Recent tests finds some smart phones that rival cameras in image quality, but don’t match stand-alone devices in many respects

YONKERS, NY — Smart phones are quickly elbowing aside basic point-and-shoot cameras as the device of choice for sharing everyday experiences. In Consumer Reports recent tests of 45 smart phone cameras, the T-Mobile G2x, $250, stood out with very good still images overall and was among the best for video quality.  The report is featured in the August issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org and includes Ratings of stand-alone cameras and camcorders, advice on how to choose and solutions for tough photo problems.

“Consumers may be tempted to shoot just about everything with their smart phone cameras, given their capabilities and convenience,” said Terry Sullivan, associate electronics editor for Consumer Reports.  “However, our tests showed that even the models that produced very good images, can not substitute for the image quality and shooting versatility of a dedicated, stand-alone device.”

The T-Mobile G2x beat all the phones overall at shooting stills, but in many shooting conditions, it couldn’t match the image quality and versatility of a basic point-and-shoot or SLR.  The HTC Thunderbolt (Verizon), $250, came in a close second and offers a large display and tap-to-focus feature for better image control, but lacks a stabilizer control.

Smart phone cameras have come a long way as manufacturers have upgraded many devices’ capabilities by borrowing sensors, other technologies, and software from basic cameras, producing better displays and image quality than in earlier phones and adding features such as auto-focus and face detection.  Users can download apps that allow them to edit photos on the spot.  Some smart phones also boast 8-megapixel photo resolution and 1080p HD-resolution video and some models’ touch screen controls are far more intuitive than the buttons and menus most cameras use.

The full report and Ratings of smart phone cameras is featured in the August issue of Consumer Reports and online at www.ConsumerReports.org.  It also includes buying advice and Ratings of 122 basic and advanced cameras and 46 camcorders and buying; identifies ways to fix seven tough photo problems; compares photos from one event taken by different devices and a review of the Eye-Fi Mobile X2 wireless memory card.

With more than 7 million print and online subscribers, Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union, the world’s largest independent, not-for-profit, product-testing organization. To subscribe, consumers can call 1-800-234-1645 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.