Sony Xperia XZ camera review

Sony Xperia XZ camera review

Sony Xperia XZ camera review

The Xperia XZ is the top-of-the-line model in Sony's Xperia X series and comes with some of the latest technologies implemented in its camera module. A Sony IMX300 1/2.3” 23MP image sensor with on-sensor phase detection is accompanied by a laser that measures the distance to its subject to improve AF speed and accuracy in low light. Also on board is an RGBC-IR sensor that measures the color values of a scene to fine-tune the white balance system. The hybrid AF-system is also predictive and can track subjects in motion.

The Sony G lens comes with a 24mm equivalent focal length and an F2.0 aperture. In video mode, the camera can record footage in 4K resolution and the Xperia XZ is also the first device on which Sony has implemented 5-axis electronic video stabilization. At the front, there is a 13MP 1/3" sensor with F2.0 aperture and 1080p video – specifications that would have been worthy of the main camera not too long ago.

Processor and other components match the high-end characteristics of the camera and all the technology is wrapped up in an 8.1mm thin metal body that is water and dust tight (IP65/68). The Sony is also one of only a few smartphones to come with a dedicated camera button, making it an exciting option for any photography-oriented user.

Key Photographic / Video Specifications

Sony IMX300 1/2.3” 23MP BSI CMOS sensor
24mm equivalent focal length
F2.0 aperture
AF with on-sensor phase detection and laser-assistance
Subject tracking
RGBC-IR sensor
Manual control over shooting parameters
4K video at 30 fps
5-axis electronic video stabilization
13MP front camera, F2.0, 22mm equivalent focal length

Other Specifications

5.2-inch 1080p IPS screen
Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset
3GB RAM
32/64GB storage
MicroSD support
2,900mAh battery
Environmental protection (IP65/68)
Fingerprint reader

Sony Xperia XZ camera review

The Xperia XZ comes with almost the same dimensions and design as last year's Xperia Z5. However, it is marginally thicker and, thanks to a slightly more rounded frame and display edges, feels more comfortable to hold. In comparison to some of the larger-screened competition, this makes it very helpful to use as a camera, even without a case. The dedicated two-stage shutter button is an added bonus for mobile photographers. As before, the body is water and dust-sealed (IP65/68) which means you don't need to worry if you get caught in a rainstorm. For added security and easy unlocking, the Xperia XZ also comes with a fingerprint sensor that has been integrated into the power button.

Swift operation of the Android 6 OS is ensured by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chipset and 3GB of RAM. Regarding onboard storage, you can choose between 32 or 64GB, and if that's not enough internal storage is expandable via a microSD slot. The 1080p resolution and 5.2” diagonal of the display remain unchanged from previous high-end Xperia devices. Many of Sony's competitors offer displays with Quad-HD resolution now, but the Xperia screen provides good brightness, sharpness and viewing angles. A 1080p display also consumes less energy which means that the 2900 mAh battery provides more than enough juice to get you through the day. Quick-charging is supported, too.

In the camera department, a Sony IMX300 1/2.3” 23MP image sensor with on-sensor phase detection is accompanied by a laser that measures the distance to the subject, improving AF speed and accuracy in low light. Also present is an RGBC-IR sensor that measures the color values of a scene to fine-tune the white balance system. The hybrid AF-system is also predictive and can track subjects in motion.

Sony Xperia XZ camera review

The Sony G lens comes with a 24mm equivalent focal length and an F2.0 aperture. In video mode, the camera can record footage in 4K resolution and the Xperia XZ is also the first device on which Sony has implemented 5-axis electronic video stabilization. The front camera comes with a 13MP 1/3" sensor with F2.0 aperture and 1080p video.

Sony totally reworked its camera app for last year's Xperia Z5, so for the Xperia XZ, there have only been a few changes. Arguably the most important one is the addition of a real manual mode that allows for manual adjustment of shutter speeds when shooting at full resolution. Previously only the ISO value could be set manually, and only if you shot at 8MP resolution.

As on previous Xperia models, the camera app can be opened via shortcuts on the lock and home screens or by long-pressing the camera button. However, the latter method will make the app default to Superior Auto mode. If you want camera settings preserved, unfortunately, you'll have to open the camera via one of the icons.

Sony Xperia XZ camera review

Once the app has launched navigation is straightforward. You can switch between Superior Auto, manual and video modes by swiping up and down the screen. The fourth scroll position will take you to the individual modes screen where you'll find Sweep Panorama, Timeshift video and also the 4K video which is still a separate model rather than just another video resolution.

Superior Auto is the mode to pick if you don't want to worry about camera settings, and usually, it does an outstanding job. You can control the flash and activate color and exposure compensation sliders in the settings but the software takes care of the rest. The focus point can be set by tapping on the screen. By default, it is not linked to exposure but this can be changed in the settings. Touch capture can be activated in the settings as well and if you tap on moving subjects the camera will try and track it. This works reasonably well in good light but in dimmer conditions, the function cannot always keep up.

Sony Xperia XZ camera review

In Manual mode, a tap on the sliders icon opens up white balance, exposure compensation, shutter speed, and focus settings. The longest available shutter speed is 1 second. Also, you ca,n activate HDR capture in the settings menu.

Overall the Xperia camera app offers good usability but still has a few quirks. The Xperia XZ's main advantage over the competition regarding camera operation is the physical camera button that gives the Sony more of a 'real-camera-feel' than its rivals.