Looking at the next generation EDoF – closer shots possible, almost Macro?

Steve Litchfield on his crusade to investigate the EDOF cameras looks at the new generation available in the 701. You may remember us being surprisingly impressed with the EDoF samples in the 600 (now discontinued). Interestingly this same camera is not on the 700 (Steve calls it in fact, “Rubbish” in the comments).

http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/features/item/13635_The_Nokia_701_and_EDoF_generat.php

Anyway, one of the main issues on EDoF was the inability for Macro. It seems as Steve finds, that it is slightly better at closer range. This is the ability many have been suggesting. If the purpose of EDoF is to make those simple no waiting for AF shots (not simply price and size, which is odd when you see cheap, small AF) then AF free Macro might solve that last reservation some people have on EDoF. That’s going to be one incredible feat of tech to get EDoF from say 15cm up to infinity always in focus. How many cm of Macro is enough anyway? (Check image below of a business card? older EDoF left, new EDoF 701 right, this is apparently 30cm).

Other things Steve notices in the 701 is reduced sharpening, better low light, more detail. Steve also notes improvement possibly due to the beefier processing power (with all improved CPU/GPU/RAM)

In the comments you’ll also note praise for EDoF video. I do much prefer to have AF, but for majority it might be fine.

I can see situations where AF can get in the way of an actual good photo that EDoF could beat. N8 was having some difficulty in getting some focus at a party last night (and later in the club). I’m guessing it was more to do with the case as pics came out better when using touch focus – though that didn’t always solve some blurs. Xenon + EDoF? lol. What if AF tech was just improved. I mean, what’s with all the point and shoot digicams on AF anyway.

Source:allaboutsymbian.com

Cheers Viipottaja for the tip!

Category: Nokia, Symbian