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Best camera phone for pics of kids

I'm looking for a new phone for my wife. She currently has a nexus s and is moderately happy with it but it's on its last legs.
The main criterion for her is a camera (that, and Sims type games but most phones are equally capable there) . We have 2 kids under 4 so we take a lot of pictures.
I'm trying to find the phone with the camera which will best capture moving targets indoors. Reducing blur without constantly readjusting settings and quick access to the camera (dedicated button?) are important.
I have an S3 and it's ok but not as good as I'd hoped (I know we're talking about phones here and when I need a good shot a have a dslr)
So, what do people recommend? S3 and HTC onex get the most press for cameras. She'd use an iPhone if that was best (I don't think it is) I hear good things about the nokia 920 but don't really want to take her down the windows road. Again, most shots will be of moving kids indoors, not stationary objects in full light (which is what most review sites use)

sony xperia z
the Sony xperia z comes out on the 28 of February
Quad core
13 mega pixel camera
waterproof
ect.

metmettem said:
the Sony xperia z comes out on the 28 of February
Quad core
13 mega pixel camera
waterproof
ect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. I'd say Xperia Z is the best Camera phone so far. Has XMOR senser & superior auto+ mode. So you can get standard cam quality pictures.
badgerpapa said:
I'm looking for a new phone for my wife. She currently has a nexus s and is moderately happy with it but it's on its last legs.
The main criterion for her is a camera (that, and Sims type games but most phones are equally capable there) . We have 2 kids under 4 so we take a lot of pictures.
I'm trying to find the phone with the camera which will best capture moving targets indoors. Reducing blur without constantly readjusting settings and quick access to the camera (dedicated button?) are important.
I have an S3 and it's ok but not as good as I'd hoped (I know we're talking about phones here and when I need a good shot a have a dslr)
So, what do people recommend? S3 and HTC onex get the most press for cameras. She'd use an iPhone if that was best (I don't think it is) I hear good things about the nokia 920 but don't really want to take her down the windows road. Again, most shots will be of moving kids indoors, not stationary objects in full light (which is what most review sites use)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Though it's easy to take snaps using phone & convenient as well; I'd still prefer a good quality 'Camera' for taking pics. I use a HX9V. It gives super clear images. So reconsider upon your decision.
Finally, the choice is yours.

Samsung galaxy camera
You may want to look at the Samsung galaxy camera (and then just buy her a cheaper phone) - it can take take pictures and play sims games.

I think Galaxy S4 will be equipped a best camera but now it is not released

Galaxy S3
The mentioned Sony will probably take great pictures, but one thing I know from having a kid is that you need a FAST camera -- one that doesn't take a few seconds to focus and snap the shot (my S1 did that :/)
The Galaxy S3 takes good pictures (I've had a few positive comments from people who have seen pics from my phone) and is ridiculously quick at it, meaning you don't miss a special moment. The stock camera app also has a burst mode with auto-detecting the best shot (though you make the final choice).

davydm said:
The mentioned Sony will probably take great pictures, but one thing I know from having a kid is that you need a FAST camera -- one that doesn't take a few seconds to focus and snap the shot (my S1 did that :/)
The Galaxy S3 takes good pictures (I've had a few positive comments from people who have seen pics from my phone) and is ridiculously quick at it, meaning you don't miss a special moment. The stock camera app also has a burst mode with auto-detecting the best shot (though you make the final choice).
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The sony xperia z is as fast as the s3 so it should take pictures as fast without delay.
If it does delay at all im sure somebody will create a custom ROM that is faster

Camera auto mode is horrible

Is anyone experiencing this, I don't see many threads?
Tonight I did a camera comparison with a friends IPhone 6 and the IPhone 6 was far superior in every sense. Images from the Z3 generally seem grainy and lack detail and sharpness.
I see a few people have mentioned that the camera is better of you manually set the options. This isn't what a smartphone is for when you need to snap a quick shot, by the time you've done all that you've missed the moment.
I swapped my LG G3 (which also took better shots) for this and I'm really underwhelmed by the camera on the Z3, which ironically is its main selling point.
Can anyone suggest some third party camera apps which would perform better?
Also do you think Sony will fix this, i owned the original Z and can recall having some camera issues. I didn't think they would still be present 4 years on.
The Z3 camera was hyped up so much, I really can't see why. Great on paper, not so good in the real world.

