Reviews

Camera

20 Feb 2013

All of the devices on test have a similar camera set up. The BB Z10, iPhone, Nexus 4 and Galaxy S3 have 8-megapixel snappers on the rear, whereas the Nokia has a slightly larger 8.7-megapixel camera. All devices also have front-facing cameras, primarily for video calling purposes.

As the devices have similar resolution, picture quality is unsurprisingly similar. The camera software also helps to differentiate between them, so we've run through what each has to offer.

BlackBerry Z10

Rear Camera 8-megapixel
Front camera - 2-megapixel
Panorama mode - No
Time shift - Takes a burst of shots and allows users to cycle through them to manipulate images.
Story maker - Ability to edit together videos + images with music.
Image + video stabilisation Yes
Effects In-app, post-picture.
Digital zoom 5x
In-app photo sharing Yes
Video recording 1080p

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Lumia 920

Front camera 8.7-megapixel with Carl Zeiss optics
Rear camera - 1.3-megapixel
Panorama mode - Yes
Smart Stay allows you to choose the best photo from a selection and also delete items that may be unwanted. This works best when you take a picture of someone and a stranger accidently walks through your shot.
Image + video stabilisation Yes, technically the best optical stabilisation means the lens moves to compensate for any shaking.
Effects: Third-party, post picture.
Digital zoom 4x
In-app photo sharing Yes
Video recording 1080p

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iPhone 5

Rear camera 8-megapixel
Front camera - 1.3-megapixel
Panorama mode Yes
Video stabilisation Yes
Effects - Third-party, post picture
Face detection Up to 10 faces
Digital zoom Yes
In app photo-sharing Yes
Video recording 1080p

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Galaxy S3

Rear camera 8-megapixel
Front camera - 1.9-megapixel
Panorama mode Yes
Image stabilisation Yes
Effects In app, pre-picture.
Burst mode/ Best picture Yes, allows users to pick the best picture.
Digital zoom 4x
In-app photo sharing - Yes
Video recording 1080p

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Nexus 4

Rear camera 8-megapixel
Front camera - 1.3-megapixel
Panorama mode Yes, 360 degree panoramas which can be uploaded directly to Google Maps.
Image stabilisation Yes
Effects In-app, post-picture.
Digital zoom 4x
In-app sharing - Yes
Video recoding 1080p

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Winner: Lumia 920

It's a tough call - but based on the features and quality available we would say the Lumia 920 just shades it overall. The Galaxy S3 and iPhone 5 are vying for the runner up position.