Camera evolved

    Your Xperia device comes packed with technology from Sony’s full-frame mirrorless α cameras, allowing you to take photos and shoot videos in clear, vibrant detail every time. For those up-and-coming video creators, the new apps and features based on the professional CineAlta cameras will surely change the way you look at what a smartphone camera can do. Read on and find out what the buzz is all about!

    Technology powerhouse

    There is so much cutting-edge technology packed into the small camera of your Xperia device. At the core of the system is the BIONZ X™ for mobile image processor. This latest generation of the BIONZ image processor turns captured data into super sharp images with natural colour reproduction at lightning speeds.

    The new triple lens system includes a 16mm super wide angle lens, a versatile 26mm lens and a 52mm 2x telephoto lens, ready to take professional quality photos in any situation.

    The main Exmor RS™ for mobile sensor has a dual pixel PDAF, meaning each pixel can detect distance as well as light, allowing for ultra-fast focusing even in low light. Speaking of low light, the bright F1.6 lens and RAW noise reduction algorithms taken from the Sony α cameras will make exceptionally high resolution photos in low light.

    It’s all in the eyes

    When asking the pros for advice about portrait shots, they’ll all tell you the same thing. The focus should be set on the eyes. Easier said than done, right? Not anymore! Now your Xperia camera comes with the revolutionary Eye AF, thanks to Sony’s α camera technology. The camera will instantly recognize and track the eye, so when you see the green square around the eyes, snap away! Your next portrait photo is going to look dramatic and powerful.

    Speaking of α technology, the 10 frames per second burst mode now comes with auto exposure as well as auto focus. This will let you take continuous shots of fast moving objects with sharp focus as well as proper brightness level.

    Another new feature is the long exposure time in Manual mode. With a maximum setting of 30 seconds, you can get creative and take those magical looking shots with light trails. Happy shooting and don’t forget your tripod!

    Low light? No worries!

    We’ve gone over the low light greatness for still photos, but what about videos? Fear not, the hybrid image stabilisation has got you covered! The hybrid means it uses both electronic and optical image stabilisation to give you incredible shake free videos. This is most noticeable in low light situations since videos tend to blur more when there is less light. Just turn on Video stabilisation and you’re ready to go. Videos of your nights out are going to look fantastic!

    Choose your lens

    Those of you who own a camera with an interchangeable lens probably know what it’s like. You swap lenses in different situations for better results. This is the idea behind the new triple lens system of the Xperia camera. On your camera screen, you’ll see an icon with either an x1, x2 or W. When the icon is x1, it means you’re using the 26mm prime lens. This is the most versatile of the three and will be your go-to lens. Next is the x2 or the 52 mm telephoto lens for your close-ups and portraits. The W is for the 16mm super wide angle lens for those epic scenery or big family photos.

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    Cinema Pro

    In the world of professional cinema production, Sony’s CineAlta cameras are legend. These cameras are chosen by professional creators everywhere and are used to film blockbuster hits. Now with the Cinema Pro app, you can relive the filming experience of the pros. Supervised by Sony’s professional camera team, colour, manual settings and UI of the CineAlta Venice camera are adapted to Cinema Pro. You can manually set everything from shutter speed to lens type for each “cut”. So if you’re serious about making your own films or want to create some top quality videos to impress your followers on SNS, an Xperia device with Cinema Pro may be the only gear you need.

    Tips and tricks

    Below, you’ll find some tips and tricks on how to get more out of your Xperia camera and improve your photographing skills.

    More focus and less blur

    • When taking close-ups or landscape photos, tap the screen to set the focus to a specific area or to set a specific focus distance.
    • Use the dedicated Camera key instead of tapping the Shutter button on the screen. This helps to steady your device before you take a photo.
    • Use the self-timer function to further avoid shaking the camera when taking photos.
    • Try using a tripod to achieve optimal image and video stability.

    High quality in low light

    • Keep the camera steady. Place your smartphone on a hard surface or, better still, use a tripod and the self-timer.
    • Shoot in Manual mode and set the ISO, or light sensitivity level, ranging from 64 to 3200.
    • Shoot in Manual mode and change the shutter speed (SS), exposure value (EV) or white balance (WB) settings.
    • Use the different flash settings. These are especially useful when lighting conditions are poor or when there is a backlight.

    Get to know your camera

    • Check out the main settings and modes before you use it, and refer to the User guide. Practice makes perfect!
    • Activate the camera right away, even if the device screen is locked. Simply long press the Camera key and you’re set to go.
    • If you have Smart launch enabled, the camera will activate just by lifting up your phone and aiming the camera in a landscape position.
    • Select a Smart launch or Launch with camera key setting so that the camera immediately takes a photo when you launch it, for example, by long pressing the Camera key.
    • Activate the Grid lines in your camera settings so that you can shoot using the ‘Rule of Thirds’. By not always having the subject in the middle of the frame, you can make your photos more interesting.
    • Enable ‘Object tracking’. When you select an object by touching it on the screen, the camera tracks it for you.
    • To reduce shake when shooting videos, make sure you’ve got Video stabilisation turned on.
    • Update your smartphone software regularly to get the latest camera functionality and improvements.

    Learn more

    • Use the ‘Creative effect’ app in your camera to boost photos before you take them. For example, you can add filters, pixelate photos or create a mirror effect.
    • Be creative and try different angles. You’ll be amazed how your picture can change by just getting down on your knees or stomach. But stay safe!
    • Take a photo while recording a video. Just tap the on-screen Shutter button to take the photo while the video is recording.
    • Learn how to look for light with direction and colour that gives a scene shape and depth. This type of light happens naturally just before sunrise and at sunset. Window light can also be good.
    • When taking photos of moving objects, try not to follow the object. The trick is to find a position from where the object has to pass in front of you.
    • If you can't fit the whole subject you want to photograph in one frame, try using the camera app ‘Panorama’ to get a wider angle.

    Good to know

    • The number of photos and videos you can store depends on the resolution or MP (megapixel) value used and how long your videos are.
    • Videos and photos shot with the highest resolution take up quite a lot of space on your internal memory or memory card. A lower resolution normally provides good-enough quality for everyday use.
    • Be aware that your smartphone may sometimes get hot when the camera is used for prolonged periods of time. In some cases, the camera app may close temporarily. Leave the device to cool down and then launch the app again.

    Please note that this article is not product specific. Features and functionalities described may therefore differ depending on your device and/or software version.