Xperia Z3 D6603
rm83855 said:
Is anyone experiencing this, I don't see many threads?
Tonight I did a camera comparison with a friends IPhone 6 and the IPhone 6 was far superior in every sense. Images from the Z3 generally seem grainy and lack detail and sharpness.
I see a few people have mentioned that the camera is better of you manually set the options. This isn't what a smartphone is for when you need to snap a quick shot, by the time you've done all that you've missed the moment.
I swapped my LG G3 (which also took better shots) for this and I'm really underwhelmed by the camera on the Z3, which ironically is its main selling point.
Can anyone suggest some third party camera apps which would perform better?
Also do you think Sony will fix this, i owned the original Z and can recall having some camera issues. I didn't think they would still be present 4 years on.
The Z3 camera was hyped up so much, I really can't see why. Great on paper, not so good in the real world.
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superior auto mode is basically a 8 mp with hdr and flash with some adjustments better go with the manual so you can choose a higher mega pixel.

nolihowell said:
superior auto mode is basically a 8 mp with hdr and flash with some adjustments better go with the manual so you can choose a higher mega pixel.
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Click to collapse
I installed Pro Capture and it seems a lot better. Sony is doing half a job. You cannot supply excellent hardware and not take advantage of it with the software. It seems most people are impressed by the specs of the camera more than its ability to actually take a picture! I cannot believe how much hype surrounding this camera there was.
Have you tried the xposed module 'superiorauto 20mp'? which forces the SA mode to shoot at 20megapixels?

Xperia XZ Camera vs iPhone 7

I've been a long time Xperia user. Currently have the Z3 and plan to move up to XZ. The Z3 camera is a so so. Beaten by Samsung and iPhone easily. The Z3 is flare galore and I have 2 of them purchased at different times so it is not a sampling issue.
The Xperia XZ is now advertised as "Our camera know-how, in a smartphone". With all those fancy laser focus, high megapixels, and quick focus; yet, from the following review, iPhone 7 beats the XZ in terms of IQ and resolution. Resolution, at least, in the blue colors.
Please tell me the review above is incorrect and the XZ camera is at least comparable to iPhone 7.

From my experience with my XP vs iPhone 6 the iPhone almost always adheres true to the experience detailed in this video.
I would anticipate that the video comparison is true to past form which seemingly continues through to the XZ/iPhone7 stand off.
Unfortunate yes. Somehow iphone are always sh!tting on Sony's camera advances.
You'd be forgiven to think Sony would have the upper hand in atleast the camera department. But it's just not the case. Sure the XZ is going to have a great camera, but I would assume the conclusion from the video would remain true.
Albeit first hand comparisons are required to judge for self. Even then, unfortunately I foresee I'd probably end up concurring with the btekt guys conclusion (based on historical trends with what Sony and indeed iPhone bring to the table with each respective iteration.)
Sent from my F8131 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Watching above video, I noticed that his xperia xz camera was in manual mode and not in default values because settings icon turned blue.
Pictures of low light seem over exposure with xperia. I don't think it was on default setting.
I doubt the video is unbiased. Just my cents.
Sent from my SGP771 using Tapatalk

Sony just developed these new sensors.. and as always they need a lot of time to tweak the software in order for everything to work correctly and as it should. Basically it is happening with every sony device. So let's be patiend and see how the XZ is going to.. ''evolve''.

effective said:
Sony just developed these new sensors.. and as always they need a lot of time to tweak the software in order for everything to work correctly and as it should. Basically it is happening with every sony device. So let's be patiend and see how the XZ is going to.. ''evolve''.
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Exactly, it really does not seem to be "default" setting for Sony.
But will need to test low light pictures on my own to get the clue.
I know how it was with Z5, I really hope this time they are doing proper testing before putting it into the boxes...

