diff --git a/cloud/safety_checker.py b/cloud/safety_checker.py
index 25cde84..41771e0 100644
--- a/cloud/safety_checker.py
+++ b/cloud/safety_checker.py
@@ -16,13 +16,13 @@ class DishSafetyResult(BaseModel):
 
 def check_dish_safety(image_path: str) -> dict:
     prompt = (
-        "You are a microwave safety vision inspector.\n\n"
-        "TASK: Check if this dish contains any REAL METAL CUTLERY (metal spoons, forks, knives) or ALUMINUM FOIL.\n\n"
+        "You are a strict microwave safety vision inspector.\n\n"
+        "TASK: Inspect the dish for ANY metal or plastic utensils (spoons, forks, knives, metal handles) or aluminum foil.\n\n"
         "CRITICAL RULES:\n"
-        "1. Rice, curry, stew, potatoes, herbs, dark sauce, and ceramic/plastic/glass bowls are SAFE food items.\n"
-        "2. Camera image noise, shadows, and food textures are NOT metal objects.\n"
-        "3. Unless a shiny, metallic silver/gold utensil or foil sheet is clearly visible, mark is_safe = True and detected_hazards = [].\n"
-        "4. Do NOT invent or guess utensils if none are clearly visible."
+        "1. Look closely at the edges and interior of the bowl for utensil handles sticking out, even if they appear dark or shadowed.\n"
+        "2. If you see ANY spoon handle, fork, knife, or utensil body—whether shiny silver, grey, or dark metal—mark is_safe = False.\n"
+        "3. ONLY mark is_safe = True if the bowl contains 100% food and rice with NO protruding utensils or foreign objects.\n"
+        "4. If a spoon or utensil is detected, set detected_hazards = ['metal spoon'] and warning_message = 'Please remove the metal utensil before microwaving.'"
     )
 
     response_raw = generate(
diff --git a/orchestrateur/sensors/camera.py b/orchestrateur/sensors/camera.py
index 2ee7901..e7cd8ca 100644
--- a/orchestrateur/sensors/camera.py
+++ b/orchestrateur/sensors/camera.py
@@ -6,7 +6,25 @@ import time
 
 picam2 = Picamera2()
 
-camera_config = picam2.create_still_configuration()
+# Get maximum full-sensor dimensions
+sensor_format = picam2.sensor_modes[0] 
+max_width = sensor_format['size'][0]
+max_height = sensor_format['size'][1]
+
+camera_config = picam2.create_still_configuration(
+    raw={"size": (1640, 1232)},
+    main={"size": (1640, 1232)}
+)
+picam2.set_controls({
+    "AeEnable": False,                       # Disable Auto Exposure to lock settings
+    "ExposureTime": 60000,                   # 40 ms shutter time (brightens without grain)
+    "AnalogueGain": 2.0,                     # Keep gain low to eliminate sensor noise
+    "AwbEnable": False,                      # Disable Auto White Balance fluctuation
+    "ColourGains": (1.4, 1.2),               # Balanced RGB gains for indoor warm LED
+    "Brightness": 0.2,                       # Slight boost to shadow detail
+    "Contrast": 1.1,                         # Crisp edges around metallic surfaces
+    "ScalerCrop": [0, 0, max_width, max_height] # Uncrop the image
+})
 picam2.configure(camera_config)
 
 picam2.start()