Nokia: Who Needs A Digital Camera?

By Joseph Palenchar -- TWICE, 11/16/2007

Espoo, Finland – Nokia will add to its N series of multimedia computer phones later this year with the launch of the N82, positioned as the company’s top-of-the-line digital imaging device.

Nokia positions the N82 as a ”very credible alternative for single purpose digital still cameras."

The bar-type phone is already available in Europe for 450 euros, or about $650. U.S. pricing hasn’t been set.

The device features a 5-megapixel camera and Carl Zeiss optics like select other N series models but is unique in the industry with the addition of Xenon flash, dedicated autofocus assist lamp, fast reloading between shots and fast shutter response, a spokesman said. Like the N95, it also delivers DVD-like quality video capture, he added.

The N82 will be available unlocked through Nokia flagship stores, independent wireless retailers, and online, including nokiausa.com and nseries.com.

The quad-band GSM/EDGE device operates in W-CDMA mode in the 2.1GHz band in other countries.

"With the Nokia N82 we have reached such a superior level in image quality, speed and ease of use that not only does it outperform any other cameraphone on the market, but it's also a very credible alternative for single-purpose digital-still cameras," claimed Satu Ehrnrooth, head of Nokia’s N Series camera category.

Other features include assisted-GPS, access to the Nokia’s voice-guided navigation service, included 2GB microSD card, and downloads of N-Gage games from Nokia’s N-Gage site when it goes live later this year.

Two recently announced high-end phones not coming to the United States are the Nokia 8800 Arte and 8800 Sapphire Arte, retailing in Europe for an estimated 1,000 euros and 1,150 euros, respectively, with seamless polished-steel and glass bodies, and a minimalist design, a smooth-slide mechanism incorporating ball bearings and a spring mechanism. An unusual “turn-to-mute" feature lets owners silence ringing by inconspicuously turning over the phone, screen-side down. The Sapphire adds a genuine sapphire gem stone and a soft-leather accent.