Camera

Rumor had it that the A870 would be equipped with a 2.0-megapixel camera, but rumor was sadly amiss. The phone's less-advanced VGA camera, located near the hinge of the phone, is not of high enough quality to replace an actual digital camera; it does, however, offer a nice package for a camera phone, include flash, self-timer, and various color effects. The flash especially is a nice added touch, since many other mid-range phones do not offer this feature.

The camera switches to the external screen when the phone is closed, allowing for self-portraits. The shutter, for which there are three sound effect options, is controlled by a dedicated side button or the OK button.

The options for the self-timer include three, five, and ten second delays, while the flash options allow the feature to be turned on, off, put on auto, or used only for one shot.

Users may choose from the standard range of resolutions (640 x 480 px, 320 x 240 px, and 160 x 120 px) and standard levels of quality (Fine, Normal, and Economy). White balance may be set to Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Tungsten, and Fluorescent. The wide range of color effects includes Black and White, Sepia, Green, Aqua, Antique, Cool, Warm, and Sketch, the last of which transforms an image into surprisingly well-done black-line drawing. The camera zooms up to four levels, and the brightness may be adjusted to +/-4 points.

Once taken, images may be sent in a Pix Message, saved to the phone, or saved to the PixPlace online gallery. They may also be set as main / external wallpapers or as Picture IDs for caller ID. Other options allow consumers to rename, lock, and erase pictures, as well as look up picture info such as name, date, time, resolutions, and size.

A postcard feature superimposes a Sketch-mode image (of text or anything else) over another picture. Postcard options allow users to adjust the superimposed image by selecting the ink color, activating a shadowing feature, and rotating and moving the superimposed image.

Unlike cutting-edge high-end phones, the A870 offers neither video recording nor video downloading.

The camera offers a standard range of features, from image quality controls to picture messaging, with a flash added for good measure. While the phone does not feature video capabilities or print-quality photography, it also does not feature the high price tag associated with such options. Those hoping for an upgrade from a VGA camera may be disappointed, but those who use their camera phone for fun or not at all should have no problem with the A870's offering.

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