Z3 compact user in 2019

[xperiafan8]

Hello, 

I am getting my z3 compact tomorrow. I would like some input from existing users about the phone:

1) which official rom will give me the best user experience, meaning best camera, snappiness, the least problems/bugs. I usualy prefer the rom that the phone was shipped with, so is there a reason to go to newer rom, meaning better battery life, bug fixes, better camera ?

2) as i know camera on this phone is horrible, what do i need to know to get at least mediocre performance out of it ? Do u suggest superior auto or manual ?

3) anything else i need to know ? I will mostly use it for calls, camera, occasionaly google maps and music, almost never for webpage browsing or videos, never for games

[xperiafan8]

Thank you, ordered it and another different one. Its cheap on ebay anyway and i got the phone very cheap also (30€, i even think i can sell my old s4 mini for that). 

I have more questions about the camera. 

1) manual is the way to go as far as i gathered ?
2) what resolution do u advice me to use ? I prefer 16:9 to 4:3, would 15.5MP be ok ?
3) what other settings should i use ? What kind of metering, etc ?
4) when in low light, what settings should i use, manual or auto ?
5) any other advices about camera ?

[xperiafan8]

Well i have to say i am not impressed with the camera, but i knew that before buying the phone. I am thinking whether i could improve it with some settings. It is very bad at taking photo of bright or dark objects. If i try to take a photo of another phones screen, it will make the picture completely dark/black. Its flash is very weak and kind of makes some images completely bright. 

My ultimate goal is XZ1 compact, that is why i bought Z3 compact - to get used to the xperia phone while i wait for XZ1 compact second handed price to go down. I am wondering, is there any sense to switch from Z3 compact to Z5 compact or X compact, or go directly to XZ1 compact ? Is camera on Z5 compact and X compact any better than Z3 compact ?

[Uliwooly]

@xperiafan8 

You should skip them and go directly to the XZ1

[Uliwooly]

@xperiafan8 

1) indeed manual settings are the way to go 

2) 16:9, that way you can always frop the photo or leave it as is

3) it depend on the situation but with regular light/sunlight you can go with:

HDR on (ISO will be set to auto) 

Resolution 8MP 16:9

Metering Spot 

Focus mode Touch focus

4) in low settings I still prefer to use manual > scn > night scene or high sensitivity 

5) keep trying it in different conditions and light sources 

[xperiafan8]

I would skip z5 compact and x compact, but sadly xz1 prices are still way to high for me. I will see what to do, maybe go to Z5 and X compact, and earn like 10 bucks selling them and add that money to xz1 compact budget. 

Is there any history of screen problems in camera UI with Z3 compact ? Occasinaly (basicly only 2 times so far) i had some artifact/screen tearing in camera and it also kind of locked up when taking a photo. The next time it happens i might video record it with another phone.

[xperiafan8]

I have to hang on to Z3 compact, even though it feels so unbelievably unnatural in my hands compared to small s4 mini. But basicly this is the only chance if i want better hardware/camera, get used to z3 compact and wait for xz1 prices to drop

[Uliwooly]

@xperiafan8 

next time you have an issue do capture it somehow and try to remember which apps were running 

[xperiafan8]

Btw i got today some silicone cases for samsung alpha and they are very bad. Make the phone even bigger and dont add much to being less slippery. I bought some silicone and will try to make z3 compact less slippery. 

[Uliwooly]

@xperiafan8 

silicone cases are cheap, if your case its slippery you could sand the back a little bit to add texture, I know you shouldn't go to that extend but it might do the trick

[xperiafan8]

I tested many things and while bathroom silicone makes good grip, its useless because it peels off. I did notice though that epoxy 2 component glue makes for a very sticky surface. I am even playing with the idea of mixing epoxy with some aluminum dust to make some nice cover in combination with white phone. 

I could use some advices regarding camera though because so far it really isnt very good. Maybe some settings i could change in manual, like metering, etc. ?