07-11-2008: The Motorola ZINE ZN5 will soon come to the shops, the first 5 megapixel camphone of Motorola. It might be a little late, but this device still managed to surprise us.
By: Tim Wijkman
In October 2007, the Motorola ZINE ZN5 showed up for the first time in the "rumour circuit". Mobile Phone Helpdesk managed to capture a part of the Motorola roadmap on photo, which also included the ZINE ZN5 with the codename "X Pixl". Eventually, it would still take eight more Months before the Motorola ZINE ZN5 would be announced, this took place in June of this year.
Motorola ZINE ZN5 - Motorola's first 5 megapixel phone
The Motorola ZINE ZN5 is the first 5 megapixel cameraphone of Motorola. Because the first 5 megapixel cameraphones were already announced by LG and Nokia in 2006 and phones with 8 megapixel cameras are already in the shops these days, we wonder whether Motorola is not too late with this device. Despite Motorola being late with her first 5 megapixel camphone we came to a very remarkable conclusion while testing this device: The Motorola ZINE ZN5 shoots the best 5 megapixel photos of all 5 megapixel camera phones, something that really surprised us. More about this later in this review...
Around Motorola ZINE ZN5
For this review, we took the Motorola ZINE ZN5 to London in order to explore this metropolis and capture the highlights of London. As always, we start with our little round around the characteristic looks of the phone. We put old and new in contrast with each other: The modern ZN5 with an old-fashioned English telephone booth at the background.
What directly attracts attention with the Motorola ZINE ZN5 is the so-called "morphing keyboard" and the large colour display at the front. A morphing keyboard is a transparant keyboard behind which several characters are hidden. Depending on the function that is used, matching characters - and key functions - illuminate in different colours. This makes a morphing keyboard userfriendly and multifunctional. In the keyboard itself no seperate keys can be distinguished. Only small points indicate where the pressure points are. Despite a keyboard out of one piece, as with this phone, normally isn't that comfortable, the technique with this device works really well and we cannot say anything bad about it.
The display of the Motorola ZINE ZN5 is nice and large with a size of 2.4 inch. Although the display can "only" render 262.144 colours and is "only" a QVGA (240 x 320 pixels) resolution, the display is very clear, colourful and the colours are true to nature.
What also strikes is the design of the housing. When you look at the Motorola ZINE ZN5 from the side the contours of the device form a "parallelogram". A rubber edge is placed at the bottom of the device. It gives the device a good grip and makes it feel robust, furthermore it will not scratch that easily at the corners.
Top of left side of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
If we check out the left side of the Motorola we find a 3.5 mm audo plug at the top. Almost every headphone can be connected to this port, but also the delivered headset. A MicroSD memorycard slot can be found behind a rubber panel at the bottom.
Right side of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
At the right side of the Motorola ZINE ZN5 a lot of keys can be found. The most distinctive key is the purple "shutter key" with which photos can be made. A little further to the fop we find a panel with which the keys of the device can quickly be locked and unlocked. On one hand this is very handy because you don't have to make difficult key combinations, on the other hand it would have been handy if the device would also unlock when the lens cover of the camera would be opened. When the device is locked and the lens cover of the camera is opened, it is not possible to make photos, something due to which you might just miss that one photo moment...
Above the panel for locking the keys some volume keys have been placed, which can be used for adjusting the volume of calls, as well as the volume of music that is played with the device.
Back of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
At the back the camera and the Xenon flash attract attention. The camera is placed at the top of the device in a somewhat more thicker part. Because the device is quite thin with a slimness of only 12 mm there was probably just a little too less space to place the 5 megapixel camera. The thicker part doesn't really disturb you and it also makes sure that the lense, as well as the lens cover, cannot be damaged if the device is placed at a scratching base.
The battery panel of the ZINE ZN5 is made out of metal. At the top of the device a small button is placed with which the battery panel can be opened. A recess is kept open in the battery panel for the flash and the camera. Due to the thicker part of the camera the battery panel is difficult to open and place back. At the bottom of the device, a part of rubber us present with which the device will not easily slide from a smooth base and also protects the device a little extra from scratches.
Camera of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
The camera of the Motorola ZINE ZN5 is covered by a lens cover. This lens cover can be pushed downwards, after which the camera lens becomes visible. When opening the panel the camera will start automatically - if the lock panel at the side of the device is not locked.
The package of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
Contents of the package of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
After taking a good look at all the sides of the device we travel to the first famous spot in London. The Tower Bridge. We take place at a spot where we can view the package from up-close.
The package of the Motorola ZINE ZN5 can be called complete. At the first place, we find a nice and compact manual in the package and a warranty declaration. Furthermore, the charger and the USB datacable is also in the package. Besides this, a stereo headset with remote control is present and a TV cable with which the device can be connected to the television. To conclude, we also find a MicroSD memorycard of 1 gigabyte.
Shooting photos with the Motorola ZINE ZN5
Main feature: the camera
After we took a good look at the device at Westminster we take the Underground in the direction of Green Park, where the famous Buckingham palace is. We were just in time, because the also famous change of the guards was about to start. Time to take some photos of Buckingham Palace itself.
When the lens cover of the camera is removed the camera will start directly. However, if you forget to unlock the keys of the device with help of the panel at the side, the device will only warn you that the keys are locked. The camera starts at an average speed. It takes a couple of seconds before we can shoot photos.
Once the camera started and we want to make a photo, we are amazed by the extreme speed of the camera. The camera focuses and shoot photos incredibly fast. We have never found a mobile phone with such reaction speed. An absolute plus point!
Shooting photos with the Motorola ZINE ZN5
While it is getting busier and busier around Buckingham Palace we go through the camera options so we are totally ready for shooting some photos of the Bpbbies... First of all the camera is equipped with a quick menu. With this quick menu you can, for example, change between the photo and video mode. Furthermore you can also "surf" to the photo gallery (My media) from the quick menu.
The photo functions are also well accessible via the quick menu, an example is "Multi-shot" with which you can shoot several photos in a couple of seconds, the selftimer (Autp-timer) with which you can make a self protrait or the Panorama function with which panorama photos can be shot. Last but not least, the quick menu also grants access to the expanded camera settings.
Make quick settings with the round selection key on the Motorola ZINE ZN5
Via the round selection key on the Motorola ZINE ZN5 we can also make quick settings. When you press to the top or the bottom (when the device is held in landscape mode) several quick functions appear to manually change some basic settings or to add information to the photo.
The first setting possibility that we come across might be the most used and therefore it is very handy that this is well accesible. The settings for the flash. Here you can choose between "On" (always on), "Off" (always off), "Automatic" (the phone decides whether flash is needed) or "Red eyes" (red eye reduction).
Set white balance
The second option is the settings for the white balance. With this, the photo can be tuned to the type of light in the environment. You can choose from "fluorescent", "Tungsten", "Daylight", "Cloudy" or "Automatic". For example, when photos are shot under cloudy circumstances, the colours on the photo will become a little mat and ashen. The option "Cloudy" corrects this automatically while shooting the photo and makes shure that the colours look better.
Setting focus
Just like the other options, the focus is set standard to automatic. Focus means that the device automatically focuses on an object. We just indicatd that the autofocus on the Motorola is incredibly fast. But the Motorola ZINE ZN5 has more focus settings. You can also choose "Landscape" (focus on objects far away) or "Macro" (focus on objects nearby).
Dimmed light
The function "dimmed light" should make it possible to shoot better photos under darker circumstances. Here you can choose from "Off" or "On". In practice we didn't experience much difference between photos that were shot with or without this option.