I had never seen a sony phone that in it's first or second release rom the camera or overall experience is good. a couple or rom updates, and then it could give more fight.
Anyway, it's a shame that sony develop the iphone camera's sensors, but for own usage, they use (IHMO) the less good. OR, the camera software by sony is a crap.

In my experiences with Xperia videography (from Z2 onwards) it's best to deactivate Scene Autodetection because it stops camera software over-compensating when perhaps you don't want/need it to ...
Whilst I think the iPhone records superb video, so does my XP (and so did my Z2, Z3+, Z5C) ... I'd be hard pressed to tell you which is which in blind testing.
The XZ I have on order should only improve the Sony videography.
Also, have you tried recording stereo sound with your video on the iPhone? It's a hassle and can't be done without addons (I'm pretty sure the iPhone 7(+) still records monaural unless someone can correct me?)
Smartphone Photography belongs to Apple.
Smartphone Videography, the motion picture, *could* belong to Sony if they get their marketing right (and their thermals lol)

Can you change white balance settings (not just the tint) in video mode? There is a video on YouTube comparing it to the iPhone 6 Plus and the WB control on the XZ is terrible - it shifts whenever the camera moves to the tables while the iPhone is fairly stable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNFsnQg3cG8

It is a personal point of view but Sony is way better than 6s... At least for me and from this comparison.
Sent from my HTC 10 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Camera review

A few things that occur to me with any cam comparison is what the photographers knowledge/skill is and, as mentioned above, what settings were used. Those things affect the final output of the camera. I try to determine if their knowledge/skill is similar to mine. Then I can determine if I could have possibly gotten a better picture or not in a similar situation.
Try to find comparison photos on the web from the cameras you want to compare. Make sure they're not altered and that you know what settings were used. Each phone has it's own signature on the picture and you may prefer a certain phone's "photo look" over another. Some phones are good in some conditions, some are better in others. Some are good overall, but not great in any one area. Determine what matters to you most.
Beyond the actual photo quality, there's the user experience that must also be considered. Focus speed, shutter responsiveness, app ease-of-use...that all makes a difference.

Iphone has better cameras. I'm ashamed of my 23megapixel camera
Verstuurd vanaf mijn F8331 met Tapatalk

XZ owners do you recommend getting this phone now ?

Alright guys XZ it is thanks for everyone responded to me and shared his opinion/experience
For know please let me know if there are any known/common issues that maybe some units has to avoid especially since I am probably getting a "used XZ" :good:
For example I remember for Z5 many units had blurry left side in picture taken by rear camera, also screen bleeding, dead pixels ect..
I'm Z5 user looking to upgrade
Do you guys recommend this phone now considering other competitors
Ofc I'm a sony fan I like their desing, audio/display features, waterproofing ect..
But I'm concerned about the camera I've seen few camera comparisons especially this one it seems that Sony is still struggling with low light and still use same old pictures post processing without forget the weird dimensions distortions
Other alternatives I'm considering that I can get for about same XZ price tag in order
- Google Pixel (camera is DSLR level in my opinion/also better specs - not sure about the mic/audio issues though)
- LG G6 (better camera/specs)
- Galaxy S7
- Oneplus 3T(better specs)
Also another factor let's not forget that the XZs and XZP were already out, also XZ1 recently so at the best cases sony will still support XZ for next year/year and half
Also please let know if there are other things I'm might not be aware of that I should know

