Panorama mode in Nokia E72

I was tinkering with my Nokia E72 camera settings when I came across one function that I didn’t know existed in the E72: the panorama mode. I’ve been with the E72 for nearly a year and took lots of photographs with it, and it is amazing how can I miss the panorama mode in it?

Row of office lot at Taman Mas, Puchong

Once discovered, it’s time to test the function.

It’s relatively easy to use the panorama mode. Even a child can do it. Bravo to Nokia for making it so easy to use. You will have to change the standard camera mode to panorama, then take the first photo. Then move your E72 either to left and right (up to you) while keeping a steady hand and not to deviate away too much from the original frame.

A red frame will follow your movement and when the next suitable photo is within range, the camera will automatically take the picture. Wait until it saves the photo onto the memory card (or phone memory, depending on your choice), then repeat the same motion again. The best option is to take a maximum of 4 frames in order to get a suitable viewing size.

The end result might not be perfect, but hey, it’s not bad considering the stitching of several photos into one is done onboard the E72. Maybe with a bit of practice, the photo will turned out better looking.

My recommendation is to capture only 3 frames and stitch is up. Better for the eyes to see.

Getting into the Nokia X5

While waiting for my iPhone 4 (or iPhone 5?) that take ages to arrive, I have the pleasure to play around with a new phone. The phone is a slider called the Nokia X5. Please read on.

Nokia X5 - slider off

The first time I saw this phone, I was dumbstruck. How can a cellphone be so small, and yet packed full of features? And how am I gonna make calls if I can’t actually hold it properly. There’s one way to find out. Let’s have it around for a few days. I’m not gonna do a full review, as I’m just informing about my experience with the X5. If you wanna know more about the X5, here is the link.

Nokia X5 - slider on

To make a long story short, the X5 is the same like any other Nokia phones, except for its weird dimension. When you hold it in your hand, the phone looks too small to be a phone, and even with the slider down, the phone is still looks small. But that’s the beauty of this phone: the size. It’s pocketable, it’s petite and best of all, it’s portable (if you disregard the weight).

Battery is replaceable and easy to pry open

Despite the miniaturisation, Nokia still managed to crammed in a full-sized battery which is good for about 2 days (with WIFI, mobile internet and bluetooth on). The battery is replaceable and can be easily opened from the back, which incidentally housed the sim card too.

This is the position for normal phone usage...

Something is quite odd for this phone. Is it the petite size? Is it the small screen or is it the lack of grip to hold the phone? Well, there are numerous times that I nearly dropped the phone either on the pavements, toilet (don’t ask), car or at the mamak’s stall. Maybe it’s too small for my big hands? I guess it is.

Size comparison between the X5 and my current phone, the E72

Pros: The price is right for a smartphone (RRP: RM650); available in three ‘in ya face!’ colors; portable; full of functions; e-mail ready; mobile internet ready; petite size; texting junkies gadget; sliding mechanism is solid.

Cons: Camera is fixed focus; might be too small for some people; crammed keypads; screen and fonts too small to have maximum enjoyment; phone’s surface is slippery and lack of proper grip; keys below the screen creaks; not touchscreen.

My rating:  *** (out of five) – There are better phones out there…