Adding tags to photos
The last option that we came across is the option to add "tags" to a photo. A "tag" is another word for a keyword with which the contents of the photo are described. In our case, we chose the tag "London". With every photo this tag is stored behind the scenes and at the moment we trasfer the photo to the computer, you can view the tag in the photo characteristics. So, with camera tags you can indicate where the photo is shot.
It is a pity that the Motorola ZINE ZN5 is not equipped with a GPS receiver because the "tagging" could have been automatized by means of the GPS position. In that case, the GPS position would be stord along with the photo so you can always check at a later time where a certain photo is made exactly. A number of camera phones already support this.
Additional camera settings
Besides the setting possibilities that we spoke of earlier, the ZINE ZN5 is also equipped with a number of more expanded setting possibilities. You can change the storage location, the prefix in the file name, the tags can be managed and settings can be made for the making of images and video recordings on the area of resolution, the rendering time and the shutter sound.
Now we checked out all camera options, attended the change of the guards - and of course photographed it - we travel to the famous Piccadilly Circus, a quite small but very busy intersection in the heart of London on which large advertizement expressions are placed.
Viewing photos directly from a quick key on the keyboard
We discover a new option at Piccadilly Circus. If we use the camera the functions of the keyboard change and purple characters will illuminate on the keyboard. One of these keys makes it possible to take a look in the photo gallery of the device. With the round selection key you can browser through the gallery and at the bottom of the display so-called "thumbnails" of the photos are indicated.
Now we check out the photos in the gallery we are very curious for the quality of the photos on a larger display. Concerning this point we are totally amazed. The photos that we shot with the Motorola ZINE ZN5 were, without having changed expanded settings) extremely sharp to the smallest detail, the perspective is incredibly good and the colours of the photos are true to nature. For the first time we whole-heartedly say: The Motorola ZINE ZN5 is the first cameraphone that does not have the same quality as a regular digital camera.
Photos made with the Motorola ZINE ZN5 (click for enlargement)
The Nokia N82 has been on the top of our list of best camera phones since the beginning of this year. Despite the photos that the N82 shoots are already very pretty, as also came forward in our
Nokia N82 review, the Nokia N82 loses out to the Motorola ZINE ZN5 regarding photo quality. The N82 shoots beautiful photos, but the N82 is still no full alternative for a digital camera. The Motorola ZINE ZN5 is and bumped the Nokia N82 from its pole position, as proved by the above-showed photos we shot with the Motorola ZINE ZN5 in London.
Standby screen of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
Other functions of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
Besides calling and SMSing the camera is the most important function of the Motorola ZN5. However, the device can do a lot more. We travel to the Houses of Parliament, where, among others, the famous Big Ben is placed. Here we scrutinize the important other functions of the Motorola ZINE ZN5.
At the standby screen four links are placed that can be reached by pressing the round selection key at its left, right, top or bottom. The links are standard set to the SMS messages, the multimedia library, contacts and the internet browser.
Main menu of the Motorola ZINE ZN5
Of course, the travel through the device starts from the main menu. The main menu grants access to several functions, such as the Kodak Gallery (internet connection necessary), the conversation log, the message inbox, internet browser, multimedia library, games, contacts and settings.
Themes on the ZINE ZN5
The Motorola ZINE ZN5 can be personalized as you wish because the device is equipped with three themes. Standard the "Kodak theme" is set, which we personally preferred. A pink and blue theme is also present for people that prefer a lighter background.
Tetris
On the area of relaxation the Motorola ZINE ZN5 is also fascinating. Concerning games, the Motorola ZINE ZN5 offers Tetris as a standard, one of the oldest but also not less addictive game game with beautiful graphics. Besides Tetris, a Sudoku game is also present.
Somewhat strange we found the statement of Motorola TEXT (a program to backup SMS messages), Motorola SETUP, BACKUP and Shozu in the games menu. In a game menu we naturally expect games and no phone management options.
WiFi support
Unfortunately, we have to touch on a minus point concerning connectivity. The Motorola ZINE ZN5 cannot exactly be described "recent" regarding connection possibilities. We have to say that WiFi support is present on the device to make connections with the internet via a wireless home network, but when no WiFi connection is available you have to do with GPRS and EDGE networks with the ZINE ZN5.
UMTS and possible HSDPA support is missed on the ZINE ZN5. Because EDGE networks are not used in a lot of European countries anymore, a lot of consumers can only send and receive data via the slow GPRS. The sending of a 5 megapixel photo will be a time-consuming job with this. Because the ZINE ZN5 is not placed under the 3G phones, video telephony is also missing. Despite this is not used very often video telephony still is something that may not miss out on a cameraphone.
FM radio
The day has passed by and a little tired of the long walks of today we decide to go to a haven in the middle of London: Hyde Park. While enjoying the last sunbeams of the year we plop down onto a bench to come to rest from all the busyness in London and we decide to try the last function of the device: de FM radio.
In order to use the FM radio the headset needs to be connected to the device because the cable of the headset functions as antenna. The receipt of the FM radio is clear and the sound of the headset is good. Besides the FM radui we also discover the MP3 player. Because the ZINE ZN5 is equipped with about 350 MB of interal memory many hours of music can be taken along. If you also use the delivered memorycard of 1 gigabyte you will certainly live through the day.
The bench in Hyde Park is our last stop of today. We decide to pick up our suitcases in the hotel and continue our travel to the airport where we will take the plane back to the Netherlands...
Advantages and disadvantages
There's an end to everything. The nice trip in London came to an end and back at the office it is time to draw up the balance sheet. We put the advantages and disadvantages of the Motorola ZINE ZN5 together:
Advantages:
- Camera: Despite the Motorola ZINE ZN5 is not the most up-to-date camphone concerning resoltuon, the Motorola ZINE ZN5 scores the highest point on the area of photo wuality and speed, without any doubt. The Motorola ZINE ZN5 is the best 5 megapixel phone that is on the market at the moment!
- Large and clear display: The 2.4 inch colour display is nice and large, clear in all circumstances and perfectly indicates the colours.
- Multimedia: Not only on the area of camera, but also on the multimedia area the devices does well. The device has a good musicplayer and a crystalclear FM radio.
- WiFi support: There's no place like home. Internet via WiFi is good and fast of course and we are glad to find this function in the ZINE ZN5.
- Design and keyboard: Of course, we may not forget the design. The ZINE ZN5 is a robust and nice designed candybar that knows how to combine design and userfriendliness. The Morphing keyboard underlines this combination.
Disadvantages:
- No 3G: A big failure is that the device does not offer 3G support, something that may not miss out on a multimedia / camphone like this. The WiFi support makes this a little better but we really missed it when we were on our way.
- Lens cover: Underneath, between and behind the lens cover filth can easily settle. Not really an ideal situation for the good camera that the device received. The cleaning of the lens cover and the space inside is very difficult.
- Menu overview: The menu - and mainly the submenus - are a little awkward and divided in an unclear way.
- Backpanel diffuclt to remove The backcover / battery panel is quite difficult to remove and place back on the device. Luckily we did not have to do this often, but it still is a small point of criticism.
Final conclusion
We cannot do anything else than state that the Motorola ZINE ZN5 is the best camphone on 5 megapixel area at this moment. The device scores excuisite on the functions it should score on. A big failure is the lack of 3G support. This is somewhat made up for by the WiFi support. Despite the lack of 3G support the entire feeling about this device is very positive. Because the device scores on the points it should score on, we cannot do anything else than reward this device aith an 8. If 3G support would have been present the device would have received a 9 as final mark. If Motorola can come with more devices of this qualitative calibre, the difficult time that Motorola is going through at the moment is a pastime in our opinion...
Mobile Phone Helpdesk had the Dutch scoop to test the Motorola ZINE ZN5 as the first one. The device is not yet available.