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Nokia 808 PureView heads to Mexico, sends high-resolution postcards
Hold off on that Aeroflot booking just for now. While this isn't the US release many will be anticipating, it looks like Nokia's big-eyed 808 PureView phone is getting a release a little closer to home. Those of you wanting to sample some of that 41-megapixel delight, now need only plan a trip south of the border, as Mexico is set to start selling the handset sometime this month. Much like its Russian and Indian debut, specifics on dates are sparse, with the Spanish version of the Nokia blog only going as far to say "some weeks later" (than the India / Russia release) qualifying that, however, as "this month". At least if you do venture down you can bank on some killer holiday pics.
Nokia 808 PureView pops up at the FCC, has innards splayed across the internet
'Twas only a matter of time, we suppose, before Uncle Sam got his mitts on Nokia's mobile imaging monster, the 808 Pureview, and that time is now. The folks at the FCC got a real good look at the Symbian handset sporting a 41-megapixel shooter, and have torn it asunder to ensure it's safe for human use. Before you go thinking that this visit to the FCC means that the 808's coming to American carriers, recall that Nokia's already nixed that idea. That said, if you're like us, that won't deter you from wanting to check out the drool-inducing pics of its innards in our gallery below. And, naturally, there's all the electromagnetic measurements you can handle at the source link.
Nokia 808 PureView available this month in Russia and India
Are you eagerly awaiting to get your hands on that 41 megapixel Symbian Belle flagship? We bet you are, and perhaps today is your lucky day -- if you live in Russia or India, that is. Nokia's just officially announced that the 808 PureView will be available this month "in select markets." Strangely, the company didn't give a specific date or list any countries beyond the aforementioned two. The handset, which was revealed at Mobile World Congress in February, is expected to retail for 450 Euros and "revolutionize the imaging experience" with its large sensor, Zeiss optics and pixel oversampling technology. Speaking of which -- Nokia's also just renewed its partnership with the German lens manufacturer. Coincidence? We think not. Check out the full PR after the break.
Nokia 808 Pureview goes up against Nokia N8, should probably pick on someone its own age (video)
Aside from a brief video ad to show off its own motion-capture chops, it's gone a little quiet on Nokia's 808 PureView. The imposing 41-megapixel cameraphone, or phone-camera, is Nokia's latest Symbian device so why not run it (almost) side-by-side with the Nokia N8? The screen looks substantially more impressive on the 808 PureView, which is 0.5 inches larger than its older relative, but that brighter showing probably has more to do with the new phone's placement center-stage in exx10sive's hands-on video. Arguably Nokia's last Symbian big-hitter, the 808 PureView seems far more responsive to touch; apps appear to launch almost immediately, while the Belle UI also seems better suited to the newer device, with larger menu text and icons in view. The camera app has also been given a more modern flavor, in line with other smartphone camera UIs. A full-fat eight-minute comparison lies in wait after the break. Hopefully, those hints at a May launch will hold true -- we're waiting for the camera, not the Symbian.
Nokia releases a commercial shot entirely with the 808 PureView (video)
Nokia's released a new commercial that it says is shot entirely using an 808 PureView. Whilst it's clear the company's hired a coterie of models, professional photographers and a world-class lighting rig, it's still a great indication of what the technology can do in the right hands. Head on past the break to see the results for yourself and then catch yourself seriously weighing up buying a Symbian phone for your next handset, just like we are.
SIM-free Nokia 808 PureView up for pre-order in Italy, expected to launch in May
Eager to tinker with Nokia's 41-megapixel cameraphone ahead of everyone else (especially if you're based in North America)? Then it looks like you might want to take a trip to Italy next month, as online retailer NStore.it is now accepting pre-orders for the 808 PureView ahead of its "expected" May availability. Il costo? €599, which works out to be about $780 -- not cheap for a SIM-free, Symbian Belle-powered device, but at least the option's there for the mobile photography connoisseurs. Alternatively, keep an eye out for that Lumia PureView unicorn.
More Nokia 808 PureView sample shots spotted: 41MP sensor laughs at the notion of motion blur
Nokia's 808 Pureview was one of the major stories of last week's MWC. We're desperate to get to grips with a final retail model and push that 41-megapixel sensor to its limits -- but until then, a handful of extra sample shots will have to suffice. This sharp, detailed mid-air shot bodes well for some high-speed image capture on Nokia's new cameraphone chimera. (However, at the peak of a board trick, you're largely static.) While several more of these unearthed photos are already embedded into Nokia's own 808 landing page, the unobscured image files appear to be a treasure trove for phone tinkerers, with one Pentax Forums member able to eke out plenty of detail from a previously silhouetted sample shot. We've chopped together a before-and-after to accentuate those differences right after the break. Otherwise, you can take a look at the source for a full-size rundown of those hidden images.
