Motorola RAZR V3x review: Sweet-sour mix

Not the best 2 megapixels

In this chapter we are going to take a closer look at Motorola V3x's camera and its work. It prides on the label "2.0 mega pixels", which seems to impress nobody else but beginners nowadays. Experienced users know well, that not even Carl Zeiss can fully guarantee camera's high performance. The camera release button located on the right side of the phone is divided. It constitutes a key assembly together with the voice dialing button. As I already mentioned, this constructional solution seems illogical to me. In result, the release button is much too small, left alone the fact that its location is not appropriate as it is easy to press by mistake.

Taking pictures

The lens of the phone's main camera is another part that has not been located properly. It is situated much too low. If you take pictures with open clamshell, be sure that a part of your pointing finger will be visible in almost all of them.

  
Camera lens is located much too low and thus is easily covered by user's pointing finger

Motorola Razr V3x does not allow a horizontal hand-hold, even if the location of its release button permits such a solution. The orientation of the menu does not reposition, but remains vertical. The basic interface of the camera control menu features quite a smart design. Due to its transparency images of captured scenes are displayed across the entire screen. Yet, the video application still features 100%-cover menu. When pictures are taken or videos are shot, only the functioning part of the keypad is illuminated. An interesting effect, indeed.

When pictures are taken, only the working part of the keypad is illuminated

Interface when taking a picture

According to sample pictures, Motorola V3x is best at capturing objects at medium distance. Remote objects are defocused, with areas of similar colors merging one into another.

  

Sample photos in full resolution

The phone is equipped with a built-in LED flash, whose function is not limited to the moment of the photo capture only. The LED is able to light constantly. It is strong and evenly distributed, and is especially helpful when night mode is insufficient.

Built-in LED

Using flash • night mode without flash

Both the automatic exposure compensation and the white color balance work quite well. The pictures displayed below present all setup options available in the phone - two negative factors, two positive factors, and automatic in the middle one.

Various settings for exposition compensation; the picture in the middle was taken in automatic mode

The camera features several preset options. All 6 pictures displayed below were taken from one and the same point in our office. I would simply activate all available preset balance options in the following order: "automatic", "sunny", "cloudy", "interior (home) ", "interior" and "night".

Preset options

Pictures can also be taken with the other camera, but they are nearly unusable, even if made in highest quality and resolution mode. This camera is primarily meant to be used for video calls or for tiny pictures for name contacts and MMS. In poor light conditions both the main camera and the front tiny camera record quite high noise levels.

Poor pictures taken with the inside camera

Macro master

Macro in Motorola Razr V3x is brilliant! It is easily activated by a tiny slide key located on the right beneath the display. Results are stunning. Texts are perfectly clear. Objects can be photographed from a distance of mere 4-5 cm.

Macro mode is activated by a slide button

  
Left picture is taken in standard mode, the right one - in active macro mode

Macro mode qualities are best visible in texts tries

Motorola V3x shoots good video records, just like many other photo mobiles equipped with 3GP support and a resolution of 176 x 144 pixels. As to pictures, they look fine in the phone, but loose any value when applied in a PC.

Sample:

Video 1: street life (163 kB, 3GP)
Video 2: changes in white balance while shooting (136 kB, 3GP)
Video 3: zooming in the middle of shooting (107 kB, 3GP)
Video 4: figure pace (123 kB, 3GP)

Videos can be shot with both the main camera on the rear cover of the phone and the front small one. Record length is limited to 30 seconds or even less, if memory is limited. While shooting you can also apply a two-step zoom and other picture settings (see videos).

Video camera setup options • camera settings • various modes of picture views

 
Work with pictures • file details • pictures look perfect if displayed in full-screen mode


Information about the free memory • organizing by categories