LG KF700 camera samples

The LG KF700 may major on its touchscreen, three-way input technology, but the 3G HSDPA enabled mobile also has a tidily-equipped 3-megapixel camera on the back panel. It features an autofocus system and an LED flash, giving it more potential that average cameraphones.

LG's top-end 5-megapixel cameras may have more imaging attributes, but the KF700 delivers a very able shooting performance. It combines touchscreen control of its camera system with a dedicated camera button on the side of the phone. As well as activating the camera, it acts as a 2-step capture button. In addition, the Shortcut Dial on the side/back of the phone doubles up in camera mode as a digital zoom control at lower image size settings (the 3-megapixel top setting doesn't allow zooming).

In video capture mode, you can shoot in QVGA (320x240 pixels) quality, using the zoom option too.

The large 3-inch display provides an excellent viewfinder for framing your shots and viewing captured images. Like many phones, though, bright light reflecting on the screen affects how clearly you can see it.

The touchscreen control system provides an easy to follow tap-to-use menu layout. It's extensive without being overly confusing too, with only a few key control icons lining up on either side of the central image (flash activation, contrast control, a gallery button and a settings key). Tap the settings key, and up pops a grid of settings buttons with easy-to-follow icons.

You can override the onboard metering system by adjusting white balance, with a selection for indoors or outdoors conditions (incandescent, fluorescent, sunny and cloudy), and reset ISO levels for light sensitivity. The auto flash can be switched off - useful in some low-light conditions as the LED flash can burn out close in shots. There's a night mode setting too.

Image size can be changed (there are six options, from 160x152 for contacts, to the 3-megapixel max), and quality tweaked. A multi-burst shooting mode is available too, and self-timer.

As with most phones, you can add colour effects for shooting (black and white, sepia, negative, sketc, solarize and emboss), or superimpose frames (pirate hats, clowns face, flowery edging, etc.) to images.

Performance
The autofocus system used on the camera is pleasingly responsive and effective. It locks on pretty quickly, a square frame in the centre of the image changing from red to green (with a short tone) to indicate that it has locked onto a subject. This can help you compose tightly focused or interesting images by adjusting the camera while holding the focal point.

Alternatively, the 2-step capture button can simply be pressed straight down if you're not that fussed about accurate focusing and are simply after a quick snap. Overall, capturing and processing images is quick and easy.

The auto white balance and exposure system used on the KF700 is generally good; you don't have to make manual adjustments all the time. Colour rendition is good too, though occasionally colours can appear, if anything, too vivid. It can capture good images in a variety of lighting conditions (obviously, the brighter the better).

Detail is excellent for a 3-megapixel camera too, and the autofocus system enables you to get excellent close in macro shots. In short, with a versatile easy-to-use control system and a responsive auto system, this camera can produce some impressive and pleasing results.

LG KF700 review