Develop Bugs

[Q] Will replacing the firmware impact on the camera?

Hullo
I'm looking at grabbing one of these. Seems like a great update to my HTC One M7, especially the camera.
I do, however, like replacing the firmware with something AOSP based, often CM.
I was wondering how serious the impact removing the LG firmware would have on the camera? The impact was noticeable with the HTC One so was curious if it would be the same with this.
Thanks

I've tried using other camera apps but always go back to the LG app. It really is nice.

Perhaps I've misunderstood replacing the firmware, but my understanding was that replacing the firmware also removed whatever camera specific drivers were installed as part of LG's firmware. As AOSP roms are not device specific, they don't have these same drivers to get the most out of the camera. So the camera quality would likely decrease, however this seems to differ between devices.
So I'm curious as to how much the camera is affected, if it's known at this stage.

Orb.P said:
Perhaps I've misunderstood replacing the firmware, but my understanding was that replacing the firmware also removed whatever camera specific drivers were installed as part of LG's firmware. As AOSP roms are not device specific, they don't have these same drivers to get the most out of the camera. So the camera quality would likely decrease, however this seems to differ between devices.
So I'm curious as to how much the camera is affected, if it's known at this stage.
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Well... no matter what build you have, you still need those hardware specific drivers. That's why devs can't do anything until the sources for the device are released. Those sources are merged with the main AOSP code, compiled, and you get your rom.
What you might lose is carrier stuff...like T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling.
Luckily, LG has released both the kernel and system sources, so devs can start working. The only problem is that the only version that has an unlocked bootloader is the D851 T-Mobile version.
We'll just have to wait and see now. There aren't any custom roms out yet, just modified stock G3.

The laser focus only works on the LG Camera. So there's that.

LeoRex said:
Well... no matter what build you have, you still need those hardware specific drivers. That's why devs can't do anything until the sources for the device are released. Those sources are merged with the main AOSP code, compiled, and you get your rom.
What you might lose is carrier stuff...like T-Mobile's Wi-Fi calling.
Luckily, LG has released both the kernel and system sources, so devs can start working. The only problem is that the only version that has an unlocked bootloader is the D851 T-Mobile version.
We'll just have to wait and see now. There aren't any custom roms out yet, just modified stock G3.
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So when I replaced Sense with CM on my HTC One M7 was I imaging the decline in photo quality? Genuinely curious if it's just my imagination or if it's a genuine thing.

ChummyDays said:
I had the same feeling on my HTC One X, but someone made a thread showing pictures taken with the aosp camera vs sense camera, and I was impressed (there might have been one on the m7 forums as well).
I think HTC did some trickery to the camera that made it seem better, but realistically, they probably take the same pictures, but you can see for yourself: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1943160
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk
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That's quite interesting actually. Thanks for the info.

Anyone knows how to get the Stock G4 Camera app?

Hello!
Yesterday I flashed CyanogenMod on my G4 H815 and just before the phone rebooted, I realized that I won't have the mega-awesome Camera app from LG. So does anyone know if there is any apk or any way to get it? To mention, I didn't backup my device because... because.
Thank you!

Probably won't work even if you get the apk, since most OEM specific apps need OEM specific framework to run. I think the only way to have it working on CM would be to port it. But why would you want that anyway? The image quality won't really change. It's not that much dependant on the app but rather the drivers running the camera.

nitrous² said:
Probably won't work even if you get the apk, since most OEM specific apps need OEM specific framework to run. I think the only way to have it working on CM would be to port it. But why would you want that anyway? The image quality won't really change. It's not that much dependant on the app but rather the drivers running the camera.
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It's not necessary the image quality, but the flexibility you have with that app (manual focus, iso, exposure time, etc.). I hope there is a way to use that app. While I was searching for it I found that there is the G4 Camera app ported for G3, so I am thinking that there could be the original app somewhere..
Thanks!

