Experimental AOSP camera available for experienced developers

Editorial team, November 18, 2015

Today, we’ve made an open source camera implementation available to use with AOSP for Xperia. This developer-only camera is available for select devices in our Open Device program and the development snapshot will enable developers to create a custom ROM with basic camera functionality. Please note that the open source camera, based on Qualcomm© framework, lacks all the Sony unique enhancements, is not calibrated, and is not designed for daily use.

The goal of the open source camera implementation is to make it possible for developers to work with our products and innovate. This camera functionality implements the camera sensors found in the following devices: Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra (MSM8974), Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet (MSM8974AB), Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3, Zperia Z3 Tablet Compact (MSM8974AC) and Xperia Z3+, and Xperia Z4 Tablet (MSM8994).

The following devices are not in this release, but will be added later, so stay tuned: Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 and Xperia Z5 Premium (MSM8994) and Xperia M2, Xperia E3, and Xperia T3 (MSM8226).

Be aware of the limitations

Keep in mind that this is not the same camera framework as the one used in standard devices, but rather a framework that allows developers to experiment and continue to innovate. The developer-only design has several limitations; it is not calibrated and the picture quality is not up-to-par with the regular Sony Xperia camera software. When working with this camera, you will experience lags and crashes. Please note, this initial release was tested only with AOSP Lollipop MR1 build guide and some functionality is not implemented yet.

Use the new functionality

If you are an advanced developer, you can start using this open source camera right away. Go to the Open Devices Program section of Sony Mobile Developer World and build AOSP using the latest resources, which includes the new camera. If you run into obstacles or have any questions, head over to the Open Device forum to discuss with other developers and Sony engineers.

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