Seriously...is there ANY hope for this camera with Lollipop?

[jalov]

Again...not to belabor the point...I get its a phone and not a camera. But why waste money designing and touting a 21mp camera that can't take a picture of the slightest movement when you can simply put in a 10mp camera and work on getting useable motion images. Its such a let down. Again I'm not asking for the quality of a $2000 camera, but I don't get the "its a phone, so nothing else matters and its bonus" sentiment. If a company chooses to make a big advertising push including the camera aspect of said phone, then I'd expect something decent.

 

[Skipdawg]

Looking at the reviews and what owners have said this camera should blow what the Droid DNA has out of the water so I should be happy.

 

[PowrDroid]

Its so odd, I am having the exact opposite results. Not saying you are wrong, but as of now, if nothing changed, I would go back to the MAXX camera in a second. As I've said, stand still images are fine. But, using my dog as an example, if she is even slowly walking through my living room, it's going to be a blurry image.

Please describe what settings you are using and how you take photos. Do you use tap-to-focus?

 

[007shark]

I noticed on XDA that some are using a Lenovo camera app on the Droid Turbo with good results. Worth a shot and installs as regular app, no root needed.

[05/08]LENOVO SUPER CAMERA--VERSION v3.6.7 W… | Samsung Galaxy S 4 i9500, i9505, i9505G, i9506 | XDA Forums

 

[vzwuser76]

I noticed on XDA that some are using a Lenovo camera app on the Droid Turbo with good results. Worth a shot and installs as regular app, no root needed.

[05/08]LENOVO SUPER CAMERA--VERSION v3.6.7 W… | Samsung Galaxy S 4 i9500, i9505, i9505G, i9506 | XDA Forums

There's apparently a problem downloading the latest version of the app (the one with the QR scanner and popup removed). Don't suppose you know another ace to download it.

 

[jalov]

It was asked what settings I used. Haven't don't much out of the ordinary. I've tried the HDR both off and on, drag to focus on, and both wide screen and standard settings. The problem seems to be if I have the focus circle on something moving it will spin the shutter or hesitate and by the time the photo snaps the subject is either blurry or completely out of the shot (again using my slow walking dog as the basis for example)

 

[007shark]

There's apparently a problem downloading the latest version of the app (the one with the QR scanner and popup removed). Don't suppose you know another ace to download it.

I was able to download it just now. Maybe it was fixed between your post and mine for the SC3.6.7 apk.:dontknow:

 

[vzwuser76]

I was able to download it just now. Maybe it was fixed between your post and mine for the SC3.6.7 apk.:dontknow:

Yeah it worked now. Only thing that sucked was the three download buttons. Hate when those advertisers pull that BS. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[PowrDroid]

It was asked what settings I used. Haven't don't much out of the ordinary. I've tried the HDR both off and on, drag to focus on, and both wide screen and standard settings. The problem seems to be if I have the focus circle on something moving it will spin the shutter or hesitate and by the time the photo snaps the subject is either blurry or completely out of the shot (again using my slow walking dog as the basis for example)

I don't know precisely how the Turbo camera works from memory, I don't have one, only played with it in the store, but is it possible to "lead" the subject with the viewfinder, that is pre-focus on the subject then place the camera's viewfinder where you know the subject will be a split second later?

[Shouldn't need to do this, but maybe it will work with slower moving subjects.]

 

[budfox66]

I've been using this camera since the day it came out. It is as good as the RMHD was, maybe a little better on some still opps. But, the point on moving targets remains the same, maybe worse, so I agree that this is a disappointment for the Turbo. Maybe the pixel capture in the 21mp is too much data and overwhelms the processing power, I don't know. Kinda like, doubled the horsepower but tripled the weight? Anyway, I too wish moto would emphasize motion and active photography over insane MP...I think there is more value in shutter speed and taking better active photos over MP. Please make this a priority on lolipop

 

[jalov]

I don't know precisely how the Turbo camera works from memory, I don't have one, only played with it in the store, but is it possible to "lead" the subject with the viewfinder, that is pre-focus on the subject then place the camera's viewfinder where you know the subject will be a split second later?

[Shouldn't need to do this, but maybe it will work with slower moving subjects.]

Only problem with that suggestion is that subjects don't always move left to right, or right to left. Imagine a concert, or people just moving about. I get the theory of what you are suggesting but it won't necessarily work, besides really being a giant pain to have to try to figure out where the intended subject of your photo will end up a few seconds after you decide to take your picture. I continue to hope moto gets on this and fixes it. It's frustrating beyond words.

 

[Lukewarm]

Low light, motion and the non-existing ability to take a macro photo, I still have my Galaxy Nexus and have used it side by side. The GN takes better pictures. No messing with settings, no tap-to-focus, just take a picture. I'm really frustrated with how far away the camera needs to be from a small object to focus and take a usable picture. Hopefully this changes with an update. I do a lot of mechanical restorations and things where it is nice to document how something comes apart or goes back together. The ability to take a decent close-up macro is a real benefit for me. I was really hoping the Turbo camera would be an improvement over my years old GN, no dice.

