Surface 2 Camera Resolution terrible - what am I doing wrong?

Question

Just sold my Surface RT and bought a Surface 2. The camera feature on my old RT took crisp clear pictures and you could read fine print (even very small) on the photos I took. The Surface 2 photos are all very blurry and I have noticed that it takes clear pictures of "distant" objects 5 - 25 feet away - BUT DOES NOT TAKE A CLEAR CLOSE UP PHTO. THIS IS VERY DISHEARTNING AS I HAVE AN ONLINE BUSINESS AND NEED TO TAKE CRISP , CLEAR PHOTOS OF THE ITEMS I AM SELLING. ON M OLD RT, I COULD TAKE A CLOSE UP PHOTO FROM INCHES AWAY WITH PERFECT RESOLUTION. WHEN I ATTEMPT THIS WITH THE SURFACE 2 MY CLOSE UP ARE TERRIBLE. THEY ARE VERY BLURRY AND I AM AT A LOSS FOR WHAT TO DO TO STAY IN BUSINESS NOW THAT I CAN NO LONGER TAKE PHOTOS OF MY PRODUCTS THAT I AM SELLING. PEOPLE NEED TO BE ABLE TO READ THE FINE PRINT AND THE DETAILS ON THE PACKAGING. HAS ANYONE ELSE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SURFACE 2 CAMERA. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT I HAVE TO RETURN THIS FOR A NEW SURFACE 2? MY CELL PHONE TAKES BETTER PICTURES THAN MY SURFACE 2! PLEASE HELP.

Answer 1

Hi edwardstauder,

Thank you for your prompt and kind reply!

In this case, on the left side of "Imaging Devices" you should be able to see a +. When you click on it, both cameras should appear. If you do not see this, then we ask you to perform a Refresh.

**Refresh or reset Surface RT or Surface 2**

When you say you updated your Surface 2 from update and recovery are you referring to a Windows Update or a Refresh/Reset?

A Refresh/Reset will uninstall the camera drivers and re install them automatically so, if after Refreshing the Surface, the issue persists, we highly recommend you contact our Technical Support Department.

Depending on what is most convenient for you, you can:

1. Open a service request yourself, using our **Online Service Center**
2. Contact our Technical Support team**here**

We hope this helps!

Best Wishes,

Answer 2

Hi edwardstauder,

Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Community! We value the time you have taken to post in our forums. I am sorry to hear you are having a hard time taking quality photos with your Surface 2, especially when you never had issues with your Surface RT. I can certainly see why this would be upsetting and concerning, taking into consideration you use this device for work purposes mainly. Please know I will do my best to help and guide you in the right direction!

In this case, compared to the Surface RT, the  Surface 2 cameras improved to 3.5 megapixels in the front camera and 5 megapixels in the rear. The Cameras in the Surface 2 are HD, the maximum resolution is 1920x1080 and for more information, you can see the respective Spec sheets **here**.

For this reason, please check the following:

• Make sure all and latest Windows updates are installed. Please manually check for updates and install all that are available:
• **Desktop> Swipe for Charms>Settings> Control panel> Windows update> check for updates> install.**Restart between layers of updates, even if not prompted to. Restart twice after the last update installs.
• What happens if you restart the Surface? Have you shut down the device completely and tried using the camera again?
• Does it happen only when using the camera app or with any other app that uses the camera?

Additionally, we recommend uninstalling and reinstalling the camera drivers as shown below:

• Go to Desktop
• Swipe from right and click Settings
• Click Control panel
• Open Device Manager
• Open the drop down option for Imaging Devices
• Choose Microsoft Life Cam Front
• Click on the tab for Drivers
• Choose the option to Uninstall driver
• Select OK

***Please DO NOT check the box saying "Delete the driver software for this device".***

If the problem is happening with the rear camera as well, you can repeat the steps above and select “Microsoft Life Cam Rear“.

If after uninstalling and reinstalling the camera the issue persists, we suggest Refreshing your Surface. Below you will find the support article on how to do this:

• **Refresh or reset Surface RT or Surface 2**

We hope these steps prove useful. Please keep us posted!

We are always here to help!

Best Wishes,

Answer 3

Tried the drop down under Imaging Devices and there was no Microsoft Life Cam Front or Rear listed. Where can I find it. I went to update and recovery and updated my surface 2. Camera still the same. Takes wonderful long distance pictures. Try to take a close-up of a box with print on it and very blurry. Can't read text. I am still out of business as far as my online store is concerned because I cannot take clear pictures of my products. I wish I had my old RT back. Impeccable photos with the RT. Surface 2 is a mess. Please help.