S21 Ultra Camera Issues

[lmedwards]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum but just had to join because I have been experiencing some really annoying issues with my brand new S21 Ultra's camera. I'm very familiar with each of the camera modules and what they're good for, however mine can't seem to use the right one at the right time.

It keeps choosing to use the 3x telephoto lense when I ask for 10x zoom, and often uses the 10x lense when I ask for 3x. The result is ridiculously grainy images that don't even compare to my Note 10+.  I have tried experimenting by covering up the camera lenses that I think it should be using at the time to prove that it's getting it wrong, and low and behold the image isn't covered up.

The annoying thing is, I can see the camera switching between the correct and incorrect modules if I tilt the camera towards different light. 

Has anyone else experienced this? Hopefully fixable with a software update but this is really affecting the quality of my images.

[Alex047]

Same thing with me. Did you solve the issue or know the problem?

[GoanGeek]

I believe for the 3x and 10x you have to be at a certain distance for them to kick in, that could be the reason if you end up with blurry shots if you try to manually use them at inappropriate distances.

[Alex047]

Maybe, i tried testing this and what happens is that in day light if i wait a friction of a second the 10× works and if I blocked the cam with an object or my finger it switches automatically to the 3× cam while at nighy time it uses the ×3 cam instead of the ×10. If i wait a bit it switch to the 10× but it is very sensitive and it is kinda weird because in reviews it didn't behave like that.

[Lukeb1]

I've got in contact with Samsung who have setup a session with there remote support specialists. I'm sure it's a software issue as I'm sure it was working fine until it updated yesterday morning

[Lukeb1]

testing it this morning this is definitely the case in mine, its just strange behaviour, if I select 10x I want the 10x camera to be used

[lmedwards]

Hi, how did you set up a session with the specialists? If you could update on this thread I'd really appreciate it!

[Lukeb1]

used the live chat function on the members app and they tried a few obvious clear caches etc. then said we need to set up a session for you. yeh I'll let you know when it's happened

[frankcalid]

This simply doesn't cut it whether its hardware or software related - I paid just under £1500 for my S21 Ultra 512gb including insurance + accessories. My Note9 has better picture quality in comparison. I was hugely disappointed with this phone as I was really looking forward for my next upgrade. 

I am also facing the same problems where the camera seems to have a mind of it's own and the pictures are coming out too washed out and very blurry, not forgetting to mention that it overheats at times. 

I have arranged for a replacement handset giving Samsung one last chance otherwise I will have to look at other phones instead.

[lmedwards]

Thanks for this comment - I am experiencing exactly the same issues regarding overheating too, as well as the camera issues. I have just done some side-by-side tests with my old Note 10+ and the images on my old phone are still better. Absolutely crazy and hugely disappointed so far

[S21 Ultra]

Hello all, I have the same issues and very disappointed!  Has Samsung indicated when they will fix this issue? My 10x "telephoto 2" doesn't see to come on at all in any mode.  Also don't understand why all lens are not available in PRO mode?  Come on samsung, this is a flagship! And your manual for this phone doesn't even describe how its supposed to work?