Flashed-out: Xenon vs. LEDEditors' note:Updated with pictures from the Nokia N97, Samsung Jet and Sony Ericsson W995 Walkman.Until camera-phones with built-in Xenon flash came onto the scene, we had to live with crappy low-current LED lights. Times have changed and imaging technologies have evolved. Image sensors on camera-phones are now able to capture images at higher sensitivity (up to ISO 1,600) settings. That helps to a certain extent, but not without adding noise to the pictures when shooting in dim-light environments. On many occasions, we still need an assisting beam of light to illuminate our subjects. That's where a built-in Xenon or LED flash comes in handy. One of the main advantages of using LED is that it doubles as a constant light source for video recording and generally gives a more even (or softer) illumination. And instead of just one, some manufacturers even stick a pair on their imaging handsets. On the other hand, while the Xenon flash has a stronger burst of light, it cannot be used for recording videos due to its technical composition. So which type of flash is better? Below are a series of pictures taken using some of the current camera-phones. Camera settings are left at default factory settings with only forced flash enabled. We'll leave you to make your own judgment as to which is better. Note: The pictures in this article were taken in a controlled Lab environment. You can click on the links to download the full-resolution images. Phones with Xenon flash
Tags: Light-emitting Diode, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Camera Phone, Imaging, Nokia Corp. |
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kheah says...
No contest, the Xenon wins, but the picture from the K770i looks quite good! The K850i has the best of both worlds, a LED for video and Xenon for photographs.
Oct 23, 2008 11:49
No contest, the Xenon wins, but the picture from the K770i looks quite good! The K850i has the best of both worlds, a LED for video and Xenon for photographs.
Oct 23, 2008 11:49
fizycelcom says...
the all hp low rate...sametime i know day to day,week to week n year to year..new hp will have new the gadget....
Apr 21, 2009 21:33
the all hp low rate...sametime i know day to day,week to week n year to year..new hp will have new the gadget....
Apr 21, 2009 21:33
lisfrank says...
Xe flash works well not only for low light condition but also for moving object. You should have included a small fan to simulate moving object and you can see a lot of difference compared to LED. Pictures taken with Xe flash also have more natural color compared to those taken with LED.
Oct 23, 2008 15:26
Xe flash works well not only for low light condition but also for moving object. You should have included a small fan to simulate moving object and you can see a lot of difference compared to LED. Pictures taken with Xe flash also have more natural color compared to those taken with LED.
Oct 23, 2008 15:26
AlfredLoh says...
As we get more megapixel on phone, LED can no longer fulfill the light intensity needed. Xe flash provides 40-400 times the light output, better light distribution, much longer range, color temperatures matching natural sunlight, and much sharper image capture to compete with the DSC market. By the way, it is widely used in DSC, so it is not new! The problem is only the size, due to the power circuit and big capacitors needed, it is hard to install it into slim phone. sigh, the big drawback
Oct 23, 2008 20:43
As we get more megapixel on phone, LED can no longer fulfill the light intensity needed. Xe flash provides 40-400 times the light output, better light distribution, much longer range, color temperatures matching natural sunlight, and much sharper image capture to compete with the DSC market. By the way, it is widely used in DSC, so it is not new! The problem is only the size, due to the power circuit and big capacitors needed, it is hard to install it into slim phone. sigh, the big drawback
Oct 23, 2008 20:43
Guwahati says...
Ah its a tough choice, but will people really choose their handsets depending on what kinda flash is used?
After going through the article I guess those who are into video recording kinda stuff would prefer Led vs Xenon as its got technical issues related to video recording.
But than the best phone yet to come ain't got no flash at all: guess what am i talking about?
Well the HTC Touch HD ofcourse.....shall we wait a few extra month for the flash version or pick it up during Christmas launch itself minus the lights??
Its always tough guys always......
Oct 24, 2008 13:32
Ah its a tough choice, but will people really choose their handsets depending on what kinda flash is used?
After going through the article I guess those who are into video recording kinda stuff would prefer Led vs Xenon as its got technical issues related to video recording.
But than the best phone yet to come ain't got no flash at all: guess what am i talking about?
Well the HTC Touch HD ofcourse.....shall we wait a few extra month for the flash version or pick it up during Christmas launch itself minus the lights??
Its always tough guys always......
Oct 24, 2008 13:32
kaizeray says...
K850i is the best although image quality is not that good Xe and LED flash is both present....
Oct 24, 2008 14:11
K850i is the best although image quality is not that good Xe and LED flash is both present....
Oct 24, 2008 14:11
superflydb says...
Great article. I've been waiting for a comparison like this for a long time. The LED flashes actually look a lot better than I thought they would.
Oct 24, 2008 14:21
Great article. I've been waiting for a comparison like this for a long time. The LED flashes actually look a lot better than I thought they would.
Oct 24, 2008 14:21
lisfrank says...
AlfredLoh, you are absolutely correct about Xe flash advantages vs LED. So if anyone wants a good camera phone, go for one with Xe flash. Keep this in mind : no camera (DSC, SLR or film-based cameras in the past) in the market is using LED as their flash unit. That speaks for itself. As for LED video lighting and Xe flash in mobile phone, the top 5 players are working on this kind of phone and should come up with some models in 2009.
Oct 24, 2008 14:33
AlfredLoh, you are absolutely correct about Xe flash advantages vs LED. So if anyone wants a good camera phone, go for one with Xe flash. Keep this in mind : no camera (DSC, SLR or film-based cameras in the past) in the market is using LED as their flash unit. That speaks for itself. As for LED video lighting and Xe flash in mobile phone, the top 5 players are working on this kind of phone and should come up with some models in 2009.
Oct 24, 2008 14:33
lisfrank says...
Pictures with LED flashes may look ok but once you save the pictures and zoom it to, say, 150 or 200x, you'd see the differences compared to those taken with Xe flash. Meaning that if you want to print your photos, the latter will come up with better quality (sharper with much less grains).
Oct 24, 2008 14:35
Pictures with LED flashes may look ok but once you save the pictures and zoom it to, say, 150 or 200x, you'd see the differences compared to those taken with Xe flash. Meaning that if you want to print your photos, the latter will come up with better quality (sharper with much less grains).
Oct 24, 2008 14:35
mrpanand says...
Folks, go for the Xenon if you often take pictures with your phone. LED provides just an extra bit of light and that even for a very short distance. Hence it cannot be defined as a flash.
Oct 24, 2008 17:20
Folks, go for the Xenon if you often take pictures with your phone. LED provides just an extra bit of light and that even for a very short distance. Hence it cannot be defined as a flash.
Oct 24, 2008 17:20
quickblazer says...
just want to ask a question on the n85 sample. it seem pretty underpowered and wondering if its a pre production model
Oct 26, 2008 11:18
just want to ask a question on the n85 sample. it seem pretty underpowered and wondering if its a pre production model
Oct 26, 2008 11:18
damiankoh says...
the n85 that we used was a commercial unit. like you, initially we thought there was something wrong with the flash being underpowered, but we got the same results after several tries..
Oct 26, 2008 13:33
the n85 that we used was a commercial unit. like you, initially we thought there was something wrong with the flash being underpowered, but we got the same results after several tries..
Oct 26, 2008 13:33
iolo003 says...
Booth have advantages and disadvantages and i believe they equate the same when it comes to usability. Xenon is perfect in dark condition for still picture while Led is perfect for taking videos in dark condition.
Oct 26, 2008 20:01
Booth have advantages and disadvantages and i believe they equate the same when it comes to usability. Xenon is perfect in dark condition for still picture while Led is perfect for taking videos in dark condition.
Oct 26, 2008 20:01
AlfredLoh says...
LED and Xenon shld compliment each other instead of competing. The development trend in camera phone is actually using both of them. Just like iolo003 had mentioned. Xenon is used to take a sharper still image and LED, which consumes less power will be used for long duration video lighting. Some vendors did developed power white LED for still image, however, it is not adopted so far due to cost and quanlity.
Oct 29, 2008 10:42
LED and Xenon shld compliment each other instead of competing. The development trend in camera phone is actually using both of them. Just like iolo003 had mentioned. Xenon is used to take a sharper still image and LED, which consumes less power will be used for long duration video lighting. Some vendors did developed power white LED for still image, however, it is not adopted so far due to cost and quanlity.
Oct 29, 2008 10:42
avril46 says...
i also think that Xenon is better though I'm not sure whether my phone is LED or Xenon:( I would have to agree K770i looks good.
Nov 29, 2008 12:09
i also think that Xenon is better though I'm not sure whether my phone is LED or Xenon:( I would have to agree K770i looks good.
Nov 29, 2008 12:09
gsr5867 says...
I would choose xenon but that doesn't mean that led is no good. There are a lot of factors involved, mainly the quality of the lens. If you look at the pictures closely the best pictures were taken by the sony ericsson cybershot models whether it uses led or xenon. So the type of flash used, alone wont make or break the quality of cams on cellphones.
Nov 30, 2008 00:51
I would choose xenon but that doesn't mean that led is no good. There are a lot of factors involved, mainly the quality of the lens. If you look at the pictures closely the best pictures were taken by the sony ericsson cybershot models whether it uses led or xenon. So the type of flash used, alone wont make or break the quality of cams on cellphones.
Nov 30, 2008 00:51
madmusicmajor says...
Xenon flash for images and led lights for video..?
only Sony Ericsson Cybershots have them. Other camera phones may have fancy features but when it comes to video nothing beats the SE k850i and SE C905.
Me and my friends will always pick SE Cybershots and Walkmans over N series or xpressmusic phones (quite generic!)... sorry nokia.
SE Cybesrshots are the best!
Dec 03, 2008 23:55
Xenon flash for images and led lights for video..?
only Sony Ericsson Cybershots have them. Other camera phones may have fancy features but when it comes to video nothing beats the SE k850i and SE C905.
Me and my friends will always pick SE Cybershots and Walkmans over N series or xpressmusic phones (quite generic!)... sorry nokia.
SE Cybesrshots are the best!
Dec 03, 2008 23:55
Dlim99 says...
No need to contest & fight surely everyone know that xenon will win...
Feb 01, 2009 14:35
No need to contest & fight surely everyone know that xenon will win...
Feb 01, 2009 14:35
ZeroHackeR says...
I think, n82 has the best camera.
If you zoom in the images, you will notice the differences.
:)
p.s. I'm a n82 user! hee hee..
Feb 11, 2009 19:52
I think, n82 has the best camera.
If you zoom in the images, you will notice the differences.
:)
p.s. I'm a n82 user! hee hee..
Feb 11, 2009 19:52
ShiningStar says...
I was thinking of getting the KU990, but it looks pretty bad on here. Nokia pictures look a lot better.
Jun 23, 2009 20:08
I was thinking of getting the KU990, but it looks pretty bad on here. Nokia pictures look a lot better.
Jun 23, 2009 20:08
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