Related
Hi,
I'm the developer of Open Camera, and looking at the OnePlus 3 as a potential new phone and test device, but I'm curious as to its support for Camera 2 API. I was wondering if people could share their experiences of using third party camera apps with Camera2 API enabled - either in Open Camera, or others like Snap Camera and A Better Camera (all these have options to enable Camera2 API)? In particular:
* It seems a lot of devices have problems with flash and Camera2 (either flash doesn't fire, or misfires so pictures come out under or overexposed). I finally managed to get Open Camera flash working on my Nexus 6, but no luck on a Samsung S7 (precapture doesn't seem to trigger). How does the OnePlus Three do with Camera2 and third party apps?
* I see some reports that manual exposure times don't work (e.g., http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/help/camera2-api-broken-oxygenos-3-1-2-t3400886 ), though they mostly refer to the "more than one second" times (which most Android devices don't even offer). I'm less bothered about that, but does manual exposure time (and ISO) work at all (even for less than one second) in Camera2 API on the OnePlus Three?
* Around a year ago I see lots of reports that RAW didn't work on the One Plus devices (either not at all, or pictures were wrong). Supposedly this was fixed, but can anyone confirm that this is working properly on the OnePlus Three?
Thanks in advance!
mark
I use CM 13. So the following observation will most probably differ from Oxygen OS. I hope someone else using the stock ROM provides their input too.
1. Flash is unusable with Open Camera. I tried with Camera2 enabled and disabled. When its enabled, the overexposure is less but overall the picture is still horrible. CM's Snap camera that comes with the ROM works fine however.
2. I have not tested manual exposure yet. Will report back later if no one else does it.
3. There doesn't seem to be any problem while saving RAW files using Camera2 API. Opened it in Ubuntu's image viewer and the image is the same as it's JPEG counterpart (without the flash)
Manual exposure settings work fine. I increased the ISO and exposure time gradually using Open Camera. It let in more light and captured the image without any issues
mdwh said:
* It seems a lot of devices have problems with flash and Camera2 (either flash doesn't fire, or misfires so pictures come out under or overexposed). I finally managed to get Open Camera flash working on my Nexus 6, but no luck on a Samsung S7 (precapture doesn't seem to trigger). How does the OnePlus Three do with Camera2 and third party apps?
* I see some reports that manual exposure times don't work (e.g., http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/help/camera2-api-broken-oxygenos-3-1-2-t3400886 ), though they mostly refer to the "more than one second" times (which most Android devices don't even offer). I'm less bothered about that, but does manual exposure time (and ISO) work at all (even for less than one second) in Camera2 API on the OnePlus Three?
* Around a year ago I see lots of reports that RAW didn't work on the One Plus devices (either not at all, or pictures were wrong). Supposedly this was fixed, but can anyone confirm that this is working properly on the OnePlus Three?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a OP3 and a bunch of camera apps. The flash is overexposing with Open Camera, but in e.g. Footej (which I believe also uses Camera API v2) the image is exposed similarly to the built-in camera app.
Changing ISO manually seems to work as expected.
RAW files that I've tested from the stock app in Lightroom appear fine.
Let me know if you want me to test something else (PM or email works too).
The biggest challenges I have with Open Camera is that the manual focus (at least in video mode) is somewhat jumpy and not as smooth as e.g. Cinema 4K when you drag the slider, so it is only useable when you're not recording, and then it lacks focus assist (zooming in 2x or 4x automatically when you adjust focus). And then, of course touch focus is also broken (it always focuses at the center) when using APIv2.
Oh, and I'm on the mainly release (3.2.6 atm).
Thanks for both your replies!
Regarding flash and Camera2 API, the newly released Open Camera v1.34 has an option under Settings/Photo settings/"Use alternative flash method". Does that work any better? (Interesting that you mention Footej, that's also the only other 3rd party camera app that gets flash working with Camera2 API on my Nexus 6 - I think it's also using the "torch method" that my new option enables as a workaround.)
Another question I have please - does HDR in Open Camera work okay? (Note it won't be the same as the stock camera's HDR, as these will be different algorithms - but does it at least seem to work? In theory it should if manual exposure is working, but there may be additional issues with burst mode.)
A shame that touch to focus isn't working (this seems to be a known issue with Camera2 on the OnePlus 3?) I note from http://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3/how-to/oos-3-5-2-comunity-build-t3461648/post68764646 , comment 329, someone says that touch to focus is fixed in the community build 3.5.2 (they tested Open Camera and Snap Camera HDR), so hopefully this fix will soon be rolled out.
I'll take a look at the jerky manual focus, and focus assist.
Wrt flash: Compared to the built-in camera app and to Footej and with/without the new flash setting enabled, then yes: It works with the work-around enabled. Before enabling it, it overexposes (and has an incorrect color balance), but after enabling it, the photo looks almost identical to the Footej one.
As for HDR, then yes, it also works As you say, it's not identical to the built-in camera app, but there is a difference between a single-capture shot and an HDR one: Shadows are lifted and highlights become somewhat subdued. Comparing an OpenCamera HDR shot to the same scene taken with the built-in camera, I'd say the shadows are similar, but the highlights are less compressed with the default app (i.e. OpenCamera makes the highlights darker, and maybe also darker than need to be).
As for touch focus, then we can hope it will be fixed -- I guess it's a problem with the Camera2 API implementation/driver in OP3.
Thanks for your efforts!
Just to say that I got the OnePlus 3T in the end. It's an excellent device - but I've made a new thread at https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-3t/how-to/camera2-bugs-t3569283 which details the outstanding problems that I seem unable to fix (and seem to affect other camera2 apps too).
Interestingly, touch-to-focus works fine to me (even when I first got it when it was on Android 6), possibly this was something that'd already been fixed.
