Invasion of the 3 Megapixel camera phones

[difenbaker]

Invasion of the 3 Megapixel camera phones
By Jørgen Sundgot, Tuesday 14 February 2006

Planning on buying a camera phone? Holding on a little longer might be wise, as 3-Megapixel offerings from Nokia, Samsung, BenQ-Siemens and Motorola are just around the bend.

Nokia N80



It would be easier listing features excluded from the N80 rather than those included, but here goes: a super high-resolution, 2.1-inch screen; 3G with video calling; Wi-Fi 802.11b/g; Bluetooth with stereo audio streaming support; a stereo FM radio; USB 2.0 and miniSD card memory expansion. Its 3 Megapixel camera, however, is the star of the show, tieing neatly in with UPnP support to enable streaming of snapshots to media extenders in your home network. Due out this March at an estimated retail price of €500 EUR.

Samsung SGH-Z710



Unsurprisingly, Samsung - known for its Korea-only imaging monsters which currently max out at eight Megapixels - is also included on the list with its SGH-Z710, toting a 3.2 Megapixel camera. As with the N80, features abound, including a stereo FM radio, music player, 2.15-inch swivel screen and 3G connectivity. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and USB, while a microSD card slot offers extension beyond the 128 MB of on-board memory. Due out this summer, its price tag remains a mystery - but it does have a Microsoft Office file viewer.

BenQ-Siemens EF91



Not content with merely being among the first 3 Megapixel camera phones, the BenQ-Siemens EF91 aims high with the inclusion of HSDPA - an improvement on UMTS based 3G which, in the case of this handset, will let owners download a MP3 tune in 8 seconds. Its 2-inch, high-resolution display doubles as a viewfinder for the camera, and there's also the obligatory music player, complete with Bluetooth stereo audio streaming and microSD card expansion. Like the SGH-Z710, it's due out this summer; pricing unknown.

Motorola E1120



Announced nearly a full year ago, Motorola's E1120 was the first 3 Megapixel camera phone to be unveiled - but won't hit shelves until later this summer with a price tag that's - you guessed it - unconfirmed. We do know, however, that it will be autofocus equipped, carry a 3G graphics accelerator for hardcore mobile gamers, sport 3G with video calling and rely on microSD cards for added memory. For the audibly inclined, it also incorporates an audio player, dual stereo speakers and virtual surround sound.



cheers!

[Jose_R.A.M]

I'm doubtful I'll be impressed with the images from these models.

Not too sure bout BQS.

[stephanie]

I dont get it, why would motorola stick a joystick in the center of the keypad?

[Jose_R.A.M]

haha, i didn't notice that.

If the joystick worked well, it might prove useful as you don't have to move your thumb so far (above the numeric keys) to navigate.

[jayesh]

i like the clean lines of the n80 even more now looking at it compared to the rest of the flips

[carcomptoy]

Originally Posted by Jose_R.A.M

haha, i didn't notice that.

If the joystick worked well, it might prove useful as you don't have to move your thumb so far (above the numeric keys) to navigate.

WHOA yeah that's pretty crazy...

[FullMetalKid]

Maybe its the "hip" thing of 2006

[Jose_R.A.M]

Could be a nice innovation. Wont really know till I try one out.

[shaheen]

wat are yall on about? its already on a phone out already, the motorola e1000. i tried itout, the thing in the middle of the keypad is really annoying, i find it so hard to text and to press the 2 key.

[Ack]

hmmm........the nokia one looks interesting because it has b/g wifi.....

anyway my s700 is still o.k., i would like a phone w/a better camera. maybe i'll wait for sharp to release a 5mpx phone and get the 833 for cheap

[Jose_R.A.M]

Originally Posted by shaheen

wat are yall on about? its already on a phone out already, the motorola e1000. i tried itout, the thing in the middle of the keypad is really annoying, i find it so hard to text and to press the 2 key.

Oh eye! I forgot about that one. Will have to go find one and check it out. my bad