Tips for using the camera on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus smartphone. Samsung GALAXY S8: how to turn photography into endless fun Samsung S8 camera blurs the background
The ability to take photographs in portrait mode today is provided by almost all flagship-level smartphones and many mid-segment devices. The peculiarity of such photographs is that the image of the object in the foreground (usually a person’s face) is as clear and bright as possible, while the background remains blurred. This photography technique is called " shooting with bokeh effect" and quickly gained popularity among users.
It is worth noting that the first to implement the ability to shoot in portrait mode for a smartphone were specialists from Cupertino, and the first device that allows you to take pictures with the Bokeh effect was iPhone 7 Plus, equipped with a dual main camera and running iOS 10.1. The new technology that came along with the platform update was based on the fact that one of the sensors focused on the subject and was responsible for the quality of its image, and the second dealt exclusively with the background, creating that very “blur”, in contrast with which the object looks brightest and clearest. There was also a drawback: shooting in portrait mode required good lighting. Over time, this issue was resolved - partly due to the hardware, partly thanks to the creation of special problem-oriented software.
We must pay tribute to the developers of Android smartphones and the creators of applications for this operating system. Models and P9 with a dual main camera appeared simultaneously with the iPhone 7 Plus, and getting the ability to shoot in portrait mode was a matter of honor. The problem was solved in the shortest possible time; owners of devices with a single camera remained aloof from the innovation. But it’s not for nothing that Android OS is called the most dynamically developing system. The first Android smartphones without a dual camera, but with the ability to take portraits, were Google phones. To obtain the Bokeh effect, special image processing software was created using artificial intelligence. Thanks to it, portrait photography can be done even with a front-facing shooter.
Is it possible to activate portrait mode on other Android smartphones? It turns out that it is possible. Today, many developers are trying to implement Pixel 2 features on older Pixel and Nexus models. Modified application Google Camera available for most devices, and one of its latest updates finally brought the ability to shoot in portrait mode - Portrait. Interestingly, it even works on some devices other than Google phones, if they have the OS version installed.
The modified GCam application brought HDR+ technology on a number of Android smartphones and raised image quality to a new level. The photos come out better than when using a stock camera app, which is good news for users who are used to getting the most out of their gadgets. If you want to activate portrait mode on your Android device, all you need to do is install the updated version of the app.
So you don't have a Pixel or Nexus device, but you want to try Portrait mode and other features of the redesigned Google Camera app. You can do this thanks to a 4PDA forum user with the nickname B-S-G. He managed to modify the Google Camera app and make it work with non-Pixel Android smartphones. Currently, the modified application works on models such as Xiaomi Mi 5s, Redmi Note 4, OnePlus 3/3T, Moto G5s Plus, OnePlus 5 and many others. Portrait mode Works also on several 64-bit Android phones that support Camera2 API. To activate it, just set the switch “ Portrait mode on all models" to the "On" position. Of course, in some cases some errors may appear, and sometimes the program may crash, but overall the results are very encouraging.
During the testing process, a number of comparative tests were carried out in various conditions and modes.
What's the difference between the Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 Plus cameras?
iPhone 7 Plus has a dual main camera with a wide-angle (ƒ/1.8 aperture) and a telephoto lens (ƒ/2.8 aperture). This solution allows you to receive and also use 10x digital zoom. Both cameras have a 12-megapixel sensor. A 7-megapixel sensor (ƒ/2.2 aperture) is responsible for taking selfies (front camera).
The Samsung Galaxy S8 has a 12-megapixel main camera (ƒ/1.7 aperture) and an 8 MP front camera (ƒ/1.7 aperture).
The main camera housing of the Samsung Galaxy S8 does not protrude beyond the rear panel of the smartphone, like the iPhone.
Taking photos with Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 Plus cameras
Color rendition
When it comes to taking photos, both flagships show excellent quality of mobile photography, and the final result largely depends on the scene and the software settings of the camera.
In most cases, the image of the Galaxy S8 is more contrasty, bright and saturated, while the 7 Plus is softened, true to reality and natural.
The HDR mode is definitely better on the Galaxy S8. For those unaware, a smartphone with HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology takes multiple photos at different exposures and then combines the best features of the two photos to create a single image.
