13 June 2007

Focal Length Comparison Test
Nokia N95 vs. Nokia N93

What we know already is the Nokia N93, and the Nokia N95 crops in the frame when video is used. Hence when videoing, we end up with a less wide image, than if we just took a still picture in camera mode.

We did not know that Image stabilization also can effect the frame crop of the image further on the N95. I had to see this for myself, hence the video test.

Comparing the N95 and the N93, for stills, we see N93 having the wider angle advantage. This is also the case for video, as can be seen on the first two comparisons, "N93 max wide no stabilize" and "N95 no stabilize".

Now when we turn on the image stabilizer on the difference is even greater. N95 further crops the image! N93, retains the same cropped frame as if the image stabilization was not turned on.

Both units seems to perform adequately with the stabilization on, although to take any indoor groups type activities, one would find it quite hard due to the narrower angle on the N95. Surprisingly the audio quality was vastly different. On first impressions, the N95 actually sounded better, as I was recording voice, and it is obvious the phone microphone picks up vocal sound loud and clear.

N93, although softer in volume, has a much richer full voice recording, but also captured a lot more background ambiance possibly due to the stereo recording capabilities of the N93.

*click to enlarge

Interestingly, when comparing the N95 video to the N93, the way the colors were captured was different. Notice on the red folder, the N93 makes the red vivid, and punchy.

N95 has gone conservative, and has dulled the tone a fraction, making the folder merge into the surroundings. What my eyes saw was in between the two. So personal preference would be a governing factor here.

Overall, both units are very capable of capturing amazing videos for mobile phone standards, but what may be clear is the N93 is indeed a purpose designed video recording device, and at that, it does a fine job.

SF Review: Effect of Focal Length on Video Recording
Originally posted: 13.06.2007
Last Updated: 3.06.2007
Author: Bigley Ling (AKA Mazor)
Copyright: Symbian Freak 2007; all rights reserved