Low Light Phone Camera Comparison

So I was lucky enough to receive another loan from Nokia Connects, this time the Lumia 925, and although I plan to do my version of a review before I return it, one of the phones main features is its camera with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) which in effect stops camera shake by clever motorized springs supporting the camera unit in the phone and moving it to counteract camera shake from less than steady hands. As a result, in low light situations, the 925 can keep its shutter open longer, absorb more light and so get better low light photos without them being a blurry mess.

The camera in the Lumia 925 is basically the same unit as the one in the Lumia 920 which was the first Windows Phone by Nokia to carry the name 'Pure View' which is their name for handsets with high end and innovative new camera technology, however the 925 camera has both updated software (which the 920 is expected to receive next month) and also an additional lens element which in effect let the phone take clearer and more accurate photos.

Anyway, this piece is simply a low light photo comparison and all I've done is drive down to Leeds after ten at night and see what results I could get in the dark at both a Gothic/Medieval Church , Kirkstall Abbey and Leeds Town Hall. I compared photos from the Lumia in Auto & Night Modes against my Nokia 808 in night mode and I have to say the new Lumia is very impressive. I plan to do a couple of pieces with the Lumia 925 comparing it generally with my 920 to see exactly how much better the improvements in the camera and software are,and also a comparison of the two phones hardware. This piece , however is just to show low light capabilities and I hope you find it interesting.

So I really think some of these results are quite impressive and hope to get a more varied selection of shots from my 920 & the 925 before I have to return it, thanks for reading and looking at the comparison photos.

Stephen Quin

16/07/2013