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Nikon Z6III Review: Does It Actually Outperform?

The Nikon Z6III was launched in June 2024 with the tagline ‘Outperform’. Nikon has positioned it as a camera that excels in both photography and videography. Its predecessor, the Z6II, was released in 2020, making this upgrade a long-awaited one. We had the opportunity to test the Z6III extensively for over a month before featuring it in our magazine.

Who Is It For?

This camera is designed for users seeking a versatile tool capable of handling various photography styles, including street, sports, landscapes, and weddings. Nikon has emphasized this versatility in its marketing and communications as well.

Look, Body and Feel

If you’re a Nikon user, the Z6III will feel instantly familiar. The build quality is excellent and at 760 grams, the camera strikes a balance between sturdiness and portability. The deep, comfortable grip enhances handling, while the two programmable function buttons on the back offer quick access to settings.

Most of the button placements remain consistent with the Z6II, ensuring a seamless transition for existing users. A slight redesign on the top right accommodates the video, ISO and exposure compensation buttons for easier access. This ergonomic refinement enhances usability and these buttons can be customized as well.

The rear buttons are well-positioned, and while a joystick is present, the OK button often feels
more intuitive. A significant upgrade from the Z6II is the fully articulated rear screen, maintaining the same size and resolution but now offering greater flexibility for shooting at different angles – a welcome improvement.

Nikon has not explicitly claimed weather sealing for this body, but given the outperform branding, it’s reasonable to expect a degree of durability against the elements.

What Makes It Special?

The Nikon Z6III introduces several standout features, including the world’s first 24.5 MP partially stacked full-frame sensor. This innovation provides key advantages, as claimed by Nikon, such as:

Unlimited photo buffer
Internal RAW at up to 6K60p and ProRes RAW recording up to 5.4K up to 60p
4K120 video recording (Dx crop)
60 & 120fps burst rate in JPEG mode (120fps in Dx crop)
20fps burst rate with an electronic shutter

Image Quality

The overall image quality is impressive, delivering sharp and detailed photos with excellent dynamic range. Colour saturation and reproduction are accurate, while shadow and highlight retention are commendable. In high-contrast scenarios, some adjustments may be necessary, but the performance remains strong.

Shutter Performance (Electronic & Mechanical)

Thanks to its partially stacked sensor, the Z6III supports an electronic shutter. However, some flickering
was noticeable in certain lighting conditions, a common issue with electronic shutters. Rolling shutter effects were present but less pronounced compared to older models like the Sony A7 IV, benefiting from the newer sensor technology.

The mechanical shutter offers 14fps burst shooting, while the electronic shutter reaches 20fps. The ability to shoot continuously is excellent, though the camera does heat up slightly in burst mode, however it isn’t anything that can’t be managed.

Autofocus & Tracking

The upgraded AF system introduces subject detection and 3D tracking, marking a significant improvement over its predecessor. In both daylight and low light, the autofocus performs exceptionally well, locking onto subjects with impressive accuracy.

However, in crowded scenes, the focus can momentarily shift between eyes before recognizing a new subject. This minor issue could potentially be resolved through a firmware update. Tested with 35mm and 50mm f/1.4 lenses, the autofocus speed was as fast as Nikon advertises.

ISO Performance

The Z6III handles ISO well. Even at high ISOs like 6400 to 12,800, images remain usable, though
sharpness and clarity take a slight hit. In challenging conditions, capturing the shot often takes
precedence over achieving perfection.

For video, high ISOs paired with fast f/1.4 lenses result in clean, noise-free footage, expanding creative possibilities for filmmakers.

Video Capabilities

In terms of video the camera offers 6K recording up to 60fps and 4K up to 120fps (with crop). Also much like the other cameras, it also has a 125-minute recording limit, making it highly practical.

Even in extreme low light, the camera delivers high-quality video with minimal noise. Paired with 35mm and 50mm f/1.4 lenses, the results are quite cinematic.

The RED Acquisition

With Nikon acquiring RED, we anticipate deeper integration of RED’s technology into Nikon cameras. And you can see a hint of that in this camera. Z6 III can shoot compressed RAW video recording, previously exclusive to high-end models like the Z8 and Z9. It also has LUT support for N-RAW and N-Log footage, allowing users to match RED’s signature colour science. Nikon has made these LUTs freely available on their website.

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)

The Z6III features a 5.76 million-dot EVF, delivering sharp visuals. It has a refresh rate of 60Hz with 120Hz unclaimed, as there is an option to turn on “high framerate” in the menu. However, the EVF sensor is extremely sensitive, causing the screen to turn off with even slight movements – something to be mindful of.

Conclusion

At a price of ₹2.23 lakh, does the Nikon Z6III truly ‘Outperform’?
Compared to other cameras in its category, it offers a good balance of features, performance, and value. Nikon has strategically positioned it between entry-level models like the Z5 and professional bodies like the Z8/Z9.
Now there are always a few things that can be improved in every product and this isn’t any different. But overall, for someone who is looking to shoot images and video both, I can see this being a compelling buy, and one that we surely give our thumbs up!

Watch our video review:

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.4 Lens Review

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Nikon’s latest prime lens, the NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.4 is the first F/1.4 prime lens for the Z mount lineup. The second is the 50mm F/1.4, which we have also reviewed in the issue, so be sure to check that out as well.