In most cases, in the test, the iPhone's picture turned out to be too dark, while the Samsung flagship's photos turned out to be lighter and more contrasty.
Zoom and portrait photography
But in portrait photography, the iPhone 7 Plus is the leader. Thanks to the second camera with a telephoto lens, there is a 2x optical zoom, which will allow you to zoom in on the image without loss of quality, while the Galaxy S8 only has digital zoom. Also, thanks to the dual camera, the iPhone has the ability to capture images with the “Bokeh” effect (a clear figure remains in focus, and the background becomes blurred, just like in DSLR cameras). However, here you need to get the hang of it: the exposure does not always allow you to achieve the desired effect, the edges are not always clear, and the light and distance must be maintained. Also, do not forget that the “Portrait” mode is a software feature of iOS.
Taking photos in motion
When the subject moves intensely, both cameras capture excellent images. Of course, flaws may appear in both representatives, and here a lot depends on the time you press the “shutter”.
Photos in low light conditions
In low-light conditions, the iPhone 7 Plus lags behind the South Korean flagship “thanks” to more noise.
Photo on the front camera
The front camera of the Galaxy S8 is slightly blurry and overly softens the image when taking a selfie. But the main advantage of the “galaxy” is a wider viewing angle of the lens, which allows you to capture more space with a minimum distance from the smartphone.
But in low light conditions, selfies from the Galaxy S8 turned out to be brighter and more detailed. But don’t forget that in the iPhone 7 Plus the display can act as a flash, so this nuance is partially compensated.
Shooting video with the main camera of Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 Plus
Color rendition
In practice, when shooting video, the picture in the Galaxy S8 turned out to have more contrast, although less clear (slightly blurred), but this moment very much depends on the available exposure and lighting. The Galaxy lens has a slightly larger viewing angle for the main camera.
In turn, the seven with the Plus prefix suffers from gray tones and dark areas. Despite this, color rendition when recording video on the 7 Plus is more pleasant, although not always realistic.
Optical stabilization
The image stabilization of the Galaxy S8 works in a slightly better way than in the top-end “seven”. In low light conditions, detail is better on the flagship of the South Korean giant. In good lighting, you won't notice much of a difference.
Autofocus speed
In terms of autofocus during dynamic zoom and zoom, the iPhone definitely wins. The S8's autofocusing process is slower. But when an object suddenly appears in the frame (for example, on the right or left side of the smartphone), the opposite is true - the Samsung Galaxy S8 copes with this task faster.
Shooting video in low light conditions
In low light conditions, the image is more detailed in the S8. There is also slightly less noise in the Samsung, and a larger number of minimally illuminated objects are included in the image. But in dynamic scenes, autofocus works better on the iPhone 7 Plus.
Underwater photography
Underwater shooting in poor conditions with muddy water without various accessories showed that the Samsung camera copes with this task better. Images are clearer and sharper.
In good lighting conditions and clear water, the image is equally good for both flagships.
Slow Motion Mode
Slow Motion mode is also good on both smartphones.
Macro photography
When shooting macro, the 7 Plus can focus closer to the subject.
Front camera video
If when comparing the main camera of two flagships, not everything is so clear and the result largely depends on the scene, then with the front camera everything is much more obvious. iPhone 7 Plus records richer, brighter images. The downside is a large number of dark areas. The iPhone focuses at a shorter distance, but the autofocus speed itself is higher in the Galaxy S8.
Bottom line
The cameras in both smartphones are really good. Every year, manufacturers take small steps to bring the resulting quality of mobile images to a new level. In terms of video shooting, it’s difficult to single out any of the flagships and you obviously won’t notice any obvious differences.
But when it comes to photos, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is clearly the leader. The images are of higher quality. The camera in the Galaxy works faster. There is access to RAW out of the box, while the iPhone only has access to . The front camera has higher resolution and slightly better stabilization and the ability to shoot in low light.
So, if we discard the features with portrait photography with the dual camera of the iPhone 7 Plus, then we give preference in taking photos to the Galaxy S8. Let's hope that in September Apple will rehabilitate itself and demonstrate a new technology milestone, but that will be a completely different story.