It's not possible right now. There have been efforts to port it, but nothing has come out of it yet. There are however other apps that are pretty good. And the CM stock camera app only misses the HDR and Manual settings. The quality otherwise is similar

xdag4 said:
It's not possible right now. There have been efforts to port it, but nothing has come out of it yet. There are however other apps that are pretty good. And the CM stock camera app only misses the HDR and Manual settings.
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there are 3rd party apps that should work for manual setting but your max shutter won't exceed 0.7s. This is the already the case with the stock firmware and 3rd party camera apps.
There is something called night shot which the G4 resorts to very often especially with the front camera. that will be gone. Selfies ain't going to be as good. it's also used for the rear in lower light. Though a longer exposure will produce better images. night shot is a convenience when you don't want to set up on a tripod.
The quality otherwise is similar
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How can you tell ?
it requires a side by side in full resolution with 2 G4's one with stock & CM under varying lighting. Lots of comparisons like that.
How good is the Cm camera in auto ? that's one of the strengths of the stock G4 camera.
Does the Cm camera make use of the colour sensor at all.

Except for the 30s exposure there is nothing special about that app, just use Proshot and you will be far better, cancel noise reduction make dngs and you have better shots

One Twelve said:
How can you tell ?
it requires a side by side in full resolution with 2 G4's one with stock & CM under varying lighting. Lots of comparisons like that.
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I can tell because I have seen photos from both cameras (on the computer). And if you really need 2 separate G4s under the same conditions side by side to tell the difference then there is not much difference. It's the audio bitrate debate all over again.
I am not saying it's as good as with stock but similar in most situations. I miss the HDR feature because it helps in low light situations.

One Twelve said:
I can tell because I have seen photos from both cameras (on the computer).
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Can you post links to examples of photos taken with cm camera ?
saw a few in the g4 community but the max resolution was just 2.4MP, need to be full resolution.
The low light shots on auto were crap. The G4 is a low light shooter in stock auto.
And if you really need 2 separate G4s under the same conditions side by side to tell the difference then there is not much difference. It's the audio bitrate debate all over again.
I am not saying it's as good as with stock but similar in most situations. I miss the HDR feature because it helps in low light situations.
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Such are the requirements for a clinching argument. otherwise its based on faith.
if people want to go down this route they need to know what they will be losing.
---------- Post added at 06:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:20 PM ----------
ObiDanKenobi said:
Except for the 30s exposure there is nothing special about that app, just use Proshot and you will be far better, cancel noise reduction make dngs and you have better shots
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heh, anything from 0.5s UP TO 30s isn't possible.
I would be very sceptical about replacing stock with cm camera until i see plenty of examples with cm.
Also bear in mind that vendors keep a very tight lock on their cameras and don't share much with 3rd parties. yeah you can use a 3rd party app in some circumstances but you can never replace the stock camera in all situations. This stock cmaera that can challenge the likes of smasung and is touted as a major selling point of the G4. Yeah, i say its pretty special.
Which is a requirement to any one considering the CM path.
What i'm reading here is if you want CM then you don't care too much about the camera to begin with. That would not surprise me as people that are good with roms don't tend to be very good with camera and vice versa. it's rare to find both those skill sets in people.

Worth to buy an S9 to use LOS?

Hi all! It's time to change my old Nexus 5 and I'm looking to buy an OP6 or a S9 due to its smaller dimensions.
Thing is I don't like Samsung's personalizations as I heard it slows down very quickly.
Here in Italy I could get an used S9 for 400€. Is it worth to get it with the specific intent of using it only with LineageOS? How does it perform and what am I going to miss from stock android?
Thank you!

Jeeza said:
Hi all! It's time to change my old Nexus 5 and I'm looking to buy an OP6 or a S9 due to its smaller dimensions.
Thing is I don't like Samsung's personalizations as I heard it slows down very quickly.
Here in Italy I could get an used S9 for 400€. Is it worth to get it with the specific intent of using it only with LineageOS? How does it perform and what am I going to miss from stock android?
Thank you!
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Performance wise, S9 performs really well upto this point. I got it since launch and there were only minor drawbacks in the launcher, which were easily removed by installing pixel launcher, and now everything feels smooth. I dont think there is a need for using LOS rom just for speed because you'll lose the great features of samsung.

kyooohei08 said:
Performance wise, S9 performs really well upto this point. I got it since launch and there were only minor drawbacks in the launcher, which were easily removed by installing pixel launcher, and now everything feels smooth. I dont think there is a need for using LOS rom just for speed because you'll lose the great features of samsung.
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Which features you think I would miss the most?

Jeeza said:
Which features you think I would miss the most?
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The features from your camera, I dont think gcam camera is any better than samsung stock. You would also lose any Knox related apps such as secure folder, samsung pass, etc. For me, I dont think there is a need to root now, atleast when it is still receiving software updates .

kyooohei08 said:
The features from your camera, I dont think gcam camera is any better than samsung stock. You would also lose any Knox related apps such as secure folder, samsung pass, etc. For me, I dont think there is a need to root now, atleast when it is still receiving software updates .
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are u kidding? GCam is way better than samsung stock , i have s9 and Gcam installed..i know what i am talking about

Simion Catalin said:
are u kidding? GCam is way better than samsung stock , i have s9 and Gcam installed..i know what i am talking about
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No you don't. Samsung's proprietary image libraries and enhancements are better than any gcam port will achieve.
Not saying gcam is bad but stock is quite a bit better on Samsung Experience compared to gcam.
also to OP: Note you probably won't be able to use the variable apeture OR the iris scanner to unlock your phone. Also as much of a meme as it is VoLTE also isn't supported on LOS.

iiyn said:
No you don't. Samsung's proprietary image libraries and enhancements are better than any gcam port will achieve.
Not saying gcam is bad but stock is quite a bit better on Samsung Experience compared to gcam.
also to OP: Note you probably won't be able to use the variable apeture OR the iris scanner to unlock your phone. Also as much of a meme as it is VoLTE also isn't supported on LOS.
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so..u are saying that my eyes are ****ed up if i see that photos taken with Gcam are better in every way ..and the eyes of many others see the same results...i don`t know man...maybe is something wrong with your eyes....just saying

Simion Catalin said:
so..u are saying that my eyes are ****ed up if i see that photos taken with Gcam are better in every way ..and the eyes of many others see the same results...i don`t know man...maybe is something wrong with your eyes....just saying
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Yeah, pretty much. Even inside the GCam thread for the s9 there are plenty of people saying it's not as good as stock. It's one of the reasons why I haven't jumped ship from Samsung Experience yet.
Also, more vibrant color != better photos. They might LOOK better but what I look for in a smartphone camera is color accuracy. If you like saturated hdr+ overblown shots so be it, to each their own.

When i bought the S8, I was hoping that the dev comunity could after some month port an AOSP rom on it but nothing stable really happend. It's a shame because I always prefered stock roms. Then the s9 came with de Treble project and this was for me the best feature that could ever been done.
You have everything that you could wish :
- Sweet design of the galaxy serie with the infinit display and for me the most beautifull overall body design (without the f*****g notch)
- Very great battery life (it easily last the day without have to charge during the day)
- The best performances, smoothness.
- No bugs at all
I always said that the galaxy series had the most complete phones in the market. But TouchWizz was the point where i always been frustrated about. With LOS, i'm ready to say that the S9 is probably the best phone you can get on the market.
Btw, don't worry about the camera's quality. It's still good even whitout samsung's camera framework.
Peace !

Simion Catalin said:
are u kidding? GCam is way better than samsung stock , i have s9 and Gcam installed..i know what i am talking about
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The GCam Im talking about is the one from gapps, not the gcam ported from pixel 2 which has HDR+ capability. I agree GCam with hdr+ is superior when it comes to contrast and details, but you dont get it when you are in LOS. That's what Im referring to.

Does Unlocking the Bootloader Decrease Camera Quality ?

So, I was wondering if unlocking the bootloader reduces camera quality, like what happens on Sony. I have a Redmi Note 3 Pro. I do have to say, I did feel like the quality decreased a bit after unlocking. But, then again, its a biased opinion and I haven't seen anyone else say that. Therefore, before I unlock my Redmi Note 5. I wanted to know if you guys feel like there is a reduction in camera quality or not, after unlocking.

No problem with stock MIUI camera (with stock MIUI ROM)

Renz1er said:
So, I was wondering if unlocking the bootloader reduces camera quality, like what happens on Sony. I have a Redmi Note 3 Pro. I do have to say, I did feel like the quality decreased a bit after unlocking. But, then again, its a biased opinion and I haven't seen anyone else say that. Therefore, before I unlock my Redmi Note 5. I wanted to know if you guys feel like there is a reduction in camera quality or not, after unlocking.
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unlocking has nothing to do with anythinng..only some apps know its unlocked. thays it..
camera degrades when you use aosp rom and the blobs are old... on stock based custom rom is the same quality.

Camera Quality Increase and Decrease both Possiblity Depends on Custom Rom

SunilSuni said:
No problem with stock MIUI camera (with stock MIUI ROM)
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Good to know. Thanks for the info
raptorddd said:
unlocking has nothing to do with anythinng..only some apps know its unlocked. thays it..
camera degrades when you use aosp rom and the blobs are old... on stock based custom rom is the same quality.
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Well, SONY used to remove some DRM keys and some copy righted features when the device was unlocked. Hence losing some camera performance. Thought if Xiaomi had something similar. Knowing it doesn't, just helps me out. Thanks for the info

Renz1er said:
Well, SONY used to remove some DRM keys and some copy righted features when the device was unlocked. Hence losing some camera performance. Thought if Xiaomi had something similar. Knowing it doesn't, just helps me out. Thanks for the info
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Yeah, it was pain the ass to wait for an exploit to backup the damn TA partition or waiting for an alternative way to fix the DRM keys, but don't worry, nothing like that here, even though i liked Sony devices so much but they have a bad policy when it comes to unlocking the bootloader.
Xperia user for 7 years.

rocker00 said:
Yeah, it was pain the ass to wait for an exploit to backup the damn TA partition or waiting for an alternative way to fix the DRM keys, but don't worry, nothing like that here, even though i liked Sony devices so much but they have a bad policy when it comes to unlocking the bootloader.
Xperia user for 7 years.
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My first device was the Xperia Mini back in 2011. Was one of the best things, back in the days; plus the heavily backed dev community made it a real good thing to own. Still have it and it works. Regardless, good to know there ain't a thing like that. Should be unlocking the RN5Ai within few days.
Thank You everyone for your kind replies.

Off topic but I want to ask you guys. Does 1080p 60fps work ok for you? Especially in low light the brightness drops so much that I can't see anything. It is also bit o laggy. Please check yours.

kostas gp said:
Off topic but I want to ask you guys. Does 1080p 60fps work ok for you? Especially in low light the brightness drops so much that I can't see anything. It is also bit o laggy. Please check yours.
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Nearly 7 months late I guess, and you're not the only one with that problem. Using miui.eu rom, it works, but the brightness is less and bit laggy as well.

Is the camera quality the same on all phones running a custom ROM?

I've run LineageOS 17.1 on three different (refurbished) LG V20 H918s- on all of them, if the camera worked, the picture quality was horrific despite having a 16 MP camera. If I were to get a 7T and root/flash a new ROM on it, would the 32 extra MP give slightly better camera quality? I understand that with a custom ROM the camera quality will never match the stock one, but I'm curious if the camera quality is the same on all modded phones or if it depends on the hardware as well. If you have a 7T, how's the camera quality and which OS are you running on it?

There are so many other camera issues than just "quality" that it's so much of a hassle you'll think leaving OxygenOS was the dumbest thing you did.

ej8989 said:
There are so many other camera issues than just "quality" that it's so much of a hassle you'll think leaving OxygenOS was the dumbest thing you did.
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What are those other issues?

ej8989 said:
There are so many other camera issues than just "quality" that it's so much of a hassle you'll think leaving OxygenOS was the dumbest thing you did.
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Yeah not really...

tussya said:
What are those other issues?
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I tried installing AOSiP on my OnePlus 7T a week ago. Everything seemed fine till I opened my camera I couldn't find a way to switch between the three camera modes. Also, the camera quality was pretty horrific compared to the stock camera. Part of this is due to OnePlus having custom camera blobs in OxygenOS. I've heard Google Cam improves the quality significantly, but it's been a nightmare for me to set it up. It would randomly crash too. So take a backup of your data, flash your custom rom, run it for a few days and judge for yourself. Have a great day.

ptanmay143 said:
I tried installing AOSiP on my OnePlus 7T a week ago. Everything seemed fine till I opened my camera I couldn't find a way to switch between the three camera modes. Also, the camera quality was pretty horrific compared to the stock camera. Part of this is due to OnePlus having custom camera blobs in OxygenOS. I've heard Google Cam improves the quality significantly, but it's been a nightmare for me to set it up. It would randomly crash too. So take a backup of your data, flash your custom rom, run it for a few days and judge for yourself. Have a great day.
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You have to use the aux module to use the other lenses.
I do agree that camera can be difficult to setup/ find the right balance. Although, there was a new gcam update released with improvements specifically for OnePlus devices. Worth trying out.