Quick overview:
Sony once dominated the market for smartphones with high-quality cameras with its Cybershot models. Demand increased over time, so Nokia and Samsung entered the market with ambitious models with the Galaxy S4 offshoot "S4 Zoom". What can the digital cameras of the latest smartphone generation do? Who will win the duel? Nokia Lumia 1020 vs. Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom - a comparison.
Conventional digital cameras in the price segment up to 200 euros have already been displaced by top smartphones. And the cameras in cell phones are getting better and better. Two current models are proof of this: the Nokia Lumia 1020 and Galaxy S4 Zoom are equipped with the latest generation of "snappers".
What can the Windows smartphone with 41 megapixels from Nokia? What are the strengths of Samsung's Android smartphone with 10x zoom?
The Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom
Although the S4 Zoom belongs to the family of Samsung's current flagship S4, it is somewhat less well equipped - at least in terms of smartphone performance.
The camera is the highlight:
- It has a resolution of 16 megapixels and
- has a 1/2.3 inch sensor.
- The aperture and focal length can be adjusted as required.
- The big special feature of the S4 Zoom is the tenfold optical zoom.
This means that the S4 Zoom as a Galaxy S4 offshoot a significantly better camera than other smartphones. You can compare them with normal digital cameras or even with the Lumia 1020.
The optical zoom naturally makes the smartphone thick. At first glance, you can't tell the difference to a compact camera. This is rather unsuitable for a trouser pocket.
The Nokia Lumia 1020 with Windows Phone 8
Like all current Nokia smartphones, the Lumia 1020 also works with Windows Phone 8:
- It stands out above all with its powerful 41-megapixel camera and
- the large sensor.
- There is also a xenon flash for photos and
- an additional LED light for video recordings.
Inside is a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4, which can support the extensive photo software with 2 x 1.5 GHz.
The processor calculates images significantly faster than the Intel chip in the S4 Zoom.
Lumia 1020 vs Galaxy S4 Zoom - what stands out?
The Galaxy S4 Zoom can be operated in auto mode as well as manually adjusted. Almost everything can be optimized for the respective situation, from the colour display and ISO values to the white balance. The optical zoom allows photos of distant objects without loss of quality, in contrast to the digital zoom.
However, the Lumia 1020 can compensate for the lack of optical zoom with its high recording quality. Thanks to the 41 MP photos, it is still possible to zoom in and crop even after the photo has been taken.
Another cool feature of the colorful Nokia smartphone is "Dual Capture". Two photos are taken at the same time. One with 38 megapixels and one with 5 megapixels for social networks.
In terms of image sensor and quality, the chunky S4 Zoom can't hold a candle to the Nokia Lumia 1020.
Optical zoom to the power of 10 - who needs it?
The optical zoom is one of the few plus points for the Galaxy S4 Zoom in comparison. The Galaxy S4 Zoom is otherwise technically inferior, which is also reflected in the price. For consumers, the serious question arises as to whether they want to put up with the unwieldiness and clunkiness of the Galaxy S4 Zoom for the sake of a 10x optical zoom.
Article images above: Nokia (left) / Samsung (right)
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