S24 ULTRA ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY: It's Getting Better And WORSE At The Same Time 

Here's the full editing video I said I'd do. It's long and in-depth: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ZDQhhOFSCgk.html Also, for those interested, I'll post this detailed comment from a subscriber on my other video about the raw files: This is from @UltimaGaina (huge thanks for all info here!) "Meanwhile I have a few more nerdy updates. I studied the DNG 1.6 standard and the newly released DNG 1.7 standard, and I have to partially rest my case when it comes to PRO mode DNGs. Basically, it is correct that in April 2023, Samsung switched from uncompressed RAW to 12 bit JPEG compression, inside a DNG container. But after studying the standard, I can confirm that we are talking about LOSSLESS JPEG compression. Here is that complicated paragraph: The DNG specification specifies that while Compression value 7 (JPEG) combined with a PhotometricInterpretation value 6 (YCbCr) or 1 (BlackIsZero) and a uniform BitsPerSample value of 8 indicates normal baseline JPEG compression, the same Compression value 7 (JPEG) combined with another PhotometricInterpretation value and/or another BitsPerSample value is also possible and should always indicate lossless JPEG compression (lossless sequential Huffman, SOF3). In our case, the compression tag has the value 7 and the Photometric Interpretation has the value 34892 (Linear RAW) which is different than 6 or 1, therefore we are dealing with LOSLESS JPEG compression. Now, we lost the ability to use the Lightroom Denoise AI algorithm, not because the JPEG compression, but because the file is demosaiced. The Photometric Interpretation of the uncompressed file was CFA (Color Filter Array), while the JPEG compressed file in Pro mode is demosaiced (Linear RAW). This is why it is not working with Denoise Ai in Lightroom. Now stay with me: the new version of GCam app is also using LOSSLESS JPEG inside the DNG container, but they preserve the CFA Photometric Interpretation of the original uncompressed file. This is why GCam DNGs are compatible with Lightroom Denoise AI. Why Samsung did adopt the same elegant solution? Beats me! Conclusion: While it's worse than before April 2023, it's not as bad as we thought: the Pro mode is still preserving (almost) all information. We can denoise it with Topaz Photo AI, instead of LightRoom Denoise AI, with comparable results. One more thing: the new DNG 1.7 standard has introduced a new, more efficient JPEG XL compression (using a new compression tag: 52546). (Google: CamCyclopedia JPEG XL) This is the compression used by Expert RAW on S24. It can be either lossless or lossy, but based on the very small file size (~6MB) it is very likely that it is lossy, or what Samsung is calling "visual lossless" (=bullshit). It is still worse than the Pro mode (except for the dynamic range), at it may still be made out of a stack of 8 bit JPEGs, combined into a 32-bit HDR file, and then tone-maped and compressed using the new JPEG XL compression. So if the original input is garbage (lossy 8 bit JPEGs), the output is just a smaller file containing the same original garbage." -comment provided by @UltimaGaina (thanks again!)

Tip for Night Mode: tapping the timer in the bottom right of the preview will give two options (auto, max). Selecting max will give a max timer of 30 seconds and much better photos. This only works on a tripod, however.

Your s22u astro video got me into astrophotography which in turn got me into photography and I went out and bought all my gear. It's still early days and I'm learning but big thanks for the content.

Looking forward to the deep dive. Great video, Brent. Haven't got to play with my S24 Ultra much outdoors as it hasn't stopped raining since I got it. Thanks!

Wow, looks like the Astro mode was improved. Just doing everything manually was better on the S23U, but seems like Astro Mode is actually usable now. Thanks for the video, looking forward for the detailed editing one ✌🏻

Thanks so much for this video Brent. I have finally upgraded my telephone to the S24 Ultra 🎉🎉🎉 About time as the Samsung S20 was getting a little out of date. Phone photography has also become a new hobby. I cannot wait to try the astro stuff out myself. Loved this video and look forward to the next one. Take care.

I love how you like to fool with your phone despite owning great high end gear. It shows an openness and real curiosity that is truly infections. Great work Brent, and nice laid back content as always!!

Thanks for the video, looking forward to part 2. Something different is going on in Expert raw. I used to check composition quickly of astrophotos in Snapseed. Expert raw raw photos no longer will load in Snapseed, but Pro raw will. Don't recall that being an issue with S22 Ultra.

Thank you for speaking on the the RAW photos issue in Samsung phones! Respect!!

Big firmware is coming this week for the camera. Great video Brent👍

Great video. I have the S23 ultra and haven't tried the astro photography yet. However, I hope the 6.1 update didn't screw it up. Bought a video tripod with a fluid head and phone mount when I'm ready!

Another great video. I was almost expecting a rattlesnake to slither on by. I'm glad it didn't happen.

I upgraded my phone from the S22U to the Google Pixel 8 pro and wow what a difference in the camera, photos, pro raw photos, 50mp pics, astro photos especially look so much better and less processed, idk what samsung is doing with their processing but it's too much now.

