With the Galaxy A7's triple camera setup, users can now capture wide-angle shots, portrait photos with a blurred background, or simply snap pictures with the familiar regular lens. Let's delve into the real-world performance of the Galaxy A7 lenses in this detailed review.
1. Exploring the Unique Triple Camera Marvel of Samsung: Wider Angle than Anticipated!
With the Galaxy A7's triple camera setup, users can now capture wide-angle shots, portrait photos with a blurred background, or simply snap pictures with the familiar regular lens. Let's delve into the real-world performance of the Galaxy A7 lenses in this detailed review.
The Samsung Galaxy A7 is a rare mid-range device heavily invested in hardware, particularly the camera. It is the first device from the brand to feature a tri-camera system. The setup includes a regular lens with a 78-degree field of view, a 24MP F/1.7 resolution, an ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view and 8MP F/2.4 resolution, and another lens with a 5MP sensor and F/2.2 aperture, providing the ability to capture live focus portrait photos and Samsung's signature bokeh effects.
The 2018 version of the Galaxy A7 is considered a precursor to the brand's implementation of this camera system on future devices like the Galaxy S10 and Note10. But does Samsung's initial step prove successful in the mid-range mobile segment? Find out in the in-depth review of the Galaxy A7 (2018) camera below.
NORMAL CAMERA IN AMPLE LIGHT CONDITIONS
Inheriting the privileges of the Galaxy Note9 with an intelligent AI camera system, the Galaxy A7 optimizes scenes with Scene Optimizer, classifying and detecting 19 scenarios to deliver images with the utmost color and quality assurance.
In reality, the Galaxy A7 camera excels in capturing images in ample light conditions, showcasing both shooting performance and image details. Specifically, the A7 can focus quickly and capture at lightning speed; users just need to raise the camera to frame the shot and press the capture button. Additionally, a strength inherent in many Samsung product lines is the high color saturation and excellent brightness adjustment, which is well demonstrated in the A7. Even in intense sunlight around midday, details in the sky, water, and buildings are clearly depicted, distinct without being overexposed. Particularly in backlit situations, details in bright and dark areas are optimized and balanced, avoiding excessive contrast. Explore some images captured with the main 24MP camera at F/1.7 aperture on the A7.
WIDE-ANGLE CAMERA IN AMPLE LIGHT CONDITIONS
The wide-angle camera is a 'privilege' on the Galaxy A7 (2018), allowing users to capture complete scenes without the need for much movement compared to shooting with a regular lens. In terms of quality, the A7's wide-angle camera performs well in most conditions with ample light, ensuring good details and true-to-life colors. However, it's worth mentioning that the A7's wide-angle shots suffer from distortion at the edges, a common effect in wide-angle lenses (fish-eye). This may cause discomfort when capturing close-up faces or circular subjects from certain angles. Explore more images captured with the wide-angle camera of the Galaxy A7.
The wide-angle camera is also suitable for capturing human subjects, enhancing their prominence and creating a strong visual effect. If used correctly, TechZ believes you can produce unique and impressive images that emphasize the individuality of the subject.
In more challenging lighting conditions, with overcast skies and a bit of haze, the A7's wide-angle camera maintains reliable photo performance. Though image details may slightly diminish due to the lower F/2.4 aperture, in such situations, TechZ advises switching to the normal photo mode with the 24MP F/1.7 camera to retain the best image details.
COMPARISON BETWEEN WIDE-ANGLE AND REGULAR LENSES
For a clearer understanding of the differences between the wide-angle and regular lenses on the Galaxy A7, let's compare through some images below with TechZ.
NORMAL AND WIDE-ANGLE CAMERAS IN LOW-LIGHT CONDITIONS
In the price range of 7 million VND, the regular 24MP camera with a wide F/1.7 aperture on the Galaxy A7 still demonstrates good image quality in low-light conditions. Colors and details are assured, limiting the common noise and color distortion found in many mid-range mobile devices today. Moreover, the fast shooting speed helps the A7 achieve desired images, minimizing the risk of shaky photos due to hand movement.
However, the A7's wide-angle camera struggles in low-light conditions due to the F/2.4 aperture that Samsung equipped for the 8MP wide-angle lens. The image quality declines in both detail and color. Therefore, in low-light conditions, TechZ recommends switching to the regular photo mode for better results.
BOKEH PHOTOGRAPHY
The 5MP F/2.2 resolution sensor on the Galaxy A7 performs admirably in capturing portrait photos with a blurred background. The analysis and processing capability between the lens and software is flexible and responsive, allowing users to obtain satisfying pictures quickly. In terms of photo quality, the background and subject separation is distinct, ensuring detailed results. However, the beautification level and skin tone adjustment are yet to be fine-tuned to match a portrait photo.
FRONT CAMERA
Samsung is quite generous in equipping the Galaxy A7 with a 24MP F/2.0 lens accompanied by LED flash for the front camera. The image quality produced by the front camera is delightful, with Samsung handling the skin tone in a 'safe' manner—neither too artificial nor overly realistic. The high detail and natural bright and pinkish hue enhance the confidence of users in taking selfies. Moreover, the A7 is equipped with various interesting selfie modes such as Bokeh Selfie with 'Selfie Focus', transforming into playful animals with AR Emoji, Wide-angle Selfie capturing multiple faces in a single shot, and numerous face beautification modes. Additionally, the LED flash serves as a useful companion for achieving perfect photos in low-light conditions.
Some selfies taken with the front camera of the Galaxy A7 (2018).
IN LIEU OF A CONCLUSION
The Galaxy A7 (2018) showcases Samsung's effort in the mid-range mobile segment. The product possesses outstanding and distinctive elements compared to competitors in the same segment, covering design, performance, and camera system. However, will the significant changes from the Galaxy A7 and Samsung's strategy shift be enough to revitalize the mid-range segment and compete successfully with other manufacturers who have achieved the expected success? Let time answer this question.