Pantech's two megapixel Dica PG-8000 due out soon

We first spotted this one back in May, but Pantech says that their new PG-8000 two megapixel cameraphone should be out sometime next month. Yeah, it can do a few other things besides take pictures (like play MP3, AAC, AAC+ audio files), but there's really no mistaking this one for what it really is: a two megapixel camera that also happens to make phone calls (you can probably figure out what "Dica" stands for).  Two megapixels probably aren't enough to satisfy anyone who is serious about using their phone as their primary digital camera (which is the only reason you'd by something like this that's more camera than phone), but sooner or later they'll squeeze a decent four or five megapixel sensor in there and make a handful of hardcore enthusiasts very happy. Oh, and for the record this is a GSM phone with a 2-inch, 320 x 240 pixel LCD screen, Bluetooth, and an integrated FM tuner.

[James Wilcox @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Is there really a strong market for something like this? I can't imagine holding the phone up to my ear to listen to FM radio, not to mention the novelty of camera phones is simply so that you have a small device to capture something quickly. It seems to me the more things these companies try to squeeze into a device the uglier they get too. That screen is going to get all greased up in no time with your cheek pressing against it during calls.

[Mike The Atom @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

What do you think guys, better than the Sony Ericsson K750/W800/D750? They all have the same tech spechs including Pantech's 2MP Dica. Wich one should I buy?

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

The trend in the latest flagship phones seems to be headed towards more and more features:
Camera, MP3 player, bigger screen with greater resoution and more colors (65K), WiFi, Bluetooth, WAP, more memory, FM tuner, etc...

BTW, screen protectors will avoid those unsightly greasy spots on your nice, big screen

[diginutt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I personally would take the K750i if I'm looking for a phone that does 2+mp and all those other goodies.
1. It's already released and has a nice support base on Howard Forums.
2. IMNSHO, it's much better looking than the "Dica"
At least differentiate yourself other than looking like a camera more than a phone somehow.

[James Wilcox @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I guess I am one of those "don't fix it if it ain't broke" kind of people. I had my last cell phone for 5 years. Good old Samsung, green screen and all that. It was only in February that I bought a new one, so I guess in another 5 years I will be ready for another one.

Maybe then they will be 12mp, Camera, MP3 player, bigger screen with greater resoution and more colors (65K), WiFi, Bluetooth, WAP, more memory, FM tuner, Coffee Maker, Easy Bake Oven, Video Player...

Ok the Video Player is a little ridiculous...

[TaeHoon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

People...it has bluetooth or a headphones attachment...you won't be holding it up to your ear unless you like having a slippery screen or looking like a jacka$$.

[Theron @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Bigger screen means bigger phone, which im against
anything bigger than my t610 is too big, anything smaller is too small :P

The nice thing about the SE phones, is that they have 2mp cams AND 3G, as well as all the other fancy shmancy bells and wistles SE offers over EVERYONE else

(what make you think im a fan?)

[matt jackson @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Are you guys kidding? This is a major step in the right direction!

I really think the day will come when you have a mini laptop/professional camera and cell phone in your pocket.

I can't wait for 4MP camera, 8GB, Windows Media center mobile, all the size of a kind of large phone (gotta have screen/keyboard real esate).
I give it three years. You will be able to video confrence, take high quality pictures, stream media from your home and play games better than Halo etc.

[PauldG @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

#2, Atom Mike

I'd go with SE over pantech, personally. everybody else should check out the HTC universal (no 2MP, but really nice)

[Alexander @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I've got a question about this device: how much photos will I do with standart battery?

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

Just a little thing, but you might want to change "by" to "buy" -- sorry.

[Mat @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

That's hot, I want it.

Though it looks like there isn't any kind of lens cover which will make for pictures with lots of pocket lint in them :(

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

"camera that also happens to be make phone calls"
c'mon. where's your editor, guys

[hobgoblin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

hmm, not a bad design solution about the phone vs camera thing.

hell, it even makes sense to dial it like that, hit ok, and while the phone makes contact with the tower you "flip" it over in you hand and place it against your ear ;)

i kinda like it. it should even be nice to play games or read web on. its kinda like a better solution to the n-gage :P

[asdf @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

will it come to the states?

[YTC @ Dec 19th 2005 12:19AM]

I use a Pantech phone and am totally happy with it (but it is over the hill and will have to go soon). While I agree that 2MP is too low for a phone that promises to be a full feldged dica, the design is pretty cool.
BTW, "Dica" is what Koreans call DIgital CAmeras