Design, Build & Handling

At first glance, the Z 35mm F/1.4 looks strikingly similar to its sibling, the 50mm F/1.4. Nikon deserves credit for maintaining design consistency across these lenses. Weighing just 415 grams, it is compact and lightweight, making it a highly portable choice.

The lens sports a 62mm filter diameter and boasts a premium, robust build. When paired with the Nikon Z6III, it achieves excellent balance – a setup ideal for both photography and videography.

The design is minimalistic, featuring only two rings: the focus ring and the customizable control ring. Unlike some other lenses, it lacks additional buttons. Nikon’s reasoning here seems clear – photographers and videographers often use focal lengths like 35mm and 50mm for video work, especially on gimbals. The simpler design ensures quick lens swaps without the hassle of recalibration.

Autofocus Performance

The Z 35mm F/1.4 is equipped with a stepping motor, offering fast, silent autofocus performance. While there’s no built-in image stabilization, the lens delivers smooth, quick focussing both during the day and in low light conditions.

For video shooters, the autofocus transition between points is remarkably smooth. Nikon has also done an excellent job correcting focus breathing, resulting in cinematic-quality footage that filmmakers will appreciate.

Image Quality

When it comes to performance, the image quality from this lens is impressive. Photos are sharp and well-detailed in daylight, while low light conditions allow for atmospheric shots with excellent depth and mood.

While there are minor focus-hunting issues in specific scenarios, you can work around them to achieve results. Edge sharpness exhibits slight softness, but overall, the lens delivers good performance.

Flaring & Ghosting

Very minimal flaring against a light source

Despite lacking the fluorine coating found in Nikon’s S-series lenses, the Z 35mm F/1.4 handles flaring surprisingly well. Even though Nikon includes a lens hood in the box, you can often leave it behind to maintain a minimal and stealthy setup.

That said, because of the absence of fluorine coating, the front element tends to attract dirt and oil more quickly. A microfiber cloth will be essential to keep the lens clean.

Bokeh Performance

If you’re a fan of creamy bokeh, the Z 35mm F/1.4 won’t disappoint. The lens produces smooth, round bokeh across most of the frame. However, in certain areas, the bokeh can appear slightly squished, resembling an egg shape.

Chromatic Aberration (CA)

Running the lens through the Quick MTF app gave an output of 0.42 pixels for chromatic aberration. For a prime lens in this category, that’s a solid result and within acceptable limits.

Verdict

So, what’s our take on the NIKKOR Z 35mm F/1.4? At a price point of ₹89,999, it’s ₹10,000 more than Nikon’s 50mm F/1.4. However, when you compare it to competitors like Sony and Canon, whose 35mm F/1.4 lenses start at around ₹1.4 lakh, Nikon’s offering stands out as a fantastic value-for-money option.

For many photographers, a 50mm can feel too tight, and a wider 35mm is the perfect solution – offering a broader field of view without noticeable distortion. Whether you’re a street photographer looking for versatility or someone who needs a lightweight, travel-friendly lens that performs in both daylight and low light, the Z 35mm F/1.4 is an excellent choice.

Stuffcool Click20 Powerbank Review

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Stuffcool is a Mumbai-based technology brand who primarily sell mobile and laptop accessories. Today we’re reviewing their “Click 20” MagSafe compatible wireless power bank.

Retailing at ₹3499 on their website, it is in a very tough market segment of accessories. Let’s find out if it’s worth it.

What’s In The Box:

The power bank itself
A USB-C to C cable
Literature
A warranty card with a QR code for registration

The packaging is minimal, encased in a plastic shell, with the only “waste” in the box being the cover that the power bank comes wrapped in (and perhaps the literature).

Features:

It comes with a capacity of 20,000mAh and can be charged using a USB-C input.

It outputs :

USB-C: 20W max
USB-A: 20W max
Wireless: 15W max

Just like our last powerbank review, this is a standard for a lot of devices in the market.

Review:

The power bank is not small, unlike what the packaging says. In fact, you won’t be wrong calling this a power BRICK, because it is HEAVY, perhaps heavier than any power bank in this segment. It will feel solid in your hand even though it’s made out of plastic. The rectangular design coupled with the titanium finish feels premium, as if it’s made for the latest iPhone. The bank is made of metal on the top and plastic where the wireless charger is.

With dimensions of 69x110x28.5 mm, it’s not as pocketable as you might think, unless you have deep pockets! But weighing at 326 grams, it’s not going to be a light payload, as a phone might add another 200 grams to it.

On the bank, there is a LED screen which shows the charging and PD indicator and battery percentage – while both charging and discharging. One little ick with this design is that this screen is actually upside down whilst charging. The magnets are solid, and it takes a bit of force to separate it from the phone.

When charging wirelessly on an iPhone, the normal charging animation appears. Unlike other packs, a second animation displaying the power bank’s remaining level isn’t shown. But that’s not a big concern, as the power bank has its own display.

Charging with the USB-C port is as quick as advertised. Tested on an android device, the phone indicated that it was “quick charge” but the PD indicator didn’t go green – which might just be a compatibility issue. The phone went from 30% to 70% in about 45 minutes. Compared to the phone’s native 33W charger, it’s not as fast, but from the power banks of the yesteryears, it is definitely faster.

Throughout our charging cycles, the power bank showed signs of moderate heating, however, due to the metal design (on the top) the heat quickly dissipated.

Is This For You?

It is hard to put a finger on the value for this power bank. If you’re looking to charge your devices atop a table, this seems like a bang-for-the-buck product with its capacity. Because, certainly, this is not pocketable at the weight and size.

But this power bank might be more valuable if you’re a photographer with a mirrorless camera. You can use this power bank to extend the life of your camera on-location and for much longer than other power bricks, due to its capacity.

But is it worth the ₹3500 price tag? That’s for you to decide, as the competition is quite fierce in this segment. Especially if you don’t care about wireless charging or matching aesthetics, where you can find similarly specced power banks for half the price.

According to us, the Stuffcool Click 20 gets a solid recommendation!

Tamron 28-300mm vs 50-300mm: Review & Shootout

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Today we have two lenses from Tamron – the 28-300 mm F/4-7.1 and the 50-300 mm F/4.5-6.3 super zoom lenses. We recently reviewed Nikon’s 28-400 mm lens in the same category and in that review, we stated that there are no other lenses in the market like this. It seems like Tamron heard us and has changed that, they recently added these two lenses but for the Sony E-mount full frame system.

They’re not exactly the same, they’re a 100mm shorter than Nikon’s, but they’re one of the first ones in the extended general purpose zoom lenses category.

What makes this interesting is that the price difference between the newly launched Tamron lens is just ₹6500. So as a user, which one should you buy? The 28-300, which costs ₹75,000 or the 50-300 costs ₹68,500. We will review them and tell you which one is better for you.

Who Is This Made For?

The 28-300mm is ideal for beginners looking for an all-in-one carry around lens and even experienced photographers who want a compact, versatile lens for travel without sacrificing image quality too much.

The 50-300mm, on the other hand, is geared towards those familiar with the 70-300mm range but who want a slightly wider perspective.

Look, Body & Feel

Both lenses follow Tamron’s signature design ethos we’ve seen over the last few years. They’re sturdy, well-built, and both feature a 67mm filter diameter.

Each lens comes with two rings: one for zoom and an inner ring that is programmable. Additionally, they both have a programmable button and a USB-C port for firmware updates and customisable functions.

Despite the minimal weight difference on paper – 610g for the 28-300mm and 665g for the 50-300mm – the latter feels noticeably heavier in-hand and when attached to a camera. Physically, the 28-300mm is also shorter, measuring 126mm versus the 50-300mm measuring 150mm. The lens hoods differ too, with the 28-300mm sporting a shorter hood to accommodate its wider field of view.

Both lenses come with metal mounts and rubber gaskets, ensuring they are weather-sealed and built to endure.

Image Quality

Daylight Performance

Both lenses perform well in daylight, producing sharp, detailed images with decent colour reproduction. The 28-300mm, being the newer of the two, delivers slightly better sharpness, especially when zoomed in. It also produces images with higher contrast, giving photos a more dramatic feel, particularly in black-and-white shots. At higher focal lengths, both lenses show some edge softness, though the 28-300mm maintains sharper overall clarity.

There is also visible distortion in the images shot from the 28-300 as compared to the 50-300. At the max focal length the subjects do appear broader as seen in the images between the two lenses. The perspective distortion also appears more on the 28-300mm.

Focussing

The autofocus is fast on both lenses, but the 50-300mm, with its wider aperture, edges out the 28-300mm slightly. Focussing is smooth, and surprisingly, both lenses performed better in low-light video than in daylight. While both take a little longer to focus when shooting stills, the autofocus motors are exceptionally quiet.

Low-light Performance

In low light, the 50-300mm stands out, thanks to its faster aperture. Though the 28-300mm again delivers higher contrast and sharper images, it has a slight reddish tinge in low-light conditions. The 50-300mm, on the other hand, captures brighter, better-lit images and opens up the possibility of shooting broader subjects in low-light environments.

Bokeh

When it comes to bokeh, there’s little difference between the two lenses. Both produce pleasing, circular bokeh with a cat’s-eye effect, delivering a comparable performance in this regard.

Chromatic Aberration, Flaring, and Ghosting

In terms of chromatic aberration, the 28-300 scored 1.27px when run through Quick MTF, whereas the 50-300 scored a much better 0.44px. In real life, there was no visible colour fringing or aberration in our images.

The 28-300mm handles flaring and ghosting better, displaying minimal issues. The 50-300mm, however, shows some ghosting in certain images, which was a bit disappointing.

Macro Capabilities

The minimum focussing distance (MFD) for the 28-300mm is 7.5 inches at 28mm and 39 inches at 300mm. For the 50-300mm, the MFD is 8.7 inches at 50mm and 35.4 inches at 300mm.

Both lenses can shoot macro-like close-ups, though the 50mm end allows for slightly closer shots due to it being physically longer. In terms of quality, the pics from the 50-300mm appear sharper and better between the two. But yes, both lenses produce decent macro-like images.

Conclusion

So, which lens should you choose – the Tamron 28-300mm or the 50-300mm? Both are solid performers for their price range. The 28-300mm delivers sharper images and offers more visual mood in its shots. However, our pick would be the 50-300mm. Its smoother focussing (especially in low-light), wider low-light capabilities, and lower price tag make it a compelling choice.

