yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh] ahaynes42:
I am a grandfathered unlimited user on Verizon. I have not used an upgrade in years to keep my UDP, and have paid full price for my phones. Yet the price of my plan hasn’t changed once. Back when I did use upgrades wasn’t I supposed to be paying extra to cover the cost of my phone? And now that I’m on month-to-month wasn’t I supposed to get some kind of discount to account for the fact that I was no longer paying subsidies for a phone? Just curious if anybody else got some kind of discount when they switched from a contract to month-to-month. I switched about 2 years ago and the price never changed. Figured I'd ask here since there are probably a lot of people with UDPs on month-to-month here.
[Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh] the_rooter:
If your on a more everything plan u get a discount if u are on edge or have a device that has been paid off, or a contract was completed, but i believe its only for people on more everything
[Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh] alphadog00:
If you go into a Verizon store, they are actually pretty good about going through your bill/plan. They tell you all your options, even if it is detrimental to them. I went it with my brother, reworked his plan, and walked out paying less. They never once gave him a hard time.
[Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh] ahaynes42:
I am on an older style Nationwide Talk & Text plan. They used to call me all the time trying to get me to switch and give up UDP, telling me I would save money, but I guess they gave up. Has anybody ever switched plans and kept UDP? I'm scared to make any changes to my plan for fear of losing unlimited.
[Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh] the_rooter:
i think that if u make any data changes like from what u have to everything share plan u will lose the UDP
[Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh] sinclac:
No when you got the first phone you signed a 2 year contract that's what paid for the phone, when the 2 years was up everything stayed the same except the contract was over and you went month to month.
[Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh] ahaynes42:
What confuses me is that a lot of people around here have said that when you get a subsidized phone you pay extra for it in the contract. They say there are hidden fees that cover the cost of the phone over those 2 years. The cost of my plan is based off the average person who gets a $400 discount on their new phone every 2 years. With UDP, we can't upgrade at a discount so I am paying $600 for a new phone instead of $200. And I've been on month-to-month for at least 2 years now so they got 2 more years out of me without a contract all while paying contract price. Either way, it all comes down to paying this extra $400 every phone to keep unlimited when Verizon is trying everything in their power to get me to switch. That's a lot of money to have unlimited, but it's worth it.
[Verizon Motorola Droid Turbo Q&A, Help & Troublesh] sinclac:
No you only pay the extra fee if you are on the edge plan like i am for my phone, then when the phone is paid off you no longer pay that.

My wife's 2 YR agreement just ended and we are paying the same amount as we did but we own the phone now.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] serialkillazzs:
The main feature off lollipop and sony chooses to ignore it.

Let's all start the digging
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] matthiastan5:
That is terrible news :<

Sent from my D5833
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] GuestK00182:
Fu**! Stupid sony! :mad::mad::mad:

I do not see more reasons to upgrade to lollipop . The RAW function was my main reason to upgrade .
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] flipside101:
OK the xperiablog.net report says no raw support for 3rd party cameras as yet. Can anyone confirm the same for the inbuilt camera
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] serialkillazzs:
+1
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] _katho_:
Really, Samsung don't have it, LG don't have it either. Or has that changed?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] pepeo123:
sony wouldnt implement it in its camera firmware anyway, but i was hoping that at least they would include the support for it for 3rd party camera apps, but acordingly to xperia blog, all features are disabled.

This is a shame really, sony ****ed up big time. Galaxy s6 has RAW option, manual focus, manual everything, and all this in the default camera app. You can go even further and use 3rd party apps that have more features.

we cant even get away from the mediocre camera results from sony now, this is sad.

i expect that they implement some of the advanced camera api features from lollipop on Z4, so soon or later it would be ported to z3 series, but this is just a speculation by me.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] ogyct:
Can anyone tell, if soft skin issue has been fixed for front facing camera?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] rondera:
Isn't fixed. Source from the other lollipop thread here
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Sadman Khan:
Nope not fixed.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] zetrri:
But can developers implant these camera api's in there roms even if sony haven't?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] criscodecookies:
No, we can't because the camera binaries for the Sony Exmor IMX220 camera sensor have to support it and the only phones to use this sensor are the entire Sony Z Series and the Meizu MX4.

