We know that the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone captures impressive night photos. The optically stabilized camera with BSI sensor sheds light on some of the darkest scenes.
But how does it compare with a stand alone digital camera? Windows Phone Central Reader, Keng Chang, took the issue to task and compared his Canon 1DX DSLR to the Lumia 920. The results aren't all that surprising but does speak highly of the Lumia 920's low light performance.
Keng's set up was to mount the DSLR on a tripod and take a series of photos at various ISO levels with both the DSLR and Lumia 920. While the DSLR was supported by a tripod, the 920 images were taken handheld, using the tripod as support. First the Canon 1DX image.
And now the Lumia 920 image.
Taking a look at the settings for the brightest of shots, the Canon 1DX image was shot at f2.8 with a shutter speed of two seconds at ISO 800. The Lumia 920 on the other hand was shot at f2.0 at a shutter speed of one second at ISO 800.
The one second difference represents the one stop difference in the aperture settings of the two lenses. While the 1DX clearly sheds more light on the subject the 920 doesn't do a bad job of things. Keep in mind that the Canon 1DX has a full-frame sensor that is vastly larger than the 1/3" sensor of the Lumia 920.
Here's the full comparison captured by Keng using both Night and Auto Modes on the Lumia 920.
While the Lumia 920 is impressive in its own rights with optical stabilization, the DSLR gives you far more controls over the shot, has a better auto focus system, and overall has more horsepower. Even though these two cameras are in separate leagues, the Lumia 920 does a respectable job of things.
Big thanks goes out to Keng Cheng for the photos!
