Photo quality edges higher as Samsung’s G600 joins the megapixel ranks.
In our experience the jury is still out on phone-pics – image sensors and lenses that aren't up to scratch, too much noise, bad lowlight performance, and in some cases the zoom is terrible.
But phones are catching up, and the latest crop of 5 megapixel devices are the benchmark.
The latest hope is Samsung’s upcoming G600, which packs a 5 megapixel camera and will arrive in Optus stores in March. Samsung isn’t first with 5 megapixels - several vendors are already there, notably LG with its Viewty. We’ve tested the Viewty’s picture-taking abilities briefly, and we’re reasonably impressed by what we saw, including a macro mode, great lowlight ability, face tracking and a beautiful 3-inch viewing screen.
We haven’t had the chance to play with the G600 yet, but the specs look promising. As well as the 5 megapixels, you get auto focus and several shoot modes including panoramic and macro. Like the Viewty, the G600 also has image stabilisation.
Absent from the information sent to us about the G600 is any mention of face tracking and ISO settings, both of which are standout features on the Viewty. The Samsung also has a smaller screen at 2.2-inches verse 3-inches for the Viewty.
Much is being made of the G600's lack of 3G. It’s an important point – the Viewty makes use of 3G for photo uploads and Youtube video posts. But for people that just want to point and shoot, we suggest you keep an eye out for the G600 when it arrives in March.
While 5 megapixel phones are cutting edge in Australia, they’re not the first. Samsung has previously launched 10 and 8 megapixel phones, though in bulkier, heavier designs. In the US, Samsung also has the SGH-800, which it claims to be the first 5 megapixel phone with a 3x optical zoom, and comes with face detection and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR).