Camera

Since first being introduced in 2002, cameras have gone from a novelty on phones to an essential feature that allows the user to leave their standalone digital camera at home.

Compared to the market, the D807 is in the middle of the pack with a built in 1.3-megapixel camera. Falling short of the latest state-of-the-art phones that feature 2.0- and 3.2-megapixel cameras, the D807 is nonetheless a significant improvement over the old 0.3-megapixel VGA cameras still found on some phones released today.

With resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 px, the D807 captures photos that are suitable for making prints. At around 250 KB per photo at this setting, the camera's internal memory can store up after 70 photos, but an external microSD memory card provides extra storage space. Lower resolutions include MEGA (1152 x 864 px), SVGA (800 x 600 px), VGA (640 x 480), QVGA (320 x 240 px), and QCIF (176 x 144 px).

Located on the back of the screen, the camera is revealed when the D807 is slid up (protecting the lens when the slider is closed). Easily controlled using the center select button to take pictures, directional arrows adjust the Brightness Level (0-10) and 4X Digital Zoom (10 steps). The brightness adjustment helps compensate for some low light conditions, however it is still a poor replacement for a conventional flash.

With the LCD screen out of view during a self portrait, the D807 has a mirror next to the lens that gives an accurate depiction of what's in frame. Other features found on the phone include a Self-Timer (Off, 3, 5, and 10 Sec), Quality (Super Fine, Fine, Normal, and Economy), Effects (Grayscale, Negative, Sepia, Emboss, Sketch, Antique, and Moonlight), and Frames (25 different to choose from). More advanced options include Multi-Shot (6, 9, or 15 shots at normal or high speed) and Mosaic Shot (2x2 and 3x3, Auto or Manual).

Entering Camcorder Mode, videos can be captured in Normal Length or Limit for MMS modes. Effects and Quality options are available for the video camera. Shot at 176 x 144 px resolution, the video clips are grainy and choppy and remain a novelty feature rather than intended for actual usage.

The D807's 1.3-megapixel camera is solid as an occasional replacement for the standalone digital camera. It fares much better than the older VGA cameras but trails many dedicated camera phones that can be found from major carriers. The lack of a flash hurts it in comparison with other 1+ megapixel counterparts but the robust filters and functions are useful options and a nice bonus.

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