Warning: I am about to go on a mini-rant, so those of you looking for news should probably scoot onwards to the next post ….
Some time back, I wrote a post about the quality of the images produced by Mobile camera modules – not specifically any model or manufacturer, but generally. As an Editor on intoMobile, I get through my fair share of devices, and during that process, often take pictures. Some of those pictures I need temporarily, and some I’d like to keep – but often using a Mobile that claims to be a “convergence” device, I expect that the quality from the device will at least be serviceable – well, I have to say I’ve reached the point where I just don’t think that is the case….
Case in point: I took a series of pictures for the Vuzix headphones review (see here), using my current Mobile device – it’s 5MP, it has supposedly reasonable optics, and there are lots of image editing options in the UI – all of which suggests to me that it should take a good picture. Well, on uploading the pix to my PC, I find that really they are lacking a level of detail that I usually get with my digital camera.
Yes, yes, yes, of course the digital camera is a singular device, and the Mobile does other things too – but isn’t the point of these convergence devices to at least be able to do an “average” job of each of tasks they claim to be able to do? Certainly if the positioning of the product is such that it can handle decent digital imaging, then I don’t have an unreasonable expectation.
Perhaps it’s actually the case that Mobile devices at the moment are more suitable for “casual imaging” – that is, where you are not concerned necessarily by the final quality of the result, but just want something that makes a reasonable representation of the moment, there and then. If you have aspirations for proper “hi-res” imaging, perhaps you should still be packing your digital camera too?
To be fair and balance up the discussion somewhat, I’ve not had the opportunity to play with an N82 yet (the supposed “top dog” of Mobile digital imaging) – so if any web stores want to provide one (or indeed Nokia), for a side-by-side “shoot out” (pardon the pun) with a digital camera, please do feel free!
In the meantime, for those of you who have buried your digital camera in the “legacy devices” drawer, you might want to get it out and charge it – that is if you have any pix to take that are going to be valuable, and that you’ll want to keep….
IntoMobile readers: what are your thoughts? Are you happy with your Mobile camera, or do you carry a separate digital camera too? And if so, what brand / megapixel rating?
Ben