subject: Phone Review – Nokia N8: The Photographer's Companion [print this page] Phone Review Nokia N8: The Photographer's Companion
Mobile phones have indeed become one of the defining portable devices of the last decade. Becoming a device that people can no longer live without; they have definitely proved their worth at times of heightened fears of disconnection with the masses. The mobile phone has also fuelled a higher than average rate of convergence in the new media sector, with devices now offering a combination of at least 3 different competing features, such as an internet browser, music player and imaging utilities.
One of the major contributors to what a modern mobile phone should include has been largely shaped by the Finnish manufacturer, Nokia. The company has become the leading manufacturer of mobile phones in the world, and has constantly innovated when it comes to their mobile phone designs, having created one of the first antenna-less' mobile phones when it introduced the 3210 in 1999.
The Finnish powerhouse continues innovating with the release of its Nokia N8 camera phone, equipped with an eye-wateringly powerful 12 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens and Xenon flash. The N8 also signifies a giant step for the company, with the inclusion of the latest Symbian^3 operating system, which boasts a complete overhaul of its input system and revamped music and photo gallery programmes. It also includes a fully revamped version of their WebKit browser, and of course, the biggest deal breaker when it comes to touchscreen phones, the ability to pinch and zoom.
Other standout features the Nokia N8 mobile phone embraces is the inclusion of a HDMI port, allowing the user to connect the mobile phone, using the supplied adaptor, to a flat screen television and enjoy watching movies recorded on the phone in all its high definition glory. The Nokia N8 also includes the unique feature of a USB port that supports the ability to read external memory devices without the need of a computer, allowing you to connect you camera's memory card to your phone to instantly access your photos whilst on the move.
Whilst features are what attracts the technofreak's to purchasing the N8, the phone also appeals to the fashionista with its completely metal unibody frame, and is available in a range of rainbow colours, reminiscent of the original iPod Mini in looks. It also includes a scratch resistant glass screen, meaning it can be kept in the deepest of handbags without fear of damaging the phone.
The Nokia N8 is definitely a photographer's best companion, with endorsements from some of the biggest photographers, and Nokia actively pushing the photographic skills of the phone in its marketing campaign. It also proves to be a must have item, with most mobile phone networks offering the phone on pay as you go as well as competitively priced pay monthly plans.