Is it possible to copy the algorithm of Google pixel camera and install it in Xiaomi mi 5s? Because both have exactly same sensors. As I have seen the reviews of Xiaomi mi 5s, there is a room for improvement in the software. Specially night shots need improvement. So is there any way to copy pixel's algorithm and software into mi 5s?
At this point? Probably not.
In the future? Who knows, I hope so too...
We might (or might not) need to copy some libraries from pixel's system image, and probably must use the included google camera (which requires android 7.0 for now...)
awaaas said:
At this point? Probably not.
In the future? Who knows, I hope so too...
We might (or might not) need to copy some libraries from pixel's system image, and probably must use the included google camera (which requires android 7.0 for now...)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why not replace the crappy dual camera of 5s plus with dual imx378? Is it possible? I am really curious to do something with these phones.
Ahm_Shoaib said:
Why not replace the crappy dual camera of 5s plus with dual imx378? Is it possible? I am really curious to do something with these phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to break your phone then go ahead
Ahm_Shoaib said:
Why not replace the crappy dual camera of 5s plus with dual imx378? Is it possible? I am really curious to do something with these phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not possible because of so many things...
- There's likely no drivers for IMX378 included in the kernel/system by xiaomi for Mi5s Plus
- You must have to somehow find dual IMX378 module with the same pin configuration as the original one for it to even turn on (won't work if there's no driver for it though...)
Ahm_Shoaib said:
Why not replace the crappy dual camera of 5s plus with dual imx378? Is it possible? I am really curious to do something with these phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would be redundant, the 5s plus uses a normal sensor with a monochrome sensor, similar to P9, and this allows (should) better lowlight, and higher dynamic range, however from samples I've seen, Xiaomi has not implemented it very well. They would have been better off with one 378 sensor, as that is currently one of the best mobile sensors
Man I think the original idea is ask about how we can get the eis and quality photos video from pixel to the mi5s small who carrier the same sensor.
How get software from pixel to mi5s (pixel too expensive), I want use the Xiaomi mi5s small with cm14 and Google pixel software/library features camera
Regards
roghax said:
Man I think the original idea is ask about how we can get the eis and quality photos video from pixel to the mi5s small who carrier the same sensor.
How get software from pixel to mi5s (pixel too expensive), I want use the Xiaomi mi5s small with cm14 and Google pixel software/library features camera
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, and I think I've already answered that. Pixel runs android 7.1, Mi5s runs 6.0, you can't get the camera app that comes with pixel to run on mi5s, and if you manage to backport that to android 6.0, what if it needs some library, can you make sure that it is can run on android 6.0, while it is built for android 7.1?
Moreover, I found out the hard way that Mi5s did not specify it's HFR modes, so the latest Google Camera that is compatible with android 6.0 won't run at all. Except if you turn the HFR functionality off, by adding this line to your build.prop:
Code:
persist.camera.hal3hfr.enable=0
I don't know if this bug comes from xiaomi, or xiaomi.eu (as I am running xiaomi.eu's ROM right now), and I don't know if it's gonna be fixed in the future.
You're welcome to pursue this idea, but keep that things in mind
Since Google's HDR+ is so good in low light, has anyone tried alternative 3rd party apps that use image stacking to improve low light IQ ( Better Camera and Snap HDR Cam low light modes come to mind)
I am interested in this phone because of the price and sensor and would like an HDR+ alternative.
Has anyone tried those apps? Thanks
Try cortex camera, it basically is the best app at stacking images.
awaaas said:
Yes, and I think I've already answered that. Pixel runs android 7.1, Mi5s runs 6.0, you can't get the camera app that comes with pixel to run on mi5s, and if you manage to backport that to android 6.0, what if it needs some library, can you make sure that it is can run on android 6.0, while it is built for android 7.1?
Moreover, I found out the hard way that Mi5s did not specify it's HFR modes, so the latest Google Camera that is compatible with android 6.0 won't run at all. Except if you turn the HFR functionality off, by adding this line to your build.prop:
Code:
persist.camera.hal3hfr.enable=0
I don't know if this bug comes from xiaomi, or xiaomi.eu (as I am running xiaomi.eu's ROM right now), and I don't know if it's gonna be fixed in the future.
You're welcome to pursue this idea, but keep that things in mind
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, thanks for the information about google camera. Any possibility that we can have settings like manual iso, or hdr (just normal hdr) ? Is it exclude to nexus devices, I mean after hacking still? How about the snapdragon camera, it seems that we need caf kernel, but maybe it's working after adding this line?
forgivemypoorEN said:
Hi, thanks for the information about google camera. Any possibility that we can have settings like manual iso, or hdr (just normal hdr) ? Is it exclude to nexus devices, I mean after hacking still? How about the snapdragon camera, it seems that we need caf kernel, but maybe it's working after adding this line?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We already have manual controls, just use snap cam and enable cam 2 api in it's settings, or use FreeDcam and you get full manual
shaneel1491 said:
We already have manual controls, just use snap cam and enable cam 2 api in it's settings, or use FreeDcam and you get full manual
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true, I'm just curious if google has better post processing (now I think an app won't change much) If apps can't change, is it possible to copy the drivers from pixel, if the sensors are the same? Meanwhile, we don't have iso 50 (although maybe the native iso is 100, so 100 might be better than 50). Freedcam seems to be able to enable eis on camera api 1, but it crashed a lot, and it's api 1. Now I'm confused which is the best choice. I'm using snap camera, but there's no long exposure like the stock camera (up to 32s, I think it's a stack of photos). Sorry I asked a lot, but it seems that you are an expert . Last question, the stock camera in manual mode, the preview never changes while changing iso/shutter speed. In other apps, it got very slow when the shutter is long (1/3 s). I wonder if this is because imx 378 is very powerful and generating large data, or it's MIUI‘s bug?
