LG Viewty (KU990)

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By Andrew Lim, CNET.co.uk
Sep 12, 2007

The LG Viewty KU990 might sound like it's a digital photo frame but it's actually LG's latest camera-phone that features an impressive 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and xenon flash. Not only can this handset brag about its camera, but it should also be very proud of its lovely large touchscreen, which lets you view images easily. On top of this, it has the ability to upload videos directly to YouTube and to shoot video at 120 frames per second, which allows you to slow it down and watch it in slow-motion. This feature's ideal for shooting fast-moving sports footage. Pricing for the LG viewty is yet to be confirmed at press time.

Editors' note:

This review is based on tests done by our sister site CNET.co.uk. As such, please note that there may be slight differences in the testing procedure and ratings system. For more information on the actual tests conducted on the product, please inquire directly at the site where the article was originally published. References made to some other products or telcos in this review may not be available or applicable in your country. Please check directly with your local distributor for details.

Design
Many camera-phones take good pictures but don't look that great themselves--fortunately the LG KU990 Viewty is not an ugly camera-phone. In fact, we can go so far as to say it's one of the best-looking camera-phones we've seen so far. In line with LG's latest and greatest handsets, the KU990 has an understated design that feels functional but also exudes a certain amount of class. It feels light but not plasticky and looks more like a high-end handset than the cheap LG phones we've seen in the past.

Similar to the LG Prada and Apple's iPhone, the KU990 features a large touchscreen with three mechanical keys at the bottom, the end and send call keys, and the cancel key. While the touchscreen is prone to fingerprints and scratches, it is very attractive.

The KU990 comes with a 5-megapixel camera with xenon flash but there's no cover.

Positioned at the top-left section of the back of the handset is the KU990's star feature, a 5-megapixel camera, which disappointingly isn't protected by a lens cover. Next to the camera is xenon flash and autofocus light, similar to on the Sony Ericsson K810i.

Around the side of the camera is an interesting rocker disc that you can push up and down to scroll through menu options, adjust the volume during calls and zoom in and out in camera mode, among other things. It's an interesting concept but not always easy to press and we would have preferred a standard rocker key.

On the right side of the KU990 are two dedicated camera keys and a switch to change modes. The mode switch is a little tough to change at times but the shutter key is well-sized and very easy to press, which isn't always the case on camera phones.

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