The mobile phone has long since ceased to be simply a phone. With us Smartphones We feel like we have reality under control as long as we have a battery in our pocket, and we can capture any moment to share immediately or save for posterity. That's why companies and manufacturers are very careful about how they sell their ships. insignia for the user, and the photographic section is always very important. HTC could not be less and presents its new HTC One as an introducer of technology Ultra pixel. The megapixels are no longer the only relevant metric, and the signature Taiwanese wanted to demonstrate it. But how does the camera work? Ultra pixel? HTC lets us access certain photos and videos that show that, permanently, we can continue living without obsessing over the megapixels in our lives.
HTC Ultrapixel Technology: How It Works and Why It Matters
HTC's bet breaks the blind race for resolution. Under the figure of 4 megapixels, the HTC One integrates a sensor 1/3-inch backlit (BSI) to 2 micrometer pixels sideways. This individual pixel size is very superior to that of many high-resolution rivals, and with fewer dots on the same surface, each can capture more lightThe result is a system that, according to the brand, can collect up to 300% more light compared to sensors with smaller pixels, improving scenes of low luminosity, reducing noise and increasing the contrast.
This sensor is accompanied bya a 28mm equivalent optics to aperture f / 2.0 and a system of dual-axis optical stabilization (OIS)This combination is key: the aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, and the OIS compensates for movements inevitable handshake, enabling lower shutter speeds without camera shake. In addition, the dedicated processor HTC Image Chip 2 accelerates focusing, processing and noise reduction, and enables advanced features such as FullHD 1080p video with HDR y continuous focus.
An important detail: the Native sensor format is 16:9This benefits those who consume and share photos on widescreen displays, although switching to 4:3 will crop the image horizontally, leaving it below the nominal resolution. This adjustment should be considered depending on the type of photography you do most.
Higher resolution does not mean higher quality
The truth is that there is a preconceived idea and wrong that the number of megapixels It made a difference in the quality of the camera, and so it is also with the photographic sensor of mobile phones. It seems logical to think that, with higher resolution, higher quality, and mobile manufacturers, knowing this commercial potential, have turned the mobile market into a race to get the camera with more megapixels. But the reality is that, once a certain amount of these, the human eye is not capable of appreciating differences below a certain image size. This means that photographs taken with a large number of megapixels as those presented in the smartphones, we will see them with the same level of quality on our mobile screens, on our computer screens, and on a large television. The eye will begin to notice the lack of megapixels only in large marquee-type prints, something that is not usually the case in everyday use of a mobile camera.
HTC has wanted to get out of this commercial game to propose a camera that sacrifice resolution by pixel and sensor quality, with his “Ultra pixel"And this is proof that we can get best photographs with lower resolution: 4 megapixelsThe size of each pixel is around 2 microns, which helps to capture more light and offer better dynamic range in complex situations. However, it is worth remembering that in brightly lit scenes, a higher resolution sensor can offer more fine detail if we are going to crop or enlarge to 100%.
In practical terms, the 2688×1520 pixel images The HTC One's megapixels are sufficient for screens, social media, and regular printing. If you need aggressive crops or very large prints, a higher-megapixel sensor will have an advantage. But the HTC One's camera balance favors better overall performance in everyday situations, especially when light is scarce, which is where most mobile phones falters.
Light, aperture and color: where optics make the difference
In the world of photography there is a divine being: the lightProfessional photographers know all too well that, regardless of whether the incoming light is captured on film or converted into ones and zeros by a sensor, the amount of light that the lens allows to pass through define quality of that camera. This amount is determined by the aperture: a lowest f number, greater luminosity.
El HTC One boasts an f/2.0 apertureThis places it among the mobiles with more luminosity of its category: other popular models remain in f/2.4 of/2.6. You should keep in mind that in photography, the higher the F number, the lower the brightness. That's why HTC leads in this respect with its f/2.0 aperture. This translates into best colors, more definition and less need to raise the ISO.
In addition to its brightness, the HTC One stands out for its natural color reproduction or with a white balance automatic, which in comparative tests is often correct. The Dynamic range without HDR it is competitive for a mobile, although in some high contrast scenes it can overexpose areas, something adjustable with exposure compensation or by activating the mode HDR.
At this point the new flagship Taiwanese will compete well with the spectacular night shots of other high-end models. As soon as we have a number of night photos enough of HTC One as to make an in-depth comparison, here in AndroidHelp you will be able to know which of the cameras provides the best performance.
The importance of light
In the world of photography there is a divine being: Light. Professional photographers are well aware that, regardless of whether the received light is captured on photographic film or converted into ones and zeros through a sensor, the amount of light that the lens allows to pass through, define quality of that camera.
This amount of light is determined by the aperture of the lens: the larger the lens aperture, the greater the light that enters through the lens to end up on the sensor. The HTC One boasts an aperture of f / 2.0. This means that it becomes a mobile phone with great luminosity: the iPhone 5 has an aperture of f/2.4, and the Samsung Galaxy S3 with f/2.6; while the Sony Xperia The Z boasts an f/2.4 aperture. You should keep in mind that in photography, the higher the F number, the lower the brightness. That's why HTC stands out with its F/2.0 aperture. This means, better colors and more definition, and we can see this in the photographs shown by the firm Taiwanese.
Optical stabilization and speed: sharpness without a tripod
When a photographer wants to ensure the sharpest possible capture, he uses a tripod. On a mobile phone, this is impossible, and even pressing the shutter release generates vibrations. Until recently, many phones mitigated this movement only by with , in other words, after from the shot.
El HTC One brag about optical image stabilizers who act at the time of capture to minimize the displacement of the optical assembly and achieve greater sharpness, especially indoors or at night. Interestingly, both the front and rear cameras benefit from improved stabilization.
Added to this is the HTC ImageChip allowing very fast focus (averages below 200ms), fast bursts, and efficient noise processing. Pressing the shutter button results in near-instant capture, a plus for portraits, children, or street sports. In terms of speed, the HTC One allows bursts of up to 8 photos per second and store up to 99 images continued to maintain continuous autofocus.
There are ergonomic aspects to consider: a physical trigger button would have improved the experience, and some users perceive a sharpening processing somewhat aggressive in specific scenes. If you notice unnatural contours, you can reduce the sharpness in the settings to -1 or -2.
New image stabilizer
When a photographer wants to ensure the greatest possible sharpness in his capture, he uses a tripod, since it is stability that allows for the best photographs, and this is something impossible to achieve with a mobile phone, since by just pressing the capture button, we already produce vibes and movement in photography. Until now, mobile phones have attempted to correct these vibrations using software programs that stabilize the image, that is, rear, inmediatamente after the moment of photographic capture.
That is why HTC One also enters the market boasting of improved technology in this regard, based on optical image stabilizers, which will try to define this movement at the moment of capture so that it is as less exaggerated as possible, thus achieving a greater sharpness. Interestingly, both cameras, front and rear, will boast of this technology.
Controls, modes and user experience
While point and shoot is tempting, the HTC One offers a lot of control for those who are looking for it. The interface is simple but Very complete. Between the photographic adjustments You will find: touch screen shooting, shutter sound, automatic smile capture, burst limiter to 20 photos and review after capture.
- Manual controls: Automatic or manual ISO 100 to 1600, white balance (auto, incandescent, fluorescent, day or cloudy), 2/5/10 s timer, and fine adjustments with bracket exposure, contrast, saturation y sharpness.
- capture modes: evening, HDR, sweep panorama, portrait, landscape, backlight (backlight), text and macro.
- Smart burst and selection: Press and hold to shoot continuously and then choose the best shot, or let the system do it for you.
In conditions of good light, almost any high-end camera will do. The HTC One's stands out for its true color y accurate white balance, with a convincing dynamic range without the need for HDR. However, when zoomed in to 100% compared to higher resolution sensors, it is appreciated less fine detail. On the other hand, the 16:9 format of the sensor means that if you prefer 4:3 you will lose useful pixels by the side cut.
When the light goes down, the HTC One shows off: large pixels, the aperture f / 2.0 and the OIS allow you to lower the shutter speed and/or ISO with less risk of movement and less grain. This is where this camera makes a difference faced with many alternatives, with better defined textures, usable shadows and more credible colors. The flash It's rarely useful; with low-light performance, it's usually best to leave it off unless you're looking to freeze close subjects.
In a low percentage of shots they can occur partial blurs Random due to focus or movement issues, something that can be mitigated with OIS and improved gripping technique. Keeping the lens glass clean and tapping to focus helps ensure sharpness where you need it.
Video: 1080p, HDR and Enhanced Continuous Focus
As for video capture, the HTC One has the processing chip HTC ImageChip, which will allow us to record video in FullHD 1080p to HDR continuous, in addition to offering us a focus speed greatly improved, reduced to an average of less than 200 ms. Thanks to these performance our video will tend to be continuously focused.
El OIS provides stability and reduces shakes without the need for aggressive cropping. The audio, supported by high-quality microphones, accompanies the video sharpness well in high-contrast scenes, especially with HDR video, which helps preserve detail in highlights and shadows. It is also possible to capture take photos while recording (VideoPic), and there is a mode of slow motion for creative clips.
In the examples from the videos From HTC, we can see a high image quality influenced by all these new technologies. We recommend watching videos by increasing the resolution to 1080p, as it is really worth observing this camera with all the details of the image. FullHD.
Video examples:
Zoe and editing: photos that come to life
Zoe is one of the most interesting features associated with the HTC One camera. The camera stays alert so that when you press the shutter, the shot has already been taken. recorded 1 second of video before y 3 seconds laterOf those 4 seconds you can extract sharp frames like photos, create stop-motion animations and compose automatic summaries with music and transitions for easy sharing via HTC Share or your favorite social networks.
Integrated editing allows adjust exposure, color, crop, sharpen, and apply effects with precision, without having to resort to third-party applications. For those who share daily, the HTC ecosystem makes it easy dynamic albums and an organization by Events which groups photos and videos chronologically. In addition, the frontal camera offers 1080p recording with a wide angle ideal for selfies and video calls, providing more of the scene without excessive distortion.
Major improvements in video recording
As for video capture, the new HTC One has the processing chip HTC ImageChip, which will allow us to record video in FullHD 1080p continuously in HDR mode, as well as offering us a greatly improved focusing speed, reduced to an average of less than 200ms. Thanks to these performance our video will tend to be continuously focused.
In the examples from the videos From HTC, we can see a high image quality influenced by all these new technologies. We recommend viewing the videos raising the resolution to 1080p because it is really worth observing this camera with all the details of the FullHD.
Watch the videos:
Of course, the signature Taiwanese he wanted to take a risk with his HTC One dialing 4 megapixels in its technical specifications. Clients must go further on their own and enter the world of photography to discover the new technology "Ultra pixel”, And only then will they know that they are buying a product that, in the photographic aspect, is above the rest of the mobile devices on the market. We can't wait to tinker with the new HTC with our bare hands to properly compare the HTC camera. One with that of other beasts like him Sony Xperia Z. For the moment, we are paving the way with this analysis of the Ultra pixel and the first photographs and videos taken under this new technology by the firm itself Taiwanese.
The HTC One's camera doesn't seek to win by the number of megapixels, but by quality of light, equilibrium y usability real. With large pixels, f / 2.0, OIS, ImageChip 2, full modes, bursts and tools like Zoe, offers a solid experience both day and night. If you value clean low-light photos and stable video with good focus, this is a perfect fit, even though extreme cropping or massive enlargements aren't your preferred terrain.