Photography doesn't have to be Instagram-worthy art. Photography is for fun, to make every moment bright. At least, this is exactly the case with the new Samsung GALAXY S8.
The model was presented in March of this year, and since April you can compare Ukrainian prices for this Samsung phone in the Price.ua catalog. In terms of camera, it is the best on the market, so it makes sense to choose only the price.
If you're looking for the best camera phone, this is it!
Cool night shots
You take most of your photos during daylight hours. Not because when the sun goes down, interesting events stop happening in your life, but because most cameras on smartphones are not able to take normal pictures even indoors, let alone on a dark street. Most, but not this Samsung phone.
GALAXY S8 has the best camera on the market. Main and front too. The selfie camera is 8 MP with f/1.7 aperture and autofocus, the rear one is 12 MP, also with f/1.7 and the ability to record video in 4K resolution. In other words, no matter what and when you want to shoot, no matter what camera you decide to use for this, this Samsung phone will capture every moment exactly as you see it.
Take it off, quickly!
This Samsung phone is equipped not just with a fast camera, but with an instant one: it starts up, focuses and takes a photo in the blink of an eye - so you are unlikely to ever say again: “Oh, I missed that shot!” Plus, in the GALAXY S8 camera settings you can set instant video recording in high resolution. Start recording a video immediately, and then select the best shots from it without losing the quality of the images.
It's like a DSLR
The Samsung GALAXY S8 camera has advanced manual frame settings, that is, you can and should shoot on this Samsung phone using the MANUAL settings mode.
Changing the shutter speed, exposure, and white balance can make a difference from any mediocre photo. The settings menu interface, moreover, is designed so well that it will be easy even for a user far from photography to figure out what settings are needed to change the effect.
Focus on what's important
This Samsung phone is equipped with selective autofocus, which means you can take the same shot with different focal objects. Use this tool to make a selection of photos, play with meaning and place the right accents. Beautifully blurred foreground or background or a clear photo across the entire area of the frame - you choose!
Food, filters and social networks
We all know that no one can resist taking pictures of food. Even those who say that this is the last century and complete nonsense. Moreover, on this Samsung phone in a separate Food mode, the pictures come out even tastier than in reality.
By the way, for other shooting you can select filters even before the shot is taken.
The phone's camera can also take square pictures (1440x1440 pixels). Yes, we know, non-square photos have been posted on Instagram for a long time, but 1:1 photos make great collages and experimenting with them is even more fun than with standard 16:9 photos. Try it yourself!
In recent years, smartphones have performed well in terms of photography. Previously, the South Korean manufacturer provided too much unnecessary functionality, but recently the pre-installed Camera app provides interesting, convenient and useful options. This year's flagships are equipped with a high-quality camera, which in the right hands can work wonders.
New camera app
Application Camera on Galaxy S8 Not much has changed compared to previous devices, but it has still been updated to make it easier to use. The new layout puts the camera's most sought-after features front and center. For example, you can now zoom when taking photos by simply moving the shutter button from left to right. Thus, with one finger you can both take pictures and change the size of the image.
What Each Camera Mode Can Do
Swiping to the right in the camera interface allows you to open different shooting modes. Among them are available following:
Bixby Assistant in the Camera app
Along with these smartphones, Samsung introduced a new digital assistant called Bixby, which is not quite ready for use yet. However, it is with the camera that the assistant already works; we are talking about a function called Bixby Vision.
You need to press the Bixby button on the case. Point the camera at an object or landscape and the assistant will display related images and links to purchase the specified items. Bixby Vision works with a variety of items, including cosmetics with stickers and electronics from famous brands. Sometimes the assistant gets things mixed up.
Bixby is included in the camera app, motivating users to use it frequently, just as a physical button on the body motivates users to make frequent voice requests. If you find its work useful for comparing what you see in stores with your own eyes with what you can find on the Internet, you can activate the “Quick Launch” option in the camera settings.
Using focus manually
Do you want to master the bokeh effect on ? Open manual settings by swiping left next to the camera shutter button and select Pro shooting mode. Here, click on the “Manual Focus” option and move the cursor until you achieve the desired effect. You will see green lines in the viewfinder that indicate what the camera is focusing on. After this you can take photos.
