Squeeze more out of Windows 10 Camera

[quearte]

Hi, here a survivor with a Lumia 1020 in Redstone. (14393.103).

Unfortunately, MS API is still capped to 4sec shutter exposure, no manual WB... etc (unlike several Android models like Galaxy S6, LG G4, that bring full manual controls).
After trying (with no luck) to enable DNG capture (in Windows Camera), I've realized that there are more keys in the registry which can be set for maximize the possibilities.

(where MaxET sets the Exposure Time, for example).
After lot of testing, I can get a Max 8000 ISO for my Lumia. Not bad. (exceed this limit makes no sense, cause camera will limit to 3200).

Min ISOs like 64, 50 or 10 are not supported.

However, shutter speed is blocking up to 4 seconds.
It seems to be wrote a real limit in API, that is 30seconds. But for me, is still unreacheable.

Can someone with a newmodel -like Lumia 950- try to expand this values and post here conclusions?
Would be nice to know what is a hardware limit or a API-software limit.
Cheers,

 

[Chintan Gohel]

This is exciting to say the least - following this to see how it goes

 

[RumoredNow]

I have a 1520 on 14393.67.

Here's what my Camera has for settings:

• Exposure +/- 3.0
• Shutter 1/16000 to 4s
• ISO 64 to 3200
• Zoom is not enumerated, but it seems I got a bump from 2x to 4x somewhere along the line. Honestly, I so rarely use the zoom as I just prefer to crop in. D) I do know the spec sheet says 2x Digital Zoom at release.

Here are my Registry Values at HKLM\Software\OEM\Nokia\Camera\RFC\Caps

 

[RumoredNow]

no manual WB

I do have manual White Balance:

• Cloudy
• Sunny
• Tungsten
• Incandescent

 

[RumoredNow]

OK.... I just changed my MaxET to 16000000 and now have additional options on the slider:

• 5s
• 6s
• 8s
• 10s
• 13s
• 15s

 

[quearte]

OK.... I just changed my MaxET to 16000000 and now have additional options on the slider:

• 5s
• 6s
• 8s
• 10s
• 13s
• 15s

And when you try to make a photo with 10s (for example) shutter exposure, really do it? Can you see the info in the photo exif data?

 

[mtf1380]

Tap in.

 

[RumoredNow]

And when you try to make a photo with 10s (for example) shutter exposure, really do it? Can you see the info in the photo exif data?

The exif gets capped at 4 seconds apparently.

This first shot was full auto in a mostly dark room.


NOTE: the exif shows 1/3 second at ISO 5000, my manual adjustment only goes to 3200. I have not tweaked that in the registry.


This next shot, the only manual adjustment is 10 seconds exposure.


NOTE: the exif shows only 4 seconds, but ISO has dropped all the way down to 500...


So I increased to 15 seconds to see if there is a difference. Again, exposure is the only manual setting.


NOTE: exif still says 4 seconds, ISO has dropped down to 320. The subject is much more clearly illuminated.


I believe it is using the new settings, it just can't report them. I will say that the camera does not seem to like doing this prolonged (out of normal range) exposure twice in a row. I had to fiddle with settings and minimize the app into multitask screen then call it back up to get new shots that were not just black rectangles. It seems a one off use and then needs a "reset" to work again. Obviously this is tripod work, I just didn't bother mounting my phone.

 

[quearte]

Oh, it seems that you got it. : )

Looks like a software limitation, cause camera is able to reach more high ISOs, and longer exposures (more than typical 3200 and 4 seconds). MS could bring a new firm/drivers layer for fix that issues between shot to shot.>
Thank you!

PD: what are you waiting for show here your light paintings and starry skies?

 

[Chintan Gohel]

This is amazing what all of you are doing: keep it up and amaze us

 

[quearte]

And I can't wait for the Lumia 950 owners: f/1.9 and 12800 ISOs. :shocked:

 

[RumoredNow]

I set the MaxIso to 12800 and an oddity popped up. In manual settings my choice jumped from 3200 straight to 12800 with nothing in between. Exif reports 3200.





So then I dropped the value down to 6400 and shot another sample. Exif reports 6400 ISO.





For now I've left my tweaks as ISO 6400 and a gradual step up to 15 seconds exposure time. I may go back to ISO 12800 as that seems less limiting on the shutter speed and it may prove more useful in the long run.

 

[quearte]

Good job! Yes, if you set ISO to 12800, there's no more steps, (jump from 3200 to the max you set). Anyway, try to set 8000. I'm sure you will get it.

Have you try to write 30000000 in MaxET? Can you do a 30seconds exposure?

 

[RumoredNow]

It takes ISO 8000...

And going MaxET 30000000 adds the folowing above what I reported in post #5: 20s, 25s, 30s.

By my count it doesn't really expose for 30 seconds though. That might be the software interpolating. Need moar dark. LOL

 

[jmaga3080]

I hope the cameras of the next generation of Microsoft smartphones can live up or be better than the best ones Nokia brought to us. After the 1020, I never had a camera that good.

 

[quearte]

By my count it doesn't really expose for 30 seconds though. That might be the software interpolating. Need moar dark. LOL

Does it means when you shooting, camera is open less seconds than 30 by your count?

I can't understand the results:straight: : If ISO auto decrease when you lenght the shutter (and gets more bright pic!), the only way to get that amount of light is to really extend time exposure. Mysterious...

 

[quearte]

Is possible to fix ISO to any position (1600 for example in each shot), and try with differents ET? :wink:

 

[v535]

Is there any options to add Auto settings coded in Binary or Hex?

 

[ads13]

I hope the cameras of the next generation of Microsoft smartphones can live up or be better than the best ones Nokia brought to us. After the 1020, I never had a camera that good.

You are under estimate L950.☺

 

[RumoredNow]

Is there any options to add Auto settings coded in Binary or Hex?

That's above my pay grade.

Check this post: http://forums.windowscentral.com/guides-tips-tricks-how-tos/431141-4.htm#post3551960 Install the Interop Tool App for yourself and have a poke or two.