Yes, you’ll miss out on the 28mm wide angle, but if that’s not a dealbreaker, the 50-300mm might be the better all-around option.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 Review

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The latest OnePlus Buds Pro 3 were recently launched at a price of ₹13,999, with potential discounts available. As someone who used the Buds Pro 2 daily for much of last year, I was eager to try these new earbuds, and I have several observations to share.

Design, Build, and Feel

The design of the Buds Pro 3 has seen some notable changes. First, the charging case has been updated to a flip design, similar to other recent OnePlus earbuds, moving away from the flat design of the Buds Pro 2. The case now features a textured, leather-like finish that enhances grip and feels sturdy and premium in hand. However, like Apple’s AirPods, they now come in a white colour, called Lunar Radiance, which may require more frequent cleaning.

The earbuds themselves maintain the familiar in-ear stem design but with some visible differences. The Buds Pro 3 are slightly larger, indicating an internal redesign, possibly to accommodate the dual DACs in each earbud, which deliver a more powerful audio experience compared to the previous model.

The stems are now longer and feature a touch-enabled sliding function for adjusting volume—a welcome and much-needed addition. However, getting the gesture right can be tricky, as I found my left earbud occasionally slipping out. The earbuds also now have “L” and “R” markings, making it easier to identify the correct earbud, another thoughtful improvement. And with an IP55 rating, won’t have sweat creep in through them.

A nice touch is the “co-created with Dynaudio” branding on the earbuds and the case.

Sound Performance

The Buds Pro 3 support Fast Pair, which means they quickly connect to Android devices, especially OnePlus phones, when brought close. The pairing process is swift, and the earbuds offer the same settings as the Buds Pro 2, with no significant changes. iPhone users can access similar features through the HeyMelody app, though OnePlus should do more to highlight this compatibility.

In terms of sound quality, the Buds Pro 3 deliver a noticeably louder, clearer, and crisper audio output. The bass is well-rounded, much like the Buds Pro 2, but with a richer overall sound. OnePlus claims these earbuds can cancel noise up to -50dB, and they deliver on that promise. The Adaptive Noise Cancellation feature adjusts to your environment, cutting out outside noise more naturally than the Buds Pro 2, which tended to create a slight vacuum effect.

Areas for Improvement

While the overall experience is designed with OnePlus phone users in mind, I feel there’s room for improvement for iOS users. The fit of the ear tips also leaves something to be desired. Despite trying all the provided tips, the fit still felt average and slightly loose during sound tests.

Another issue I’ve noticed with the Buds Pro 2 is that latency tends to increase over time, particularly when connected to a TV, leading to brief connection drops. I’ll need more time with the Buds Pro 3 to see if this issue persists.

As for call quality, there’s definite improvement—voices sound clearer, though still somewhat robotic.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are simple and easy to use. Just pop them open, and they connect to your paired devices, ready to go. They offer a range of customization options and deliver sound quality that sits comfortably between Apple’s AirPods Pro and Samsung’s Buds Pro.

The standout feature here is the price. At ₹13,999, with potential discounts making them even more affordable, the Buds Pro 3 offer excellent value for money. With features like multiple device connections, fast charging (providing up to 43 hours of listening time), and LHDC support (though this won’t work with iOS and Pixel devices), they are a compelling choice.

Ultimately, it’s the combination of price and features that make the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 a great product for the money, especially when compared to pricier competitors like AirPods and Samsung buds.

Nu Republic Cybotron SPIN Review

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A Nu contender has entered the arena of electronic accessories! Nu Republic, a Delhi-based lifestyle technology brand with a variety of wearable technology and more. They recently launched the Cybotron SPIN – a compact MagSafe compatible wireless power bank with a fidget spinner on it! Because apparently, it’s still a thing in 2024?

The MRP on the box is ₹5499 but you can get it at a discounted price of ₹2499 on their website. In this review we will find out how it performs and also if it is a product that you invest in or may be take for a spin!

What’s In the Box:

The power bank
A USB A to C cable
A card which has a QR code for a user manual – that leads to their website, where the manual doesn’t exist (yet?)
No literature

The packaging is minimal, with the only “waste” in the box being the cover that the power bank comes wrapped in and the cable tie.

Features:

Comes with a capacity of 10,000mAh, and supports two inputs – USB Type C and lightning. The output varies on the port you’re using:

USB-C: 20W max

USB-A: 22.5W max

Wireless: 15W max

This supports Quick Charge (QC) and Power Delivery (PD) standard, which is a standard for a lot of devices in the market.

The power bank is small, and feels solid to hold even though the body is built out of plastic. The rectangular design is easily recognizable and is easy to hold.

There is a tiny LED screen which shows the charging and a PD indicator and battery percentage – while both charging and discharging. One gripe with this design is that this screen is actually upside down when it’s connected to an Apple device for charging, because for MagSafecharging orientation matters. The magnets are solid and it takes a little bit of force to separate it from the phone.

When charging wirelessly on an iPhone, the normal charging animation appears, but unlike other packs, a second animation displaying the power bank’s remaining level isn’t shown. This is fine because the power bank has a display of its own (albeit upside down).

Charging with the USB A port is quick, as advertised. Tested on an android device, the phone indicated that it was “charging rapidly”, going from 40% to 80% in under 30 minutes.

Throughout our charging cycles, the power bank showed signs of very minimal heating, scoring itself some more positive points.

