation porting it will come same superior camera capability Pixels have.
But I don't take a lot of low light time lapse pictures. I keep my LG camera in AI auto mode and I'm using Anxious V30 camera mods., which give me advanced features of G8/V40. So, it's not exactly "stock" LG camera.
I'm sorry guys, but it seems that my experience has been very different to yours. I couldn't find a single scenario where the stock app had a better photo.
Comparable? Yes. But in most of the cases the Gcam had more accurate colors, better dynamic range (losing less detail in shadows and highlights), and just overall more detailed photo when pixel peeping.
This is when using the new AI mode, otherwise there was no competition, since the stock cam can't even get close to the google's HDR+. And in the night? Yeah, the Gcam trumps it.
If you can prove me wrong, please do, I'm really interested. Make a comparison.
I'll also see if I can snap a few interesting photos.
Ok, here are two series of photos. You be the judge.
GCam HDR+:
Stock Auto:
Stock AI:
Now first of all, let me just say the AI mode surprised me a little bit here, while the stock auto is completely trash (in these examples), so I'll not even compare it.
In the first series of photos there's not much difference really, but you can see more details in the GCam , especially in the building in the distance, the road etc.
The trees (on the left) do look a bit better on the stock AI, but the colors are much better and more realistic looking on the GCam overall.
Now for a wide angle shot.
GCam HDR+:
Stock Auto:
Stock AI:
Now here is what I'm talking about. I cannot find a single way in which the stock cam is better than GCam here.
It's not even a comparison. If you have better eyes, please point it out for me.
akira022 said:
When my wife got her Samsung Galaxy 10e I noticed how bad my pictures actually looked on my phone. I have tried cleaning my lens and what not but everything still seems blurry/smudged compared to her pictures. Is there a way to up the quality or does the 10e just have a better camera?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsung and LG compete with each other for best camera -- with Pixels and iPhones also. At least best rear camera. Long been noted the 2017 V30 selfie camera was not great -- but LG did improve it with software updates (portrait mode, etc) in latter Oreo updates compare to Nougat release.
However, the Samsung Galaxy S10e is a 2019 phone. It's probably going to be somewhat better, because better technology. But LG V30 camera is still good. If your pictures look horrible in comparison, maybe something is wrong with your phone?
Also, what firmware are you using? You want at least the latest Oreo firmware for the camera upgrades vs Nougat.
---------- Post added at 08:29 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 AM ----------
adsubzero said:
Ok, here are two series of photos. You be the judge.
GCam HDR+:
Stock Auto:
Stock AI:
Now first of all, let me just say the AI mode surprised me a little bit here, while the stock auto is completely trash (in these examples), so I'll not even compare it.
In the first series of photos there's not much difference really, but you can see more details in the GCam , especially in the building in the distance, the road etc.
The trees (on the left) do look a bit better on the stock AI, but the colors are much better and more realistic looking on the GCam overall.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use AI Auto mode, and I use Anxious V30 mod -- which ported features from G8/V40. So, my LG Camera is not fully stock.
__________
PREFACE
I work professionally in broadcast video. I have been a video editor and producer. My job right now involves QC of video content from a variety of TV networks -- so I have seen a lot of video effects, processing. I understand cinematographers on films sometimes want a washed out, darker look if the script deals with depressing content. ("The Accidental Tourist" used muted color scheme because the protagonist shut down his emotions due to murder of his son and subsequent divorce. Yet an amazing movie.) I understand brighter, more vibrant colors are called for in adventure movies like "Romancing the Stone". Both of these are creative decisions.
Yet, I also know big box stores sell HD TVs under fluorescent lighting in "demo" mode where all colors are oversaturated because the the display with the most color is deemed the "winner". When I get a new TV home or help a friend with a new TV, I have to calibrate the brightness, colors and chroma intensity to be "realistic" so content can be viewed how it was actually meant to be seen.
I worked for YEARS for a worldwide news organization, so when I see their news studios on TV I know exactly how they should look based upon seeing them in real life.
My point is, I'm an amateur photographer, but I have professional experience in a related field.
