Camera

The Nokia 5300 XpressMusic's 1.3-megapixel camera takes pictures in six resolutions, ranging from 1280 x 1024 px to 160 x 120 px. Users have a choice of Image Quality (High, Normal or Basic), 8X Digital Zoom, White Balance Control, Night Mode, a Self-Timer that beeps so users know when the camera's shutter will close, five Color Effects and a Shutter Sounds option.

Unfortunately there is no built-in flash, so the 5300 will function poorly in low light environments. Consumers can easily download photos from the phone to the computer using a USB cord, or setup a Bluetooth connection and transfer files wirelessly.

The 5300 XpressMusic's camcorder can shoot up to 20-second 3GPP-format videos and records sound. Video quality can be also be set at High, Normal or Basic, and resolution can be set at either 176 x 144 px or 128 x 96 px. Users can expect to have similar image editing options when they use the phone's camcorder feature. However as expected, video quality is substandard compared to still images.

Toggling between Camera and Video Mode is easy with the push of one button. Users can also zoom either with the volume buttons on the side of the display or with the Toggle Key that surrounds the OK button, which is the camera's shutter control. Like other cameraphones, image quality can be decent when under the right conditions, with lots of light and on the highest quality and resolutions settings. Ideal for capturing impromptu moments, the 5300 is too grainy and mediocre to be a standalone digital camera replacement.

Basic Features

Basic features include Speakerphone, Text / Picture Messaging, Instant Messaging with Presence, Voice Commands, Alarm Clock, Calendar, Stopwatch, Notepad, Calculator, and To-Do List to manage personal dates and information. The 5300 has a standard Li-Ion battery that offers up to 3.2 hours of continuous digital talk time and up to nine days of digital standby time. An extended battery pack is sold separately for $19.99.

The 5300 also allows for access to T-Zones and the use of T-Mobile's new myFaves service, which offers unlimited nationwide calling to five U.S. phone numbers.

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