Samsong Note9 doesn't always use it's telephoto camer.

DiggsMcGee · December 1, 2019

So, I just realized that my Note9 almost never uses the secondary, telephoto camera when I zoom in. Whether it's when I pinch-to-zoom or when I tap the zoom button (which on Samsung's advertising as well as the reviews of all the tech people I watch on YouTube seems to mean changing to a different camera) the app doesn't actually change the camera. It just uses a digital zoom.

I noticed this while playing with my new DJI Osmo 3 gimble. It's a lot of fun. But the camera didn't seem to change like I thought it should when I tapped that fake "switch camera" button. So, I did a simple test:

With the camera app opened, and everything just in normal settings (not zoomed, default upon opening, etc...) I put my finger over each camera lens. Putting my finger over the middle, main camera lens blotted out my view. Putting my finger over the secondary, telephoto lens showed no difference on my viewer. BUT THEN I clicked the fake zoom button. I put my finger over the telephoto lens and my view was NOT obstructed. However, when I put my finger over the main camera lens, guess what, view obstructed!

Now to be absolutely clear, I did this a bunch of times. And I noticed that sometimes the secondary, telephoto lens camera would in fact work. Until I put my finger over the lens, and then it would suddenly switch back to a zoomed in main camera view. Upon sliding my finger to the main camera sometimes it would switch back to the secondary camera. I searched the web for what might be happening, but there was no mention of it. So, of course I came here and I found this (dead) post:

Apparently, the secondary camera is only used in two of the MANY, MANY modes in this camera app. VIDEO NOT BEING ONE OF THEM! (what the ever living....) AND it's only used if there "is enough light." So basically, I paid almost $1000 for this phone (well, on contract, so I guess I haven't really paid for it yet...) and I don't even get to choose when I want to use the secondary camera? A feature that was boasted about (along with all the other manufacturers that touted their multiple camera phones)?

I guess this is just a rant, but any other explanations would be helpful. Thanks!