Nokia Explains What Makes the Camera in the N86 Phone Great in Dim Lighting Conditions

I’m not quite sure what this Nokia Conversations blog title means…

Being flash isn’t always the answer

But, having written my own share of puzzling blog titles, I’m not going to criticize The blog itself focuses (pun intended) around the fascinating topic of how the Nokia N96 camera component of the phone was developed to optimize its low-light photo taking ability. The first design aspect is the larger than normal adjustable aperture. This lets more light to get to the sensor. The second design aspect discussed is the sensor itself which is more sensitive to light than previous Nokia camera phones.

The blog also addresses the criticism I’ve heard a number of people mention when discussing the N86: Its lack of a Xenon flash. Nokia says it doesn’t have one because it doesn’t need it. Of course, it would probably benefit from a nice bright Xenon flash. So, I’m guessing that this is really a cost savings measure to offset the increased cost of the larger aperture and improved sensor.

Final thought: When I started becoming interested in digital photography years ago, I got some advice from some experienced photographers that goes like this: Most people use camera flashes in the wrong situations. You should use a flash in bright daylight and backlit conditions and NOT use it in dim light (use your camera’s other settings to work with the dim light).

Join Baratunde Thurston (left), The Onion’s Director of Digital and author of How to Be Black, for an entertaining look at creative social media campaigns in our Social Media Marketing Boot Camp starting February 16. Other speakers include Morin Oluwole (Facebook), Tim Devane (bitly), and SocialTimes' writer Devon Glenn.   Register now.