Nokia N97 Low Light Photo Samples! (and N82 extreme low light photos)
We’ve seen sample pictures from the N97 before, e.g. here and here. But we haven’t really seen it perform under less than optimum conditions, i.e. poor lighting, with people posing in poor lighting – mostly relying on the flash for additional illumination.
The following samples from the N97 don’t seem to be using the Dual LED flash, but in these circumstances (except the last photo) you don’t really need it.
This first one, the distance would have been too far even for Xenon flash, and the N97 seems to cope well.
Looks a little pale here.
These wine glasses would have been obliterated with reflections if Xenon were used.
Not sure if the Dual LED flash was on. If it was me and the N82 there, you would be able to see those people's faces.
Without actually testing the Nokia N97 under extreme low lighting conditions (virtually no lighting), I still cannot say I can give up the N82 as my phone/camera for nights out and use the N97 instead. Carrying a compact is an option, but then you’re gonna have to carry that in addition to your phone. Alright for most girls as they’re used to being lumbered with bags, but not the best option for guys who just have pockets. Subjectively, with alcohol, the less things to worry about, the better.
Take a look at these random selection of photos taken by the N82 (please ignore the repeat N97 ones), nearly all of which would have appeared pitch black just like the last photo above taken by the N97 had it not been for the Xenon Flash. These were some of the only ones safe to put up outside facebook.
Jay Montano
chaslam
nokiacreative
llaadd
Sergejs Cuhrajs
Andy Harsent
John Wiegand-forson
Andre
Marc Lamarie
It’s a shame Nokia didn’t think about standardizing the xenon flash on all high end fones. Apparently it was extremely costly and spare parts where at a price too. The LED was a high shelf life low cost option.
I Personally have an N82 and i wont sell it, even though i have the N97 being delivered in 15days. I’ll definatley hold both phones…
I agree with you wholeheartedly! It is very much a Nokia thing to leave out something obscenely obvious and justify it with less than worthy excuses. You think they’re going on the right path, picking features you’d think should be standard but then no. They take an unexplainable step back. 3.5″ Screen and the proven 5mp camera would have been a great combination with Xenon Flash….
… The problem with Nokia is that they didn’t make a big deal about the N82′s Xenon flash. If it had been apple, everyone would be jumping about for it as if they had just invented fire. The N82 really can replace a simple point and shoot camera – it was a great step towards convergence as you could really give up a dedicated device. Some justify the dual led with video taking – yeah if I like filming things 10cm away from the phone then yes. And if it was so important, they could have included both – and not the lesser option of the two.
Hi All,
I also have the Nokia N82 at the moment, and agree that for photo purpose it makes a huge difference having the xenon flash, even to the point that no one else takes photos with their phones which dont have xenon because they know theirs wont come out as good as mine with the N82.
Waying this up vs the N97 is a tough decision, if the N97 had xenon and I had to pay extra, I think I would prefer to pay the extra to have an all in one device.
Very nice post, I was looking for this for quite some time, I am definately going to subscribe to you now. Keep it up .
That is the main reason, Im 5% not considering getting this phone.
I still do not understand why nokia puts all the good bits across a variety of phones. Why not use a xenon flash in top end phones. Nokia please listen to me. A xenon flash is so much better for night shots. I can take shots with my N82 all night and compared to everyone else 2 3 etc etc led flash light shots, the N82 wins every time.
PLease nokia Xenon flashes, or a choice to have one. Its what cameras use, so put them in your CAMERA phones, you did it before, now do it again, all the time!!!!