forgivemypoorEN said:
That's true, I'm just curious if google has better post processing (now I think an app won't change much) If apps can't change, is it possible to copy the drivers from pixel, if the sensors are the same? Meanwhile, we don't have iso 50 (although maybe the native iso is 100, so 100 might be better than 50). Freedcam seems to be able to enable eis on camera api 1, but it crashed a lot, and it's api 1. Now I'm confused which is the best choice. I'm using snap camera, but there's no long exposure like the stock camera (up to 32s, I think it's a stack of photos). Sorry I asked a lot, but it seems that you are an expert . Last question, the stock camera in manual mode, the preview never changes while changing iso/shutter speed. In other apps, it got very slow when the shutter is long (1/3 s). I wonder if this is because imx 378 is very powerful and generating large data, or it's MIUI‘s bug?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess Google's HDR+ algorithm is the only great thing the Pixel has we don't besides that fact they don't have long exposure so they can't take as good night pics as us.
In camera 1 Api we can go all the way to 60 sec, although stock libs limited at 32 sec which is fine. Also we do have ISO 50 on FreeDcam API 2, I think I have a specially built FreeDcam by @defcomg who sorted it out. I'll ask him if I he or I can post it here.
Also Quallcomm seemed to mess up the camera libs recently and max exposure on cam 2 api is only around 5 sec.
But I suggest you to experiment with Snap and FreeDcam, I use FreeDcam for long exposures and low light shots. And I use snap camera in the day time. I have denoise and ZSL forced off for both of them.
The preview should get slow and laggy on cam 2 api but stay the same on Cam 1 api
shaneel1491 said:
I guess Google's HDR+ algorithm is the only great thing the Pixel has we don't besides that fact they don't have long exposure so they can't take as good night pics as us.
In camera 1 Api we can go all the way to 60 sec, although stock libs limited at 32 sec which is fine. Also we do have ISO 50 on FreeDcam API 2, I think I have a specially built FreeDcam by @defcomg who sorted it out. I'll ask him if I he or I can post it here.
Also Quallcomm seemed to mess up the camera libs recently and max exposure on cam 2 api is only around 5 sec.
But I suggest you to experiment with Snap and FreeDcam, I use FreeDcam for long exposures and low light shots. And I use snap camera in the day time. I have denoise and ZSL forced off for both of them.
The preview should get slow and laggy on cam 2 api but stay the same on Cam 1 api
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried freedcam with 50 iso, but the photo actually got iso 100 still. You can also set iso 50 in snap camera, which still outputs 100.
Turn ZSL (0 lag?) is better for HDR? I heard a saying that ZSL is not as good as longer hdr, which is software implementation.
forgivemypoorEN said:
I tried freedcam with 50 iso, but the photo actually got iso 100 still. You can also set iso 50 in snap camera, which still outputs 100.
Turn ZSL (0 lag?) is better for HDR? I heard a saying that ZSL is not as good as longer hdr, which is software implementation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When zsl is enabled you can't have manual controls, so that's why I disable it. But also try in FreeDcam (cam 1) to set shutter speed and leave ISO on auto and see, it's possible to get up to 0 ISO.
shaneel1491 said:
When zsl is enabled you can't have manual controls, so that's why I disable it. But also try in FreeDcam (cam 1) to set shutter speed and leave ISO on auto and see, it's possible to get up to 0 ISO.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cam 1 you mean Camera api 1? It crash a lot (every time I touch to focus, or use exposure longer than 1/3s ). I couldn't got iso lower than 100. Do I need to use hdr mode to get this or any mode as long as I set iso to auto and a long shutter?
hdr+ is out for mi5s
It's funny since people thought it was impossible 1+ year ago but now thanks to awesome devs more devices can taste the magic of Google Camera HDR+
How to Copy Google Pixel Camera algorithm into Xiaomi Redmi 6A?
Hello everybody Is it possible to copy the algorithm of Google pixel camera and install it in Xiaomi mi Redmi 6A? Because both have exactly same sensors. So is there any way to copy pixel's algorithm and software into my Redmi 6A ?Thanks to all
Hi all -- When I purchased a Moto Z late last month, I was excited about the device's performance but blind to the fact that I was going to lose the HDR+ camera mode that I had become so accustomed to with my Nexus 6.
This got me working on some potential solutions -- and after decompiling the Camera NX app posted on chromloop.com, I was able to change some settings that enable full HDR+ photography on the Moto Z. So if any of you are craving being able to take photos with Google's HDR+ mode, here is a modified APK that will allow you to do so: http://www.mediafire.com/file/l8num4lyw05vybt/Camera4-hdrplus.apk
I have been using it for several weeks on my Moto Z, and I can confirm that the HDR+ images come out looking much better than those taken with the stock camera app or even the same modified Camera NX app with HDR+ disabled. It's slightly buggy (low-light images are only occasionally not saved) but a great solution for any Moto Z users afflicted with the Nexus blues. This should also work on other devices with equivalent Camera2 API support; if you are wondering whether it will work, just try it -- if HDR+ images are successfully captured, your device supports the needed API calls.
Can you enable RAW capture and manual control?
Hello, I installed the camera application, but when I go to slow motion mode, App crashes. Any solution?
Will this be continually developed?
Because this is a wonderful addition. Just needs some bug fixes and it'll be seriously golden.
D13H4RD2L1V3 said:
Will this be continually developed?
