Camera
The M1's camera is top-of-the line at an impressively versatile 2.0-megapixel
camera and camcorder. While users are given several options on image effects,
the camera lacks a stabilizer to keep images from turning out fuzzy. Most
impressively, video and still images can be transferred from the impressive
1 GB internal storage via Bluetooth or the included USB cable to a PC. The
former also allows still images to be directly printed on a Bluetooth compatible
printer directly from the camera.
The still-image camera's 16x digital zoom controls are a bit clumsy and
difficult to figure out, although the camera's auto focus proves very useful.
The camera takes more than acceptable photos outside and inside thanks to
an extraordinarily bright flash, which can sometimes be overwhelming. The
camera's nonadjustable shutter speed sometimes makes it difficult to get
a clear photo without steadying one's arm on a solid surface. Conveniently,
the shutter sound can be changed and turned off. One cute option is for
the device to say "cheese."
Still images can be taken in four different resolutions (1200 x 1600
px; 960 x 1280 px; 480 x 640 px; 240 x 320 px), three quality settings (Fine,
Normal, Economy), six different picture modes which include altered color
tones and fun frames. The M1 can take up to 9 shots consecutively, which
makes for entertaining photo sequences. Image controls help to control the
white balance, brightness, sharpness and contrast of the still images.
Although the self-timer allows for an up-to 10-second delay, it is useless
considering that the clamshell phone with the lens on the backside does
not stay up on its own.
The M1 also supports more common functions, like picture sharing with
email addresses and other phones. Also, photos can be assigned as wallpaper,
screen savers or to contacts in the address book.
One of the M1's most impressive multi-media options is the camcorder,
which can record a time period from 10 seconds to 120 minutes (given the
appropriate storage) in two QVGA-resolutions (320 x 240 px or 176 x 144
px). Video file types that are supported include: MPEG4, 3GPP2 and 3GPP.
Sprint's PCS Video Mail can accommodate up to 30-second long video clips
on its wireless sharing system.
Like the M1's still-image capabilities, its video capabilities are also
incredibly customizable. Packing the first punch is the video camera's 1x
to 9x zoom and silent movie option, which allows users to capture movement
without an audio track. Options include inclusion of cue sounds ("action
& cut," "off" or "ready & stop") also allow users to select skins to use
as frames around the video. Video clips can be assigned as specific screen
savers or ringers.
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