Conclusion

At this price, this seems like a solid bang-for-the-buck product. A compact, MagSafecompatible, wireless charger that can charge your phone twice at up to 22.5W will be a boon for power users on the go. This is for someone who recently acquired a phone with fast and wireless charging capabilities and requires charge throughout the day. Or if you have an iPhone and are looking for a power bank that sets you apart with its “cyberpunk” aesthetic. Or you’re a photographer who owns a mirrorless camera need a power bank to extend the life of your camera on-location!

But while this design is good and swanky, it isn’t the slimmest in the market, which might be a deal breaker for some, considering that all accessories are fighting for real estate space in your bags today.

And who can forget the fidget spinner which is easily the best feature of this device.

But is it worth the ₹2500 price tag? That’s for you to decide, as the competition is quite fierce in this segment. Especially if you don’t care about MagSafe wireless charging, where you can find similarly specced power banks for half the price, or bigger capacity banks for the same price.

According to us, the Nu Republic Cybotron Spin gets a solid recommendation!

Vivo V40 Camera Review

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Vivo’s new V40 series introduces a compelling feature—Zeiss-engineered cameras at a more affordable price. Starting at ₹36,000, the V40 is the first in Vivo’s non-Pro series to include Zeiss optics, making high-quality photography more accessible. But what makes this phone stand out against its pricier counterparts? Let’s dive into its camera setup and examine how it performs in real-world scenarios, especially in terms of image quality and user experience.

Camera Set-up:

50-MP Main Camera with ISOCELL GNJ Sensor, 4K up to 30fps
50-MPl Ultra-Wide Camera
50-MP Front Camera, 4K up to 30fps
Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
Aura Light

Daylight Main

The Vivo V40’s camera outputs at 14.3 MP, with a notable feature being the main camera’s intuitive slider that allows seamless switching between cameras, a user-friendly alternative to the traditional slider wheel found on most phones. In daylight conditions, the camera delivers decent images, though they may lack the sharpness expected by some users. Upon zooming in, noise becomes noticeable. However, the camera excels in colour reproduction and accuracy, consistently capturing colours true to life. In backlit situations, the camera does exhibit some issues, with increased contrast and over-sharpening, which can cause the shadows and highlights to appear slightly blown out.

Daylight Wide

The wide camera on the Vivo V40 delivers an actual output of 13.8 MP with a 15mm focal range. The images produced are accurate, with good colour balance and saturation. The camera also performs well in terms of detail, offering above-average sharpness for a wide lens, though it could still be a bit sharper. However, the camera does occasionally underexpose shots, leading to some loss of detail in shadows and highlights. On a positive note, distortion control is impressive, especially considering the price range, making the wide camera a solid performer overall.

Daylight Telephoto

The wide camera on the Vivo V40 delivers an actual output of 13.8 MP with a 15mm focal range, producing images with accurate colour balance and saturation. It performs well in capturing details, offering above-average sharpness for a wide lens, though there is room for improvement in sharpness. Occasionally, the camera underexposes shots, leading to a loss of detail in shadows and highlights. However, distortion control is impressive, particularly given the price range, making the wide camera a strong performer overall.

Lowlight Main

The Vivo says that V40’s camera has been specifically tuned to allow more light to pass through to its sensor, which significantly improves lowlight performance. The concept behind this is straightforward: a fast lens with an aperture like f/1.8 lets in more light, resulting in brighter images even in very lowlight conditions. The main camera performs impressively in lowlight, with accurate colour reproduction, warm tones, and overall pleasing visuals. However, despite the strong colour performance, the camera does fall short in terms of detail and sharpness. Zooming in on images reveals noticeable noise, and beyond a certain point, the images lose clarity, which is disappointing.

Lowlight Wide

The low-light performance of the wide-angle camera on the Vivo V40 falls short in its category. While the camera is quick to focus, it struggles to capture sharp images, resulting in visible shake and a lack of clarity when zoomed in. To the casual observer, the images may appear acceptable, but closer inspection reveals these flaws. However, the colours remain consistent and accurate, which is a positive aspect. Despite the drawbacks, the V40’s wide-angle lens still manages to deliver decent results in well-lit conditions, though improvements are needed for low-light scenarios.

Lowlight Telephoto

In the telephoto section, the Vivo V40’s performance is inconsistent due to the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens. The results can be hit or miss, with some images appearing sharp while others fall short. Without a dedicated telephoto lens, achieving high-quality zoomed-in shots is challenging. This limitation is noticeable in scenarios requiring precise detail at a distance. Overall, while the V40 excels in many areas, its telephoto capabilities are a clear area where it struggles.

Portraits

The Vivo V40 offers several portrait modes familiar to users of other Vivo phones. It provides shooting options at 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths. At 24mm, images are sharp, though sharpness diminishes at 35mm and 50mm. Despite this, the photos remain visually pleasing with accurate colour reproduction. However, edge detection could be improved, as the camera sometimes struggles with sharpness and distinguishing outlines in certain conditions. This issue could potentially be addressed in future software updates. Overall, the depth and focus performance are commendable, and Zeiss provides additional settings for those seeking more customization.

Festive Mode

Another notable feature is the Festive mode, which appears to be specifically designed for the Indian market. This mode uses two LUTs (Look-Up Tables) to enhance photos. A single tap activates LUT 1, while tapping twice switches to LUT 2, providing different enhancements to suit festive settings.

Super Macro

The Vivo V40 also features a Super Macro mode on its main camera, allowing users to capture detailed close-ups. The images are generally good, although there may be a reddish tinge in some cases. Despite this minor issue, having a macro mode in this price range is a valuable addition for users, even though similar features are available on many other phones.

Front Camera

The Vivo V40 features a 50 MP front camera that delivers decent results. The images have a warm and pleasing tone, which is likely to appeal to users who prefer warmer selfies. The portrait mode also offers three different focal lengths, and the camera performs well overall. Edge detection and sharpness are decent, contributing to a satisfactory overall camera performance.

Video

The Vivo V40 can shoot videos in 4K at 30 fps and offers up to 10x zoom. The video quality is decent, with fast focusing and good stabilization. However, the camera tends to produce videos that are slightly more saturated and warm compared to the actual scene, which aligns with current consumer preferences for richer, warmer tones.

Conclusion

When initially approached about the Vivo V40’s cameras, there were reservations due to it being a non-Pro variant. However, the performance of the V40’s camera pleasantly exceeded expectations. A key factor in evaluating a phone camera is its consistency across different lenses, which can be challenging given varying specifications and sensors. The V40 stands out by delivering a consistent colour and tonal range across its cameras, a significant advantage. While it may not offer the sharpest images available, the overall camera performance at this price point is commendable. The Vivo V40 earns a thumbs up for its impressive consistency and value.

OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G Camera Review

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The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G has recently hit the market as the most budget-friendly offering in the Nord series. Starting at an attractive price of ₹19,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant and ₹22,999 for the 8GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, this phone offers significant value for those looking to experience the Nord brand without breaking the bank. It is available in three striking colours: Mega Blue, Super Silver, and Ultra Orange.

We’ve got our hands on the Ultra Orange version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and we’re excited to see how this affordable smartphone stands out in the camera department. We’ll be putting it through a series of rigorous tests to assess its camera performance, overall usability, and whether it truly delivers on its promise to be the go-to option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a premium experience.

Camera Setup

On the back of the phone, there’s a dual-camera setup that includes a 50 MP Sony LYT-600 sensor and a 2 MP depth assist camera, which helps with portrait shots by creating a blurred background effect. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor, which was released in November 2023, given the price of this phone, having such a capable processor is a good deal. The front camera has a 16 MP resolution, but I don’t expect much from it. It can record videos in 1080p at 30fps with both the front and rear cameras, but there’s no 4K option even at the rear camera, which is a bit surprising. The phone can only shoot at 1x zoom since it has just one main camera. There is an option to zoom up to 10x, but that’s likely digital zoom, so I don’t expect much in terms of quality.

Daylight Main Camera

The Nord CE 4 Lite comes with a 50 MP main camera that uses a Sony LYT-600 sensor. When we took photos in daylight at 1x, the results were a bit average. The colours in the pictures looked slightly more saturated in some cases and less saturated in others, than they actually were, and the sharpness decreased noticeably when zooming in. While the exposure levels were generally good, the overall image quality was just okay. Images taken against natural light showed some areas of the sky burning out, making those parts of the image appear overly bright and washed out, as seen in the images. We also tried taking photos at 2x zoom, and they turned out less clear and less sharp compared to the 1x shots. Additionally, there was a significant difference in saturation when capturing the same subject at 2x zoom. Also the image shots against the natural light made the sky burn in some areas as you can see in the images.

Lowlight Main Camera

In lowlight conditions, the camera’s performance didn’t differ much from daylight shots. At 1x zoom, the images were similar in quality to those taken during the day, but they lost more detail and appeared noisier when zoomed in. The colours were somewhat accurate at 1x but still average. At 2x zoom, the images became soft with very little sharpness. Overall, the quality of lowlight images was okay.

Portraits

The camera includes a 2 MP depth assist lens, which helps create a blurred background effect for portrait shots. The portrait mode works quite well at 1x, with good exposure and sharpness, though the colours were a bit unsaturated. The edge detection was impressive. However, at 2x zoom, the image started to lose sharpness, though the edge detection remained consistent. Overall, the portrait images were good and met expectations.

Front Camera

The phone’s front camera has a 16 MP sensor. In normal mode, the images looked sharp and clear, but they appeared slightly hazy and less vibrant compared to the real scene. In portrait mode, the exposure and colours were similar to normal mode, and the edge detection was quite good.

Video

The phone can record videos in 1080p at 30fps, which is a bit surprising since even phones priced lower offer 4K at 30fps. As for the video quality, daylight videos are okay for 1080p, but they could be sharper. In lowlight, the video quality is average – it’s not very sharp and has some noise. Overall, the results were a bit below what was expected.

Conclusion

The OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with decent camera capabilities, though it does come with a few compromises. The 50 MP main camera, while equipped with a reliable Sony LYT-600 sensor, delivers average performance in both daylight and lowlight, with noticeable issues in colour accuracy and sharpness, especially when zoomed in. The portrait mode performs well at 1x, but the quality diminishes at higher zoom levels. The front camera, although capable, also falls short of delivering vibrant and clear images. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30fps, which might disappoint users expecting 4K resolution, especially since some lower-priced phones offer it. Overall, the Nord CE 4 Lite 5G offers decent camera performance for its price, but it doesn’t excel in any particular area. It’s a good option for casual users who need a reliable camera for everyday shots.

Sanchit Mishra

OnePlus Nord 4 Camera Review

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The OnePlus Nord series has been around for a while and the Nord 4 is the latest phone from the manufacturer in the mid-range segment, starting at ₹29,999 for the 8+128 GB variant, going up to ₹35,999 for the 12+256GB variant. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor and the Adreno 732 GPU. The phone is available in three colours – Mercurial Silver, Obsidian Midnight, Oasis Green.

We’ve got our hands on the Mercurial Silver version with the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and we’re excited to see how this is going to perform in this price-sensitive, highly competitive segment. We’re going to put this phone through our usual tests to assess its camera performance, overall usability, and how worthy it is as a successor to the Nord 3.

Camera Setup

This phone comes with two cameras at the back

50 MP Sony LYT600 sensor, which gives a 13.9 MP output, and
and an 8 MP ultrawide camera featuring the Sony IMX355 sensor, which gives an output of 8.9 MP
The front camera has a 16 MP Sony IMX471 sensor.

Daylight Main

In daylight the cameras performance is average. The images look slightly desaturated and lack contrast and details. And because of this the shadows also seem to be lifted up and hence, have visible noise in them when looked closely.

Against a backlit scenario as well the images look slightly overexposed, burning the details out. The overall performance in this case could’ve been better.

Daylight Wide

Usually the wide cameras always deliver an average performance in most cases and in a budget phone with a 8.9 MP camera we can’t expect much. With the Nord 4 as well, the images are average like most cameras and they don’t deliver an exceptional performance. However, what the phone has going for itself is that the image details, dynamic range and saturation are good. There is a little bit of distortion as expected in an ultrawide camera and the performance of the wide camera is better than the main camera we felt.

Daylight Telephoto

There is no dedicated telephoto camera and lens in this phone. The main camera is used to shoot tele photos and they are processed in the background. The max focal range is 20x for the Nord 4. However, even at 2x we can see desaturation and muddiness set in the images. Details are lost on the subject and as you increase the focal range the images loose sharpness.

Lowlight Images

In the lowlight category the images overall are decent. The phone renders images with good detail and colour reproduction with the main camera. In the wide category the images do display some flaring, but it still compensates and controls the output well. The images also seem brighter than the main camera.

As expected the phones struggles in the telephoto category and the images beyond 2x are barely usable.

Portraits

The Nord 4 allows you to shoot portraits at 1x and 2x lenses and the preview looks different than what the images it shoots. So this can be confusing. The shallow DoF effect looks unnatural sometimes and even though you can tweak how much DoF you want later, the bokeh still looks unnatural.

Now this is something that can be fixed in an update and we are sure that OP will do this. The edge detection is decent and the sharpness also on zooming in is decent.

In lowlight, the Nord 4 renders excellent results with beautiful bokeh. And in this case the edge detection is a bit of a hit and miss. But when it hits, the images look good.

Front Camera

With a 16 MP front camera, the images look ok. The output is natural, however the images are slightly hazy sometimes. The images are decently saturated and I would say that in this case the camera is decent.

Front Camera Video

The camera in this case only at 1080p at 30fps. The output is also decent. Although we would’ve liked for the phone to give the option to shoot 4k as well, since the sensor is capable enough.

Video Performance

On the Nord 4, you can shoot up to 4k upto 60fps on the rear camera, where you can choose to shoot at 1x and 2x. But you can also shoot video using the ultrawide camera at 0.6x, but only at 1080p.

The rear camera has OIS, and it works like magic, lending you super stable footage at 1x. At 2x there is a tiny amount of shake and warping is prominent. The output is natural looking with acceptable dynamic range, and no visible signs of over-processing, which is a plus.

In lowlight, the Nord 4 has good detail in the shadow, and because of the image stabilization, it looks better overall at 1x. At 2x there is a shake prominent even with the OIS engaged (you can’t disengage this) and there is a little bit of flaring.

Conclusion

OnePlus Nord 4 is overall a decent camera, but at this price we expected a little bit more than just decent. The 50MP LYT-600 sensor delivers decent performance in daylight and lowlight, although we feel like it could do better if it didn’t overexpose the images most of the time.

In the video department, the 4K60 footage from the main camera had decent dynamic range, but it was still a little bit more overexposed than necessary, leading to visible noise. Overall, the cameras of the Nord 4 can deliver more, especially considering what the Nord 3 has delivered in the past, which the consumers might have come to expect. But this performance isn’t something that can’t be fixed in a software update, at least some of it.

Oppo Reno 12 Pro Camera Review

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Oppo has just launched the Reno 12 Pro, and because it has “Pro” in its name, its camera features are especially important. The phone is priced at ₹35,990 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage model, and ₹39,990 for the 12GB RAM + 512GB storage model. What makes this phone stand out is its focus on photography, using AI to improve camera performance both during shooting and in post-processing. This is the first time Oppo has included such features in any of its phones. In this review, we’ll test the camera and all the features Oppo is highlighting to see if they live up to the hype.

Cameras Specs:

Main Camera: 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor with OIS, F1.8 lens aperture, FOV 79°

Telephoto: 50MP Samsung S5KJN5 portrait camera, F2.0 lens aperture, 0.64μm pixel area, FOV 50°, 2X optical zoom-47mm focal length

Ultra-Wide: 8MP Sony IMX355 sensor with 112-degree FOV, f/2.2 aperture

Front camera: 50MP Samsung S5KJN5, with autofocus and 90-degree FOV

Daylight Main Camera

The main camera uses a 50MP Sony LYT-600 sensor, which isn’t the latest and produces images with an actual output of 14MP. The photos are well-saturated and vivid, even with natural settings, making them visually pleasing for most users. However, the zoom performance is slightly weak, with images lacking sharpness in several situations. In some cases, the highlights are blown out, as seen in the samples. The phone’s colour tones and reproduction are accurate, although some photos show high contrast.

Daylight Wide Camera

The wide camera on this phone performs just average. It has an 8-MP Sony IMX355 sensor, but it captures images at 9 MP. The processed images are generally okay. Visually, the pictures look decent, but the contrast levels are off, and zooming in results in poor quality. Although wide lenses on phones often disappoint, this one stands out for not meeting even those lower expectations. However, it does do a good job of recognising and accurately exposing scenes.

Daylight Telephoto Camera

The Oppo phone uses a 50-MP Samsung S5KJN5 sensor, but delivers 14-MP images. It offers 2x optical zoom, with anything beyond that being digital zoom. The camera can zoom up to 20x, and the image quality is acceptable up to a point. At 2x zoom, the images are sharp and have good colour accuracy. At 5x zoom, the images are still usable, but they start losing sharpness and colour accuracy, with increased contrast making them look underexposed. Shadows and highlights also suffer. At 10x and 20x zoom, the quality is mostly for show. The images may have colour fringing, lack sharpness, and sometimes have trouble recognising the subject, creating a hazy effect. These zoom levels are not recommended for serious use.

Lowlight Main Camera

In low light, the main camera produces decent images that look good overall. However, zooming in will reveal some lack of sharpness. For better results in low light, tap on the screen to choose a focus area, as leaving it to the phone’s automatic settings might not give the best outcome. The Oppo camera impresses with its neutral colour reproduction and has decent performance with shadows and highlights.

Lowlight Wide Camera

The lowlight wide camera’s performance is average as seen in daylight. The images tend to be slightly hazy and show noticeable lens flare. As mentioned before, wide-angle lenses aren’t ideal for lowlight conditions.

Lowlight Telephoto Camera

In low light, the telephoto camera performs adequately up to 2x zoom. Beyond that, it struggles, especially in very lowlight conditions where the camera has to boost the aperture and shutter. It’s best to use the telephoto camera only up to 2x zoom, images beyond that may not be usable.

Portraits

The phone allows shooting portraits at 1x and 2x zoom, and the performance is decent. The images are well-saturated with good colour reproduction, though there is some distortion, making subjects appear wider. The lens isn’t the sharpest when zoomed in, and edge detection could be better, with some soft edges around faces in certain conditions. In low light, the portrait performance is better than expected, with good overall output. The phone also features an AI Best Shot mode, which tries to enhance photos by selecting the best shot from a series. This feature can be hit or miss, as it only works with more than three people in the frame, and users typically don’t take multiple shots of the same scene.

Front Camera

The front camera features a 50 MP Samsung sensor and can take pictures at 0.8x, 1x, and 2x zoom levels. The images are quite good, with clear details and accurate colours. The overall performance is solid. In portrait mode, you can only use 0.8x and 1x zoom. Pictures taken at f/1.4 had an unnatural depth of field, and even at f/1.8, the effect was similar. However, edge detection in portrait mode is better than on the rear camera, with smoother and more refined edges, making it look great overall.

Video

The phone records 4K video at up to 30 fps and offers three focal ranges from the back camera. The video output is decent with good stabilization and focussing, and it accurately reproduces colours. For everyday video use, the phone performs well. However, its lowlight video performance isn’t the best. The audio recording quality is also decent. The front camera also shoots up to 4K at 30 fps, delivering decent results. Overall, the camera’s video performance is satisfactory.

AI features

The phone features several AI tools from Oppo, including AI Eraser 2.0, AI Clear Face, AI Best Face, and AI Studio. While many of these tools are available on other phones, the rapid advancement in AI technology is impressive. For example, the AI Eraser tool not only removed an object like a Carrom Board from the background, but also adjusted the background colour to match the sofa and added a switchboard for a more natural look. Though the alignment could be improved, the result is remarkable. Similarly, AI Clear Photo works well, demonstrating that these AI tools can significantly enhance photo quality.

Conclusion

The Oppo Reno 12 Pro cameras deliver a solid performance overall. In daylight, the images are accurate and good, although they tend to lack sharpness in many conditions, which might improve with future updates. The video quality is decent, providing satisfactory results for everyday use. One of the notable strengths of the Oppo Reno 12 Pro is its AI features. The AI tools, such as AI Eraser 2.0, AI Clear Face, AI Best Face, and AI Studio, work well and enhance the overall photography experience. These features are designed to appeal to consumers who appreciate advanced AI capabilities in their smartphones. To give a final word, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro cameras perform well, offering good results in well-lit conditions and decent video quality. The AI features add significant value, making the phone a strong option for users interested in enhanced photography capabilities in this price range.

Bhavya Desai