In a Blind "Taste Test" the iPhone 5s camera blows major competitors away

[seawolf]

In a blind camera taste test pictures from the iPhone 5s beat out ones from its five main competitors | Breaking Apple News, Tips and Reviews from The Unofficial Apple Weblog

 

OK, so it's a bit of an oxymoron to have a "blind" camera test, but you get the drift. Despite being "outclassed" in the megapixel and features (bling bling) categories, the camera on the iPhone 5S was deemed the best of its major competitors.

 

No surprise really, because as any good photographer will tell you megapixels along don't make a camera. It's quality that counts.

[featured_spectre]

So a blog that primarily deals with apple products has an apple product win the day...seems legit

[SYNACK]

So a blog that primarily deals with apple products has an apple product win the day...seems legit

 

And no mention of the year old but epic Nokia Lumina with the 40+ megapixel camera and the optics to blow the doors off the iPhone. The sensor is that good they have even used it to reconstruct images through diffusing panes of glass and a light reflection off a white wall. Now that's a camera.

 

https://medium.com/the-physics-arxiv-blog/7d85673ffb41

Edited March 18, 2014 by SYNACK

[Norphy]

So a blog that primarily deals with apple products has an apple product win the day...seems legit

 

 

Is Phone Arena an Apple blog? TUAW is, yes but they're just linking to a third party report.

[seawolf]

So a blog that primarily deals with apple products has an apple product win the day...seems legit

 

Hmmm...I didn't know that Phone Arena - Phone News, Reviews and Specs was an Apple rag?

 

But, since I'm sure you aren't the type who would make rash judgements without actually reading the study that was cited in TUAW I'm sure you were probably referring to something else.

iPhone 5s tops our blind camera comparison, Xperia Z1 Compact takes last place

[seawolf]

And no mention of the year old but epic Nokia Lumina with the 40+ megapixel camera and the optics to blow the doors off the iPhone. The sensor is that good they have even used it to reconstruct images through diffusing panes of glass and a light reflection off a white wall. Now that's a camera.

 

https://medium.com/the-physics-arxiv-blog/7d85673ffb41

 

This study was about the iPhone's major (and actual) competitors. With a market share of almost zip, there is NO Windows Phone that can be considered a major competitor to the iPhone. If it was a study about the best camera that happened to be attached to a smartphone, one of the Lumia models would almost certainly have won. But it wasn't. This was a study of the cameras in the phones that most people in the world are likely to have on their person.

[featured_spectre]

Not sure you can count a 15% global share of the market as "zip". In Europe its significantly higher (around 25%), so your argument that a windows phone isn't a competitor is void. And yes I was on about TUAW. They only publish articles that favour apple.

 

As for the source of the material, in every "test" where the iPhone is there, it invariably gets put in conditions that favour it. Let's take underwater photos...I guarantee the Sony Xperia Z1 will come out on top...oh wait, that's because it's a waterproof phone and the iPhone would die within seconds...

[Arthur]

You might be interested in this article too @seawolf.

 

Smartphones versus DSLRs versus film: A look at how far we've come « DPReview Connect

 

[PotNoodleTech]

This study was about the iPhone's major (and actual) competitors. With a market share of almost zip, there is NO Windows Phone that can be considered a major competitor to the iPhone. If it was a study about the best camera that happened to be attached to a smartphone, one of the Lumia models would almost certainly have won. But it wasn't. This was a study of the cameras in the phones that most people in the world are likely to have on their person.

 

Well I got rid of my iPhone and got a Lumia 1020 and I aint looking back - yes I'm missing out on thousands of mostly pointless apps, (thousands of apps I didn't download when I did have the iPhone), yes the Windows phone is much better suited to being productive linked straight into my skydrive and office365 and my xbox, yes the 40 mpix camera is awesome - I love it.

 

So yeh, despite the failings of the app development on the platform a good windows phone still compares with an iphone in my humble opinion!

[localzuk]

Yup, you have to remember with tests like this that the chosen shots are important.

 

They took 3 photos, it seems, are all about well lit subject matter. What about low light environments? What about high contrast shots (black item in a white textured environment)? What about really low contrast shots? Not to mention, the order that the photos are presented to the users to vote on affects the vote too. They also had comments on the voting pages I believe, which is definitely going to affect the outcome.

 

So much more to deciding on a camera.

Edited March 18, 2014 by localzuk

[synaesthesia]

Typical of an iPhone related post to concentrate on things that barely make a selling point. I still can't understand why people buy a 5S over a 5C. Humans.

 

(In a nutshell, the wise human will ignore pretty much any article from such rags and speak to other humans not on someone else's payroll, and then have a play themselves to see if *they* like what they see)

Edited March 18, 2014 by synaesthesia

[localzuk]

You might be interested in this article too @seawolf.

 

Smartphones versus DSLRs versus film: A look at how far we've come « DPReview Connect

 

 

From that site "Improvements over time in DXOMark and DXOMark Mobile scores for Canon EOS DSLRs and two ranges of smartphones. Note that the scales for the DSLRs and the phones are different and not directly comparable."

All the graph shows is that the quality of photography that can be done with phones is improving at a faster rate than the EOS XXD range is improving.

[seawolf]

Not sure you can count a 15% global share of the market as "zip". In Europe its significantly higher (around 25%), so your argument that a windows phone isn't a competitor is void.

 

Where in the world (literally) are you getting your 15% market share figures? Care to provide the source, because Microsoft and Nokia would like to know where their revenue has gone. Worldwide, Android and iOS have 92.5% of the world market share. Windows Phone has 3.7%. In Europe, Windows Phone seems to have peaked at around 10% based on the latest stats I could find. In Italy, it seems to be popular, but 17% is still a far cry from the 25% you've cited. I prefer to deal with facts rather than fantasy mate.

 

https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS24257413

 

Windows Phone growth plateaus in Europe, Xiaomi beats Samsung in China | ZDNet

 

I can play this game too. Did you know the Mac has a 17.61% market share? It's true and I have the evidence to back it up. Just ignore the rest of the data in that link though. Look away, look away....

 

As for the source of the material, in every "test" where the iPhone is there, it invariably gets put in conditions that favour it. Let's take underwater photos...I guarantee the Sony Xperia Z1 will come out on top...oh wait, that's because it's a waterproof phone and the iPhone would die within seconds...

 

Firstly, who in their right mind would take their smartphone scuba diving or snorkelling unless it was some sort of stunt? Proper cases and cameras work much better underwater. Larger lenses gather light much better and purpose-built cameras are much better to be using so you aren't stuffing around with trying to get a touch screen to work properly underwater where you are probably wearing gloves anyway (unless you're in the tropics). Speaking from experience as a licensed diver here mate.

 

And yes, sure every magazine in the world has caught the "shiny shiny syndrome" and makes every test favourable to the iPhone. Really, seriously. Without a doubt.

 

And yes I was on about TUAW. They only publish articles that favour apple

 

Oh, so you actually didn't read the original article or check the source. OK.

[seawolf]

Well I got rid of my iPhone and got a Lumia 1020 and I aint looking back - yes I'm missing out on thousands of mostly pointless apps, (thousands of apps I didn't download when I did have the iPhone), yes the Windows phone is much better suited to being productive linked straight into my skydrive and office365 and my xbox, yes the 40 mpix camera is awesome - I love it.

 

So yeh, despite the failings of the app development on the platform a good windows phone still compares with an iphone in my humble opinion!

 

Hey, don't get me wrong. I think there is a lot to like with Windows Phone. I actually prefer it to Android and the build quality of the Lumia's is a lot better than the Samsung phones IMO.

 

But, there have been some far-fetched numbers being thrown about the market share of WP on this thread, so I have to call that out.

[featured_spectre]

Firstly, who in their right mind would take their smartphone scuba diving or snorkelling unless it was some sort of stunt? Proper cases and cameras work much better underwater. Larger lenses gather light much better and purpose-built cameras are much better to be using so you aren't stuffing around with trying to get a touch screen to work properly underwater where you are probably wearing gloves anyway (unless you're in the tropics). Speaking from experience as a licensed diver here mate.

 

OK, might not be scuba diving with a phone, but I can work my phone in the bath without a problem, or in the shower, or when we go to a lake I dont have to worry about running in and my phone not getting wet if it is in my pocket, or being thrown into a swimming pool I dont have to worry about my phone stopping working...Also, qualified diver here as well and I agree, I wouldn't take it with me on a scuba dive.

 

As I am currently on my phone right now about to head into a meeting, I can't grab the sources and put them on the post, when done in the meeting, I shall do so for you and PM it over.

 

Also, seems every post you make regarding Apple products (not just iPhones, but Macs, Macbooks, iTunes etc) you can't help but state how awesome they are and nothing compares. Soon as someone posts contrary, you are up in arms. Fanboyism at its best. To prevent this turning into yet ANOTHER thread where YOU have instigated a flame war, I shall recommend this thread be closed.

[seawolf]

Typical of an iPhone related post to concentrate on things that barely make a selling point. I still can't understand why people buy a 5S over a 5C.

 

It could be the:

 

- Faster A7 processor

- Fingerprint scanner

- all metal body

- Better camera

- Minimal price difference

 

That makes people buy the 5S over the 5C. I actually think Apple made a misstep in selling a phone with those distinctions that was only slightly less expensive than their flagship model. I think an iPhone "mini" (iPhone 4 size) with the 5C processor and camera sold for 30-40% less or so might have worked, but not as it is.

[seawolf]

OK, might not be scuba diving with a phone, but I can work my phone in the bath without a problem, or in the shower, or when we go to a lake I dont have to worry about running in and my phone not getting wet if it is in my pocket, or being thrown into a swimming pool I dont have to worry about my phone stopping working...Also, qualified diver here as well and I agree, I wouldn't take it with me on a scuba dive.

 

Now, that's a more appropriate argument. Point taken. It's a nice feature. It is rare in a smartphone though.

 

As I am currently on my phone right now about to head into a meeting, I can't grab the sources and put them on the post, when done in the meeting, I shall do so for you and PM it over.

 

Happy to consider any relevant facts.

 

Also, seems every post you make regarding Apple products (not just iPhones, but Macs, Macbooks, iTunes etc) you can't help but state how awesome they are and nothing compares. Soon as someone posts contrary, you are up in arms. Fanboyism at its best.

 

Actually, what usually happens is someone takes a dig at anything Apple such as you did when you hadn't actually read the article and made a rash comment. If you worked with me, you would know I'm no fanboy. I call it like it is and sometimes Apple does stupid just as good as other companies do stupid. OS X 10.7 received a lot of grief from me. So has their VPP program. That one still gives me the #!$!@ sometimes.

 

To prevent this turning into yet ANOTHER thread where YOU have instigated a flame war, I shall recommend this thread be closed.

 

I didn't know rebutting an argument with facts amounted to a flame war. Well, there you go. You learn something new every day.

[Arthur]

Where in the world (literally) are you getting your 15% market share figures?

16.1% in Italy, 12.5% in France and 11.9% in the UK.

 

http://wmpoweruser.com/windows-phone-achieves-16-market-share-in-italy-in-full-kantar-october-numbers/

 

I'm not sure where Nephilim is getting his figures from either.

[SYNACK]

There is 9.3% Windows Phone in Australia as at 2013, double 2012. • Smartphone OS: market share in Australia 2012-2013 | Statistic

 

Those are the kind of numbers that Apple fans were proclaiming as a real foothold in the desktop market which is smaller than the smartphone one.

 

Almost 10% of sales in the UK were Windows phone • Chart: Windows Phone is Doing Quite Well in Europe | Statista

 

Given those kind of stats people would have about a one in ten chance of having one in some areas, more if they really cared about their photos. I like my Lumina and the photo quality for a phone is epic. I have no doubt the iPhone can take a nice photo but I think that the competition was a bit unfair in this instance.

[Arthur]

All the graph shows is that the quality of photography that can be done with phones is improving at a faster rate than the EOS XXD range is improving.

It also shows that the iPhone 4S and 5 are better than the Samsung S3, but the iPhone 5S isn't as good as the Galaxy S4.

[foofighterjim]

OK, might not be scuba diving with a phone, but I can work my phone in the bath without a problem, or in the shower

 

I don't want to see any pictures you take with your phone in that case.

[sparkeh]

The "major competitor" argument doesn't really hold up, especially when the article starts with:

From Blind Camera Comparison: vote for the smartphone camera you like best

It has been a while since we last had a blind camera comparison, don't you agree? Last time was over three months ago, when the NokiaLumia 1020 devastated the competition, followed by the Galaxy S4 and the iPhone 5s, which took second and third place respectively.

Hmm...so in the last test, they did test a Lumia, which won, and the Galaxy S4 came second and the iPhone 5s third...but this time the iPhone 5S came first with the Galaxy S4 coming 5th and no Lumia present.

 

Yeah I'm not going to draw too many conclusion from this 'test'.

[sted]

It could be the:

 

- Faster A7 processor

- Fingerprint scanner

- all metal body

- Better camera

- Minimal price difference

 

That makes people buy the 5S over the 5C. I actually think Apple made a misstep in selling a phone with those distinctions that was only slightly less expensive than their flagship model. I think an iPhone "mini" (iPhone 4 size) with the 5C processor and camera sold for 30-40% less or so might have worked, but not as it is.

 

fingerprint scanner is that anything but a gimmick?

 

as to camera phones getting better quicker than dslr's well duh they started at a lower point. its easier to make a dacia better than it is to make an aston martin better

 

does seem a bit lopsided excluding nokia lumias whatever you think about market share you have a phone that is marketed at having good lenses and you ignore it. On new phones im sure iveseen stats that say windows phone is now outselling ios phones

Edited March 18, 2014 by sted

[seawolf]

fingerprint scanner is that anything but a gimmick?

 

Apparently, it's only a gimmick if you are Apple since loads of Smartphones are expected to have one in the near future. And the Galaxy S5 already has one although they are apparently running into production problems

 

does seem a bit lopsided excluding nokia lumias whatever you think about market share you have a phone that is marketed at having good lenses and you ignore it. On new phones im sure iveseen stats that say windows phone is now outselling ios phones

 

What is the market share of the Lumia smart phones? Is it a major market share competitor with Apple and Samsung, no Nokia is in the "Other" group when top smartphone manufacturers are listed (according to market share). Therefore, it didn't make the cut. If it was a comparison of ALL smartphones available, of course the iPhone wouldn't be at the top. It was a test of some of the most popular.

[featured_spectre]

I shall straight up apologise, the article I read stated 15 million handsets, and being tired, I some how read it as 15 Percent of handsets. So my bad, the remainder of my posts however stand.