Sony Xperia Z5: introducing the next-generation smartphone camera (Sponsored)

When you don’t have your camera gear with you, or you just want to travel light and take photos unobtrusively, a smartphone camera makes the perfect choice. But this can mean you have to compromise in terms of performance or image quality as a result. Or do you?

The Sony Xperia Z5 promises to shake up the photography market. Packing camera technology inherited from its line of highly-rated Sony Alpha compact system cameras and SLTs, Sony’s Xperia Z5 promises the world’s best camera in a smartphone, as tested against leading smartphones in 2015.

Sony has built an enviable reputation in the development of high-performance imaging devices; you’ll find Sony sensors inside Nikon DSLRs, Olympus CSCs and the Apple iPhone 6, as well as its own cameras.

At the heart of the Xperia Z5 is Sony’s next-generation 1/2.3-inch CMOS Exmor RS™ sensor. This is a backlit device, with the circuitry that carries the electronic signal from each pixel positioned on the rear of the sensor rather than the front.

The upshot is that more light is allowed to reach each photo site, and as a result the signal doesn’t need to be boosted as much. This means that the new sensor has the potential to deliver cleaner pictures when light levels drop.

Sony has a proven track record with this technology – we rate the new Sony A7R II CSC, which uses the world’s first backlit full-frame sensor, very highly indeed.

It isn’t just the large, high-quality images that make this the perfect pocket-friendly back-up camera. The feature set of the Xperia Z5’s camera is as desirable as the smartphone’s sleek metal frame and frosted glass finish.

With nimble Hybrid Autofocus, 24mm wide-angle lens, 5x Clear Image Zoom and the next generation of Sony’s image stabilisation software SteadyShot™, the Xperia Z5 packs a punch when it comes to camera specifications.

It’s a practical proposition for photographers, too. Dedicated camera controls and intuitive handling, including a new fingerprint sensor built into the power button to enable rapid unlocking of the phone, mean that you can react quickly to photo and video opportunities.

An external shutter button adds convenience and helps to combat camera shake, while the volume keys double-up as zoom controls.

The Xperia Z5’s waterproof, dust-tight design can help you get the shot when other photographers are running for cover. And, thanks to the unique power management, you can activate Ultra STAMINA mode to keep the core phone functions running for days – perfect for staying in touch when you’re on a lengthy photo shoot.

In terms of focusing, the Xperia Z5’s Hybrid Autofocus combines the accuracy of a contrast-detection AF system with the speed of phase-detection AF. The system clocks a reaction time of up to 0.03 seconds according to Sony’s CIPA-standard tests.

Another highlight is Clear Image Zoom; pinch the screen and you can magnify the image up to five times. Thanks to the BIONZ for mobile processing engine and high-res sensor, this promises to deliver a picture that’s free of the compromises associated with digital zooms.

Even at maximum zoom, the image maintains a resolution of 8 megapixels – that’s enough to print a high-quality 8×10-inch print at 300dpi.

The same flagship photography features are shared across all three models in the new range. The Xperia Z5 and smaller Xperia Z5 Compact will be available in October, with the high-end Xperia Z5 Premium launching in November.

As the name suggests, the Xperia Z5 Premium is the elite model in the series, boasting the world’s first 4K Ultra HD smartphone display and 4K UHD upscaling technology. That works out an incredible resolution of 806ppi.

Aside from the boost in detail, colours and black levels that the Z5 Premium’s 4K display offers, the additional resolution enables 8MP stills to be extracted from 4K video footage. Capturing that split-second moment at a print-worthy resolution just got even easier…

Camera
Based on Sony Xperia™ Z5 / Z5 Compact’s main camera resolution, speed of autofocus and image quality assessment by 200 UK consumers, compared to Apple iPhone 6, Apple iPhone 6 Plus, HTC One M9, LG G4, Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Samsung Galaxy S6 (being the “Leading Smartphones” defined by Strategy Analytics as the top six flagship devices according to shelf share in 2015). Camera resolution was compared to the top 100 selling smartphones of 2015 and verified by Strategy Analytics’ SpecTRAX & PriceTRAX Services as of 3rd July 2015. Consumer research was conducted by Strategy Analytics between 5-6th August 2015. Technical testing was conducted by Strategy Analytics on 7th August 2015. For more information, go to: www.sonymobile.com/testresults/

Waterproof
Xperia™ Z5 / Z5 Compact / Z5 Premium is waterproof and protected against dust, so don’t worry if you get caught in the rain or want to wash off dirt under a tap, but remember – all ports and attached covers should be firmly closed. You should not put the device completely underwater or expose it to seawater, saltwater, chlorinated water or liquids such as drinks. Abuse and improper use of device will invalidate warranty. The device has Ingress Protection rating IP65/68. For more info see www.sonymobile.com/waterproof. Note: the Xperia™ Z5 / Z5 Compact / Z5 Premium has a capless USB port to connect and charge. The USB port needs to be completely dry before charging.

Clear Zoom
Photos taken with 5x clear zoom will have a size of 8MP.

Battery Life
Life has been measured against Sony Mobile Communications AB’s smartphone usage profile, defined in September 2014 to represent the typical smartphone user’s active condition, including but not limited to a range of usage scenarios (calling, texting, web browsing, social networking, game playing, music listening, picture taking, picture browsing, online video watching, video recording and playback). For more information go to www.sonymobile.com/testresults.

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