The recently introduced Xperia XZ and Xperia X Compact have begun to make their way into reviewers’ and consumers’ hands. While Sony won’t be sending a model my way, I’ve gathered some sample photos and videos for your viewing pleasure. Sony wisely didn’t opt to raise the megapixel count this time around and instead aimed for offering better quality visuals. According to Sony, both cameras provide

 a powerful blend of high quality image and autofocus (AF) speed combined with Predictive Hybrid AF to intelligently predict and track subjects in motion for blur-free results. Added to this is the Laser AF sensor with distance sensing technology, which captures beautiful blur-free photos in challenging low light conditions. And what’s more, you will enjoy superb true to life colours thanks to the RGBC-IR sensor with colour sensing technology which accurately adjusts the white balance based on the light source in the environment. 

From recombu:

 To test the Sony Xperia XZ’s camera, we shot this video sample in Central London. The XZ is set to Full HD, 60 Frames Per Second, with SteadyShot image stabilisation active. 

From Xperia Blog:

 The pictures below have all been taken with the Xperia X Compact at a racetrack, showing the crisp shots of many of the bikers around the track. The camera’s autofocus has done a great job here, which even came as some surprise to the owner. We’ve also included a shot from a dog frisbee event, which can move at speeds up to 45 km/h. The pictures attached below have been cropped, but we have confirmed the EXIF data of all pictures included. 

It’s quite clear that Sony’s made some headway with their autofocus software which is able to quickly focus from the large buildings across the street to a pole nearby. In the past, Sony cameras have struggled to transition from such a scenario so props to their team for hammering it out. I’m a bit less impressed once walking takes place – especially if you watch for what’s happening on the top side of the video. You can see details fade away a bit and it’s still a bit too jittery. It’s unclear how the same video would have performed at 30fps.

As for the photos, they’ve been reduced in size so there’s certainly some compression at hand but despite the movement, they appear crisp and color gamut is lush. I would have loved to see the original photos so I can blow them up a bit and see how they’ve fared but in general, the photos look good.

Discuss:

How do the sample photos and videos look to you?