The Nokia N-90 Experience

The Camera

Devices today are continually changing to meet the needs and demands of users. For a long time, cameras have been incorporated into many phones but none have ever met my needs. Frankly, I always thought it was a gimmick that I would never use. Picture quality was always questionable but some devices slowly started to incorporate better cameras and you started to get decent pictures that were acceptable for web use. Not so with this phone!

The N-90 has set a standard that others will have to follow if they want to stay competitive. The camera is a 2 megapixel (1600 x 1200 pixels) camera with Carl Zeiss Optics and an outstanding auto focus that really works well. I have found the camera to be incredibly easy to use and have been just amazed at the quality of the shots I have taken.

There is a very unique design for using the camera. There are two modes for operation. The first being Camera mode where you can take pictures very easily with a simple twist of the camera and a press of the capture button. It is very simple with remarkable results. The second is called Imaging mode where you open the phone and twist the display. In the Imaging mode, not only can you take pictures but you can also take video. In addition, you have the ability to edit your images and your video clips.

It has been a lot of fun working with the camera using both the still and video modes. I have been pleased with the ability to lock the focus on an object, press the capture key halfway down and have it automatically focus. I would never have expected that ability in a camera phone (frankly, I never expected to see the kind of quality that has been consistent throughout my use of this device).

There is a green indicator appears on the display letting you know that the focus is set. Interestingly enough, the same indicator does not appear when the camera is in the closed position but what does happen is the centering display will turn green when the focus is set…very cool. Supposedly, if the focus was not locked, a red indicator appears. I have yet to have that occur. Each time, you can see it adjust itself and than become very clear. It has worked well. You can take the picture without locking the focus which I have done a lot…just in a hurry I guess. It works but the picture quality will vary.

The quality of the video is excellent. Is it as good as my camcorder? No! The truth of the matter is that you don’t always carry your camcorder with you but you do carry your phone. This is a very acceptable alternative to have! What is particularly cool is the ability to edit your video clips. I have spent some time playing with this feature and find myself enjoying the ability to edit and create my "muvee’s".