Because this is a wonderful addition. Just needs some bug fixes and it'll be seriously golden.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid that ongoing development of this app might be challenging, as I'm no expert in modifying decompiled apps, which this is (as the official Nexus/Pixel camera app is closed source). The extent of my modifications, believe it or not, was to return a constant boolean value of "true" for a function that checks whether a device is a Nexus 6P -- so the app enables HDR+ as the app is hard-coded to enable all functions available on Nexus 6P devices. It just happened to be very lucky that HDR+ is supported! -- I'm not so optimistic about being able to enable slow motion video, RAW capture, or manual control, but I will keep those in mind next time I have more time to work on this.
need root? or standard apk install
taphius said:
need root? or standard apk install
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a standard APK install.
elosito said:
Hi all -- When I purchased a Moto Z late last month, I was excited about the device's performance but blind to the fact that I was going to lose the HDR+ camera mode that I had become so accustomed to with my Nexus 6.
This got me working on some potential solutions -- and after decompiling the Camera NX app posted on chromloop.com, I was able to change some settings that enable full HDR+ photography on the Moto Z. So if any of you are craving being able to take photos with Google's HDR+ mode, here is a modified APK that will allow you to do so: http://www.mediafire.com/file/l8num4lyw05vybt/Camera4-hdrplus.apk
I have been using it for several weeks on my Moto Z, and I can confirm that the HDR+ images come out looking much better than those taken with the stock camera app or even the same modified Camera NX app with HDR+ disabled. It's slightly buggy (low-light images are only occasionally not saved) but a great solution for any Moto Z users afflicted with the Nexus blues. This should also work on other devices with equivalent Camera2 API support; if you are wondering whether it will work, just try it -- if HDR+ images are successfully captured, your device supports the needed API calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for this. I see a big difference with HDR+. I've had the Nexus 6P and Pixel, I know how great HDR+ is. It's sad that Google closed source their app.
Let us know if you can enable RAW, because HDR+ takes 3 RAW photos for the composition, so theoretically RAW is supported by the app.
This is awesome! So far with just a little experimenting today with a Force, I can see the difference. I look forward to testing it further.
elosito said:
Hi all -- When I purchased a Moto Z late last month, I was excited about the device's performance but blind to the fact that I was going to lose the HDR+ camera mode that I had become so accustomed to with my Nexus 6.
This got me working on some potential solutions -- and after decompiling the Camera NX app posted on chromloop.com, I was able to change some settings that enable full HDR+ photography on the Moto Z. So if any of you are craving being able to take photos with Google's HDR+ mode, here is a modified APK that will allow you to do so: http://www.mediafire.com/file/l8num4lyw05vybt/Camera4-hdrplus.apk
I have been using it for several weeks on my Moto Z, and I can confirm that the HDR+ images come out looking much better than those taken with the stock camera app or even the same modified Camera NX app with HDR+ disabled. It's slightly buggy (low-light images are only occasionally not saved) but a great solution for any Moto Z users afflicted with the Nexus blues. This should also work on other devices with equivalent Camera2 API support; if you are wondering whether it will work, just try it -- if HDR+ images are successfully captured, your device supports the needed API calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is incredible! How did you figure out how to bypass the checks and actually enabled the hdr+? Google never open sourced this so how were you able to get it to work? Many have tried to get hdr+ but failed.
Today's testing was outside and yielded mixed results. I'll continue to experiment.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Wen trying to install the apk it says there was a problem parsing the apk
I created a little album on Google Photos demonstrating the difference between regular shots, the stock app's HDR mode and HDR+. They are shot in that order but I have put them in the description in order to aid identification. Differences can be subtle but often, they are very dramatic.
If you need to know, my variant is an unlocked standard Moto Z running Android 7.0 that's also rooted. It also has a 1/3" 13MP Sony IMX214 with 1.12-micron pixels and an f/1.8 aperture. Pretty sure the Force will do better since it has a larger sensor at 1/2.4". Regardless, HDR+ makes a significant enough difference that it has become my main camera app. If I still had my Note 7, I'd be drooling right now.
https://goo.gl/photos/bQ1NQzCCMmviGtCs6
Thanks for sharing this. I've done something similar with the Force camera.. It's a mixed bag to me. Often HDR+ did a better job with the sky, but often its shots were too dark to me. I've seen a bigger difference with indoor shots.
Thanks for the sharing. Hope moto can implement HDR+ to its own camera app.
benjamminh said:
Thanks for sharing this. I've done something similar with the Force camera.. It's a mixed bag to me. Often HDR+ did a better job with the sky, but often its shots were too dark to me. I've seen a bigger difference with indoor shots.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, the 6p and pixel both exhibit the same thing, most of the the time their shots are going to look darker (if you compare them side by side to other phones)
D13H4RD2L1V3 said:
I created a little album on Google Photos demonstrating the difference between regular shots, the stock app's HDR mode and HDR+. They are shot in that order but I have put them in the description in order to aid identification. Differences can be subtle but often, they are very dramatic.
If you need to know, my variant is an unlocked standard Moto Z running Android 7.0 that's also rooted. It also has a 1/3" 13MP Sony IMX214 with 1.12-micron pixels and an f/1.8 aperture. Pretty sure the Force will do better since it has a larger sensor at 1/2.4". Regardless, HDR+ makes a significant enough difference that it has become my main camera app. If I still had my Note 7, I'd be drooling right now.
https://goo.gl/photos/bQ1NQzCCMmviGtCs6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like five of the shots with HDR+ more (two are very significant) 7 with the Moto HDR, and three with the normal mode fwiw.
skullman_247 said:
Wen trying to install the apk it says there was a problem parsing the apk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Has to be on Nougat
You know, I wonder if this works with the Hasselblad mod.
I've always thought that the issues with the Hasselblad camera are software-related since the sensor is likely the same one from the 6P. If HDR+ and better processing can save it, color me impressed.