korom42 said:
I'm Z5 user looking to upgrade
Do you guys recommend this phone now considering other competitors
Ofc I'm a sony fan I like their desing, audio/display features, waterproofing ect..
But I'm concerned about the camera I've seen few camera comparisons especially this one it seems that Sony is still struggling with low light and still use same old pictures post processing without forget the weird dimensions distortions
Other alternatives I'm considering that I can get for about same XZ price tag in order
- Google Pixel (camera is DSLR level in my opinion/also better specs - not sure about the mic/audio issues though)
- LG G6 (better camera/specs)
- Galaxy S7
- Oneplus 3T(better specs)
Also another factor let's not forget that the XZs and XZP were already out, also XZ1 recently so at the best cases sony will still support XZ for next year/year and half
Also please let know if there are other things I'm might not be aware of that I should know
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I don't know about google pixel ,but the camera of xz i notice by myself is superior by the others. Lg g6 have worst camera than g5, in more moments is worst than midrange. But on wide angle cameras panoramas is good. Of course on wideangle distortion can became in some situation very visible (the distortion on sonyies are for wideangle lens but there are not that visible). But xz destroys g6 on camera...day and night photos. Galaxy s7 produces false photos. The photos on his amoled screen seems great but on reality have more defect. Too filters applied. Yellow and reddish photos .. For example a summer photo of a lake , became autumn photo of lake,thanks to samsung filters. On night photos is easy to shoot with this device but with some burned dettails. Xz on day destroys s7, on night depends . Xz produces more dettailed photos than s7. But s7 have ois and some photos on night are easier to shoot. One plus 3t have a mid range camera ....is a phone studied for modding expecially. Talking about xz i think is the most stable phone in my opinion ...probably op3t is on similar level. I reccomand xz expecially for stability and less problems. I have some friends with s7 and g6 and they have a lot of problems . For alternative to xz i reccomand op3t if you find one. Is the one with less problems like xz. Xz use great the snapdragon 820. 821 is the same processor with only better energy use. But sony,thanks to his great optimizzation, make tha 820 less battery drainer, like 821. Every month Sony release security patches there, before of most OEM. Device have very good performance and very good battery. Signal is great there, one of better phones to have best signal (i think better than your alternatieves). Modding is good there but not one of best(but it seems grow). Ram seems doesn't have any problems .Phone is rock stable and very fluid . Sony optimizzation is the best in my opinion. It doesn't have raw ...but post processing is very natural. Raw seems enable only on aosp roms. If you doesn't worry about modding, give a look on xzs. More ram,loops ui, xzp and xz1 camera with all great new features. But no modding. If you want, give me all questions about xz. I'm very happy with my xz.

Hi,
Also consider screen size.. the XZ is rather small compare to G6, OP3t.
Then it's also Amoled vs LCD but maybe more personal?
The only thing I'm not really happy with mine is battery life, was used to more for a Sony phone, you have to tinker around to get something acceptable. Also would have prefer an Amoled screen since I read a lot so once again better for battery
Personally I would pass on the G6, XDA thread seems empty and LG support bad..
Pixel camera would be the best I guess, but you loose waterproofing.
Then it's Sony over Samsung for me for the "media" experience, sound, ldac bT etc
Also camera is actually really good. Auto is OK+ but manual gives really good shot when you know what you do.

Sony need manual settings to take good pic in low light. XZ have the best display in the market now. Super bright red and clear white. Other colors are naturals and clear. Its no juicy like Amoled or washed like other TFTs. I had G5 with screen burn problem. It have too many phones G5 and V10 with this problem. I dont know for G6 but look at it. Pixel have no IP 68 and its no interesting for me.
One Plus - no thanks. So so tricky warranty service.
S7 is stupid. I feel it in hand like a soap. And Samy dont cover under warranty water damages. I have frend in official Samy service here in Bulgaria and he told me that IP 68 nevermind. Its nothing for Samy. Just commercials.

For me thats a 100% not recommended, looking at the alternatives you posted above; go for the pixel without hesitation. I've used both, the XZ is inferior in almost every aspect except for waterproofing.
Dont get me started on overheating and battery issues, i just came back from a hot area where the phone was almost unusable just because i was standing in the sun for a little bit; once the phone temperature hits 42, forget about being productive anymore, for me this disadvantage is bigger than all the advantages above (even if it had the best camera, screen, speakers etc...) since i cant actually use the phone.

Just get the forest blue XZ, and forget the others.
I running stock on mine, unmodified, September security patch and battery life is very excellent, no overheating.
And I have to agree Sony optimisation is exceptional, I run my phone once for 20 straight days without reboot or slow down, the phone was still smooth.

korom42 said:
Alright guys XZ it is thanks for everyone responded to me and shared his opinion/experience
For know please let me know if there are any known/common issues that maybe some units has to avoid especially since I am probably getting a "used XZ" :good:
For example I remember for Z5 many units had blurry left side in picture taken by rear camera, also screen bleeding, dead pixels ect..
I'm Z5 user looking to upgrade
Do you guys recommend this phone now considering other competitors
Ofc I'm a sony fan I like their desing, audio/display features, waterproofing ect..
But I'm concerned about the camera I've seen few camera comparisons especially this one it seems that Sony is still struggling with low light and still use same old pictures post processing without forget the weird dimensions distortions
Other alternatives I'm considering that I can get for about same XZ price tag in order
- Google Pixel (camera is DSLR level in my opinion/also better specs - not sure about the mic/audio issues though)
- LG G6 (better camera/specs)
- Galaxy S7
- Oneplus 3T(better specs)
Also another factor let's not forget that the XZs and XZP were already out, also XZ1 recently so at the best cases sony will still support XZ for next year/year and half
Also please let know if there are other things I'm might not be aware of that I should know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IF you're not chasing for glamour and high end phones these days..e.g. pixel phones, Lg g6, etc.. then XZ still worth to buy. ...Otherwise if you're looking forward for OnePlus, i suggest go for OP 5 instead of OP 3T. Imho
*OnePlus, Pixel phones=Dev enthusiasts+Custom ROMs friendly

does the XZ2 have the same camera? how is it better then?

ive seen camera specs both are 19 MP (f/2.0, 25mm, 1/2.3") so how come XZ2 has better quality?
ive seen a video comparison in low light, its not that the XZP is a lot worse or bad at all, but xz2 does seem to have a brighter video, more realistic with the light it captures through, plus when the guy zoomed in to the max the xz2 could maintain a lil more details, which is weird because both phones have the same camera...
Is sony planning on releasing a similar camera algorithms in the next update?
if not, is it possible to make our XZP camera look just as good as the XZ2? Since they both have the same camera.

madshark2009 said:
ive seen camera specs both are 19 MP (f/2.0, 25mm, 1/2.3") so how come XZ2 has better quality?
ive seen a video comparison in low light, its not that the XZP is a lot worse or bad at all, but xz2 does seem to have a brighter video, more realistic with the light it captures through, plus when the guy zoomed in to the max the xz2 could maintain a lil more details, which is weird because both phones have the same camera...
Is sony planning on releasing a similar camera algorithms in the next update?
if not, is it possible to make our XZP camera look just as good as the XZ2? Since they both have the same camera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The camera hardware is identical, the software isn't. Sony tuned the processing and algorythms a lot, the image quality difference in general is noticable, and in low light it's massive. Both still and video.
You can have the XZ2 camera app on the XZP, but you have to root it.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/xz-premium/themes/camera-app-xz2-2-1-0-31-t3770138
I doubt Sony will update the XZ lineup with the new camera software, at least not soon, because they need to sell the XZ2 lineup, and the camera is a great selling point, if not the only one, compared to now a lot cheaper and still brilliant XZ1/XZP. Maybe we see some improvements in 8.1 or Android P, but I highly doubt it.
I was always amazed how rarily a company such as Sony updates the actual camera app on their phones, you'd think it would be a major focus feature.
I understand that it's not only the actual .apk that's different, probably some drivers as well and what not, but if the main hardware (and most of the surrounding hardware) is the same or similar, it shouldn't be a difficult thing to upgrade older devices.
I've asked Sony about this,still no answer. In the same mail I also asked them how come there is no option to lower the framerate of the slowmo video down from the 960FPS so that you could take longer slowmo videos. 960FPS is really cool, but almost unusable, let's face it, unless you plan the shot for half a day and everything is just perfect and still you won't get it the first time arround.

Not only has the same camera, but I'm pretty sure that the idiots from qualcomm just renamed the CPU flag as snapdragon 845 and enabled 4k60fps in drivers, which Sd835 is very capabile of. Also has 400 MHz more speed, bleah!