Nokia pulls back the curtain on Carl Zeiss division, gives off that pro lens smell
Still not sure how the 808 PureView can best other pro camera rigs? Then take a trip over to Nokia's Conversations blog for an inside look at the obsessive scientists behind the Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. These are the men and women responsible for the module included in Espoo's 41-megapixel wonder and, of course, the Lumia line. So, what's the magic that makes these phones waft a "certain [professional] smell?" Why, that'd be their use of extremely aspherical, molded plastic lenses; a manufacturing process that creates sensors which lie closer to the surface and a dimple that allows for better refraction of light. The only downside to this high-end optical whizzery is the size required, so fans of anorexic handsets with exceptional imaging will just have to get used to those unsightly rear humps. Be sure to check out the source below for the full synesthetic quote and a more detailed glance at the world of mobile optics.
Visualized: Nokia's 41-megapixel PureView sensor (updated with video)
If you thought a bigger pixel count just meant bigger file sizes, then take a look above. That big guy at the bottom is the 41-megapixel sensor we saw unsheathed in our hands on, and responsible for those awesome Nokia 808 PureView shots we saw at MWC on Monday. The two above it are 8- and 5-megapixel sensors respectively, and give you an idea of the real-estate cost of packing a superior snapper. At two and a half times the physical size of the N8's prized optics, we think the PureView system earns its title as the biggest thing in mobile imaging somewhat convincingly.Update: In case you're still confused, one of Nokia's chief camera experts Damian Dinning gives a thorough walkthrough of the technology in our Engadget interview. There's also a Nokia video after the break.
The Engadget Interview: Nokia CEO Stephen Elop at MWC 2012 (video)
Not one, not two, but three Nokia interviews at Mobile World Congress? Yes, we were lucky to catch up with CEO Stephen Elop -- whom we last saw at CES -- and chat about the Lumia 610, the white Lumia 900, the 808 PureView imaging flagship, and a hint at what kind of cameras we can expect in the company's future Windows Phone handsets. Just hit the break to watch our video interview.
The Engadget Interview: Nokia Lead for Imaging Experience Damian Dinning at MWC 2012 (video)
Hot on the heels of yesterday's interview with Stefan Pannenbecker, we had a chance to sit down with Damian Dinning, Lead Manager for Imaging Experience at Nokia, to discuss the mother of all cameraphones -- the Symbian Belle-based 808 PureView -- which was announced yesterday at Mobile World Congress. With such incredible specs as a 41-megapixel sensor and f/2.4 Carl Zeiss autofocus lens, we wanted to get a better understanding of the technology behind this flagship shooter. Watch the video to find out how Nokia is redefining mobile photography by using sub-pixel interpolation and oversampling for high-quality digital zooming and image stabilization, plus improved low-light performance.
The Engadget Interview: Nokia VP of Industrial Design Stefan Pannenbecker at MWC 2012 (video)
Today at Mobile World Congress we spent a few minutes talking with Stefan Pannenbecker, VP of Industrial Design at Nokia about Espoo's past, present and future handsets -- including the just announced 808 PureView, Lumia 610 and Asha 302 / 203 / 202, as well as the Lumia 900 we played with at CES. He shared his insights on Nokia's design language and philosophy and some interesting details such as the clearcoat finish used on the Lumia 800 / 900 and N9. Enjoy the video.
Nokia 808 PureView first sample shots -- feast your eyes (update: GigaPan them!)
This is it. Here's an exclusive first look at some sample shots taken with Nokia's freshly minted 808 PureView imaging powerhouse -- and wow, just wow! The collection contains photos taken at different resolutions in various conditions that show exactly what the 41-megapixel camera is capable of. Feast your eyes in our gallery below -- we'll have a ZIP file with the original pictures for you to download shortly. Also, stay tuned for our upcoming interview with Damian Dinning, program manager for imaging at Nokia. Update: Our very own Andy Yang of Engadget Chinese slapped a few of these shots on GigaPan for your zooming pleasure -- check it out after the break. You can also grab the originals (a 31.8MB download) from Nokia Conversations.
Nokia announces 808 PureView: Symbian Belle, 4-inch display, 41-megapixel camera! (hands-on video)
Remember that Nokia PureView tease from a few days ago? Well, suddenly it all makes sense. We are indeed looking at an imaging flagship phone and a true successor to the N8. It's called the 808 PureView and it's expected to reach Europe in the next quarter for a price of 450 Euros. Before we move on to its craziest feature -- the camera, of course! -- let's run down the other key specs: The OS is Symbian Belle; the engine is a 1.3GHz single-core chip; the display is 4-inches corner to corner but its resolution is a Nokia-style 360 x 640 (nHD). There's 512MB of RAM and 16GB of on-board storage that is thankfully expandable via microSD. A Pentaband modem increases the chances of getting a signal while globe-trotting, while data speeds will top out at plain HSPA 14.4Mbps. Now that Carl Zeiss-lensed camera: it handles continuous-focus 1080p, but is claimed to have an incredible sensor resolution of over 41-megapixels when shooting stills -- or 34-megapixels for 16:9 images. It uses some clever interpolation jiggery-pokery that condenses four or five pixels into one pixel, to produce a smaller file size for the output image. It's expected to arrive in May at a price of €450 and if you're curious, we've got a gallery of hands-on images and video for your viewing pleasure. Just follow the break for our first impressions.
