Samsung, at the moment, is facing a bit of backlash for the controversy surrounding its Scene Optimizer feature, where some claim that it adds details that weren't there in the first place. Samsung published a blog post that explains how the feature works.
Controversy With Moon Photos
A user from Reddit claims that Samsung is faking the outcome of moon images taken with their flagship phone. The user pointed out that there were details added in the final outcome of the photo even if there weren't details present in the raw captured image.
To prove the statement, Reddit user Breakphotos snapped blurry and low-resolution images from a computer screen, making sure that there was no information that the phone could use to enhance the image. It was even tried with maxed-out exposure.
Still, the phone used still managed to add information that wasn't there, as mentioned in Engadget. This could prove that shots using a Samsung phone with the Scene Optimizer feature might be producing artificially enhanced outcomes.
This may come as a disappointment to people who own Samsung phones with this feature, seeing as one of the selling points of the flagship phone is that it can zoom up to 25x to the point of taking a clear shot of the moon.
Samsung addressed the issue in order to clarify how its super-resolution technology works as it creates high-quality images of the moon. For one, it explains that it has been using AI technology since the release of the Galaxy S10.
The Scene Optimizer feature first came to the S21 series, wherein the company claims that the advanced AI recognizes objects to produce the best outcomes for its users. In this case, the Scene Optimizer recognizes the moon and applies certain enhancements for a better shot.
Samsung explained that aside from using deep learning-based AI technology to enhance the shots, it also includes multi-frame processing to produce low-noise photos. Of course, users can always turn the feature off through the Camera Settings.
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How Does It Work?
When the Scene Optimizer is turned on, the device will use Super Resolution to capture ten images taken at 25x or higher, which is important for its details to come out clearer and reduce the noise in the photo.
Samsung uses an AI deep learning model for moon recognition. The engine used for that feature is built based on various lunar shapes and details, including its phases from the images taken by the company's view from Earth.
The Scene Optimizer will also control the brightness of the subject to present it more clearly without compromising the details. A similar method is done with the background, wherein the sky will appear darker to further highlight the moon.
It also has a stability function so the person taking the photograph will not need a tripod to get clearer shots. Zoom Lock will automatically activate once the user zooms in on the moon and maintains the focus on the subject for more than 1.5 seconds.
The camera will then take several photos and then combine them into one image with reduced noise while enhancing the image details further. Samsung even pointed out that it's trying to improve on the feature to avoid confusion of the feature between the real moon and an image of it.
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