Project Status
2021-12-20: This project is no longer being worked on. Please look towards MWP mods https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-MWP/
As you may have noticed or seen in my sporadic posts here, Camera PX development has been non-existent for quite some months now. This is mainly due to a lack of substantial updates within Google Camera, but also due to lack of interest in the project as other things in our lives have become more important. As each new Google Camera version is released, the modifications have to be re-done from scratch so this would take quite some time as we only get to do this in our "free" time after work and spending time with our families. We do hope the Pixel 5 release brings some new/interesting things to the table but that is yet to be seen, and the passion to restart the project is also yet to be seen. For now, we are releasing a minor update to "support" Pixel 4a's but since Google Camera 7.2 was not built with Pixel 4a's in mind, you may notice a quality difference than your stock camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disclaimer
This has turned into a collaboration between @back.rider555, @johngalt1 and myself. We do this in our free time, when able, to bring newer Pixel features and mods to your older device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Introduction
This is a Google Camera mod for the Pixel phones. The main goal is to bring newer features to older Pixels, where possible.
What is Google Camera (AKA GCam)?
Google Camera is the camera app for the Google Nexus and Google Pixel phones. It is not designed or intended to be run on other phones.
What is HDR+?
Basic: HDR+ is Google's proprietary image processing routine, and is more than just traditional "HDR' modes. HDR+ employs image stacking to control exposure, and also to preserve details, reduce noise, increase sharpness, etc. It is an all-in-one package.
Advanced: https://ai.googleblog.com/2014/10/hdr-low-light-and-high-dynamic-range.html
Google Camera Features
Pixel 1
Zero Shutter Lag (ZSL) HDR+ - The Pixel 1 introduced ZSL HDR+ which means when you open the camera, the system utilizes the Hexagon DSP to constantly buffer frames and marks the time slot of when you pressed the shutter button.
* -- Quote from Marc Levoy via The Verge:
"The moment you press the shutter it's not actually taking a shot — it already took the shot," says Levoy. "It took lots of shots! What happens when you press the shutter button is it just marks the time when you pressed it, uses the images it's already captured, and combines them together."
It's a major usability improvement on the HDR+ mode in last year's Nexus 6P and 5X. "What used to happen last year is you'd press the shutter button and you'd get this little circle going around while it captured the images you need for the burst; now it's already captured those," says Levoy. "And that's big, because that means that you can capture the moment you want."
* -- https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/18/13315168/google-pixel-camera-software-marc-levoy
Pixel 2
Portrait Mode - Simulates bokeh for improved subject separation from the background. The front camera of the Pixel 2 only provides Portrait Mode when a human face is detected, and the rear camera can work on an object, an animal, a human, etc because it uses information from the Dual Pixel PDAF sensor to detect depth. Google Camera ports for non-Pixel phones can NOT do this so all ports for non-Pixel phones utilize the front camera technique for both front & rear (which means all ports for non-Pixel phones can only properly apply bokeh when a human face is detected).
* -- Advanced read: https://ai.googleblog.com/2017/10/portrait-mode-on-pixel-2-and-pixel-2-xl.html
Motion Photos - Provides short clips of moments before and after you take the photo.
* -- Advanced read: https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/03/behind-motion-photos-technology-in.html
Pixel 3
Top Shot - When Motion is set to Auto or On, Pixel will recommend a better photo to you if it detects one. Like if you captured a photo when someone blinked.
* -- Demo:
Photobooth - Automatically capture a photo when Pixel detects a silly face or a smile.
Super Res Zoom - Enhances zoomed picture quality by purposely shifting the camera module using OIS (Pixel 3 only) to gather more data.
* -- Advanced read: https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/10/see-better-and-further-with-super-res.html
Motion Metering - On the Pixel 3 Motion Metering is used in the "default photo mode" to detect subject motion and if it detects enough motion, Pixel will shoot with a faster shutter speed to reduce subject blur. The Pixel 1 and 2 get to use this in Night Sight only.
* -- Further reading (about 1/3 down the article): https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/11/night-sight-seeing-in-dark-on-pixel.html
Synthetic Fill Flash - Pixel 3 will brighten faces in selfies.
Tracking Autofocus - Tap on a subject or area to keep focus when the subject or phone moves.
Learning Based White Balance - Google's attempt to fix white balance for low light photos. Used in Night Sight and HDR Enhanced on the Pixel 3.
* -- Further read (about 1/2 down the article): https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/11/night-sight-seeing-in-dark-on-pixel.html
Portrait Mode Learned Depth - Pixel 3 improves the rear camera Portrait Mode depth detection for more consistent and more pleasing bokeh.
* -- Advanced read: https://ai.googleblog.com/2018/11/learning-to-predict-depth-on-pixel-3.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Installation instructions
Root is NOT needed.
* -- Download APK to your Phone (or PC then transfer to your phone)
* -- Locate APK with File Manager and Install
* -- You will be prompted to Allow Unknown Sources. This is normal for APK's not downloaded from the Play Store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download
PXv8.1_GCam-v1.2.apk
See optional Magisk modules in Post 2 below.
Alternative download location (thanks to @s4turno):
https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/dev-cstark27/
Previous Versions:
PXv4.5_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk
PXv4.3_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk
PXv4.2_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk
PXv4.1_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk
PXv4.0_GoogleCamera_7.2.014.apk
PXv3.3.1_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk
PXv3.3_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk
PXv3.2_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk
PXv3.1_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk
PXv3.0_GoogleCamera_7.2.010.apk
PXv1.1_GoogleCamera_6.3.020.apk
PXv1.0_GoogleCamera_6.3.020.apk
P3v12.6_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk
P3v12.4_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk
P3v12.3_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk
P3v12.2_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk
P3v12.1_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk
P3v12_GoogleCamera_6.2.030.apk
P3v11.4.31_GoogleCamera_6.2.024.apk
P3v11.4.2_GoogleCamera_6.2.024.apk
P3v11_GoogleCamera_6.2.024.apk
P3v10.1_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
-Add Xlib2 (another reduced contrast option) and modify to support Pixel 3 Portrait bokeh on Pixel 2
-Add Portrait and Night Sight App Shortcuts from back.rider555
Known Issues on Android 8.1:
-Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
-Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.
