Camera

With the W600i's 1.3-megapixel camera, users can take photos at up to 1280 x 1024 px in resolution. Progressing past first generation camera phones, the W600i is able to capture accurate images that make great prints. However, should users wish to save space, other resolutions include 640 x 480 px, and 160 x 120 px.

Activating the built-in camera by unlocking the lens cover converts the W600i's screen into the viewfinder. With most devices focusing on communication with the added feature of snapping a few photos, the W600i integrates the built-in camera so successfully that it's often times difficult to determine if it's a phone with imaging characteristics, or a camera with communication functionality.

As opposed to the vertical operational setup most camera phones utilize, the W600i goes with the conventional horizontal interface more familiar with digital cameras. Making full use of the TFT screen, the W600i resembles more like a Sony CyberShot digital camera than a camera phone.

Next to the lens, a mirror allows users to see where the camera is pointing to take self-portraits or group shots. Additionally, a Photo Light allows camera usage during low light conditions. The oddly placed Volume Keys along the right side suddenly become apparent, doubling as the 4x zoom controller (becoming on top when the W600i is turned horizontally for Camera Mode). Brightness Levels are adjusted with the navigational keypad (Left / Right).

Additionally, a robust set of camera features allow users choose between White Balance (Auto, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Daylight, and Cloudy), Effects (Negative, Solarize, Sepia, and Black and White), Picture Quality (Normal and Fine), Shoot Modes (Normal, Panorama, Frames, and Burst 4), Picture Light, Night Mode, and Shutter Sounds.

Through Burst Mode, users shoot four pictures in rapid succession, while Panorama Mode combines several shots into one wide picture. Once saved, preinstalled Frames can be added to add a touch of personality and fun.

With enough memory in the W600i to save hundreds of images and video clips, users can browse the thumbnail gallery or view photos in comfortable full-screen mode. Packaged with Adobe Photoshop album Starter Edition software, consumers can store and edit images on the PC. Connected, consumers simply drag and drop images from phone to PC. Easy.

Encoded in .3GP codec (H.263 and AMR) format, video can also be captured at either QCIF (176 x 144 px) or Sub-QCIF (128 x 96 px) resolutions at 15 frames per second. Bundled with Sony Ericsson's QuickShare software, the W600i allows users to easily share and send pictures with just a few simple clicks.

Sony Ericsson's integration of the camera functionality with the W600i is quite simply the best usability ever featured on mobile devices. Taking the idea that imaging should coexist with communication, the high-quality 1.3-megapixel camera contains robust filters and effects and bundled with software such as QuickShare, PhotoDJ, and VideoDJ to provide a camera phone that comes closest to a full standalone digital camera.

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