13th July 2013

Nokia reveals smartphone with 41 megapixel camera

Nokia has revealed the Lumia 1020 – a Windows 8 smartphone that includes a 41 megapixel camera sensor, PureView technology, Optical Image Stabilisation and high-resolution zoom.

This is Nokia's second phone to feature such a camera. Last year, the company launched the Pureview 808 model. However, this was based on the ageing Symbian operating system, which limited its appeal. The new Lumia 1020 instead runs on the latest Microsoft OS with over 160,000 apps.

As well as its ultra-high resolution (7712 × 5360 pixels), the camera uses a process called "oversampling". This generates a smaller 5MP version of the image that removes unwanted visual noise, achieves higher definition and light sensitivity, and enables lossless zoom. Unlike its predecessor, the Lumia 1020 can save both types at the same time, meaning that the owner does not need to worry about switching settings.

In addition, the camera's video mode takes advantage of the higher resolution, by allowing the user to zoom in four times while filming at 1080p without any loss of quality, and six times at 720p. The lens system is mounted on ball-bearings and is fitted with a gyroscope and motors to counteract movement and camera shake.

Given the exponential progress of digital technology, these sort of cameras should be fairly standard and low cost within the next few years. By the 2020s, we will probably be saying the same about gigapixel cameras.

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