__________
You noted the first series of photos don't have much difference, but that's the only ones I have had time to look at. I'm not ignoring the 2nd set, I will look at them later.
I'm only going to discuss GCam and the AI Cam, which is what I use.
On my desktop PC monitor with "full resolution" of the pictures chosen on that website, between the two:
The parked red car looks the same in both. The parked green car looks the same in both.
TIE.
The yellow building facade looks more "vibrant" yellow in GCam -- but without seeing in person, is it really that brighter shade or is it the slightly duller shade in real life? Plus, it is an overcast day.
Do you WANT the yellow facade to "POP" out like that compared to the surrounding buildings, if it doesn't naturally? If so, then that's a creative decision.
The green foliage on the left and right and on the bushes down the street look more "realistic" green, more "natural" with LG Camera. My opinion. The Gcam looks slightly off. But again, I did not see the scene in person. POSSIBLE WIN FOR LG CAM.
Since my tendency is toward realistic, you see what I'm getting at?
Now if these were "dusk" shots and you wanted to compensate for the lower light, the brighter facade would win and the off-color of the foliage wouldn't matter so much.
I will have to look at the other set of pictures later.
While I was intensely interested in GCam (I was there at the beginning here in V30 forum when cstark make his ports), the issues really bothered me: Green tint on front camera (aka perpetual "Matrix" mode), slow to process or crashing on quick successive shots. No seamless switching between lenses. Early editions needed three different shortcuts to launch which camera you wanted!
One of the most frequent questions besides how to get LG Camera on custom ROMs was how to find a good version of GCam with the least problems. I've actually helped people with that based on other users recommendations, but I also understood it was because those people were FORCED to use Gcam.
Due to all this I decided a long time ago when I needed to take a picture, I was going with the trusted stock camera.
In the meanwhile, LG kept improving the stock camera with Oreo updates (use at least the last Oreo) and then TotallyAnxious released her Magisk mod which included LG stock camera features/improvements based on G8/V40 updated camera. She kept improving that with updates through the months.
I understand most recent Gcam versions (last couple of months) have solved the early issues, but for me I don't see any reason to switch.
@ChazzMatt Just wanted to discuss these points:
- Both the red and the green car are oversaturated on the AI cam.
- The GCam's white balance is much closer to true life (I was there lol), AI cam is way off.
- The yellow parts are oversaturated on the GCam, that's true, but the AI cam is not accurate either, it's more like something in between. Though I could have toned down the saturation in the GCam settings, I prefer it this way.
- If you open up the photos in a new window (after loading the full res) then you will actually get the full resolution. Zoom in and you start to pick up differences, eg. how the AI cam just destroys the detail in some parts of the photo, as I said in the first post.
I know you said you prefer the realistic look, but in these two series of photos, the stock cam is all over the place with the white balance and saturation is not accurate either (just check the blue street sign in the second photo and also the cars).
The greens on the trees do look more accurate on the stock cam, but that's about it, as I see it.
I'll always take better details, but in these examples the stock doesn't beat GCam with the overall accuracy either.
The GCam did have a lot of issues in the beggining but a couple of latest versions work perfectly without any issues I could find.
If not being able to swith lenses while the image is processing is an issue, then I guess there's that, lol.
EDIT:
And this is all day time photography, at night the GCam is on a whole new level.
I like the way Gcam does HDR+ highlights. I do not like the black crush. ( I am still fooling with settings to address this)The pictures tend to be vivid though, (and i think, a bit more compelling) from the gcam. I do not expect photos from a phone to supplant those from a proper camera, but I would eke out the best quality I can. I took a quick photo in the front yard with stock cam, and gcam in HDR, and HDR+ respectively. You can see some nasty color banding in the LG in the sky, very unnatural.
These were taken with the G7. I have not yet picked a gcam for the v30. That is unless Mr. Chazz could be convinced to part with an Anxious module.... By the way, if video is important to you at all, I encourage you to try opencam, and the HEVC codec. Worlds of difference in clarity. In particular, the wide camera stock nearly looks out of focus in comparison to opencam.

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