8-megapixel camera-phones

It wasn't too long ago when 8-megapixel camera-phones were still a novel breed of handsets in the market. Now they are the mainstay and newer devices are pushing the envelope with 12-megapixel sensors. Faster CPUs, advanced image-processing algorithms and features such as image stabilization, high ISO settings, geotagging and instant upload to the Web have made these phone shooters no less inferior than dedicated compact digicams. Here are the 8-megapixel snappers that can do more than just take pictures.

Upcoming 8-megapixel camera-phones:

LG Crystal (GD900)	LG Viewty Smart (GC900)	Samsung i8910 HD	Sony Ericsson Aino

	1.	Samsung Innov8 (i8510)       CNET Asia rating: 7.7 out of 10 The good: GPS with support for A-GPS; HSDPA; Wi-Fi; 8GB flash memory; Bluetooth A2DP; 3.5mm audio jack; good image quality. The bad: Glossy surface attracts fingerprints; software was a little unstable on our review unit; side-mounted 3.5mm audio jack and volume rocker that doubles as zoom lever could be better placed. The bottom line: The INNOV8 is a high-end handset with almost every feature currently available and could rival any of the Nokia Nseries models. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Nokia N86   CNET Asia rating: 7.7 out of 10 The good: Solid build quality; improved numeric keypad over predecessor; 8GB onboard memory; raft of wireless features; good camera; snappy performance. The bad: Flimsy kickstand; stiff camera shutter; no DivX/XviD support; rudimentary video call camera. The bottom line: The S60 software may be dated, but it's still one of the best smartphone operating systems for non-touchscreen devices out there. There's no denying that the N86 is a marked improvement over the N85 and will appeal to those looking for an all-rounded handset without emptying their pockets for it. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	Samsung Pixon (M8800)   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Good image quality; novel imaging features; bundled with 8GB microSDHC card. The bad: No Wi-Fi; limited screen estate for widgets; sluggish camera interface. The bottom line: The Pixon is an excellent choice if you are in the market for a touchscreen camera-phone which produces image quality that can rival midrange compact digicams. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Samsung Ultra Touch (S8300)   CNET Asia rating: 7 out of 10 The good: Slim and trendy design; touchscreen and hardware number keypad inputs; gorgeous display. The bad: Poor battery life; no Wi-Fi; need to power down phone to remove memory card. The bottom line: The Ultra Touch's good looks and gorgeous screen had us swooning, but we were let down by the poor battery life. Still, this Samsung is an excellent choice for those who want a touchscreen handset but don't mind having a conventional keypad for faster texting. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	Sony Ericsson W995 Walkman   CNET Asia rating: 7 out of 10 The good: Compact and solid build quality; 3.5mm audio jack; wide range of preinstalled games and apps; 8GB memory card included; bevy of connectivity options; respectable audio quality. The bad: Flimsy metal flip stand; bundled stereo headset still uses Fast Port connection with 3.5mm adapter; video capture at QVGA resolution; average image quality. The bottom line: The W995 Walkman is great as a feature phone, but it won't offer you the best video or Web browsing experience on its tiny 2.6-inch display. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	6.	LG Renoir (KC910)   CNET Asia rating: 6.7 out of 10 The good: Wide range of connectivity features; good Web browser; Dolby Mobile for music playback; bevy of imaging settings. The bad: Scrolling on the touchscreen not as smooth as we would like; soft onboard speakers; lacks 3.5mm audio jack. The bottom line: The Renoir has a number of things going for, but it doesn't stand out from the competition. If you are in the market for a high-res camera-phone with a touchscreen LCD, you could consider this LG, but don't forget to check out the Samsung Pixon, too. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	7.	Sony Ericsson C905 Cyber-shot       CNET Asia rating: 6.7 out of 10 The good: Dedicated camera controls; equipped with both Xenon and LED flash lights; Bluetooth stereo; Wi-Fi; Cyber-shot interface. The bad: Stiff buttons; video recording limited to QVGA resolution; no front-facing camera for video calls; Wayfinder navigation software not that intuitive. The bottom line: The C905 Cyber-shot is a competent camera-phone that won't let you down if you forget your digicam, but it's missing some important features. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	8.	LG KC780   CNET Asia rating: 6.5 out of 10 The good: Large keypad. The bad: Camera could be better; lack of HSDPA; lack of Wi-Fi. The bottom line: We wanted to love the LG KC780, but it simply didn't deliver the experience we expected. Considering its size, LG could have packed in plenty of features. If the point was to create an inexpensive camera-phone, then the shooter has to perform a lot better. This phone simply lacks pizzazz, although we're sure LG will come up with the goods this year. Review | See full specs | Rate this