HTC Windows Phone could pack record-breaking 16-megapixel camera
A mysterious video suggests HTC may be planning to release a Windows Phone 7 handset with a record-breaking 16-megapixel camera, as well as two LED flashes.
HTC may be working on a Windows Phone 7 handset that features a record-breaking 16-megapixel camera, as well as two LED flashes.
The smart phone in question appears in a video posted by PocketNow. The website doesn't say where it found the ad, and the flick doesn't give the name of the phone or details about any of its other specs. Add in the fact that the phone looks like the HTC Desire S with some Windows Phone 7 buttons grafted on, and you may wish to locate your nearest beard and stroke it in a sceptical fashion.
Still, if the video's genuine, a 16-megapixel snapper might be worth having a dribble over. It would be the highest-resolution camera yet seen on a smart phone, with the current record being held by the 14-megapixel snapper on the Altek A14 Leo. And if the phone lets you capture spontaneous moments perfectly, as the video suggests, you'd also be able to ditch the compact camera that's been taking up valuable technology space in your trouser pocket.
As any of our grizzled camera reviewers will tell you, though, myriad megapixels don't necessarily mean better pictures. You can stuff as many megapixels as you like on to a sensor but, if it's too small, you'll end up with shots that are so noisy your eyes will go deaf.
LED flashes don't tend to be the best way of illuminating dimly lit subjects either. As well as producing harsh images, their glare can leave your chums temporarily dazzled.
Other mobile manufacturers are focusing less on megapixels than other aspects of camera technology. The Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc, for example, packs a relatively weedy 8.1-megapixel camera, but its newfangled Exmor R CMOS sensor means it takes some of the best shots we've seen from a phone snapper, particularly in low light.
Check out the video below and then let us know in the comments section or on our Facebook wall whether you give a monkey's about a 16-megapixel phone camera.