Buzz
Xperia XZs is an upgraded version of Xperia XZ with 4GB RAM, featuring Sony's 3rd generation camera module called Motion Eye capable of up to 960 fps
1. Testing the rapid capture capability of Xperia XZs: capturing photos faster than its predecessor, shooting 960 fps videos
Xperia XZs has its configuration upgraded from Xperia XZ with 4GB RAM, housing Sony's 3rd generation camera module called Motion Eye capable of up to 960 fps. Before delving into the super slow-motion experiences, let's take a look at the camera's performance on Xperia XZs. The DRAM memory in the sensor contributes to faster photo capture and storage compared to the previous generation.
If you're a Sony user, you'll understand the discomfort regarding the responsiveness when taking photos. It's true that Xperia XZ supports phase detection autofocus, providing a faster focusing experience than Xperia Z5, but the device still suffers from slow photo saving, noticeable as the spinning circle to save the image after pressing the shutter button.
Xperia XZs has significantly addressed this sluggishness. The camera boots up faster and delivers more stable continuous shooting.
Due to the use of eMMC memory, the device still faces limitations in quickly loading high-quality photos just after capture. Blurry images in the Album app right after taking a photo are easily noticeable. However, the improved responsiveness and faster capture capability have helped me seize unexpected moments better, reducing the instances where the camera hasn't finished saving...
Regarding the slow-motion feature, apart from the 120 fps option, Sony offers two 960 fps shooting options including super slow-motion, capturing 960 fps for one scene, meaning capturing a moment at 960 fps. This feature is challenging to time correctly as the device needs to capture one image at a speed of 0.025 seconds to produce 960 frames per second and play it back at 24p standard.
The other mode is super slow, where the device records at 720p resolution, and you only need to press the button when you want to capture a moment for super slow motion, allowing the device to capture frames at 960 fps. At that moment, you'll see the interface of the device described as a shutter scanning across the device.
Sony still employs the camera interface present since the Xperia Z5. In the iAuto+ mode, users can still adjust brightness, contrast, and color tone with the toolbar near the capture button on the screen. In fact, since the iPhone introduced EV adjustment at the focus point, many manufacturers have followed suit because users like this feature. Sony, however, remains loyal to its own approach and is unwilling to emulate others.
With the Predictive capture feature, I tried capturing with the iAuto+ mode on the device before its official release, and it didn't work optimally. Hence, we'll have to wait for a newer update of the Xperia XZs or until the device is distributed from April 6, 2017. As for the maximum performance this sensor brings, we'll have to wait for the Xperia XZ Premium with a stronger configuration, UFS 2.0 memory.
The reason I chose the Xperia XZs is perhaps the new ice blue color scheme, featuring a monochromatic design from the device's casing to the front protective glass. With a price equivalent to the initial Xperia XZ launch, the Xperia XZs is suitable for those who favor Sony devices with the latest image sensor, faster capture speed, and 960 fps video recording capability. Besides the above factors, the Xperia XZ, which is currently available (priced below 13 million), is still a suitable choice for a device with Snapdragon 820, IP68 water resistance, Android 7.0.
The ice blue color on the Xperia XZs truly catches the eye.
