Set the exposure mode to locked while pointing at a dark scene

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 95 views

Introduction

The camera_avfoundation package is a popular choice for developers looking to integrate camera functionality into their Flutter applications. However, some users have reported issues with locking the exposure mode, which is a crucial feature for maintaining consistent image quality. In this article, we will delve into the issue of locking exposure mode not working as expected and explore possible solutions.

Steps to Reproduce

To reproduce the issue, follow these steps:

Build the camera_avfoundation package example: Clone the camera_avfoundation package from the Flutter GitHub repository and build the example project.
Set the exposure mode to locked while pointing at a dark scene: Use the cameraController.setExposureMode method to set the exposure mode to locked while pointing the camera at a dark scene.
Point a light scene: Move the camera to a light scene and observe the exposure.

Expected Results

The expected result is that the exposure remains locked, and the light scene is overexposed.

Actual Results

However, the actual result is that the exposure changes, and the light scene is correctly exposed.

Code Sample

While a minimal reproducible sample is not provided, the issue can be reproduced using the camera_avfoundation example project available on the Flutter GitHub repository.

Screenshots or Video

No screenshots or videos are available to demonstrate the issue.

Logs

No logs are available to provide further information about the issue.

Flutter Doctor Output

The Flutter Doctor output is provided below:

Doctor output

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ A new version of Flutter is available!                  │
│                                                         │
│ To update to the latest version, run "flutter upgrade". │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Doctor summary (to see all details, run flutter doctor -v):
[✓] Flutter (Channel stable, 3.29.0, on macOS 14.1.1 23B81 darwin-arm64, locale en-PL)
[✓] Android toolchain - develop for Android devices (Android SDK version 34.0.0)
[✓] Xcode - develop for iOS and macOS (Xcode 15.0.1)
[✓] Chrome - develop for the web
[✓] Android Studio (version 2024.2)
[✓] VS Code (version 1.97.2)
[✓] Connected device (5 available)
    ! Error: Browsing on the local area network for Anna’s iPad. Ensure the device is unlocked and attached with a cable or
      associated with the same local area network as this Mac.
      The device must be opted into Developer Mode to connect wirelessly. (code -27)
[✓] Network resources

• No issues found!

Possible Solutions

Based on the provided information, it appears that the issue may be related to the way the exposure mode is being set or the camera controller is being used. Here are some possible solutions to consider:

Verify the exposure mode setting: Ensure that the exposure mode is being set correctly using the cameraController.setExposureMode method.
Check the camera controller: Verify that the camera controller is being used correctly and that the exposure mode is being locked as expected.
Update the camera_avfoundation package: Check if there are any updates available for the camera_avfoundation package that may resolve the issue.
Use a different camera package: Consider using a different camera package, such as camera, which may provide better support for locking the exposure mode.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of locking exposure mode not working as expected in the camera_avfoundation package. In this article, we will provide a Q&A section to help developers better understand the issue and find solutions.

Q: What is the expected behavior of locking exposure mode?

A: When locking exposure mode, the camera should maintain a consistent exposure level, regardless of changes in lighting conditions. This is crucial for maintaining consistent image quality.

Q: Why is locking exposure mode not working as expected?

A: The issue may be related to the way the exposure mode is being set or the camera controller is being used. It's possible that the exposure mode is not being locked correctly, or the camera controller is not being used as expected.

Q: How can I verify that the exposure mode is being set correctly?

A: You can use the cameraController.setExposureMode method to set the exposure mode to locked. Then, use the cameraController.getExposureMode method to verify that the exposure mode is being set correctly.

Q: What are some possible causes of the issue?

A: Some possible causes of the issue include:

Incorrect exposure mode setting
Camera controller not being used correctly
Outdated camera_avfoundation package
Using a different camera package that does not support locking exposure mode

Q: How can I update the `camera_avfoundation` package?

A: You can update the camera_avfoundation package by running the following command in your terminal:

flutter pub upgrade camera_avfoundation

Q: What are some alternative camera packages that support locking exposure mode?

A: Some alternative camera packages that support locking exposure mode include:

camera: This package provides a more comprehensive set of camera features, including locking exposure mode.
camera_plus: This package provides additional camera features, including locking exposure mode.

Q: How can I troubleshoot the issue?

A: To troubleshoot the issue, you can try the following:

Verify that the exposure mode is being set correctly
Check the camera controller to ensure it is being used correctly
Update the camera_avfoundation package
Use a different camera package that supports locking exposure mode

Conclusion

In conclusion, the issue of locking exposure mode not working as expected in the camera_avfoundation package is a complex problem that requires further investigation. By following the steps outlined in this Q&A article, developers can work towards resolving this issue and providing a better experience for their users.

Additional Resources

For additional resources on camera development in Flutter, including tutorials and documentation, please visit the following links:

For related articles on camera development in Flutter, please visit the following links: