Sony Xperia 1: Photography and Performance Overview

The Sony Xperia 1 is a flagship smartphone that aims to appeal to photography enthusiasts with its advanced camera system and powerful performance. As a device that combines Sony’s expertise in camera technology with premium smartphone features, the Xperia 1 offers a compelling package for those who prioritise mobile photography.

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In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Sony Xperia 1, examining its camera capabilities, image quality, display, performance and more. We’ll also explore the Sony Xperia 1 price and whether its features justify the cost for photography-focused users.

Camera System and Photography Features

Triple Camera Setup

The Sony Xperia 1 boasts an impressive triple camera setup that includes:

• 24mm main camera with a 48-megapixel Sony Exmor T sensor

• 16mm ultrawide camera

• 85-170mm variable zoom telephoto camera

The telephoto camera offers a magnification range of approximately 3.5x to 7.1x compared to the main camera, providing versatility for capturing distant subjects.

Advanced Camera Features

Sony has incorporated several advanced camera features into the Xperia 1:

• AI-assisted autofocus with “human pose estimation” technology

• Macro mode using the telephoto camera for high-quality close-up shots

• 4K HDR video recording at up to 120fps across all cameras

• High-end colour profiles like S-Cinetone for cinematic video capture

The device also features a unified camera app that consolidates various filming and photography features, although some pro-grade video features are expected to be added in a future update.

Image Quality and Performance

Main Camera Performance

The Sony Xperia 1’s main 24mm lens delivers the best image quality, with good colours and detail. However, there are some issues with oversharpening and ghosting effects in standard Photo mode, particularly when capturing moving subjects.

Ultrawide and Zoom Lenses

While the ultrawide lens offers a wider field of view compared to the main camera, it is not as wide as many competitors. The zoom lens has been improved but still has limitations at its further reach.

Low Light and HDR

The Xperia 1 struggles in very bright, high-contrast shooting situations and does not always trigger HDR outdoors. In low-light conditions, the autofocus is fast and accurate, but overall image quality can be inconsistent.

Macro and Continuous Zoom

One of the highlights of the Sony Xperia 1 is its macro telephoto camera, which offers 4K resolution up to 120fps for stunning stills pulled from videos. The continuous zoom feature is also impressive, competing well with other top-tier smartphones up to the 7.1x optical range.

Display and Performance

Display Specifications

The Sony Xperia 1 features a 6.5-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2220 x 1080 (Full HD). While this is a step down from the 4K resolution of its predecessor, the display offers a variable refresh rate between 1Hz and 120Hz, is 50% brighter than the previous model and has excellent outdoor visibility.

Processing Power and Memory

Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and paired with 12GB of RAM, the Xperia 1 delivers robust performance for demanding tasks and multitasking. It is available with storage options of 256GB or 512GB.

Battery Life

The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery, which Sony claims can provide up to two days of use on a single charge. It also supports 15W wireless charging and wireless battery sharing to other devices.

Design and Additional Features

Familiar Design with Enhancements

The Sony Xperia 1’s design is visually similar to its predecessor, with a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. It retains the dedicated shutter button and 3.5mm headphone jack, which are appreciated by photography and audio enthusiasts. The front camera and speakers are seamlessly integrated into the bezels at the top and bottom of the display.

Improved Audio Experience

Sony has enhanced the audio capabilities of the Xperia 1 with improved “full-stage” speakers that offer better bass, clarity and sound spread.

The Sony Xperia 1 is a flagship smartphone that excels in photography, particularly with its advanced telephoto and macro capabilities, AI-assisted autofocus and unified camera app experience. While it has some limitations, such as the reduced display resolution and inconsistent image quality in certain conditions, it offers a compelling package for photography enthusiasts who prioritise camera performance in a smartphone.

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