I wanted to thank you for introducing us to all the modes as you know, I have been following you since 21u on this subject Basically I would say the 4min astro mode is more than sufficient And unfortunately yes, RAW is dead Otherwise, I saw that you were in 24Mpix in Expert Raw Do you find the output better than 12 or 50Mpix? Otherwise in companion, what options did you put for: Adaptive Pixel high-end digital zoom softening photos thanks for sharing I'm waiting to see the other video of course!

I got the ultra 24 to get that moon shot,just came across this and I lovenit so hope to see what other vids you have done new sub due to this amazing vid

Hi Brent! Thanks again for another well-made video! ✨️ It would be nice if you could test out one of the GCam versions on S24 or even S23 ... especially in terms of improved RAW quality (instead of Samsung AI messups). 🙏🏼

I have the Samsung s23 ultra and I purchased it specifically for the expert raw mode for astronomy and its sky guide, and all of the sudden now it doesn't work at all, when I choose ex raw it no longer opens got any ideas why? Did they take it away? I reached out to them and they didn't know why? Strange I think.

Informative video. I watch most of yours. The DNG issue seems to be the same with my S23 Ultra. Lightroom's Denoise feature doesn't work with the phone's DNGs.

Thanks. I'm interested in attaching phone to 10" Dob.

My S24U takes great pics during the day and stuff on the ground at night, but disappointed with how the images come out of the night sky. I get bad banding effects and auto focus sucks. Wish there was a way to disable the processing that Samsung does to the pictures.

Good video. Always like your videos. Very informative and interesting. Was all set to replace my S22 Ultra with the S24 Ultra but having watched many RU-vid reviews I felt the device was very disappointing. Decided to import an Oppo Find X7 Ultra.

I had my first cloudless night since getting my s24 (not the ultra. Wanted to go down in size after my s21u) Just doing a 30 second exposure in expert raw turned out fine. Astrophotography mode 4min? Barely anything. I'll have to go out of town on the weekend and try it somewhere other than my backyard

Thanks so much for this video Brent. I have finally upgraded my telephone to the S24 Ultra About time as the Samsung S20 was getting a little out of date. Phone photography has also become a new hobby. I cannot wait to try the astro stuff out myself. Loved this video and look forward to the next one. Take care.

First off. Great video. New subscriber here. I got my s24 Ultra last week. Switched from a pixel 6pro. I definitely see how the images you took of Orion in astro mode looked crappie. I've seen it on mine of the milkyway. Came out with a purple color on it. Couldn't get anything out of it. And like you. I'm an Astro, photographer. Anyway, I was looking in the camera setting menu and found something called Intelligent optimization. There are 3 settings you can choose from. Max, Minimal, or none. I switched it to none. Have to try it out and see if it changes anything. Just thought it might be useful. Update is supposed to come out tomorrow 2/22. Hopefully it will fix things. I love being able to use my phone when I'm out imagining with my scope. Clear skies!!!!!

Hi brent thanks again as always for your great work... Hope that samsung fixes this next week with the first updates... If no this would be a shame for sam... Hopefully this isn't happen 🙏🙏

Brand new to the astro on a Samsung; I have been using a Pixel for this and it always did an amazing job. I haven't really done much testing in a proper environment but how is Sammie handling this? Do they stack like Google Pixel or is this doing something else? On the pixel, I could set it up, walk away for several minutes and the only editing that was needed was lowering the dark levels. Booked every weekend for camping so hope to get some practice in soon!

That was a really great to see such a great thing in such a small device that fit inside your pocket.📱

At 2.26 when you press to take the photo how do you get it to do the 20 second timer? Mine doesn't do that. Thanks

Im trying to get my head around this 4 min exposure with no star trails. Is that a tracking mount you're using?

So I did astrophotography with the s22 and got some phenomenal pictures. I've been messing around with the s24 and I feel like I can't get the same pictures it's disappointing in a huge way because I love astrophotography. I'm really glad I'm not the only one who thinks this or sees it. Totally going to watch your second video though on the editing part. Thanks for making this one

Thank you for this. I currently have an S22 and I'm now not going to rush into getting an S24...

Wow, this video is all what I was looking for, thank you for taking your time to identify the mistakes of what should've a pro experience especially with RAW files, for a long time I was waiting for someone to say the truth about what Samsung are doing in their processing. Especially for us amatuers who like to geek out with a device they have in their pockets, have a feel for what the pros are doing and maybe start out from here into the world of photography.

What I found is the default app does give RAW files but the "expert RAW" doesn't

I've noticed a degrading in the Astrophotography Mode for quite sometime. When I showed examples on some Facebook groups, I was ridiculed and even abused lol. Now it's a known issue. Keep waiting for it to improve, but I'm guessing that ship has sailed. Oh well. Thanks for the comparison video. I've resorted back to Expert RAW 30 seconds manual mode. I might try Pro mode on my next opportunity.