Activating Quick Launch
By default, Fast Startup is enabled initially. You need to quickly press the power button on the right side of the case twice to launch the camera application. You can use this option even when the screen is off. If you accidentally disabled this feature, you can return it in the camera settings.
Galaxy S8 smartphones have larger screens compared to the previous generation devices, so reaching the farthest edges is not easy. For this reason, the shutter button floating on the screen increases the convenience of photography. You can enable it in the camera settings; it is located two lines below the camera quick launch. When enabled, the camera interface will show a floating button that can be placed anywhere in the Camera app.
Shooting video before taking photos
In the camera app settings, turn on Motion photo to record a short video before taking a photo.Quickly switch between cameras
The button for switching between cameras is located at the top of the application interface. You can also switch with a simple upward gesture in the viewfinder, which is convenient to do with one hand.
Use photo filters
At the bottom of the camera interface, where the shutter button is, swipe left to open effects. You can also get here from the “Face Masks” menu. There are many different filters available here, some suitable for landscape photos, others for selfies.Face smoothing
The front camera resolution of the Galaxy S8 is 8 megapixels, which is quite a lot. The aperture is f/1.7, there is autofocus, so you can safely use this camera to photograph yourself and your friends. If you're not completely confident in your beauty, you can use the beautification modes built into the camera app to hide imperfections. Click on the icon that looks like a person with long hair to reveal different beautification options, like smoothing the skin, adding artificial lighting, or brightening the eyes.
Wide-angle selfies
To take wide-angle photos with the front camera, you need to swipe right on the area next to the shutter in front camera mode, just like opening the filter on the rear camera. Wide-angle selfie mode is similar to panoramic shooting in the rear camera, you need to swipe the viewfinder from left to right to take a photo.Use face masks
Samsung has built a feature into the Galaxy S8's camera called Face Masks; It's not the same as Snapchat filters, although it works almost identically. You can use them in the front camera on yourself or in the back camera with other people. Unfortunately, they cannot be used in conjunction with other effects; only one filter can be applied at a time.The new camera in the Galaxy S9 is extremely effective, and the Galaxy S9+ with its dedicated telephoto lens is a step up. But tools are only part of good photography.
Apart from these, your knowledge and practice of how to best use these tools is also important.
That's why we want to help you take better photos with your Galaxy S9 or S9+, starting with the most basic camera settings and moving on to more advanced features. Using the following tips, you can achieve much better quality in your photos.
Clean the camera lens
Samsung listened to its consumers and moved its fingerprint scanner under the camera. But even with this arrangement, the scanner is still quite close to the lens. This means that you can dirty the camera using the fingerprint scanner. And this does not even take into account other dust that gets on the lens during daily use of the smartphone.
The easiest thing you can do to improve your photography is to simply clean your lens. By the way, this applies to any phone with a camera. You don't have to carry a microfiber cloth with you - just wipe the lens a little with the edge of your shirt or pants pocket. Still, it will be better than leaving it like you spread it on a sandwich.
Set up shooting modes
The new Samsung camera interface, introduced with Android Oreo, has a smart mechanism for switching between different shooting modes, including: Auto, Pro, Super slow-mo and much more.
The advantage of the interface is that you can customize the order and placement of these modes. Frequently used ones can be moved closest to “Auto”, and the rest can be moved further away or completely disabled. To do this, go to your camera settings and find “Edit camera modes.”
Note: You can set the modes for the main and front cameras independently of each other.
By clicking on the checkboxes in the settings, you can completely disable individual modes. You might not want to see Food or AR Emoji modes because you never use them - so why would you need them? The only mode you cannot remove is Auto.
Additionally, you can use the arrows to drag shooting modes and choose their order. Please note that Auto is the default mode that starts when you turn on the camera. Therefore, place the remaining modes to the left and right of it.
Turn on viewfinder grid lines
Every time someone asks for a tip on how to improve their smartphone photos, I tell them to turn on the viewfinder grid lines. They'll help you level up your horizon to get the perfect perspective in your photo (not just sunset photos). They will also help you relate the scene correctly so that it looks great.
By having a simple grid on your viewfinder, you can get the subject of the shot in the right place and position it so that the rest of the frame complements it.
To enable the viewfinder grid on the Galaxy S9, go into the camera settings and scroll down to find "grid lines". The best option is a 3x3 grid, but Samsung also has a somewhat unusual "Square" option that simply frames a square in the center of the viewfinder to help with moderate scenes.
Focusing when shooting at f/1.5
The camera's physically adjustable aperture is an engineering marvel, and it allows the Galaxy S9 to take great low-light photos at f/1.5, allowing more light to reach the sensor.
In fact, the camera uses f/1.5 more often than you might think, as Samsung has set a threshold for switching to f/1.5 in any light lower than bright sunlight outside.
The disadvantage of shooting at a wide aperture is that the depth of field is very shallow. Sometimes, if you're taking a macro photo or even a portrait, the camera may focus on the wrong thing and make your subject blurry and out of focus. Therefore, when shooting, try to set the focus of your camera more accurately.
The most effective way is to simply touch the part of the scene where you want the camera to focus. This is extremely important in macro photography, where different focus can make a big difference in the appearance of the photo. If you are not too close to the subject, the camera will focus on the point you click.
Zoom using the shutter button
One of the smartest elements of Samsung's camera interface is one that you probably wouldn't know about until you stumble upon it: you can slide the shutter button back and forth to zoom in and out. This feature is not very clearly marked by two dots on either side of the shutter button.
When you hold your smartphone horizontally, simply slide the shutter button up (zoom in) or down (zoom out) until you capture the desired frame between 1X and 10X zoom.
In portrait mode, slide the button to the right (zoom in) or left (zoom out). The Galaxy S9+ automatically switches to the secondary camera (lighting permitting) when zoomed in beyond 2X.
Once you get used to it, you won't want to zoom the camera any other way. This is especially convenient when using the camera one-handed because you don't have to use on-screen gestures or the volume key to zoom.
Galaxy S9 offers slow-motion video effect at ultra-high frame rates. Even though Samsung makes this mode quite easy, there are a few things to keep in mind when using it:
- Light is the most important factor. When you shoot video at almost 1000 fps, you significantly reduce the amount of light entering the camera sensor. To get great 960fps video, you should shoot outside or in a very well-lit room. Don't be surprised if you see grainy and blurry slow-mo video when shooting in mediocre lighting.
- Auto mode is usually best. The camera allows you to go into manual capture mode, where you can choose where to slow down the video. But since the capture window is only 0.2 seconds, it is very difficult to get right. Using the “Auto” mode allows the smartphone to determine when the video is captured.
- Choose multi-take or single-take. In the camera settings, you can toggle between the ability to make one or more super slow-mo captures in one video. Single-take is the easiest way to manage and edit, but multi-take is useful if you don't want to start a new recording for each time-lapse clip.
- Edit the clip after capture. Even with automatic capture mode, your slow-motion video may not turn out the way you want. But that's okay because you can edit it. Just open your video clip in Gallery and there you can trim the video and control the slow motion mode. You can also disable the auto-generate music feature for clips.
- Don't be afraid of drops up to 240 frames per second. 960 frames per second sounds fantastic, but there are limitations. For example, the need for a lot of light and the video resolution is only 720p. If you don't need the super slow motion effect, you can use the regular slow motion mode, capturing video at 240 frames per second, which is still very smooth. Plus, it will allow you to record for much longer at a higher resolution.
Press and hold the record button to preview the video
This is another hidden feature that you are unlikely to know about unless someone tells you. Aside from slow motion playback, the Galaxy S9's camera doesn't have a dedicated "video" mode - the video recording button is simply located in the main interface next to the shutter button.
The problem is that photos have an aspect ratio of 4:3, and videos have an aspect ratio of 16:9. So when you press the record button, the interface switches, changing your view of the scene.
To eliminate the need to edit the first few seconds of each video, press and hold the video record button before you want to start filming. The interface will switch to "video" mode and show you what you're actually about to film. When you release the button, recording will begin.
It seems like a small thing, but it can save you from wasting time editing your videos.
Use these tips and take great photos with your Samsung Galaxy S9!