A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a blog post in a collaboration with Sony about the Sony Xperia XZ1 Smartphone – My First Impressions. I mentioned that I would be sharing my thoughts on this mobile phone after a few weeks of using it. So after having the phone for a few weeks, I now have a clearer idea of how it works. I will go through the main features showing you photos and videos that I have taken with this phone.
I am impressed with the quality of the images and video recordings that the Xperia XZ1 captures – they are amazing. I have been taking the phone with me everywhere so I was able to try it in a good variety of conditions such as using it in dark or low light, recording video on the move (and of moving objects too), capturing key moments with super slow-motion recording, and taking a burst of images to test out the autofocus burst feature to get the best still without having to worry about pressing the shutter button at just the right moment.
Before covering it in more detail, I talk through and demonstrate all the main features in the video shared below. This will give you an idea of how the handset works as well as making it easier for you to understand when reading this post.
What did you think? Did you like it? Was it useful? I hope so! With the Xperia XZ1 and its ground-breaking Motion Eye Camera, you will never miss a family moment. Super Slow Motion and Predictive Capture powered by the Motion Eye camera let you experience more than the human eye can see. It uses faster and smarter processing than ever before, giving exceptional image quality and the best motion detection technology yet. It is perfect for capturing special family moments, which is great at a time of year like Christmas.
Taken with Sony Xperia XZ1
The Sony Xperia XZ1 was first announced at IFA 2017 in Berlin and is a high-end Android smartphone produced by Sony. The handset is available nationwide at a price of £599.99. Visit the Sony Mobile website for a full list of stockists. The flagship Xperia range also includes the XZ1 Compact – the ultimate in no compromise and the XZ Premium – Sony’s ultimate flagship handset, encapsulating decades of Sony innovation. Both handset contain the same camera as the XZ1.
FEATURES
Taken with Sony Xperia Z1
- 19 MP Main Camera
- 13 MP Front Facing Camera
- 5.2″ FHD-HDR TRILUMINOS Display – Display The 5.2” High Dynamic Range (HDR) display shows movies so realistically, you’ll feel like you’re in it. Be immersed in a world of exceptional colour, contrast and clarity.
- Using Sony’s BRAVIA TV technologies, the Xperia XZ1 plays HDR shows and moves, that are so clear and lifelike it takes your breath away.
- Fingerprint Sensor
- High-Resolution Audio – Audio Famous for our unique sound innovations, the Xperia XZ1 is packed with the latest audio-enhancing technologies. Enjoy unprecedented sound quality, however you decide to listen.
- Design Sony’s sophisticated, timeless design philosophy gives a premium look and refined feel in your hand.
- Made with Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the loop surface and seamless metal body takes beauty and durability to new heights.
- Performance Whether you’re browsing the internet or playing fast-paced games, experience super-smooth performance with advanced processing power.
- Battery Reliable all-day battery throughout the product lifespan thanks to the built-in intelligence that manages your battery usage and charging habits.
- Water resistant Built to withstand the splashes that are a part of everyday life so you can relax about sudden spills or unexpected showers.
- Ground-breaking innovation with the 3D creator
Camera Specifications
Taken with Sony Xperia XZ1
- 19MP Motion Eye camera,
- 1/2,3 tum Exmor RS for mobile memory-stacked sensor,
- Pixel Pitch 1.22μm,
- 25mm wide Sony’s G Lens f2.0,
- Bionz for mobile image-processing engine 960 fps Super slow motion video,
- Predictive Capture (movement/smile),
- Autofocus burst x8 Digital Zoom,
- HDR Photo Low-light photo,
- IOS 12800,
- Low-light video ISO4000,
- Predictive Hybrid Autofocus,
- Anti-distortion shutter
Better selfies in any light
Selfie taken with Sony Xperia XZ1
The Xperia XZ1 has one of the best front-facing cameras on a smartphone. With a 13-megapixel camera, a 1/3.06” low-light sensor and a display flash, you’ll get outstanding selfies in any light. This is a great feature to have, especially at this time of the year when the days are darker than ever. I have noticed that this camera has an automated function which enhances the light of your photos. It is very handy.
You’re in control of every shot
This is how easy you can now take selfies with the Sony Xperia XZ1! You can say goodbye to selfie sticks now! Check my post for more details! 😉 #xperia #Ad @Sony @tots100 @magicwilley86 https://t.co/uIslPfo06c pic.twitter.com/nzSPO2sDwp
— A Moment With Franca (@WithFranca) 6 December 2017
How you use the Hand Shutter Function
The resulting Selfie
With manual focus and shutter speed controls, you have even more creative freedom. As I mentioned in the video and in the first impressions blog post, I am loving this feature. I have been using it a lot as it is such a handy option to use.
