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Samsung Galaxy S9+ tops Google Pixel 2’s camera score on DxOMark w/ record 99

The cameras on our mobile devices just keep getting better and better, to the point where for most people, dedicated cameras have nearly become obsolete. With the debut of its new Galaxy S9, Samsung is hyping up the camera over all else. Is it really going to live up to the hype? If early tests prove true, it will indeed, as a recent test has just given Samsung the crown over Google’s Pixel 2…


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Some Google Pixel owners are reporting bizarre camera app freezing issues

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One of the best features of the Google Pixel, by a long shot, is the fantastic rear camera. The 12.3MP sensor is capable of taking some breathtaking pictures and some incredible video, however, it’s not perfect. We’ve already seen that the Pixel has some lens flare issues under certain lighting conditions, but now, some users are reporting some strange issues with the camera app.


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Huawei implies that a photo from a $4,500 DSLR was taken by its P9 smartphone [Update: Huawei responds]

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Update: Shortly after publishing this article Huawei provided us with this statement:

It has recently been highlighted that an image posted to our social channels was not shot on the Huawei P9. The photo, which was professionally taken while filming a Huawei P9  advert, was shared to inspire our community. We recognise though that we should have been clearer with the captions for this image. It was never our intention to mislead. We apologise for this and we have removed the image.


The cameras on our smartphones just continue to get better and better with improved sensors, powerful software, and impressive low light capability. But there are certain things they just can’t do.

With its P9, Huawei implemented an advanced dual-camera system to improve quality of the shots you take, and while they can be certainly impressive, as noted in our full review, Huawei’s marketing department might think just a bit too highly of this camera…


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Here are the first photo samples shot on the upcoming OnePlus 3

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OnePlus is set to announce the OnePlus 3 next week, and ahead of the launch we already know a lot about the device. As for its key specs, the phone will reportedly have a 5.5-inch 1080p display, Snapdragon 820, and up to 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM. And as for the camera situation, the OnePlus 3 will pack a 16MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera.

It’s looking pretty good, and now the company’s CEO has shared the first shots from the upcoming device (Weibo via Phandroid).


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You can win a free HTC 10 just by sending HTC your selfie

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The new HTC 10 is definitely one of the better releases in the company’s history. However at $699 and up retail price, not everyone can clear the space in their budget to get the sharp-bezeled unibody wonderphone. To that end, HTC is currently giving a few users the chance to win a free unit and the rules are simple. Snap a selfie (it probably won’t hurt if you use one of HTC’s previous models like the A10 below), send it over, you’re entered to win a free HTC 10…


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Sony’s new Xperia X apparently suffers from overheating issues while video recording

Sony’s camera sensors are some of the best available today, but several of their devices have suffered when recording video. In a recent video, YouTube user Damir Franc showed in real-time (via Xperia Blog) how quickly the Xperia X would shut down the camera due to heat even when shooting nothing more than 1080p.


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Motorola’s new ‘Moto Camera’ app just hit the Play Store, only for 2016 devices

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Motorola’s phones haven’t always had the best camera sensors, but on top of that their default camera app has long been just downright horrible. With the company’s new 2016 devices, including the already announced and released Moto G4 family, they’ve finally given us a brand new camera app and it’s just hit Google Play…


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Samsung’s Galaxy S7 camera is awesome [Gallery]

We all know that the Galaxy S7 is a capable smartphone. A pretty awesome one, in fact; so much so that we have even suggested that it may represent the very end of the “Smartphone 1.0” era.

It nails almost everything one would want their most used pocket-computer to have: a stunning design, a gorgeous display, fantastic battery life, surprisingly solid software, a few other features here and there, and most of: all a jaw-dropping camera…


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Future Samsung smartphones may have huge 24MP 1/1.7 camera sensors

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With the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, Samsung created one of the best Android smartphone cameras we’ve used. At least, if you ignore the likes of the Panasonic CM-1 which is more a camera powered by Android than a smartphone. Low-light performance is great, and images come out sharp and full of color. But, if a recent rumor is anything to go by, its future smartphones will make the S7 look like a cheapy disposable camera by comparison.


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The HTC 10 sits atop DxOMark’s camera ranking alongside the Galaxy S7 edge

HTC may have been given props over the past few years for things such as design, display and audio quality as well as the generally smooth performances of its high-end devices, but the company has often struggled trying to deliver a compelling camera experience.