P3v9.1_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
-Disable HDR+ mode resetting for Pixel 1 when opening Camera
-Add "reduce contrast" option which loads a custom lib by Savitar to reduce black crush a little bit. I have not tested in all conditions. Feel free to test at your own discretion and provide your thoughts with comparison pics.
Known Issues on Android 8.1:
-Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
-Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.
P3v9_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
-Revert default color accent to Google Blue by popular request
-Fix HDR+ mode resetting for Pixel 1
-Exif fix (big thanks to @Arnova8G2 for helping)
-Fix Night Sight for Android 8.1 (big thanks to BSG)
Known Issues on Android 8.1:
-Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
-Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.
P3v8.6_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
-Change default color accent to Google Green
-Add P3 Mod Settings>Permanent Night Sight Suggestion
--Provides an always on button to enter Night Sight
-If P3 Mod Settings toggles are changed, the camera will restart automatically to apply the changes (be careful if HDR+ is Processing) (thanks @fu24 / namok)
Known Issues on Android 8.1:
-Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
-Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.
-Night Sight viewer is black. There is a fix for this but then it requires Flash to be set to Auto/On for it to work properly. I don't use Flash ever so this is not a good option to me at the moment. I opted for the black screen until a fix can be found. Thanks for understanding. Wait until the focus ring is gone, or choose your focus in the Focus Option on the top right, then click the photo.
P3v8.5_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
-Cleaned up P3 Mod Settings. Settings not relevant for Android 8.1 are removed, and PVC toggle is removed for non-Pixel 2/3.
-Add P3 Mod Settings>HDR+ Enhanced for Portrait toggle. This increases dynamic range, at the cost of shutter delay. Force close the app is required for the setting to change. (Credit to BSG for the method)
-Tried to adjust some stuff for Wear remote shutter support but I need a proper log if there's issues still.
P3v8_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
Must uninstall old version due to signature change.
-Support for Android 8.1 (referenced BSG's latest versions)
-Settings>P3 Mod Settings
--Toggles to switch Photo viewers (Classic or Google Photos), Enable Pixel Visual Core for ZSL HDR+, Disable Learning Based AWB in HDR Enhanced, & Disable Tracking Autofocus. The last 2 options only work on Android 9, so the toggles don't do anything for Android 8.1
Known Issues on Android 8.1:
-Tapping to focus breaks autofocus. Exiting camera or switching modes/cameras fixes this.
-Night Sight will crash the very first time you use it after installation. It appears to run just fine after that until you Clear Data of the app.
-Night Sight viewer is black. There is a fix for this but then it requires Flash to be set to Auto/On for it to work properly. I don't use Flash ever so this is not a good option to me at the moment. I opted for the black screen until a fix can be found. Thanks for understanding. Wait until the focus ring is gone, or choose your focus in the Focus Option on the top right, then click the photo.
P3v7_GoogleCamera_6.1.021.apk
P3v6_GoogleCamera_6.1.013.apk
Uninstall old version. This has a different package name (to fix Lens). The new app is in your app drawer labeled CameraP3.
-Lens option in More
-Pixel 3 Portrait mode (which seems to only improve the rear lens Portraits, so no improvement on Pixel 1 probably)
-Removed HDR+ Options for now due to bugs/instability/confusion
Only tested on Pixel 2. I don't have a Pixel 1 to test with to offer fixes for.
P3v5_GoogleCamera_6.1.013.apk
-Add workaround for Pixel 1 rear Portrait (only works on human faces)
Previous changelog:
For all Pixel:
-Enable Night Sight
-Enable manual focus button in Night
-Add HDR+ Config selection
Tested only on Pixel 2:
-Enable focus tracking
-Enable Photobooth
-Video FPS options (Auto/30/60)
-Google Lens Suggestions in Viewfinder
-H265/HEVC toggle
-Super Zoom (maybe??)
-"New" HDR+ Enhanced (colors may differ in extreme tinted light conditions, test it out; this is how the Pixel 3 behaves see https://www.teknofilo.com/analisis-pixel-3-xl/4/)
P3v4_GoogleCamera_6.1.013.apk
For all Pixel:
-Enable Night Sight
-Enable manual focus button in Night
-Add HDR+ Config selection
Tested only on Pixel 2:
-Enable focus tracking
-Enable Photobooth
-Video FPS options (Auto/30/60)
-Google Lens Suggestions in Viewfinder
-H265/HEVC toggle
-Super Zoom (maybe??)
-"New" HDR+ Enhanced (colors may differ in extreme tinted light conditions, test it out; this is how the Pixel 3 behaves see https://www.teknofilo.com/analisis-pixel-3-xl/4/)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
FAQ
Q: "I already have a Pixel, why do I need to use a GCam mod?"
