Camera


The Camera captures photos and videos. Phones have varying qualities of built-in cameras, often including features and functions. However, the higher the camera's megapixel count, the higher-resolution and better quality of the captured photo.

Megapixel - In digital imaging, a pixel is the smallest item of information in an image. A megapixel is 1 million pixels, and expresses the number of image sensor elements of a digital camera -- and hence the captured image size. For example, a camera with an array of 2048 x 1536 sensor elements is commonly said to have "3.1-megapixels" (2048 x 1536 = 3,145,728 pixels).

Generally, cameras will include common functions and features to alter or aid the photo taking. These include:

Flash - The Flash illuminates the scene in dim lighting. Most cameras used a photo "light," however few high-quality camera phones have integrated Xenon flashes for more intense lightening. Lower quality camera phones use "Night Mode" to increase the brightness through post-production, rather than illuminating the scene, often having more grainy photos.

Zoom - To get closer, users can zoom in. Most camera phones use "digital zoom" where the image is merely enlarged, similar to "cropping." The quality of the image suffers. Few cameras include "optical zoom," where the lens actually focuses on distant scenes. In optical zoom, no quality is lost.

Auto-Focus - Locks onto the image for sharp photos without manual focusing.

Macro - Takes close-up photos where normal modes would not be able to capture detail.

White Balance - Adjusts the overall mixture of colors in an image used for color correction for more accurate photos.

Color Effects - Adjusts the overall mixture of colors in an image used for a desired effect such as black and white, tinting, or saturation.

Self-Timer - Takes photos after a set time period when users need to be in the shot.

Multi-Shot - Takes multiple photos with one press, useful in capturing scenes with rapid movement, such as sports.

Geotagging - Using GPS coordinates the camera can automatically "tag" photos with its geographical location so when users flip back through photos, they will be able to retrace steps to that exact location.

Panorama - Stitches together continuous shots for one large panoramic image, useful in scenic photography.

Landscape - The camera takes photos in a horizontal orientation for a real camera feel.

Video Calling - Two-way live calling with video with other users with Video Calling capable phones.