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Just like most other digital cameras, the 12-Megapixel snapper on the Nokia N8 is packed with features. To find out how to switch between close-up mode and normal, to turn the flash on and off, to play with colours and more, join us after the break…

While the first camera phones were simple point and shoot affairs, the Nokia N8 is a lot better when it comes to offering features.

One of the most simple changes you can make is to turn the flash on or off, depending on what you’re shooting and the conditions. To do this, run the camera and click the flash icon on the right. You’ll be able to choose from Automatic, Red-eye reduction, On and Off. Tap the one you want, and it’ll automatically take you straight back to the camera.

Clicking the little spanner on the right will have a bigger effect on lots of your shots, however. Tapping it brings up a menu of options, including: Scene mode, Face detect, Grid, Self timer, Colour tone, White balance, Exposure, Light sensitivity, Contrast, Sharpness and Photos.

Tapping Scene mode brings up a multitude of options usually seen on an independent dial on a regular camera – letting you pick between Automatic, User defined, Close-up, Portrait and Landscape. These modes let you pick the perfect composition, be it taking snaps of your mates, or photos of the great outdoors.

Face Detect comes in particularly handy for taking pics of people, making sure the camera focuses on their faces and helping you to minimise blurry shots.

Grid does exactly what it says on the tin, brining a grid up onscreen to help you compose your photographs better. With the grid in place, it’s easier to make sure everything lines up perfectly, so you won’t have to make any changes once you’ve taken the photograph.

Playing with light sensitivity is a good way of changing the quality of your photographs in different light conditions. You can up the ISO when it gets darker, so you may be able to get away without using the flash. You can also lower it for lighter compositions.

Using Colour tone, it’s easy to flit between colour, black and white and more, and White balance also lets you choose particular conditions, to help get the best out of your photographs.

If there’s anything else you want to know, check out our Nokia N8 Ultimate User Guide. We’ll be bringing you everything you need to know about the Nokia N8, from the simplest tasks like setting the clock, to advice on reseting your handset, to getting the best out of the software.

Confused? Check out our Nokia N8: How to use the camera photo gallery below: