Video: Nokia launches N86 8MP with high-end camera features

Nokia N86 8MP

Nokia N86 8MP

Nokia N86 8MP

Today at a small, private event at the 2009 Mobile World Congress, Nokia introduced its new top of the line camera phone, the Nseries N86 8MP. As the name implies, the N86 8MP features an 8 megapixel camera, but it also sports a number of other camera related features that help the imaging cause. For starters, the device has a variable aperture, f/2.4 to f/4.8, for solid performance in low and bright light alike, and the camera features a mechanical shutter that is capable of shutter speeds as fast as 1/1000th second. A strong, dual LED flash (3rd generation, 60% brighter) and a wide angle Carl Zeiss lens complete the package.

The N86 8MP itself runs Nokia's S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 user interface running on top of the Symbian OS. The body of the N86 8MP features a hardened glass front that is scratch resistant, and has metal accents to complete the look. Behind the glass front is a brilliant 16 million color, QVGA resolution OLED display. Internally, the N86 8MP has an impressive 8GB of internal storage space tat can be used for photos, videos, and other media types like music.

A built-in a-GPS module and an electronic compass add a bit of navigational functionality to the N86 8MP. It can be used for mapping and navigation tasks, with a new 3D landmark map mode view, and can also be used for geotagging photos as they are taken. Photos can be uploaded with one click to Nokia's Ovi portal or to Flickr. Mobile gaming is supported on the N86 8MP, with full N-gage support. Like many other Nseries devices, this one also has the ability to output to a television set, which will be a nice way to view the VGA resolution, 30 frame per second video that the device records. A new panorama mode is available in the camera, which was made possible, we are told, by Nokia's acquisition of Bitside.

There will be two versions of the N86 8MP available, each with a different configuration of tri-band UMTS/HSDPA 3G support. One is configured for North American networks (850/1900/2100MHz), the other for the rest of the world (900/1900/2100MHz). Both versions support quad-band GSM/EDGE. Battery life is estimated to be 3.9/6.3 hours of UMTS/GSM talk or 275/315 hours of standby time. The N86 8MP is expected to be available in Q2 of this year for roughly 375 EUR before any taxes or subsidies.

You'll find a live video below and more photos on the next page.