Nokia N86 8MP: A closer look at the Dual LED flash

The Nokia N86 8MP has a fully equipped camera with a fantastic 8 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens, automatic shutter and variable aperture, and could by far be the best cameraphone on the market to date. However users still continue to complain about the lack of a Xenon flash and regard the Dual LED to be insufficient. A Xenon flash does provide brighter and crisper images, however the 3rd generation Dual LED flash on the Nokia N86 8MP need not be under estimated. So I decided to put it to the test against the Nokia N97 to see what how much the new Dual LED has improved.

When taking images in low light conditions the Nokia N86 8MP does a much better job, even though the colors aren’t as strong and natural, you can see that the overall picture is much better when compared to that of the N97.

(left: N97 (with a scratched lens) right: N86 8MP)

However, its during video mode when the Dual LED shows its true potential. As you can see the whole room is completely visible through the eye of the N86, whereas the N97 merely manages to light up the wall.

Verdict:

Indeed there are huge differences between the N97′s and N86′s Dual LED flash, from 2nd gen to 3rd gen the improvements are very apparent. During video mode the Nokia N86 really came to life, but I must admit that Xenon flash is missed when, and only when, taking images during lower light conditions.

Related posts:

1. N96 LED flash demonstration
2. N82 Black vs. Sony Ericsson G900 vs. E66: Whose flash is better?
3. Nokia N8 vs N82 vs N86 – Pixel to Pixel and Flash to Flash
4. N95: Nightmode vs. flash
5. Nokia N97 Mini: How good is the Dual LED?