The telephoto is smaller sensor thaν the super telephoto. You should use the super telephoto for beter results

What tripod and phone mount tripod head are you using here? Doesnt seem to be the one in your links.

oh my god I didint saw any youtuber doing a difrint and a beutiful vidio like whats you are made its out of mind🔥🌟👏

do you think the s23 ultra is better for video and images than the s24 ultra? great pics by the way nice video

Thank you for this super interesting video. Those 3 final photos certainly show that today's mobiles are capable of some stunning photos of the sky at night. As for Samsung's raw, I suspect that the reason they are doing the cardinal sin of processing those supposedly raw files (and by so much) is to disguise the fact that the cameras/s are not quite as good as their marketing would want you to believe. It's certainly a slippery slope of fooling the customer more and more. It also reminds me of today's near 100% autotune/melodyne/miming at live concerts/dehumanising vocals/fake product etc. It also reminds me of todays GPU's and Nvidia/AMD/Intel pushing to have those looming Upscaling and Fake Frames hard-coded (and hidden) as on, permanently...perhaps a few 'options' to fool you.

Question: What is the best format to use on S24? and why? thanks

Would be interesting to see ten min picture too.

: Would you recommend s24 ultra, as the best camera mobile phone, on android? Considering overalls like macro, simple portraits, astro, vediography etc etc.... I wanna buy a mobile phone, just for the camera....

Is Iso 800 not too much ? I thought you would use lowest possible for less noise 🤔

How is the DNG file otherwise. I mean for landscapes for example

Wow nice video . Thank you for sharing this information

Thank you for making this video. All s24ultra owners on RU-vid don't bother to make astrophotography videos. This Is why I like your channel. ( same comment for s23ultra as well ) 👍👍

Buddy try Vivo x 100 pro let's see what a big sensor can do

One of best subscriptions I did on youtube. Thank you

No one talks about shooting videos on a flat profile on galaxies anymore....any advice on doing it the right way

It is always a pleasure to hit that Like button for you. 😊

I'm pretty new, I noticed your iso was in the thousands, don't you want the lowest possible Isolation to help get rid of noise in the photo?

You shouldn't avoid 5x. In fact (daytime) this lense +sensor is of higher quality than 3x

AWESOMEEE !!!

It is cool photos! I want to buy S24! Thank you!!!

Можно нажимать на стилус... И не тыкать в экран же...

Amazing how astro picks up the chemtrails at night

But I will never agree to Compare Camera with any Phone, Big Lies . Cameras are Truly Real to Real Professional Photographers. Have great day People

Hi Brent I'm a new subscriber ,,ur welcome,,,,can u please do the OnePlus 12❤️‍🔥

amazing dude

I have found that the expertraw files are unusable for the past 2 generations. Pro mode on the other hand gave much better results when editing

How would it look at 50ISO and 30seconds?

Way cool!

I am new to the channel... I must say he is very underrated

My friend, you are great, I recorded the video, thank you for sharing very good information.

I'm hoping the upcoming update will fix all of this.

Eh I prefer the way iPhone takes astro photos. The pixel is also really nice but the thing I dont like about pixel is the overprocessed look it has. iPhone has more "grain" in it because it does less processing and it looks a bit more natural like film. The Galaxy Astro mode is honestly not doing it for me. It looks washed out every single time. And I dont care for the character of it. Id rather go with Pixel or iPhone. And then aside from Astro mode, I choose iPhone because the telephoto lens is much more reliable and it captures more light and at times it even out zooms the Galaxy's telephoto as well due to the amount of light it can capture.

i had no idea this was even a feature

The light stuffs it

Can you test the Xiaomi 14 Ultra?

I have been so disappointed with the S24 Ultra for astro 😔 The 50mp sensor and lens aren't great. Wish I would have gone for the S23 instead!

So is the 24 ultra good or not so good for astro photography? 🤔

Anyone experienced heat while using camera in s24 ultra

Cool

Ironically, the best phone I've found for astrophotography is the Moto One, it costs 90 dollars and far outperforms my S21 ultra

You should use your pen to take your photos. Much more comfortable

How do you like New Mexico?

To me the images look amazing the pictures are cool

I do believe Apple or Sony pay to Samsung to keep it to lower Quality Photos on this Phone,

First One Mate 💚

It's all digital guys. Samsung is making you think you took a great photo of the moon. I take long zooms photos on the lake at sunset and they turn out out grainy in s23 ultra. My $600 infrasonic camera takes better zoom shots.

Star trail using samsung s24 ultra settings: ru-vid.comU8dbjwMIpYw?si=uMoWqEoCkU2fP3rK

Samsung top 1 camera in mobile.

S23 ultra was better at astrology right?

S23 ultra still king!

Try xiaomi phone´s for astrophotography. It´s way better than samsung

S24 200 mp gimmick is garbage

Fake Samsung Images.

Whats the best tripod for the s24 ultra ?