topic Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera.. in XPERIA archive

Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:31:01 GMT

I got a LT18i last week and updated it to stock ICS in India through the update tool. But then I noticed something strange with the camera. Whenever I try to take pics using the auto white balance mode, pics come out fine. But if I try to set the white balance to something other than auto, there is a greenish circle in the centre of the picture, and greenish tinges on all four corners. In fact, the problem happens in auto mode too, if I try to take pics in sunlight or bright artificial light. I've attached two pics below to demonstrate the problem. Is this a hardware or a software problem? If its a harware problem, then I'd take it to the Service Center, but they will ruin the phone cosmetically :smileysad:...

Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Murphy_Idek — Fri, 18 May 2012 05:32:49 GMT

this happened after you updated your phone?
i think this is software problem...
so,to be safe,reupdate your phone,then do a factory reset

Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Nabeel — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:53:08 GMT

It could be a software glitch since you started facing it just after the update..

reinstall your phone's software again

Backup everything as it will erase all data on phone (sms, contacts,apps)

PCC (PC COMPANION) – Repair your software with this .First do the setup without connecting your mobile to pc.(only connect when you are asked to).

Do it as follow >> PCC > SUPPORT ZONE> SOFTWARE UPDATE> REPAIR SOFTWARE (written with blue)

PC Companion http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/tools/pc-companion/

Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Sat, 19 May 2012 08:30:25 GMT

Actually I never did quite inspect all different camera modes just after I bought it. Immediately upgraded to ICS. Once I detected this issue, and on your advice, I rolled back to the official GB firmware, but the problem persists. I found out the only way this problem can be avoided is by setting the white balance to the incandescent mode. I really can't figure ot whether this is a H/W or S/W problem, and I loathe the idea of taking it to a service center. They are horrible and manned by completely incompetent people posing as engineers. They'll ruin the phone.

Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Murphy_Idek — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:45:11 GMT

have you done software repair using PC Companion?
seems to me its hardware defect.

it is better to send for repair,since it is still under warranty (dont waive your rights).
if you are afraid they ruin your phone,send it to Sony certified service center :smileyhappy:,they will fix it and will try not to make you go back there again,i believe

Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Nabeel — Sat, 19 May 2012 10:50:05 GMT

Dial *#*#7378423#*#* in dialer/phonepad/dialpad > service tests > camera >see if you find the same pattern of fringe there , or its normal ?

Post it

Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Sun, 20 May 2012 03:37:57 GMT

@Nabeel

I tried checking the camera from the service test menu as you suggest, but there is absolutely no problem there. I'm attaching 2 pics here, both screeenshots, one in a flourescent lighting environment and one in very bright and sunny conditions. Its absolutely normal there. The problem only appears in the camera app. I also installed a 3rd party cam app just to check, but I think it uses the same cam drivers, and the problem remained.

@Murphy_Idek

I guess I will take it to an authorized sony service center. but they are all the same.

This ones's in flourescent lights.

This one's in sunlight

Thanks to both of you for helping.

Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Murphy_Idek — Sun, 20 May 2012 04:51:26 GMT

you are welcome..:smileyhappy:
once your phone is done repaired,make sure the "warranty void if seal is broken" stickers is still intact/untampered before you leave the service centre.

Re: Strange problem with LT18i camera..

Nabeel — Sun, 20 May 2012 06:13:39 GMT

You should try a software repair again as it seems to be a software problem !! ( most probably)

First format your SD card and then repair

Repair using SUS

SUS ( Sony Update Service) ... download and install it on pc and follow the on-screen instructions http://www-support-downloads.sonymobile.com/Software%20Downloads/Update_Service_Setup-2.11.12.5.exe

http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/tools/update-service/

Both the links are same

________________________________________________________________