While our very own review of the just announced 10 is in the making, the camera experts over at DxOMark have already put the 12MP shooter through its paces, and the results seem nothing short of excellent…


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Samsung’s Gear 360 is a consumer-friendly 360-degree camera, coming in Q2

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Samsung’s Gear 360 video camera leaked a few weeks ago, and today it’s official. Until now the idea of owning a camera that can capture video and images in a VR-compatible 360-degree format may have been a foreign concept to most, but Samsung is really taking a stab at bringing VR content to the mainstream with this offering….


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Panasonic reveals Android-powered CM10 camera, expensive phone-free version of CM1

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Earlier this year, we checked out the Panasonic CM1. In short, it’s either an Android powered compact camera that can make phone calls, or a basic Android smartphone with an incredible camera. Either way, we were impressed by its image capture capabilities. Although it’s clearly a niche product, Panasonic has decided to follow it up with the CM10; a device that’s identical to the CM1 in all ways but one…


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Get Canary’s all-in-one home security system + air quality/temperature sensor for $179 (Reg. $200)

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This is one of the best deals yet on our favorite all-in-one home security system and air quality detector.

Just in time for the holidays, get $20 off Canary. That brings the price down to $179 from the regular $199. Better yet, you can save a total of $50 off regular price when purchasing the Canary Two-Pack.

This Wi-Fi, smartphone connected security system does a whole lot more than the webcam style security cameras gaining popularity recently, and it does it all with gorgeous industrial design and slick companion apps for Android and other mobile devices…
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Moto DROID Turbo 2 has surprisingly good camera according to DxOMark

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Yesterday, during the announcement, Motorola claimed its new DROID Turbo 2 has a fantastic camera. While we’re skeptical to take the manufacturer’s own word for it, DxOMark seemingly agrees. Having put the Turbo 2’s snapper through its paces, DxO awarded it with 84 points, putting it in joint third position with the Nexus 6P. In short: Motorola finally made a good camera.

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Breaking it down, the Turbo 2’s still photos were similar to those on the LG G4, Xperia Z3+ and Galaxy Note 4, but its videos were surpassed only by the Xperia Z5. DxO notes that its images in good light are fantastic. Its autofocusing is exemplary, as is its exposure, contrast and color control. In lower light conditions, its performance drops a little (as you’d expect) and, while white balance is generally good, it does apparently have the tendency to make whites look a little pink at times.

It’s a similar story with video too. It’s great all-round when shooting in good light. It tracks objects and focuses well. But in lower light, it struggles with autofocus and noise a little. On the plus side, it’s good at adapting when light levels and scenes suddenly change.

All in all, it seems we may finally have Motorola phones on the market which don’t force you to compromise on the camera to gain the rest of its selling points. It may not be the best camera on the market, but it’s nothing like as bad as previous generations.

You can now buy the waterproof HTC RE camera for just $50 shipped (Reg. $200)

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HTC’s RE camera hasn’t exactly been the blowout hit, and at least a few times over the last several months we’ve seen it as low as $100 brand-new. Now, you can buy the HTC RE from the company’s website for just $50 shipped, which is $150 less than its regular $200 retail price and the lowest price we’ve seen.

The HTC RE, importantly, has a waterproof build — which makes it the obvious choice for water sports and outdoors filming. The camera also sports a 146° wide angle lens, and a 16-megapixel, 1/2.3″ Sony CMOS sensor. It has just one button, made for when you’re out with friends and just want to quickly capture a moment.

HTC’s website is currently offering the device in four colors: silver, orange, blue, and green. The device is compatible with both iPhone and Android platforms, and also brings the RE Live Stream feature, which lets you stream up to 30-minutes of footage directly from the device to YouTube. It’s nearing impulse buy at this price.

Buy the RE camera | HTC United States 2015-10-27 08-52-32

Galaxy Note 5 vs iPhone 6s Plus: Camera comparison [Video]

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Today we’re getting into the ultimate camera battle between Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 and Apple’s iPhone 6s Plus. These are without a doubt packing the best camera sensors in mobile right now, but which one will take the throne as 2015’s best smartphone camera? We’ll be taking a look at pictures and video from both devices to find out…


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You can ‘double twist’ to activate the Camera app on the Nexus 5X and 6P

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Update: Never mind. Qualcomm says that this is no longer a thing. It looks like the software on the phones being demoed at the India launch event are running old software.

