Question: Is it only the flash that makes the N82’s pictures superior?

Despite having done various comparisons here at the Nokia Guide between the N82 and N95 8GB, the battle goes on! People are still unsure whether to get the N95 8GB with its unique form-factor and large screen or the N82’s compact size and amazing camera. One of the more talked about differences between these two devices is the camera and when talking about the camera there is one difference that is always mentioned: The Xenon flash on the N82. Based on the tests performed here, it’s obvious that Xenon will have the upper hand when it comes to low-light photography; this is even the case when compared to the newer dual LED-based devices. As Dotsisx at the Symbian-Guru has pointed out, the dual LED solution on the newer N96 and N85 are “still swept in pictures,” when compared to the N82. 

At the N82 launch we were told that it uses the same 5 megapixel camera module as the N95. With this in mind, many tend to explain this picture quality on the N82 as being “due to the inclusion of a Xenon flash”, but does this paint the full picture? If the Xenon flash is turned Off, would we see any differences? Let’s find out!

Despite using the same 5 megapixel camera module, these tests reveal that the N82 is better even when the flash is turned off. In the first test both devices were used to capture the fine details on a 50 Guilder bill. The bill has fine dots that are truly captured by the N82, while on the N95 8GB they appear to be almost washed out. In the second test the N82 shows colors that are true to the original and the overall image is much sharper. This difference can be explained by a better in-camera image processing software on the N82. Conclusion: The N82 takes better pictures not only because of superior flash, but also due to better image processing software. Based on these test it’s clear that if you have a N82, it would be a very good idea to hold on it, even as newer devices are coming out, as even these can’t quite match the mighty N82’s imaging powers.

Comments

[Nic]

Excelent review, synthetic and very good.

I have a n82, and it's cam has an average really good quality, sometimes photos are moved, but as i said the average quality is very good.

Thanks!

[Micky]

Great comparison, however, is the camera lens of the N95 8GB scratched at all?

[Daniel Campos]

What were the firmware versions of each phone used in this comparisson?

[]'s
Daniel

[Mike Macias]

Like always, another great article Devin. Being a huge n82 fan I'm glad to see the results.

Am I the only one extremely curious about seeing dual led vs xenon in low light conditions like bars, restaurants, living rooms, and general night photos?

I can't wait for you to get your hands on a n96 and put it up against the n82.