Sony Ericsson C905 - sample shots and lowdown on camera

Mobile-review have posted their review of the Sony Ericsson C905 camera. Here is their final conclusion.

In my opinion, the images above require no further explanation. Let's face it, the C905 is no revolution, it simply delivers exactly what you'd expect from a Sony Ericsson branded handset. Basically, comparing a bunch of images snapped with the Samsung G810 and INNOV8, you'll certainly appreciate the i8510i's enhanced sharpness and color reproduction. On the other hand, running a similar comparison between the K850i and C905 won't give you the same impression. Sony Ericsson preferred to spend their money not on the handset's hardware (sensor), but on its camera-related extras, such the feature that allows the camera to start shooting whenever it detects movement in the area covered in the viewfinder. All other so-called modes are, in effect, simple filters applied to images that don't make much difference in terms of quality; however they do render photos more eye-candy (at the expense of fine details). Motorola offers similar functionality with its Kodak Perfect Touch (learn more about it in our MOTOZINE ZN5 review), while current generation of Sony Ericsson's phones employs Photo Fix for these purposes. While average consumers might find these filters a neat addition to the camera's functionality, they can do nothing to improve the camera's image quality.

On balance, the C905 is a mixed bag - while it's a flagship model they will be rushing to release, Sony Ericsson also realizes that in terms of technical specs it's behind the competition and in essence all it can bring to the table is increased image resolution. Some people will be content with this feat alone, but many actually do care about picture quality no mater how much it'll set them back (that's the moment when Samsung and Nokia step in). As far as the mass-market goes, Sony Ericsson's offerings can't stand comparison with Nokia-branded phones, and given their heftier price tags, may will prefer 5 Mpix solutions that can output pretty much the same image quality on TV screens and when printed out.

The megapixel race is all but over now - as many of you have already witnessed, the gap between 5 Mpix and 8 Mpix matrices doesn't live up to consumers' expectations. Significant improvements in image quality will come along in 10 Mpix cameras with decent lenses; on the other hand, some of today's solutions, such as the Samsung INNOV8 already offer some of that higher-grade experience. With that said, does Sony Ericsson have a trump up their sleeve? In fact, they do, but they are going to release it late in the summer of 2009 - the new phone will boast a thorough revamp of hardware and lenses, next generation of Sony's Exmor matrix with a bigger diagonal, and a heftier price tag (around 700-800 Euro at start).


ПThe fact that the C905 is in between these two milestones (5 Mpix and 10 Mpix matrices respectively) will have nothing to do with its mediocre sales. One of the reasons is that by the end of this year Nokia will have around six S60-powered imaging-centric phones with comparable image quality and lighter price tags on offer, which will automatically put them in the lead. Subpar video recording quality, which has always been a chink in Sony Ericsson's armor, can also put many off. Plus, those who are in the market for top-notch image quality will have a better option in the form of Samsung's INNOV8, and its price won't matter much in this case. So, basically, Sony Ericsson won't have enough wiggle room with their latest and greatest C905. Another noteworthy fact about this phone is that while it is still unavailable in Sony Ericsson's price list, many retailers already had a chance to play around with it and didn't come out enthusiastic about it. That's why it's safe to say that the C905 will follow in the footsteps of the K850i.

P.S. We'll throw in a couple of extra images later, but that'll be about it - we see no point in composing a full review at the moment. Basically, in its present condition all the C905 can offer are bare images and no extra features. But we can easily conclude that it's nothing out of this world based on these photos alone. Probably a thorough review will be available within several months or whenever Sony Ericsson will deem the C905 ready for release.