Both the Nexus 5X and 6P are getting some special camera features thanks to improved hardware, and now we’ve learned about one more. Thanks to the device’s launch in India (and one hands-on video in particular), we’re getting another look at the device’s Settings app, and within there’s something interesting: Nexus 6P (and the Nexus 5X) will support “Double twist for camera”…
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Intelligent Active image stabilization on the Xperia Z5 is insanely good [Video]

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Intelligent Active mode has been a feature of Sony’s Xperia line for years now, but it looks like the Japanese company is just continually making improvements. Surely benefitting from the rest of the Xperia Z5’s camera enhancements, the below videos demonstrate just how good Sony’s SteadyShot with Intelligent Active mode is…
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Nexus Camera app adds support for slo-mo videos, new Smart Burst feature, more

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Google made the cameras on both of its new Nexus devices this year a main selling point. Both the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X feature 12.3 megapixel sensors with dual LED flash and an f/2.0 lens. The front facing cameras are also both 8 megapixels with HDR+ support. To go along with today’s new hardware, Google has announced changes to its Camera app, as well.


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9to5Toys Lunch Break: Amazon Prime $67, 64 GB Nexus 6 $370, Lytro 16GB Digital Camera $80, more

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: TwitterRSS FeedFacebookGoogle+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

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Today only! Amazon slashes Prime memberships down to just $67

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Motorola Nexus 6 Unlocked 64 GB: $370 shipped (Orig. $650) | Expansys

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First Generation Lytro 16GB Digital Camera $80 (Orig. $199)

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Daily Deals: Logitech Harmony Smart Control + Remote (Refurb) $65, Pebble Steel Smartwatch $100, more

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Samsung Galaxy S6 smartphone 32GB (unlocked): $430 shipped (Reg. $800) | eBay

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GoPro HERO4 Session + $40 Amazon Gift Card: $299 ($440 value)

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LAST CHANCE! Giveaway: This is Ground’s Mod Laptop 2 is a road warrior’s dream bag, up to $499 value

More new gear from today:

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Samsung 850 EVO 2TB 2.5-inch Internal Solid-State Drive: $675 shipped (Reg. $745+)

  • Games/Apps: Xbox One Halo 5 Wireless Controller pre-order $60, Star Wars Battlefront pre-order w/ $25 GC, more
  • City Sports extra 20% off: Nike Pro Dri-Fit Hoodie $36 (Orig. $90), Under Armour & Adidas Jackets, more

More deals still alive:

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LG G4 brand new smartphone 32GB (unlocked): $400 shipped (Reg. $800) | eBay

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Brand new Google Nexus Player by ASUS: $50 shipped (Reg. $100) | Best Buy

New products & more:

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Kwikset drops the extras on its new internet-connected deadbolt lock to hit a lower price point

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Apple’s new Beats Active Collection brings sporty colors to familiar headphones

GoPro app for Android gets smart editing feature to create & share clips

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The official GoPro app for Android gets an update today which brings a new smart editing feature to let users create and share clips instantly from within the app. Previously users resorted to third-party apps for similar functionality with GoPro camera hardware.

The new feature will let users instantly create edited versions of their videos that come in at 5, 15, or 30 seconds. You’ll be able to drag the timeline to select what 5, 15, or 30 second portion of your video you want to isolate. Once you’ve selected your clip, you’ll be able to instantly share to Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other social sharing options available in the app.

The updated app, version 2.9, also receives an “improved camera software update process” and a number of bug fixes and other improvements.

You can grab the updated app for Android on Google Play

How to fix the Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ YouTube live streaming ‘already enabled’ error

One of the latest and greatest features with Samsung’s Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge+ is the ability to instantly live stream from the Camera app via YouTube. It’s pretty neat, but unfortunately I ran into an issue when attempting this for the first time. I’d get the “error message” shown in the above image after the quick sign-in process and nothing else would happen.

I’ve been poking around within the Google Plus and YouTube settings and I’ve come across a working solution for this problem. For those who are new to this thread in the future, here’s a rundown of the issue…


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