(Special Note: Since this phone was announced, we since found out it wasn’t the first 8MP mobile phone to be released in the UK. But it WAS the first to be announced. So the title’s right, now!)
Way back when, the first people in the UK to whack a camera module on a mobile phone were Sony Ericsson, so it seems fitting that it’s them who are going to be releasing the UK’s first 8 megapixel camera phone, the Sony Ericsson C905.
Combining jaw-dropping looks with phenomenal power, I reckon it’s fair to say that when the Sony Ericsson C905 is released over here, it’s going to be the single best camera phone that the UK’s ever seen.
Mind you, Sony Ericsson do have a pedigree with camera phones, so the fact that this one looks like it’s the bee’s knees and various other good bits of other animals (I’ll just say “dog’s” and we’ll leave it at that) should come as absolutely no surprise whatsoever. Back from the days of the old clip-on Ericsson camera module, through the more recent K-Series mobile phones and onwards into today’s dedicated Cyber-Shot ‘C-Series’ phones, Sony Ericsson have proven, time and again, that they don’t muck about when it comes to mind-blowingly good phones.
Oh, alright, granted, it’s not just about the camera in this Sony Ericsson masterpiece; it’s got WiFi, media player (presumably very much like it’s predecessor, the K850i) and HSDPA data speeds, so it go like a rat up a drainpipe when you go online (that’s very fast, for anyone who doesn’t get the metaphor).
But, as you can guess, it’s mainly going to sell on the strength of its camera. You know that, I know that. But, whilst it’s been upgraded to 8 megapixels, is it actually any good, or have Sony Ericsson over-reached themselves?
No.
It’s not good.
I’d have to invent a new word for how good the camera is.
Oh, you’re the discerning sort, eh? Want some proof? Well, then, courtesy of the Unofficial Sony Ericsson Blog (also, in fact, where the big pic at the start of this post came from, so a big thanks from us), some samples of photos taken by the Sony Ericsson C905. And these aren’t even full size. I had to shrink them by half before I could fit upload them.
That’s some ruddy big, detailed photos!
How sharp?! And bear in mind, that’s prototype software, which is why everything’s got a bit of a red tint to it. That will be fixed in the final release version. Which means… gawd knows how good the final production camera’s going to be! It might actually be powerful enough to photograph an evil demon-dog in another dimension (massively obscure Stephen King reference for the win!)
Finally, as if my Sony-addicted fanboy ranting (and I really mean addicted) isn’t enough to sway you, check out the official Sony Ericsson product video for it, that shows off the C905’s other features… well, specifically, it shows off the face recognition, but the camera also packs in red-eye reduction, Smart Contrast (whatever that is), image stabiliser and BestPic. So, in other words, then, this really is a Cyber-Shot camera in the shape of a mobile phone!
Have a look, and prepare to be stunned:
The Sony Ericsson C905 is due to be officially announced on the 17th, and released later in the year. And it’s going to sell sh- erm, bucketloads. Mark my words.
Now if only they’d hurry up, finally settle on a spec for the Paris and get it announced. I’m starting to get impatient!
UPDATE: It’s now available! So don’t miss out, get yourself the Sony Ericsson C905, today!
June 12th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
i have this phone.The blog is right ,the camera is the best around .even better than my digital camera. give it 11/10
June 13th, 2008 at 8:29 am
How the f… how have you got one early you lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky, lucky person?!
Must not be jealous, must not be jealous, must not be jealous… lol
June 20th, 2008 at 11:32 am
I want one so bad it hurts!!!
Sean sweetie pie where did you mange to get yours an if i show some leg do you think i can get one too lol
On a serious note my contracts up for renewal 13th September on O2 do you think i will be able to get one then?? coz really don’t want to have to wait another 18 months :o(
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:29 am
Now there’s an offer you can’t pass up, Sean!
Heather, let’s just say that your offer has substantially more chance of succeeding than if I made a similar offer to Sean. LOL
As for the date, it IS due some time in September, according to reports, so fingers crossed you should be able to get one not long after your current contract’s up.
And as an aside, Heather, thanks for mentioning a bit of leg, I just got back from having a week off, and your comment made my day! lol
July 9th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Mines up in August.
Was considering the Jesus-Phone 3G, until I read the camera specs.
Not going back to having to carry a compact.
C902? No Flash. K850i? I was looking forward to owning one.
*was*
Not any more, it’s baited breath until September time.
Yes, the camera is good. Not a real camera by any means but probably a good step up from my k800i
But it also has WiFi, HSDPA, GPS and accelerometers!
Good *god* I hope they can be used for more than just the internal software.
Could you imagine using it as a Bluetooth wii-mote style controller for your PC using the accelerometers?
Coolness. Better than legs.
