Megapixel Cameraphones not just a Flash in the pan!

[surur]

For those sceptics who thought the Samsung 3.2 megapixel CAMERAphone was just a flash in the pan, here comes the proof that a camera CAN be intergrated into a phone and still make a reasonable device that does both well.

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/3263_super.jpg

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/images/3263_large.jpg

Specs from MobileMag (http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/340/C3263/)
Aside from the impressive 1.9-inch large LCD display, 2 megapixel CCD camera with built-in flash, auto focusing and 9 shot continuous shooting mode, the P1’s TTS functionality will allow for almost any type of text message to be heard. From multimedia appliances sending you messages, to everyday emails, the P1’s voice synthesis software will convert the message into an audible voice for you to hear. This is all possible because of the MSM 6100 chip, it stores a 28,000 word Electronic Dictionary including definitions and pronunciations and capable of speech synthesis, all packed into a 15.8mm handset.

From Infosync (http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/5397.html)
The phone measures 91.8 x 51.8 x 15.8 mm and weighs in at 97.9 grams. That's surprisingly light for a phone that sports a 2.1 megapixel camera in back. The camera, of course, can record both still images and video clips. To support the camera, Curitel has packed it with 128 MB of flash ROM and 64 MB of RAM, as well as support for mini-SD cards.

Most usual phone functionality is present, including SMS/EMS/MMS messaging and polyphonic ringtones. Talk time is rated for 2.2 hours with 150 hour standby.

The Good quality cameras in cameraphones are coming.... (actually they are here already)

As Willaim Gibson said "The future is already here, it's just not evenly distributed."

Surur

PS: Yes I know the keypad is very weird. Lets not get distracted by their industrial design choices. The point is that phone OEM's want a chunk of the booming digital camera market, and they know they wont get it with crappy CMOS VGA cameras.

[Mike Temporale]

Hey surur, I'm beginning to think you have some sort of vested interest in high end camera phones. :lol: :wink:

In all seriousness, even without the camera, that's one nice looking phone. This seems more praticale to me. I would love to see more 2.x MP ccamera phones that can produce a nice high quality image.

Ultimatly, I think you're right. 2 years from now, camera phones will be totaly different than what we are seeing today. Until we get to that point, I would rather see lower MP with higher quality images. :)

[yslee]

sigh.. all this is pointless until we see samples. The Samsung has a point of reference from the Pentax Optio S and Casion Exlim series, but this one does not. For all you know, it could well be as poor as the 1 MP phones.

[Mike Temporale]

all this is pointless until we see samples.

Fair enough, it would be good to see samples. However, it's easy to see that this is a more serious camera than most camera phones todate.

[surur]

Just to keep you guys up to date with this fast moving flield:

http://idg.se/ArticlePages/200410/20/20041020103730_MD/Samsung_5.0_stor.jpg

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/041020/323/f4wod.html

A 5 megapixel camera by samsung, made in collaboration with Pentax.

It collapses, so its not as large as it looks. It also does Mp3's, works as a camcorder, TV function (whatever that means) and does telephone banking.

I wish samsung would standardise on the WM platform, then these goodies would be more attractive.

Surur

PS: They are planning a 10 megapixel camera in the next few months.

[Mike Temporale]

The one on the right looks a little smaller, and thinner. They both have that Voq look to them. By that, I mean that they look a little thicker and taller than I would like.

I would really like to see some sample pictures. That would indicate how good these devices really are.

[surur]

Some more pictures over here:

http://www.engadget.com/entry/7166396751774728/


Im sure the pictures are perfectly adequate. I would be surprised if they are GREAT, or if any prosumer would use them, but Im sure its as good or better than what most people have in their drawer at home, and the advantage would be that its not in the drawer, but in their pocket and available all the time.

This would make a great gift to a new mother!

Surur