Nokia 6630 – capabilities of the megapixel camera

Nokia 6630 is equipped with a 1.3 megapixel camera (effective number of pixels is 1.23 megapixel). The model beats all the other phones by the company if speaking about the matrix. For instance, 7610/6670 have only 1 megapixel camera. The question how much the changes of the matrix told upon the quality of the pictures is very interesting. No doubts, the increase of the number of pixels may make the quality of the picture much better and obviously its size. But the processing and compression algorithm are very important, the transformation of the pixel array received from the matrix is a sticking point for the majority of the mobile devices. When the processing power of the processor is not enough this processing is done the way to lower energy charges and accelerate saving process. As a rule, the transformation quality using these algorithms is not high in the majority of cases. The objective optics leaves its mark but doesn't play any determinant role. I'd like to say in advance that Nokia 6630 has one of the fastest processors in Nokia's product line, also an improved optics and good matrix. These three components create one of the best cameras in the market, it may surely compete with the one in Sony Ericsson S700 and proves itself better in many situations. The model is almost equal to Sharp GX30 and this device has the best camera for today.

The device allows taking photos in two resolutions 640x480 and 1280x960 pixels. Three types of file compression may be set for every resolution. The minimum one is enough for the phone's screen and the highest quality should be set for a PC.

The screen serves as a viewfinder, that's enough to direct the phone to an object and press a joystick. Saving a photo with the best parameters takes about 4-5 seconds. Internal memory is not enough for keeping photos and video so one's better to use memory cards. The quality of the photo taken outdoors is not so bad.

• Sample photo in the street, 1280x960 pixels, High, 452 KB
• Sample photo in the street, 1280x960 pixels, High, 586 KB
• Sample photo in the street, 1280x960 pixels, High, 552 KB
• Sample photo in the street, 1280x960 pixels, High, 541 KB

The manufacturers provide the minimum settings for the camera, you just direct the camera and shoot, the number of extra settings is minimal. This is the first phone with a multishooting function realized (up to 6 photos). There is a night mode and a possibility to adjust contrast and brightness appeared. To change these parameters you need to access the menu during a shooting process.

• A photo without changing any parameters, 1280x960 pixels, High, 509 KB
• Maximum contrast level, 1280x960 pixels, High, 528 KB
• Minimum contrast level, 1280x960 pixels, High, 448 KB
• Maximum brightness, 1280x960 pixels, High, 453 KB
• Minimum brightness, 1280x960 pixels, High, 425 KB

Sample photos with active night mode.

• Candlelight, 1280x960 pixels, High, 734 KB
• Candlelight, 1280x960 pixels, High, 669 KB

And here are photos taken in similar conditions with the night mode off.

• Indoors with a candlelight, 1280x960 pixels, High, 433 KB
• Indoors with a candlelight, 1280x960 pixels, High, 391 KB
• Indoors with a candlelight, 1280x960 pixels, High, 542 KB

You can clearly see the difference between the photos with and without the night mode. The pictures are more qualitative in the second case and there are no noises. It must be admitted the function is necessary in the phone to take photos in a very poor light. It will only worsen the photos in the dark when there are bright signboards around and a usual room.

Digital zoom function is realized rather well. You'll never see artifacts on the phone screen and only minimal on a PC.

• Original photo, 1280x960 pixels, High, 487 KB
• Zoom x2, 1280x960 pixels, High, 280 KB
• Zoom x4, 1280x960 pixels, High, 213 KB
• Zoom x6, 1280x960 pixels, High, 143 KB

Comparing photos with the ones taken with Sony Ericsson S700 indicates the superiority of Nokia 6630.

• Sample photo by Sony Ericsson S700, Nokia 6630
• Sample photo by Sony Ericsson S700, Nokia 6630
• Sample photo by Sony Ericsson S700, Nokia 6630
• Sample photo by Sony Ericsson S700, Nokia 6630

Video

Possibilities of video and extra programs haven't changed as compared with Nokia 7610. Clips are saved in 3GP format and you may choose a limit of up to 10 seconds (for MMS) or unlimited duration (up to 10 minutes). That's not quite clear why the manufacturers considered that setting resolution in evident view of 176x144 pixels or 128x96 is possible. Why some basic or high quality was not invented is also not clear, some inconsequence is seen here (that may be considered a cavil but any way).

The quality of clips is average and the processor seems not to have enough time for processing the data and that's why when moving quickly some breaks in video appear. The sound is recorded with an average quality and phrases of your interlocutor are not distinguishable in noisy conditions. In general the quality of recording is average for Nokia's devices, no any significant improvements. The clips look not so good on the phone screen and even worse on a PC, the function remains only fashion.

Video sample, 3GP, 176x144 pixels, 245 KB
Video sample, 3GP, 176x144 pixels, 291 KB

There is a Movie Director application. Any video clip may be turned into a not bad film with a musical headband, different effects (there is about a dozen of them). The possibility looks interesting and is a kind of a game.

Sample file processed in a Movie Director, 3GP, 86 KB

Video Editor application allows editing video files, slow them down, adjoin files, add musical tracks, apply white-and-black effect (that's probable there had to be more of effects). In general the utility provides interesting possibilities.

Impressions

Nokia 6630 is one of the best in the market for today in the quality of the camera. There are no rivals comparable in the quality of the photos in the market, they look well both on the phone and on a PC. Only Sharp GX30 may come as a rival phone having more settings and integrated flash. That's not right to consider the absence of a flash in Nokia 6630 a disadvantage, the device takes perfect photos in the twilight and in the dark.

Links on the topic:

• Review Nokia 6630
• Nokia 7610 camera
• Sharp GX30 camera
• Samsung D500 camera
• Sony Ericsson S700 camera
  

Eldar Murtazin ([email protected])
Translated by Maria Mitina ([email protected])

Published — 23 November 2004

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