Sony Xperia Z3+ preview: First look

Camera interface and samples

The Sony Xperia Z3+ comes with the same 20.7MP camera, that's become synonymous with the Z-series flagship. The lens has an f2.0 aperture and ISO can be pumped all the way up to 12800. It shoots at a maximum resolution of 5248 x 3936 pixels (20.7MP) in manual mode, or 3264 x 2448 (8MP) in Superior Auto. An LED flash is present to help you with some low-light photos.

The Xperia Z3+ also has a two stage hardware shutter key, that you can set up to unlock the phone and start the camera. It can also snap a photo or start capturing video immediately. The hardware shutter key is especially handy for underwater shooting, as on-screen controls tend to not respond well in those situations.

The camera interface is laid across two panes and is shared with the camcorder - you can snap a photo or shoot a video without changing modes most of the time. Depending on the shooting mode selected, the video shutter key may be replaced by a still/video mode toggle.

Sony Xperia Z3+ camera interface

The pre-production unit we have with us is not running final software, so while we did shoot some of our usual test shots, we won't pass judgement until a retail device comes our way.

We kick off with camera samples, shot with the Xperia Z3+ in manual mode.

Sony Xperia Z3+ camera samples in manual mode

The Superior auto mode takes more of the shooting parameters in its own hands and limits resolution to 8MP.

Sony Xperia Z3+ camera samples in Superior auto

We had an Xperia Z3 at our disposal and shot a few images for comparison.

Sony Xperia Z3 Manual/Superior auto • Sony Xperia Z3+ Manual/Superior auto

The Xperia Z3+ has an HDR setting, and not a separate mode. It is only available in Manual mode, and in resolution up to 8MP.

Sony Xperia Z3+ HDR off/on

The 5MP front camera shoots images up to 2,592 x 1,944 pixels in resolution and our office mouse posed for a sample.

Front camera sample

Video recording

The camcorder on the Xperia Z3+ shoots videos up to 2160p@30fps, but time constraints meant we only shot a standard issue 1080p@30fps sample, which you you can watch below.