Can someone say if it's possible to use another devices camera binaries for the same sensor?

Since our only hope is riding on the Meizu MX4: gsmarena.com/meizu_mx4_and_mx_4_pro_to_get_android_lollipopbased_flyme_os-news-11023.php
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] adamk7:
I remember reading something about a new HTC phone coming out with the same sensor which could theoretically make that possible. Can anyone confirm?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] ilgreco112:
meh,

because YOU want RAW doesnt't mean other want it, 99% of customers don't care about RAW so don't say stupid things.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] clouds5:
Would have been nice to have to play around with and to show off to my iPhone friend :p. In the end it all depends on your point of view. Compared to smartphone camera a few years ago the Z3c is amazing. I've made some beautiful shots with it. And compared to a "real" camera all smartphones are garbage (except maybe Nokia?).

So for me the camera is perfect. I don't want to make a photography album with my pictures I want to have a quick shooter to capture some memories. And with the auto mode and the dedicated button the Z3c is exactly what I need.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] adamk7:
It's frustrating because the camera hardware in the phone isn't being utilized to its full potential. Yes, it's fine for the average user, but for some, and I think many on this forum share this mindset - we try to get the most out of our devices. Not tapping into our camera's full potential is like leaving our device unrooted - it's neutered.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] kernald:
The main difference between the S6 and the Z3 being that the S6 is running Lollipop out of the box, where the Z3 is running Kit Kat. Implementing the Camera2 API is a lot more work than just porting the legacy firmware on Lollipop. That's why all OEMs chose to port their old firmware and stop here.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] serialkillazzs:
Ok mystic meg
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] King p1n:
S6 does bit have RAW in their official camera app. Nor do they have manual shutter speed etc in their camera app.

---------- Post added at 10:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:12 AM ----------

HTC use a Toshiba Sensor.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] MarcraM90:
the funny thing is, I tried snapchat today, and the front camera does not soften the skin.

I guess there is a way but I'm no developer so I cant check or try.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] yacloo:
We can check that if really works or not :D my device is not rooted so i can't check right now

If we change just one value at default.prop for camera2 api

here is default.prop

camera2.portability.force_api=1

private static CameraApi validateApiChoice(CameraApi choice) {
if (API_LEVEL_OVERRIDE_VALUE.equals(API_LEVEL_OVERRIDE_API1)) {
Log.d(TAG, "API level overridden by system property: forced to 1");
return CameraApi.API_1;
} else if (API_LEVEL_OVERRIDE_VALUE.equals(API_LEVEL_OVERRIDE_API2)) {
Log.d(TAG, "API level overridden by system property: forced to 2");
return CameraApi.API_2;
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] pepeo123:
if this could be done then camera2 api would be enabled 100%? Wold this mean that 3rd party camera apps would be allowed to use the api then?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] outlyer:
That was my main reason to look forward to Lollipop. Suddenly my interest in updating disappeared.

There's nothing stupid about this, everyone could benefit, whether they care or not. This isn't just about RAW files. I most likely wouldn't shoot raw much, but still it's on the top of my wishlist.

Because It unlocks access to the full camera features, and that enables third party camera apps to get much better results. As it is right now, camera apps have very little room to improve the results you can get with the maker's camera, because they have very limited control over the camera.

And BTW Sony has often provided excellent camera hardware backed by meh camera software (e.g. the same, Sony-made, sensor in other phones often got better results), so this is much more important than you think.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] flocoon:
Correct me if I'm wrong but for example it means that there is no way to have an "Instagram Hyperlapse" (example here) on the Z3C :'(.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] RiTCHiE007:
Nailed the coffin? Did someone take a drama class this week or what? if you want raw support just get a nice camera. RAW is pointless for the main phone user so get use to it that the world doesn't turn around YOU.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] serialkillazzs:
I was generally referring to them sealing their premature demise in the mobile market. They could have gone out with a bang and optimised their existing phone cameras, but unfortunately choose the easy route.

