Activating the T809's 1.3-megapixel camera allows consumers to take photos
at SXGA (1280 x 1024 px) resolutions. Almost standard in mobile phone technology
nowadays, the T809's camera is high enough in quality to make decent prints,
progressing past first generation camera phones which captured images too
grainy for much more than phone wallpapers and caller IDs. However to save
storage space, users can lower photo resolution to Mega (1152 x 864 px),
SVGA (800 x 600 px), VGA (640 x 480 px), QVGA (320 x 240 px), Mobile (240
x 320 px), or Frame (240 x 180 px).
Situated on the top spine, the T809's camera lens moves in a 180 degree
range. However, rotating downwards into the spine as opposed to upwards,
the lens doesn't have a complete unobstructed range, but rather only front
or the back views. Somewhat restrictive, the added benefit is the ability
to tuck the lens away to protect against accidental scratches.
Adding a wealth of features, Samsung included a bundle of filters and
functions to complement and enhance the camera. Supplied with an array of
image correction tools, shutterbugs can choose between Scene Programs (Normal
and Night), Metering Exposure (Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot), and White
Balance (Auto, Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, and Sunset).
Additionally, advanced users can use Multi-Shot (6 or 9 shots at Normal,
or 9 or 15 at High-Speed) to capture action-packed scenes, use Mosaic-Shot
to piece together multiple photos for a panoramic view, or adjust the digital
camera sensor's sensitivity to light by setting the ISO (Auto, 100, 200,
and 400).
Basic options also include the Self-Timer (3, 5, or 10 seconds), five
shutter sounds (although silent isn't an option), and 29 frames to add some
lighthearted entertainment to snapshots. Handy shortcuts are even integrated
to provide quick access to Brightness Levels (Left / Right) and 8X Digital
Zoom (Up / Down) through the directional keypad, Vertical (Up) and Horizontal
(Down) Image Flips by pressing the Volume Side Keys, and various other filter
shortcuts through Numeric Keypad presses.
While photo quality wasn't exceptional, for a camera phone, the T809
is pretty good. Occasional blurring occurred in low lighting conditions
since the camera lacks a flash. Special attention needs to be place on keeping
hands steady.
In Camcorder Mode, the T809 can store video clips up to CIF (352 x 288
px) resolution. Encoded in MP4 and 3GP formats, video clips up to 30-seconds
in length can be recorded at 13 frames per second. Storage options include
internal space or memory cards.
Video quality is better than most devices, which mostly record in 176
x 220 px, considerably lower resolution. But with current mobile video technology,
consumers will be hard pressed to find a high-quality video phone. Considered
high-end for camera phones, the T809's video capabilities capture reasonable
shots to be replayed on a PC. On the contrary, downloaded videos (such as
movie trailers or TV clips) show up wonderfully during playback.
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