Until recently, the camera on your smart phone could not produce album-worthy images. But with some newer handsets, you can shoot stunning, high-resolution photos and impressive high-definition video. These phones still can’t match the quality of a high-end camcorder or digital SLR, but they could replace your old point-and-shoot.
Crème de la crème
Many phones now come with cameras front and back (of the phones we review here, all except the HTC Inspire have front-facing cameras for video chats). But it’s the quality of the rear camera that counts. For example, the Samsung Droid Charge ($300 with a two-year Verizon contract) has an 8-megapixel rear camera that takes sharp pictures and crisp video. Its excellent, 4.3-inch display is easier to view outdoors than other phones we tested. Camera controls are conveniently located on either side of the picture frame, making it easy to turn off the flash or to auto-focus. The volume rocker doubles as a zoom controller.
High-res images and video gobble up memory. The Droid Charge’s preinstalled 32-gigabyte microSD card is a big plus, however, allowing you to store more than 1,100 images. (Actual capacity will likely be less, because other data—including games, applications and files—take up space, too.) The Charge also has an HDMI port, which is handy for viewing videos on a large screen, such as a high-definition TV. Overall, it’s the best camera phone of this bunch.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Capable cameras
The T-Mobile G2x ($250 with a two-year T-Mobile contract) has an 8-megapixel rear camera that excels at outdoor shots (although its display falls short of the Droid Charge’s). HD video quality is particularly good, especially when shooting fast action. Camera controls are easy to access: When framing a shot, you simply tap the screen to access flash, zoom, auto-focus and other settings. Like the Charge, the G2x has an HDMI port for viewing video on large screens. One gripe: The pretty, 4-inch display is hard to see in bright sunlight. That can be a problem if you are shooting, say, a morning soccer match (which I found out the hard way).
The Samsung Nexus S 4G ($150 with a two-year Sprint contract) is a knockout, with a glossy black exterior and slightly curved 4-inch display. As cameras go, the Nexus’s 5-megapixel unit may not be top of the line, but the phone makes a capable point-and-shoot. Nitpickers may find colors on indoor shots a bit washed out.
Bargain pick
You don’t need to spend $200 or more to get a smart phone with a good camera. The HTC Inspire 4G ($100 with a two-year AT&T contract) has an excellent rear-facing 8-megapixel shooter. The preinstalled 8GB microSD memory card is roomy but, again, other apps, games and files will cut into storage capacity. The Inspire’s 4.3-inch touch screen is big and beautiful, if a bit too reflective for outdoor use. One neat feature: You can take a sneak peek at how your subject will look in sepia or grayscale before tapping the shutter button. Picture quality is good in low-light settings, too.
And for Apple Nation
No, we haven’t forgotten about you. The popular iPhone 4 ($200 for the 16GB model with a two-year AT&T or Verizon Wireless contract; $300 for the 32GB model) has an excellent 5-megapixel rear camera, and a software upgrade will soon allow you to use the volume-up button to press the camera shutter. But don’t rush out to buy an iPhone 4. Apple is reportedly readying a new model with an 8-megapixel camera. Stay tuned.
-
S&P 500 Hits New High on Jobs Friday Eve: Stock Market TodayThe S&P 500 hit a new all-time closing high and most of the stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial Average were up the day before a critical jobs report.
-
New $6,000 'Senior Bonus' Deduction: What It Means for Taxpayers Over Age 65Tax Changes If you’re an older adult, a new bonus tax deduction could provide a valuable tax benefit. Here's how it works.
-
When Tech is Too MuchOur Kiplinger Retirement Report editor, David Crook, sounds off on the everyday annoyances of technology.
-
I Let AI Read Privacy Policies for Me. Here's What I LearnedA reporter uses AI to review privacy policies, in an effort to better protect herself from fraud and scams.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
What Is AI? Artificial Intelligence 101Artificial intelligence has sparked huge excitement among investors and businesses, but what exactly does the term mean?
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