We had so much fun taking these photos using the hand shutter
For example, we wanted some Christmassy family photos wearing our Christmas jumpers. We have not been able to do this in the past without a selfie stick or using a timer function which can be awkward to get into position. However, we were able to take these photos using just the hand shutter function. It was so easy to do and not just that we actually had so much fun doing this as a family!
Super slow motion video
Example 1
Another slow motion video done with the Sony Xperia XZ1! I’m loving it! 😃 https://t.co/uIslPfo06c #xperia #ad @tots100 @magicwilley86 pic.twitter.com/tL4PDa1QSf
— A Moment With Franca (@WithFranca) 13 December 2017
Example 2
The Motion Eye camera is unique: it records 960 frames per second, for super slow motion playback. The footage is four times slower than slow motion videos captured on other smartphones. It’s great for fast moving moments that you want to relive in all their glory.
Steady Shot for videos
The Steady Shot feature, with 5-axis image stabilisation, compensates for shaking movements in five different directions, so your videos end up clear and smooth. The Steady Shot function allows you to capture clear, steady video whilst on the move.
You can take smooth and steady recording even while in motion with Steady Shot. Its 5-axis image stabilisation 2 compensates for shaking movements in five different directions on front and rear cameras, so your videos always come out steady.
You can see this example pretty well in my video.
Predictive Capture
Lots going on at once and don’t want to miss that perfect shot? Predictive Capture allows you to start shooting just before you hit the shutter button, so you’re still able to capture action shots in crystal photo form. The Motion Eye camera with Predictive Capture starts buffering images one second before you press the shutter button. It’s like rewinding time, and it gives you up to four images to pick from.
With the Predictive Capture option, you’ll never miss the unexpected again, whether it’s the sweetest smile or in-the-air action. It automatically starts capturing images seconds before you press the shutter button, so you can get the shot you’re after.
Autofocus burst
The Autofocus burst feature tracks and captures sequences of moving objects in sharp focus, so there’ll be no more blurred action shots. You can also see a clear example of this in the main video towards the top of the post.
OUR THOUGHTS
We are so pleased with this phone. As I mentioned before, I have been taking this phone whenever I have been out attending events and on days out. I can capture fantastic shots and videos with it. It is so handy when you don’t have space to carry anything other than a small bag and also when you just want to travel light and uncomplicated. You will never miss any moment with this phone. You don’t need to leave the room to get your camera because the Sony Xperia XZ1 will do it all for you.
Have you owned a Sony phone before? What do you think of this phone? Do you like the features? Will it be on your Christmas list?
*Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Sony and Tots100, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
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Is there much embedded software?
Lovely family photos and videos such good image clarity.
Looks fab. Especially the camera. Nice photos
I have this phone, they are really good. Like you I have only had it for a few weeks so am still learning new things about it but as you say the camera and video are really good, the storage is amazing and I have lots of apps on it, I have installed photo editor which is cool, it allows you to add make up, hair colour etc to your photos, similar to my daughters tablet games but instead of characters I can make myself look better lol xxx
It is so wonderful to get these great cameras with our smartphones. Thanks for sharing this new one! I have the iPhone and can’t think of switching! Happy Holidays xoxo #KCACOLS
I have both and I love the camera for the Sony more! It is fantastic! Thank you! Happy Holidays for you too! 🙂 x
wow the quality of pictures is fab indeed! I used to have an Experia and I really liked it. I might change my phone soon so I will def have this in mind as it looks really good #KCACOLS.
I have always had an iphone ever since they came out but have recently been wondering about other options. I love the idea of a brilliant camera on a phone, makes life so much easier! The Sony Xperia has so many fab functions and so clear! My phone is under contract for a quite a while yet but i want to get a new phone for my daughter so am definitely going to look at these. Love the photo of you all in xmas jumpers! #kcacols
This looks great for blogging and vlogging. Definitely something to consider the next time I upgrade.
#KCACOLS
I have had two Sony Xperia’s and was thinking of getting the XZ1 when I upgrade. Absolutely LOVE the quality of the camera and video…. perfect for blogging on the go. I appreciate the level of detail you have gone into in this review and have confirmed my decision to get the XZ1. Thank you for sharing x #KCACOLS
Thank you Dani! I am so happy to hear that! You will love the camera of this phone! It is amazing! 🙂 x
These photos are SO clear! And GORGEOUS! #KCACOLS
It looks fab! I love my iPhone so much though I could never imagine having anything else. I’m always the first to admit that other phones have better photographic capabilities that leave iPhone flailing behind.
#KCACOLS
What great photos! This sounds like an great phone.#KCACOLS