Question

We are using an LG Optimus speed and are trying to obtain an image from the camera with our own activity. The Code we are using to do so is:

GetImage(new PictureCallback(){
  @Override
  public void onPictureTaken(byte[] data, Camera camera) {
    camera.startPreview();
    bmp = BitmapConversion.convertBmp(data));
  }
});

...

public static void GetImage(final PictureCallback jpgCallback) {
    GetCamera().autoFocus(new AutoFocusCallback(){

        @Override
        public void onAutoFocus(boolean success, Camera camera) {
            if(success)
                GetCamera().takePicture(null, null, jpgCallback);
            else
                GetImage(jpgCallback);
        }       
    });         
}

The images have a considerable worse quality than the images obatained with the native android camera app. Here are 2 example pictures, both taken with a resolution of 640×480 an magnified. As you can see the left picture taken with the native app looks “cleaner” than the right taken with our own application.

Any Ideas?

Answer 1

You don’t know what the native app is doing in terms of configuring the camera before taking the image and post-processing after taking the image.

There are many settings available on the camera which are well documented and should be investigated.

You should also be aware that vastly different results exist on using the same method but with the slightest variation in light and focus.

Try looking into the autofocus settings and perhaps do something on autofocus callback.

When comparing the two methods make sure your camera is balanced on something rather than handheld and ensure that the distance and light levels are identical.