Shootouts

Sony Ericsson Satio & Samsung Pixon12 - 12-Megapixel Takeover!

By Seow Tein Hee - 30 Oct 2009

Performance - Part 1

Camera Phone Fight

And now, we embark on the true aim of this article - to determine the better of the lot when it comes to imaging performance. There are a few factors to consider when we compare both the Satio and Pixon12 against each other. This includes its auto-focus speeds, imaging processing speed, actual image results and the color accuracy (i.e. white balance correction).

Let's talk about speed first, beginning with startup times. The Satio took slightly more than two seconds to get itself ready right after we slide the lens cover open. For the Pixon12, it was only slightly better, clocking in at less than two seconds from standby, to startup.

When it comes to focusing speeds, it seems that the Pixon12 is the clear winner. Using Auto (Satio) and Smart Auto (Pixon12) and sharing the same lighting condition and test subject, the Satio took nearly 3 seconds to get a clear focus, whereas the Pixon12 got it locked and loaded in slightly more than a second.

For image processing speeds, we see a role reversal for both devices. The Satio gave us an impressive lead time of less than a second to process and preview the image. The Pixon12 came much later with up to four seconds from the time the shutter goes off, to the image preview.

We also conducted both the resolution and color chart tests to ascertain the base performance for both devices. Likewise, we adopted the Auto mode to see how the Satio and Pixon12 handled itself in the colors and resolution area.

Click on the image for the full resolution.

Under a strong incandescent lighting, we noticed that the Satio's color correction tends towards the cooler colors, whilst the Pixon12 remained stronger in the warmer regions. This indicates a stronger and more vivid color reproduction on the Pixon12's images than what you'll get on the Satio. Noise levels are still significant, even though both cameras are within the ISO50 and ISO100 range under Auto mode.

Click on the image for the full resolution.

On the resolution chart, the Satio has the clear advantage for the horizontal LPH, measuring at 1100 whilst the Pixon12 is rated at a lower 1000 LPH. On the vertical axis, the Satio's 900 reading loses out to the Pixon12's 1300 reading.

Next up, the field test of both cameras. For this, we are looking at the auto, macro and night shots with the Xenon flash. We'll let the pictures (and our comments below) do the talking.

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In a standard daylight condition, the Satio is still producing much cooler colors than the Pixon12 does. Noise level isn't prominent, with both cameras choosing the lower ISO range at auto mode.

Click on the image for the full resolution.

The Pixon12 gave us more room to work with for the Macro shot. In comparison, we managed to get a little closer to the subject before the macro focus is lost. Couple this with a faster auto focusing speed, and we find the Pixon12 to fare better with macro shooting.

Click on the image for the full resolution.

At night, the Satio literally shines in performance. Under Auto mode and at the same distance with its Xenon flash activated, the Satio is more capable at handling low-lit conditions and increasing the visibility of the shot.

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