I actually use a sony nex 5n camera for photography. Would have been nice off been able to edit raw photos from phone.

They still make the best sensors on market just wish they would still make a compact and large flagship for the future long term
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] serialkillazzs:
Nice to see people loyal to brand but take a chill pill people
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] RiTCHiE007:
True, it would have been a nice extra feature. but people like you are rare and not that many people need raw support. But how many phones do have this raw support? Not that many... maybe zero to none really if you think bout it.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] yacloo:
if camera2 api implementation done this method will allow 3rd party camera apps will use the api otherwise it won't work
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] serialkillazzs:
Photographers are not dinosaurs we have been on planet for a long time
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] ajgftw:
Like in Jurassic Park right? Someone brought photographers back from extinction and you have exscapped your island? Ahhhhhh run! IT'S THE PHOTOSAURUS!
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] ajgftw:
yeah don't mind me, I get bored, you know how it is.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] BobbyHenceMcGee:
I always thought I'd give my Z3C another shot when lollipop came out for it with the main reasoning being that lollipop has support for RAW and with the Z3C camera RAW would be amazing. No RAW in lollipop for the Z3C? Time to find a place to sell it.

My OPO is a far better device. Sony you should hang your heads in shame and just give up your terrible mobile phone department, I'm sick of your ****.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] fabjazz:
I've got an opo , camera takes better captures with 13mpx camera with color os mod, the stock cm11s camera app is slow and horrible.

But I prefer my z3c because of size, battery life, camera button, bug free with a very good optimization of the system.

Cyanogenmod is always in beta even for cm11s stable releases, too much bugs with a oneplus one, you will see the same with cm12s, but you've got raw mod...

So raw mod is not here but the camera is not so bad and z3c is far better than opo for me.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] kernald:
Oh my god, my phone was updated with new features and is even better than before, but still doesn't support this specific feature which would probably never be used by most of the world. I need to sell it right now!

Seriously?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] BobbyHenceMcGee:
First of all, is that what I said? No it bloody well isn't.

Second of all, all of those features I have on my daily driver a One Plus One and have had for so long now it's ridiculous that Sony is just getting them.

Thirdly, what are you a butt hurt fan boy?

The only reason I would give the Z3C another shot is because maybe the Z3C is finally catching up with the One Plus One.

Clearly the fact they are leaving out features THAT I USE suggests otherwise.

I am a photographer, I don't give two good god damns about what "most of the world" thinks. When MY phone doesn't have a feature that I use and would like to have and my other far superior phone does.. It's time to say good bye to the one that doesn't.

Okay, thanks for sharing. Unfortunately I don't share the same opinion.

The Z3C is far worse off in my opinion. In terms of features missing that I use in comparison to my OPO I simply cannot make the switch back to it.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] laufersteppenwolf:
Guys, this is no place for arguing. Discussing sure, but not arguing and name-calling.

Stop it, please.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] fabjazz:
More smileys are useful ?. And it is just a smartphone, the z5c will be better, and there will be always something wrong in the 112mpx without raw gtx 2000. Guys it's just a phone lol.

My girlfriend wants me to open a topic about android smileys seems like potatoes, it's scandalous ?.

But I understand raw can be useful to do some changings on photoshop. So, if there is a lot of people who write emails to Sony, maybe, they will change that in the future 5.1. Life is hope ! ?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] Lazer72:
I don't really care for RAW but is there any way i can get long exposure shots Like with the Camera FV-5 app on my Z3c? I am so mad at Sony....
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] charliebigpot:
Here, use your anger to do something useful:

Enabling DNG Raw Capture for all sony devices [for kernel & platform devs]

http://xdaforums.com/crossdevice-dev/sony/enabling-dng-raw-capture-sony-devices-t3062644
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] geronimoid:
I don't need RAW for my photographic requirements but I can understand why others might want it :)

I do wonder if the lack of implementation is connected to protecting Sony's processing algorithms

edit: or maybe they just want us all to splash out on one of their shiny DSLRs :D
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] easyc:
This news makes me sad.

The funny thing is, I've had a Z3C and OPO for the past 5 months (sold the OPO). I kinda giggled at the people who think the OPO takes better pictures just because it takes "RAW". Sure it's DNG, but it's got virtually the same DR as typical JPGs in post processing. The only benefit is perhaps 5% more sharpness at the expense of noise. It did, however, take fantastic macro shots in good lighting. Focusing was a bit of an issue and pictures generally came out soft. That said, the stock Sony camera app does it's camera quality no justice. I've switched to Camera FV-5 (and suggest others try it) and have gotten wonderfully better results. That, combined with the Z3C's battery lasting 2 days on typical usage (OPO barely made it through one day), and I decided to keep it as my backup phone. I say backup, because my S6 is out for delivery as we speak ;).

Here's hoping Sony opens up the camera in the future. I feel it would add a bit of value with comparatively little cost.

And for the other photography nuts out there, I normally shoot a D800E (Nikon 28-70 f2.8, Nikon 70-200 f2.8, Sigma 35mm f1.4, Nikon 105mm f2.8 macro, Tamron 150-600), though I might make the switch to Sony if they can release mirrorless 36MP+ full frame with IBIS soon. I'd rather lug an A7 or possibly A9 series up a mountain than the Nikon with some of those behemoth lenses haha.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] pipspeak:
The problem is that Sony's processing algorithms for this camera absolutely suck except for the noise reduction :D Daylight photos usually leave much to be desired, and probably 75% of my photos are shot in daylight so frankly I'd be happy without Sony's algorithmic interference.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] fabjazz:
I agree with you, but in the stock camera app of cm11s, if you uncheck "raw" in the options, quality is not good (for the opo), and the 50mpx color os app (hd picture) seems to be the same as the "raw" mode of a stock opo.. So the user of a stock opo can be deceived about the name "raw" mode particulary with the opo. ?

But I think Sony could work on a better algorythm and explain to z3c owners that the toothpaste is good to clean the lens for better pictures. ?
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] easyc:
Just a heads up (and a little off topic), the Galaxy S6 does NOT have camera 2 API enabled.

It takes pretty damn good pictures, but there's no option for RAW mode in either the stock app or Camera FV-5. You can't even adjust the quality of the JPGs.

If the battery life sucks on it, I'm going to return it.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] _katho_:
They won't sell a single unit, the final nail in the coffin for Samsung.

:silly:
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] kind3r:
For me, on a non-rooted 5.0.2, Camera FV-5 produces the same identical results as the Sony camera except it's slower, does not save on SD, has no quick way to review the pictures and cannot be assigned to the dedicated camera button. Also I was expecting the settings for calculated ISO/exposure etc. to be in real time but instead it just shows the parameters from the last picture taken.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] easyc:
Ah, that sucks to hear. I'm still on 4.4.4. 5.0.2 hasn't been pushed to my group of Z3C's yet. :(
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] FSRBIKER:
Hit the Play button on the lower left in FV-5 and it opens the picture just taken. I can use the hardware key to take a picture. Did you set the location to store pictures, settings/hit the page looking icon/Custom storage location. I have mine set to save in the same location on my SDcard as the stock camera.

I haven't pulled the trigger to buy the full version of FV-5 yet but think I will, it's very fast taking pictures and the settings are laid out very well IMO.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] PuffDaddy_d:
Finally! Someone who will vouch for what I've experienced too! I've tried all the third party camera apps that have been sworn by on this forum (Google, better camera, and fv-5) and they all came out with identical photo quality to the stock camera. I finally just stayed with stock because it has the best integration.

The only thing I've noticed about this phone that makes the camera more difficult to get good results is the slow auto focus that can lead to less sharp images. Also, the lense has such a wide angle that your subject appears further away because of it. This often leads to a need to zoom in more to compensate, which always reveals more flaws.

Anyway, like most of you, I was disappointed with the camera, but it's completely adequate if you take an extra half second to lock your focus on the subject using the hardware shutter button. Good luck!

Sent from my Xperia Z3 Compact
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] gzmask:
nah, 99% want it. You the 1%.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] E66666666:
Sony's camera software is absolutely horrible. Other devices with comparable sensors (FROM SONY THEMSELVES) shoot much nicer pictures. Sony's camera software is just prone to select high ISO settings, focuses slowly and shutter time is too low too, making for soft, blurry, low-detail images in darker environments. With lots of light it performs well, but is still hit-and-miss.

Enabling camera2 support would allow for third party developers who DO know how to make camera software to make a better auto-mode. Camera2 is not a "gimmick" 1% of buyers will use. Yeah sure, there aren't lots of apps having Camera2 API support now, but if nobody integrates it into their phone firmwares, nobody will and we'd be all subject to crappy manufacturer choices.

My damned Galaxy Nexus shoots sharper pics in low light situations. 5MP horse**** sensor with reasonable firmware or 20.7MP good sensor with horse**** firmware, the end result is the same. Sony's not taking advantage of their pretty good camera sensor en lens here.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] dipje:
Correct me if wrong, but as far as I know there aren't any devices outside the latest nexus that actually do Raw in android 5.X. The API support is there in lollipop, but devices and software still have to support it, and no manufacturer (or current drivers for the camera sensor) have made any attempt to, right?

Like I said, I don't know or any (upgraded) lollipop device outside Nexus that actually does Raw.

And even in the DSLR world a lot of users aren't using RAW because of the workflow. So even less people on mobiles I guess.

And still the mobile sensors and lenses are the limiting factor of the pictures, not the jpg engine.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] PuffDaddy_d:
I also noticed that auto mode only uses spot focus, so the center of your subject usually appears sharp, but the edges of the frame are all soft. Maybe I should try a third party camera app again...

Sent from my Xperia Z3 Compact
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] difto:
This is not true, you can click on the subject you want to focus on.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] E66666666:
The OnePlus One has full camera2 API implemented. Uses the Sony Exmor IMX 214 CMOS image sensor. Galaxy S6/Edge has limited support. One M9, Zenfone 2, Xperia M4 Aqua, and some more all just use the camera2 API to translate to their own proprietary API.

OEM just have their heads stuck too far up their arses to not use their own API. At least, it just appears like that. Here's a short overview:

http://spectrastudy.com/camera2-api-on-mwc-2015-devices/

Either OEMs are working hard on getting camera2 implemented or they just plainly ignore it. Because be honest, your average consumer will buy a device based on its printed specs. They'd rather have customers buy their devices for them MegaPixels and later be sad when the pictures look **** than actually put effort into using a reasonable sensor and optics and including proper software support for proper pictures.

While camera features like good optics are very important, massively overcompensating in software can totally ruin things. Just look at how devices with the Camera2 API are capable of much better images when used with an app using the camera2 api. The quality is just better, even when point 'n shooting. Look for OnePlus One and Nexus 5/6 camera2 reviews.
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] dipje:
All devices that are developed with 5.0 in mind right? None of them came factory with 4.x, right? (I'm not sure here).

I'm thinking that for devices getting updated it's not as easy to say 'just implement it'. If they don't have the right material from the SoC maker (which controls most of the sensor) or there are no new drivers yet (or they don't have a license for it, don't underestimate how that works :S)

(OnePlus since it has a complete new rom made from scratch for 5.0, so I'm not counting the original 4.4 CM rom for it)
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] PuffDaddy_d:
I understand that, but it's not what I am referring to. The camera only focuses on the subject of your photo and everything else loses detail. That's fine for portraits but not when you are taking wide angle shots.

Sent from my Xperia Z3 Compact
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] skinniezinho:
http://www.xperiablog.net/2015/04/2...capture-in-future-if-there-is-popular-demand/

Guess the place to ask for it is here http://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/Software-Updates/Camera2-API/td-p/974742/highlight/false
[Xperia Z3 Compact General] NotOverHere:
It looks like the GS6 is getting raw support in an update.