A: Here are the added benefits of Camera PX:
All Pixels:
Ability to choose Camera, Portrait, or Night Sight as the default mode
Custom Lib options to reduce black crush, improve details, and/or increase clarity
Ability to choose 4K Time Lapse quality
Ability to choose zoom level in Portrait Mode of 1.2x or 2.0x (for the rear camera)
Ability to choose to enable HDR+ Enhanced for Portrait Mode
Option to have quicker access to Night Sight by "permanently" adding the little message at the bottom regardless of measured light (admittedly it disappears if you capture a photo in regular mode)
Option to increase shutter speed and frames in Night Sight for potentially "better" Night Sight photos
Option to disable the "Learning AWB" in HDR+ Enhanced/Night Sight
Option for manual shutter speed & ISO
Face warping is completely disabled
In addition to the above, these are the added features for specific devices (when compared to the stock app):
Pixel 1:
Portrait Mode (only when a "human face" is detected, does not work on objects/animals like Pixel 2, 3, 3a)
Removes the HDR+ mode reset on launch or when leaving settings
Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)
Motion Photos & Top Shot (if you have the correct Google Photos APK installed)
HEVC option
Photobooth
Adds focus button in Night Sight (Auto/Near/Far)
Tracking Autofocus in Photo mode
Super Res Zoom sharpening algorithm
Pixel 2:
"Learned Depth" for Portrait Mode which provides, usually, a more accurate depth detection and more pleasing bokeh
Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)
Top Shot (if you have the correct Google Photos APK installed)
HEVC option
Photobooth
Adds focus button in Night Sight (Auto/Near/Far)
Tracking Autofocus in Photo mode
Super Res Zoom sharpening algorithm
Pixel 3:
-Adds 60ps option to top bar in Video mode
Pixel 3a:
Synthetic Fill Flash (brightens faces when there is a strong backlight)
Q: Do I need to change any settings?
A: This mod is optimized for the Pixels to run without changing any settings. There are some advanced settings in P3 Mod Settings. Experiment at your own will.
How to get Top Shot working?
A: https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=78186764&postcount=726
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks To/Credits
B-S-G for fixes for Android 8.1
Arnova8G2 for general help and other fixes as he comes up with them
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
XDA:DevDB Information
[GCam] Camera PX for Google Pixel 1 / 2 / 3 / 3a / 4, App for all devices (see above for details)
Contributors
cstark27, back.rider555, johngalt1
Version Information
Status: Beta
Created 2018-12-05
Last Updated 2020-09-03
Magisk Modules
Magisk Modules
These optional modules may provide more functionality and/or improve processing speed or efficiency. Warning: I have been informed that having Viper or JamesDSP modules installed will cause problems with the long exposure libs (GCam crashes).
All Pixels:
SELinux Permissive for Camera P3
---This reduces the processing time a small amount and may be more battery efficient. The modded apps appear to be blocked from using the DSP/PVC for Processing, by default.
Pixel 1:
Pixel 1 modified system libs for long(er) exposure times during Astrophotography Mode
Pixel 2:
Pixel 2 modified system libs for long(er) exposure times during Astrophotography Mode
Pixel 3:
Pixel 3 modified system libs for long(er) exposure times during Astrophotography Mode
Pixel 3a:
Pixel 3a modified system libs for long(er) exposure times during Astrophotography Mode
Pixel 4:
Prop editor to allow Telephoto Lens to be used past 8x zoom when using a modified APK that supports longer zoom levels.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Outdated modules:
Magisk Modules
These optional modules may provide more functionality and/or improve processing speed or efficiency.
All Pixels:
SELinux Permissive for Camera P3
---This reduces the processing time a small amount and may be more battery efficient. The modded apps appear to be blocked from using the DSP/PVC for Processing, by default.
Pixel 1:
Pixel 1 modified system libs for long(er) exposure times
Pixel 2:
Pixel 2 modified system libs for long(er) exposure times
Pixel 3:
Pixel 3 modified system libs for long(er) exposure times
Pixel 3a:
Nothing to see here
Pixel 4:
Prop editor to allow Telephoto Lens to be used past 8x zoom when using a modified APK that supports longer zoom levels.
Warning: I have been informed that having Viper or JamesDSP modules installed will cause problems with the long exposure libs (GCam crashes).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bug Report Template
Please copy and fill in the info when reporting issues. Failure to do so may result in no response.
Unfortunately, it's hard to fix "the app doesn't work" without any more information.
---BEGIN COPY---
Which Google Pixel?
Android version:
What is the issue?
How are you able to reproduce it?
Have you cleared the app data and left the settings alone?
Does the issue still happen?
Does the issue happen with a certain setting enabled or disabled?
What Magisk Modules are installed?
Do any of them promise to enable certain features of newer Pixels or other phones?
Have you disabled all extra Magisk Modules, temporarily, and rebooted to see if your problem is solved?
---END COPY---
Please attach a logcat (instructions below).
Not Rooted/Rooted (using phone):
If you are not rooted, download Matlog from Play Store and follow prompts to set it up, then see the instructions below.
Open Matlog, clear the log, open CameraPX, reproduce the crash. Go back to MatLog and save the log.
Not Rooted (using PC, with USB debugging enabled):
command window:
Code:
adb logcat -c
This clears all previous logs (private info and irrelevant stuff).
command window:
Code:
adb logcat > C:\file.txt
Open, CameraPX, get it to produce App Not Responding message, close out of command window, send file.
Thanks for your great work as always, greatly appreciated.
The best Gcam mods.. thanks @cstark27
Gives me 410 gone Error when trying to Download
Amazing work ? However, there seems to be a problem if the PVC is used. After rapidly taking multiple photos in normal mode or portrait mode, there is a delay to take the next shot. In Pv7 without the PVC, this wasn't the issue.
True, PVC does help process faster though.
What's the problem with pixel 3 AWB in HDR Enhanced? Just wonder should I switch it off or not
@cstark27
Thanks a lot for this new mod. Works great!
One request:
If it is not too much trouble, could you allow the "Enable camera sounds" toggle to always appear in "Settings", irrespective of region?
This is the best app Ive ever used. Thanks a bunch for the work.
