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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