Jim.
July 12th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Sean,
When will this phone be released? My upgrade date is this Sunday but thinking I might wait for this if it is not too far away! Thanks
Christian
July 15th, 2008 at 3:07 am
Considering I have a 2 year old 550i and constantly amaze my friends with the shots I take with the 1.3 that’s in it I believe I have just found my new phone.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:28 am
when it will be launch here in the Philippines???
I can’t wait to have one!
August 9th, 2008 at 1:12 am
I WANT IT!!
August 12th, 2008 at 10:06 am
yes it all looks great ,but when is the release date?
August 19th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
my contract was up this month but i am def waiting for this phone and have been since the info about it was ‘leaked’. it would be great if they could give us an exact date that this will come on to the market - at least then we will know when to expect it. keep asking vodafone but they are not very helpful to say the least and it looks like i will be better actually ending my contract with them and taking up a new offer with either vodafone or another company - vodafone wanted 65 pounds for the c902 if i stayed with them an upgraded but on a new contract with them it was free with three months half price and a free bluetooth headset! new contracts def seem to be where the best deals are.
August 21st, 2008 at 6:01 pm
October 7th 2008 is the release date for this phone.
September 14th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
This Sony Ericsson C905 is due 7th October according to o2. Cant wait for this BAD BOY!!! xx
September 30th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
wow what a phone how iwish to have this phone,but im going to plan to buy that maybe on dec
October 1st, 2008 at 7:59 pm
IM ORDERING THE C905 BEACSUE MY CONTRACT HAS FINISHED I HAVE PRE ORDERED IT
I CANT WAIT I HAVE HEARD THAT IT WILL RELEASE ON THE 7TH OF OCTOBER IS IT TRUE
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:28 am
I’m not impressed by the sample photos attached to this review. Look at the details in the background - they are blurry and, although edges are sharp, a lot of details are missing. It’s quite obvious sharpening is done by software, not proper lenses. And colours are completely wrong. I’ve seen sample photos from Samsung INNOV8 and they are much, much better.
October 6th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
IT ISNT THE UK’S FIRST BECAUSE THE I8510 - INNOV8 IS EUROPES INCLUDIN UK’S FIRST 8 MP SO SHHHHHHHHHHHHH UT YOUR MAT
October 7th, 2008 at 8:11 am
Whilst you’re correct about the i8510 being released first, this post was written FOUR months ago, and the i8510 hadn’t been announced, then, so we didn’t know it was going to be released first, or that it even existed at all.
So I win.
October 9th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
O2 are releasing the C905 on the 20th October.
October 10th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Yup, that’s the info we’ve just been given, too, so put that date in your diary, folks.
And thanks for letting us know, unliketiger.
October 10th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
does anyone know how much this is ?
October 10th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
It is a dirty phone do not buy it man lol
I’m waiting for it as well i do not know when is it going to come in my hands.
One sugession for the people who want to buy or renew their contract just buy a sim only contract and when this phone come out finish that contract and upgrade it with this phone.
October 13th, 2008 at 9:35 am
sheeraz - So, basically, you’re telling everyone it’s rubbish so they don’t buy it, and you get first dibs? That’s sneaky and underhanded, and an utterly BRILLIANT idea! Keep it up, chap, I like it!
As for Tiff and everyone else who’s asked when it will officially be available and how much it will be… Check the site later today, it should be live with deals later on, for your to buy!
October 31st, 2008 at 6:58 pm
this was not th first 8 meg camera as we at 3 recieved the LG Renoir on the 26th and this on the 31st lol the page has already lied but still an amazing phone
November 1st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
lol…guys u are well funny!
I really want this phone… Its 8.0 MP!
November 2nd, 2008 at 11:53 am
Hi there is this your new sony ericsson with GPS sat nav, if so could you send me a run down of evreything it is capable of please.
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:40 am
Friskey1232:
Ok, granted, you’re right, but it was the first to be announced, we didn’t know they wouldn’t RELEASE it first. I’ve stuck a note at the top of this post, to save any further confusion.
wally:
Get yourself one, dude, you won’t regret it, from what I’ve seen of it. They’re available now!
David:
Find out more information here - http://www.mobileshop.com/mobile-phones/sony-ericsson-c905-black.php
November 9th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
wowwwwwwwwwww
November 11th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
This phone is the best I have ever had…I have the Sony Ericsson cybershot digicam too…but for some reason the camera on the phone is actually better! I would give this phone a 10/10. Everything about it is great…not yet found anything I don’t like about it. Would recommend to anyone.
November 16th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Heya i really want this phone but does it come in different colours ?
November 17th, 2008 at 10:25 am
It certainly does, Jade, at the minute it’s available in black, bronze, gold and silver.