This is truly the best mode thus far. Kudos for the work, man.
Same here
PsychOlli said:
Gives me 410 gone Error when trying to Download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
@cstark27 topshot/recommended shots stopped working with photos shot with p3v8. also tried clearing data and cache many times with no luck. i also have the motio photo on. rest is working sooper fine. thanks for the update
Can't get to the download I don't know if there's an issue with it just letting you know thank you for your hard work
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
davidstjohn1 said:
Can't get to the download I don't know if there's an issue with it just letting you know thank you for your hard work
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
open it in a browser with open link a new tab option.
I am running "PieX BETA ROM"(Android Pie) on my Nexus 5x, and I tried installing the P3v8 App on it.
Every time I use "night mode", the "Quick Step" launcher crashes when I try to quit the app.
I tried this many times, each time, after using the night mode, the launcher crashes.
Then I have to (most of the time) restart the phone to get everything working again.
Is there any trick to get this to work?
Thanks.
note3exynosbd said:
Amazing work ? However, there seems to be a problem if the PVC is used. After rapidly taking multiple photos in normal mode or portrait mode, there is a delay to take the next shot. In Pv7 without the PVC, this wasn't the issue.
True, PVC does help process faster though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes there are still limitations to the config. I hope Google is working on improving it to match or exceed the great work they have done to utilize the Hexagon DSP, and then hopefully they make it the default method in the future. But who knows.
noname729 said:
What's the problem with pixel 3 AWB in HDR Enhanced? Just wonder should I switch it off or not
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See "Google Camera Features" under Introduction in the OP to see what it does. Then know that the Pixel 3 applies this learning based AWB to HDR+ Enhanced, as well as night mode. Some may not prefer to have this behavior on their older Pixel phones where it may not be as accurate, and/or doesn't capture the scene as your eyes see it. This setting does not disable it for Night Sight.
surya1078 said:
@cstark27 topshot/recommended shots stopped working with photos shot with p3v8. also tried clearing data and cache many times with no luck. i also have the motio photo on. rest is working sooper fine. thanks for the update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still see the strip of photos ("Shots in this Photo") when swiping up in Google Photos. Do you have that still? Recommended and Best Shot has always been random for me, and I don't use Motion Photos by default so my experience is limited. I have a link in the FAQ in the first post on how to get Top Shot working. Basically you just need the listed Google Photos installed.
PsychOlli said:
Gives me 410 gone Error when trying to Download
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nichie said:
Same here
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
davidstjohn1 said:
Can't get to the download I don't know if there's an issue with it just letting you know thank you for your hard work
Sent from my [device_name] using XDA-Developers Legacy app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am told this happens if there are too many requests at once. Try again later or when @S4turno gets a chance to upload to his mirror website https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/
surya1078 said:
@cstark27 topshot/recommended shots stopped working with photos shot with p3v8. also tried clearing data and cache many times with no luck. i also have the motio photo on. rest is working sooper fine. thanks for the update
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make sure you have the 4.6 Daydream 500+ DPI Photos app. Just google it.
It is working fine here with v8. I am really digging the new options in the cam
Hi @cstark27 thank you for update everything working great portrait working now.....
But night sight saturation too much Greenish now in P8 version....
Can we have stock saturation.,..?
And more request can you please add this Mod from BSG....View attachment 4658878
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
@cstark27 i too get the photo strip but not the recomended shot. have tried taking different photo poses which previously suggested recommended shot in p3v7 but not in p3v8.
Is anyone else having luck with the camera on this phone? Any photo I take of an object that's not completely still (i.e. children, who are usually the subject of my photos) comes out so blurry as to be basically useless. My old phone from 2017 took better pictures of moving targets than this! There must be some camera setting I need to change, but I can't find it. Googling the problem is not very helpful. GCam doesn't work (the viewfinder freezes) and it doesn't seem like anyone is actively developing GCam for the S21FE snapdragon version. Please help!
Use stock cam. Uninstall any 3rd party cam apps.
Clear cam data and clear system cache.
Try again.
Does manual focus work in pro mode?
Try using AF in safe mode.
Tried that. No luck. Manual focus not much help on a moving subject.
I should mention, the entire photo is not blurry. It's like the camera picks a random object in the background and focuses on that. Anything that's not stockstill is blurry. I tried it with "tracking autofocus" enabled and disabled, and got the same results. Tried turning on/off the "intelligent scenes" as well, no luck.
tmbg47 said:
Tried that. No luck. Manual focus not much help on a moving subject.
I should mention, the entire photo is not blurry. It's like the camera picks a random object in the background and focuses on that. Anything that's not stockstill is blurry. I tried it with "tracking autofocus" enabled and disabled, and got the same results. Tried turning on/off the "intelligent scenes" as well, no luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has a fast lense ie a very shallow field of focus especially if close to the subject.
Doesn't that have lasser aided AF? If so it should be spot on.
On my N10+ I need to use manual focus sometimes for very close macro shots. Otherwise it does well including tracking.
tmbg47 said:
Is anyone else having luck with the camera on this phone? Any photo I take of an object that's not completely still (i.e. children, who are usually the subject of my photos) comes out so blurry as to be basically useless. My old phone from 2017 took better pictures of moving targets than this! There must be some camera setting I need to change, but I can't find it. Googling the problem is not very helpful. GCam doesn't work (the viewfinder freezes) and it doesn't seem like anyone is actively developing GCam for the S21FE snapdragon version. Please help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Happens to me also. Samsung tends to take photos with a higher shutter speed and lower ISO. Autofocus is also slower in the stock camera. Try OpenCamera and see if it's better.
Update: Actually nevermind, OpenCamera has the same shutter speed with lower light. It seems to be something preset in the camera API of Samsung phones.