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HTC One X, S, V shutter speed really is eye-blink quick

HTC claims that the imaging chip on its new trio of HTC One phones will allow the camera to take shots at 0.7 second. I didn't time it, but I will say this: it's FAST.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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HTC One X taken at MWC 2012
The HTC One family shares an imaging chip that delivers amazing shutter speed. Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

BARCELONA, Spain--I don't tend to take much stock in promises of zero shutter lag; I've seen too many examples of hold-ups where there shouldn't be were all claims true.

So when I got the HTC One phones in my hand for some short and sweet camera tinkering, I was pretty surprised to see the camera capture and store the shot in--yes, really--the blink of an eye.

What's more, I'm so conditioned to pressing and lingering on an onscreen control that leaving my trigger finger in place a beat too long produced not one shot, but five.

Now before you suggest that I was in burst mode, let me tell you that I checked to make sure all automatic settings were on (they were). In fact, burst mode, which usually takes five shots in rapid succession, seems to be absent in HTC's Sense 4.0 interface for Ice Cream Sandwich, or at least on these phones. And why not, when there's no need? Simply leave your finger on the onscreen control for 10 seconds, and you'll have about 10 stills.

We'll have to wait and see how HTC's other camera claims do in some intense testing we have planned, but so far that shutter speed promise looks like it will hold.