NOKIA LUMIA 1020

The Lumia 1020 has incredible sensor technology let down by poor glass and overzealous image processing. At its best, the images are rich with detail; it’s amazing when you consider that you’re getting more clarity out of a smartphone than from most digital compact cameras.

That holds true even when the images are down-sampled to 5MP from 38MP. Downsampling also helps to reduce the appearance and effects of image noise, the 1020 consistently has the top high ISO, low noise performance – until ISO 1600 and above, when the 1020 seems to crank up the contrast.

The image processing woes continue with uneven white balance which tilts towards cool hues; whites sometimes have an obvious blue-green tint. Flash also seems to get confused with off-white color balance, and speaking about colors, the image processor goes overboard with saturation; some hues are pumped up so much the picture looks unrealistic and loses detail.

Lastly, the unique 38MP sensor is let down by poor glass, which is noticeably soft in corners and is easily prone to flaring.