XZP Camera distortion sadly also present with XZ1 Compact - fixed in 47.1.A.5.51

[mhaha]

UPDATE: Sony has announced a fix in a future firmware update, release ETA is end of November. See post in thread with links
UPDATE 2: Firmware version 47.1.A.5.51 has the fix! Note that you'll have to manually enable distortion correction in the camera app settings, it's disabled by default for some unknown reason.


Just replaced my Z5C today with a brand new XZ1 Compact. It's a mixed bag for sure, with some improvements and some steps backwards (no FM radio, double tap to sleep/wake...), but the worst thing I feared is the same camera distortion issue first reported by XZP users, and unfortunately it's bad news.
The XZ1C main camera takes distorted pictures as well. Boo!!!!!


FW ver: 47.1.A.2.324

 

[SXUsr]

The XZ1C main camera takes distorted pictures as well. Boo!!!!!

Have you taken the same picture with different settings to see if it gets any better and is the Album rendering time still an issue?

 

[Assimilator_X]

Really bad news as my z3c takes excellent pictures only problem with the camera i have is the stupid auto mode that i have to change every time when i started the camera, before i shoot a pic. Hope they disabled this presistent crap.

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[endlesstrail]

Really bad news as my z3c takes excellent pictures only problem with the camera i have is the stupid auto mode that i have to change every time when i started the camera, before i shoot a pic. Hope they disabled this presistent crap.
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I do know that if you launch the camera from the lock screen (by holding down the physical shutter button), it defaults to Auto mode. If you launch the camera app manually after you've unlocked the phone, it defaults to your last used setting.

Yes, it's annoying. That said, I've read a review somewhere that claims the auto mode has improved a lot since then.

 

[mhaha]

Have you taken the same picture with different settings to see if it gets any better and is the Album rendering time still an issue?

Yeah, the same distortion using the manual camera.

And yes, the Album still takes an awful long time to render a sharp image. I thought it would be solved with the newer chip and UFS storage, but I guess not.
I also wasn't able to find Photo Analyzer to disable in the system apps, which some say were causing delays in earlier models.
If it makes any difference, I've disabled Movie Creator.

 

[4rz0]

Can you take a photo from a checkerboard grid from straight above to analyze how bad the distortion really is?

 

[profyler]

Thats no surprise. All imx400 sensor from Sony has this lense issue. There won't be a fix. Sony already told there is no problem. Take your money back or accept it. Good luck to us all lol

 

[charliebigpot]

I've read several reviews and the distortion is not mentioned anywhere. It's this affecting all phones or is it just that some have the issue and others don't?

 

[Assimilator_X]

Probably all phones affected that fitted with the 19mp sensors i am working in the phone repair industry we had same years ago with htc m7 and m8 models but after a while htc declared a camera recall and we replaced them in warranty. Doubt it will happen with sony xz, xz1, xz1c too many units involved and cost to high. Finally we got another compact flagship that "faulty by design".

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[profyler]

I've read several reviews and the distortion is not mentioned anywhere. It's this affecting all phones or is it just that some have the issue and others don't?

its mostly visible in close up photos and straight lines. Thats why you dont see it in reviews because they dont take photos of straight buildings all the time even thou you can see the distortion is the fotos from serveral reviews.

 

[mariosx]

Just replaced my Z5C today with a brand new XZ1 Compact. It's a mixed bag for sure, with some improvements and some steps backwards (no FM radio, double tap to sleep/wake...), but the worst thing I feared is the same camera distortion issue first reported by XZP users, and unfortunately it's bad news.
The XZ1C main camera takes distorted pictures as well. Boo!!!!!
View attachment 4285132

FW ver: 47.1.A.2.324

That's bad news.. Can't it be easily fixed with snapseed or the default photo editor?

Also, if you're kind enough, I would like to find out if we can FINALLY take raw photos with the XZ1 compact. Could you try with a 3rd party app and let us know?

That's the reason I left sony after Z3 compact, and I would love to return but this is holding me back

 

[mhaha]

Can you take a photo from a checkerboard grid from straight above to analyze how bad the distortion really is?

Sorry, don't have such a thing lying around the house. I picked the closest thing I have to a checkerboard-like item - my keyboard.

That's bad news.. Can't it be easily fixed with snapseed or the default photo editor?

Also, if you're kind enough, I would like to find out if we can FINALLY take raw photos with the XZ1 compact. Could you try with a 3rd party app and let us know?

That's the reason I left sony after Z3 compact, and I would love to return but this is holding me back

Re: RAW support: that's a big negative.

Besides, if they supported it, I'll bet they'd emphasize it their marketing.

Don't think the distortion is something that can be easily fixed post editing, the photo is already "damaged". Sony needs to fix the algorithm at the source.

 

[mariosx]

Sorry, don't have such a thing lying around the house. I picked the closest thing I have to a checkerboard-like item - my keyboard.


Re: RAW support: that's a big negative.
View attachment 4286120
Besides, if they supported it, I'll bet they'd emphasize it their marketing.

Don't think the distortion is something that can be easily fixed post editing, the photo is already "damaged". Sony needs to fix the algorithm at the source.

Many MANY thanks, and what a shame... I guess I'm stuck with the SE until .... well... forever

 

[Assimilator_X]

Well i might just sell mine after all. Yes they are happy with our preorder and im exchange we getting broken devices. Great.

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[lasersocks]

can you post more examples?

 

[Assimilator_X]

https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Xper...-serious-distortion-issue/td-p/1232765/page/2

check this tread guys really is a joke and we paying for the crap camera? I should get my XZ1C tomorrow and throw it back to the shop and cancel the contract immediately if is turns out the same. I still using my older Z3C no camera issues no distorted pics, ok low light is different cake. But really if is that bad i rather keep my z3c instead of a again faulty flagship unit. Unfortunately nobody else manufacturing small form factor devices like the sony compact line with 4.6" display. Will see tomorrow might just getting a new or a second hand z5c after all.

 

[mhaha]

might just getting a new or a second hand z5c after all.

As a previous owner of Z1C > Z3C > Z5C, I strongly advise against that idea. If your Z3C is functional, DO NOT exchange it for a Z5C, it's a worse phone overall due to the horrid Snapdragon 810 chip that plagues all flagship phones of that era.
You will lose the great battery life you're enjoying with the Z3C, and encounter slowdowns and lags all over the place due to the throttling. Even when throttled, the phone still gets crazy hot.
Not worth it.

 

[Assimilator_X]

Thanks for the info mhaha. Yes my z3c still works and looks prestine. Battery lasts 3 days on normal usage no facebook or other social media app installed also rooted with locked bl.

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[Oblox]

So how noticable/bad is this issue? If i'm primarily taking shots of the family will this be badly noticeable? Is it easily fixed in editors on the phone?

The specs of the XZ1 compact are perfect for me but the camera is a big issue if its truly bad. I'm due to go and upgrade tomorrow so need to know really or if its a case of try it and then return in the 14 days if its bad.

 

[Assimilator_X]

I will have mine today is already in store but i need to collect it. I will xheck it oob before i sign anything.

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