Camera Phones
 
When the camera phone was first introduced
five years ago it was thought to be a niche product that would
only appeal to a limited number of cell phone users. The
popularity of these cell phones with a built in camera grew
quickly as users were drawn in by the spontaneity the devices
provided. Whenever something of interest arose, camera phones
provided a simple and fun way to capture the moment. Their
popularity continues to grow and today well over half
of the cell phones sold are camera phones.
What to Look for in a Camera Phone
Similar to digital cameras, even the most basic camera phone
model will take a picture. However, the additional features
available on some models provide more tools that can
significantly increase the quality of the picture that you take
and the likelihood that it will be one you will treasure for
years to come. Features to look for in a camera phone include:
Resolution: A higher resolution allows a
more detailed picture to be captured. A 1.3 megapixel image can
be printed into a high quality 3"x5" photo and a 2.0 megapixel
image will make a nice 4"x6" photo. Anything below 1.0
megapixels is fine for a fun image to share, but is not
traditional camera quality.
Zoom: A digital zoom allows a picture with
a tighter focus to be taken without moving closer to the content
being photographed.
Flash: A build-in flash can significantly
increase the quality of photos taken in low light conditions.
Video: In addition to capturing still
photographs, some models allow a series of still photographs to
be taken in close succession which simulate video.
PictBridge: PictBridge functionality
allows pictures to be sent directly from a camera phone to a
printer without the need to download the pictures to a computer
first.
Editors Choice
The typical camera phone on the market today
is 0.3 megapixels without a zoom or a built-in flash. We've
selected one model for each wireless carrier in our "Nicely
Featured" category that goes above and beyond the norm by
providing additional features such as video recording, a flash
and/or a zoom. If picture taking is of importance and you are
looking for a little more from your camera phone, these models
are a good place to start.
Our selected "Top of the Line" camera phone
models all range in resolution from 1.3 to 2.0 megapixels and
include added features to help you capture the best images
possible. Pictures captured with this resolution are sufficient
for high quality prints, and if that is a requirement for you,
then a phone in this category is a must.
If the Editors Choice selections are not quite
what you are looking for, feel free to browse the complete line
of camera phones
to see if there is a model even better suited
to your requirements.
Features of our Editors Choice camera phones
are indicated in parenthesis, with the key as follows:
F: Built-in Flash
P: PictBridge for direct image transfer to
printer
V: Video capture mode is supported
Z: Digital Zoom
|
Nicely Featured Camera Phone |
Top of the Line Camera Phone |
Alltel Wireless |
Kyocera KX16 (F,V,Z)
 |
Kyocera KX5 (F,V,Z)
 |
Cingular Wireless |
Motorola ROKR (F,V,Z)
 |
Nokia 6682 (F,P,V,Z)
 |
MetroPCS |
Nokia 6255i (F,V,Z)
|
None |
Nextel Wireless |
Nextel i850 (Z)
|
Nextel i870 (V,Z)
|
Sprint PCS |
Sanyo MM-8300 (F,V,Z)
|
Samsung MM-A940 (F,P,V,Z)
|
T-Mobile Wireless |
Motorola V360 (V,Z)
|
Nokia N90 (F,V,Z)
|
Verizon Wireless |
Samsung SCH-A950 (F,V,Z)
|
Samsung SCH-A970 (F,V,Z)
|
|
