The T-Mobile G2x Tops Consumer Reports' Ratings of Camera Features on Smart Phones
Recent tests find some smart phones that rival cameras in image quality, but don't match stand-alone devices in many respects
YONKERS, N.Y., June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Smart phones are quickly elbowing aside basic point-and-shoot cameras as the device of choice for sharing everyday experiences. In Consumer Reports recent tests of 45 smart phone cameras, the T-Mobile G2x, $250, stood out with very good still images overall and was among the best for video quality. The report is featured in the August issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org and includes Ratings of stand-alone cameras and camcorders, advice on how to choose and solutions for tough photo problems.
"Consumers may be tempted to shoot just about everything with their smart phone cameras, given their capabilities and convenience," said Terry Sullivan, associate electronics editor for Consumer Reports. "However, our tests showed that even the models that produced very good images, can not substitute for the image quality and shooting versatility of a dedicated, stand-alone device."
The T-Mobile G2x beat all the phones overall at shooting stills, but in many shooting conditions, it couldn't match the image quality and versatility of a basic point-and-shoot or SLR. The HTC Thunderbolt (Verizon), $250, came in a close second and offers a large display and tap-to-focus feature for better image control, but lacks a stabilizer control.
Smart phone cameras have come a long way as manufacturers have upgraded many devices' capabilities by borrowing sensors, other technologies, and software from basic cameras, producing better displays and image quality than in earlier phones and adding features such as auto-focus and face detection. Users can download apps that allow them to edit photos on the spot. Some smart phones also boast 8-megapixel photo resolution and 1080p HD-resolution video and some models' touch screen controls are far more intuitive than the buttons and menus most cameras use.
The full report and Ratings of smart phone cameras is featured in the August issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org. It also includes buying advice and Ratings of 122 basic and advanced cameras and 46 camcorders and buying; identifies ways to fix seven tough photo problems; compares photos from one event taken by different devices and a review of the Eye-Fi Mobile X2 wireless memory card.
With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union, the world's largest independent, not-for-profit, product-testing organization. To subscribe, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
AUGUST 2011
The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports®, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our permission. Consumers Union will take all steps open to it to prevent commercial use of its materials, its name, or the name of Consumer Reports®.
SOURCE Consumer Reports
Share this article