I'll update this post to not bore everyone but answer ones question. The first two photos were taken with the Turbo. The last two photos were taken with a Galaxy Nexus. Both roughly the same distances from the subject. They both take pictures with slightly different borders than what is visible on the display. Even if you wait all day, the Turbo will not focus on an extreme macro. If anyone has used a different app that is able to improve this, I would be grateful for the suggestion. I won't be returning my phone because of it, but I am disappointed that my new phone cannot match if not improve upon most things my three year old phone was capable of.

 

[doogald]

Have photos improved with the OTA update sent out this week? I know that it's advertised for VoLTE/Advanced Calling, but did it also improve the camera?

 

[Skipdawg]

Have photos improved with the OTA update sent out this week? I know that it's advertised for VoLTE/Advanced Calling, but did it also improve the camera?

Took some pics yesterday. Did not notice anything different.

 

[doogald]

Is the focus lag still the same? Delay after taking a photo still the same?

 

[Skipdawg]

Is the focus lag still the same? Delay after taking a photo still the same?

Yea seems to be about the same. My HTC DNA was faster with taking pics. The quality is much better though.

 

[adrynalyne]

Low light, motion and the non-existing ability to take a macro photo, I still have my Galaxy Nexus and have used it side by side. The GN takes better pictures. No messing with settings, no tap-to-focus, just take a picture. I'm really frustrated with how far away the camera needs to be from a small object to focus and take a usable picture. Hopefully this changes with an update. I do a lot of mechanical restorations and things where it is nice to document how something comes apart or goes back together. The ability to take a decent close-up macro is a real benefit for me. I was really hoping the Turbo camera would be an improvement over my years old GN, no dice.

Sure it does. Post some side-by-side pics where you didn't intentionally make them look bad on the Turbo (in other words, let it focus before snapping the pic).

Nothing is worse than the Gnex on camera pics.

 

[the_rooter]

How can anyone say this camera on the droid Turbo is terrible? Its the best I seen on any phone up to date. People should wait for it to focus before snapping.

 

[Thom]

I don't know about "any phone". I do know bout "Motorola phone". It is the best camera I've ever used on a Motorola phone.

... Thom

 

[starkraving]

I've never really been over concerned with the camera on my phone. It serves its purpose and helps me capture progression/anomalies on job sites or a random snap shot from time to time. At the end of the day its just a mobile camera. I mean I don't have any illusion of capturing live action shots at the UNLV game that are worthy of a Sports Illustrated cover shot. So I guess what I'm saying/asking is do you guys think our expectations may be too high for a camera phone?

 

[Thom]

Visiting a current trail project ... some point and shoot images were rather incredible.

... Thom

 

[EliC]

A bit off topic, but unless users demand it, the only "progress" OEMs will make with cameras is increasing the number of MP. We need better low light performance, faster cameras, faster shutter speed, etc

Often this means FEWER megapixels, and larger pixels, OIS, better optics, etc...

http://forums.androidcentral.com/android-concepts-dream-devices/456528-dream-cell-phone-camera.html

 

[decraig2000]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the camera on the DT. I am a hobby photographer and have all of the latest and greatest in DSLR and other camera technology. I don't expect my smart phone to be a DSLR or magically take award winning photos. However, if you know what you are doing in terms of how to take photos and how to deal with fully automated point and shoot technology (it can be finicky) then the DT certainly can hold its own against most of the smart phone cameras out there. I personally like the way the Google Camera app works over the stock app. I also have Camera FV-5 and it runs pretty well on the DT. I took a few photos which I consider "tricky" for a smart phone as an example. I cleaned up the tones a bit in post using the Pixlr app, but I do this with almost every photo that I take with any smart phone.

My daughters dragging out their Christmas tree last week. One shutter click was all, they were moving the entire time.


Decorated Christmas tree. Lights will mess with any automated camera, including smart phones and even expensive DSLR's running in automode. You have to know how to trick the camera to make it do what you want.


A photo from a concert last night that I attended. Again crazy lighting, people moving, etc. I took 3 photos and all gave basically the same result. Digital image noise and not totally sharp, but for a smart phone (or even a point and shoot camera) I was very very pleased with the resulting image.

 

[jamielov]

I've never really been over concerned with the camera on my phone. It serves its purpose and helps me capture progression/anomalies on job sites or a random snap shot from time to time. At the end of the day its just a mobile camera. I mean I don't have any illusion of capturing live action shots at the UNLV game that are worthy of a Sports Illustrated cover shot. So I guess what I'm saying/asking is do you guys think our expectations may be too high for a camera phone?

Wanting a faster shutter/less lag is expecting too much?

 

[EliC]

Wanting a faster shutter/less lag is expecting too much?

I don't think so!