The Nokia X3 is the first Series 40 handset in the X Series range. It’s intended very much as an entry-level device but it still manages to pack in a host of neat features, including a 3.2-Megapixel camera. Find out how we got on with it in our Nokia X3 camera review…
The Nokia X3 comes with a 2.2-inch screen which is fine for messaging and every day phone tasks but for use as a viewfinder it’s pretty much the smallest screen size you’ll want to use.
The software used is the standard Series 40 interface with Still and Video modes in the top left-hand corner, image count in bottom left and controls down the right-hand side. It is this information that makes the screen feel a little cramped as a viewfinder.
Getting your way around the interface is easy and the menu system is self-explanatory, so you can set up frame size, self-timer and other features. You can even switch between Landscape and Portrait mode, which to some degree helps alleviate the hassles of the small screen.
The screen is nice and bright and the taking photos are easy – you can either use the D-Pad or dedicated buttons on the side. We found the D-Pad worked best for taking shots in Portrait mode, as not only does it take the shots you’ll find it also doubles as zoom focus too. These functions are mirrored by the buttons on the side of the Nokia X3 and work best when in Landscape mode. The buttons lie a little flat to the body of the device so you need to make sure you have a firm grip before pushing them down.
One feature on the D-Pad we weren’t expecting was instant switch from Still to Video mode, which naturally makes switching easy to do. The video mode can only record up to 12 seconds of footage at a time but we found the resolution was fine, if a little a little small at 144 x 176 pixels and 15 frames per second.
When it comes to getting the best from shots you’ll find that with no auto-focus and only a single Flash, getting the perfect image can be a little trial and error. However, we found the results to be more than satisfactory, especially when you consider this is a sub-£100 device.
We really like the Nokia X3, as it’s a great handset that punches nicely above its weight. The inclusion of a 3.2-Megapixel camera on the Nokia X3 camera isn’t going to make you rush out and by this phone but it does show Nokia’s continued drive to push more and more features into ever lower cost phones.
Nokia X3 Camera Stats:
Camera Resolution 1536 x 2048 Pixels
CMOS Sensor 3.2 Megapixel
Camera Digital Zoom 4 x
Camera Image Formats JPEG
Camera Features Extended Depth of Field, Full Screen Viewfinder, Self Timer
Video Recording Resolution 144 x 176
Video Recording Frame Rate 15 fps
Video Digital Zoom 5 x
Video Recording Formats H.263, MPEG-4
Check out our Nokia X3 camera review image gallery:
