Update: Our Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cam test continues with 50 picture samples. Have image demands? Let us understand on Twitter below.
Easily the very best part of evaluating the new Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has been using its 4 electronic cameras, specifically attempting the phones enhanced zoom abilities.
I evaluated Samsungs 5x optical and 50x digital zoom around New York City to see how the cam did on iconic landmarks: the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building to name a couple of.
The Note 20 Ultra zoom is extraordinary in the 50-plus video camera samples I caught. No, its 12MP telephoto cam doesnt have the relatively epic 100x Space Zoom specification of the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 48MP telephoto, however that six-month-old phones 50x to 100x images are rather unusable anyway. I didnt really miss it in my screening.
( Thread) The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra electronic camera zoom is … remarkable. 0.5 x ultrawide/ 1x regular/ 5x optical/ 50x digital Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/jUMeX0yb59August 15, 2020
In reality, Samsung has actually enhanced its telephoto electronic camera in the Note 20 in other ways: it has an aperture of f/3 (wider than the f/3.5 on the S20 Ultra) to let in more light, and 1 micron-sized pixels (as much as 0.8 microns), making specific pixels larger.
I strolled away with some spectacular 5x optically zoomed-in shots of the Empire State Building, while Samsungs ultrawide camera informed a completely various story of the streets New York Citys world-famous skyscraper.
The Note 20 Ultra cam is versatile. Whether its the very best will be something Ill conserve for the full evaluation. In the meantime, here are more than 50 photo samples, demonstrating how Samsungs cam can go from 0.5 x to 50x and still amaze.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 camera testing breakdown
0.5 x ultrawide: captured more of what remained in front of me
1x regular electronic camera: the primary, normal or routine video camera. Technically called a wide cam however exceptionally confusing to the average phone user, so describe it as regular.
2x zoom: a Samsungs video camera UI predetermined Because this is the optical zoom limit of other phones like the iPhone 11 Pro Max, crucial.
4x zoom: seldom used, however another zoomed-in Samsung cam UI pre-programmed.
5x optical zoom: the devoted telephoto camera
10x zoom: the digital zoom limit of other lots of phone cams, consisting of the iPhone, so youll see this a fair bit.
20x zoom: used periodically to see just how excellent an image can still look before reaching the supreme digital zoom level
50x zoom: the digital zoom limitation of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra video camera: Brooklyn Bridge
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x opitcal zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 20x optical zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x routine video camera
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x routine cam.
How does the very same Statue of Liberty look when further away and when the sun is setting? It in fact produces a remarkable picture at the 5x zoom level and even the 20x zoom level with boats and jet skis in the foreground, while the shape of the torch-holding statue looms in the background.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: One World Trade.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
The Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra has 3 rear video cameras, however seven zoom presents (as discussed above).
Here, I started with the 0.5 x 1x and ultrawide routine large video camera, which record not only the Brooklyn Bridge but the ferries in the area.
Samsungs 5x telephoto optical zoom zeroes in one of the bridges two suspension towers with no noticeable distortion. The 10x hybrid zoom looks really excellent on a Note 20 Ultra 6.9-inch screen all the way up to a 13-inch laptop..
The 10x hybrid zoom isnt marketed like the 5x optical zoom, however I discovered it important to evaluate when we stack this camera against the iPhone 11 Pro Max (and eventually the iPhone 12) cam in our complete evaluation..
The 20x zoom present in the camera UI starts to show the image separating, and the 50x digital zoom punches in on the American flag at atop the towers. Its still a clearer picture than the optimum digital zoom of other mobile phone electronic cameras, and individuals remained amazed when I showed them– even if I would not publish that a person to Instagram.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Statue of Liberty.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x optical zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x routine video camera.
Just how close can you zoom into the Statue of Liberty without the image breaking? The answer is 10x if youre on Governors Island. The 10x image turned out actually well– even much better than the 5x optically zoomed photo (that captured some haze).
The fact that many phone cameras go up to a 10x digital zoom and look horrible, and the Note 20 Ultra appears Instagram usable provides you a sense of what were dealing with here. Keep in mind: I accidentally took this in the 16:9 setting when switching in between modes, so it could potentially be even much better at the default 4:3.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Statue of Liberty at sunset.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 10x telephoto
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 20x zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 20x telephoto
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 4x zoom.
I nearly every one of the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cams zoom presets to catch One World Trade Center– from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Note: One WTC is on the West side of Manhattan, while Brooklyn is to Manhattans East.
Many individuals have actually asked me on Twitter to take photos in not-so-ideal conditions, so this one was done at sunset. Its a terrific example of what you can expect when the lights are dimming (the mortal opponent of video camera phones).
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Goose.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom.
In between traffic signal, I was able to snap 3 from-the-hip photos of a rather empty 1st Avenue in New York City: 0.5 x ultrawide, 1x routine zoom, and 5x telephoto optical zoom. I didnt have time to type to 50x digital zoom prior to traffic began up once again.
Look at the bus to the best side in the 5x optical zoom. Its pulling into the avenue and telling an extremely various story than the 0.5 x and even 1x routine picture. You can hardly see the bus and the individuals in the crosswalk in the first 2 images.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x telephoto
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x regular cam.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 10x zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x telephoto
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 10x optical zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x telephoto.
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This … is a great photo set that shows what the Note 20 Ultra electronic camera is capable of in good lighting conditions.
I didnt want– or have to– get too close to snap an image of a Goose. The 50x capture really turned out pretty good, though I d probably utilize the 5x optical zoom of the Note 20 Ultra for an Instagram image (if I were to post about Geese).
Note 20 Ultra camera: 1st Avenue.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x routine electronic camera.
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Keep in mind 20 Ultra cam: see the Bagel Cafe?
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x regular camera.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x optical zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 10x zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 10x telephoto.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x regular electronic camera.
The Note 20 Ultra zoom is extraordinary in the 50-plus camera samples I caught.( Thread) The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra electronic camera zoom is … excellent. Simply how close can you zoom into the Statue of Liberty without the image breaking? Its the 5x optical zoom that offers the best appearance without breaking up the image. Sure enough, I might check out the name at the Note 20 Ultras 50x digital zoom level.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom (attempt # 2).
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
From Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, I had the ability to catch the lighthouse on the northern pointer of Roosevelt Island. The 5x zoom level is the very best shot– total with a boat focusing front of the lighthouse– followed by the 10x zoom. The 50x zoom is great as a referral picture, while the 0.5 x and 1x zoom levels sidetrack too much being up until now away.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra video camera: moving cable car.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x opitcal zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x telephoto.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x routine video camera.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x routine electronic camera.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
Recording moving subjects, particularly an hour before the sun sets, is difficult, however with a double tap of the power button to introduce Samsungs video camera app, I had the ability to snap quick pictures of jet skiers in the New Yorks East River.
Due to the fact that youre getting so close, it wasnt simple at the 50x zoom level. Luckily, the UI has a zoomed-out viewpoint with crosshairs in the top left corner at the 20x and 50x levels. I had the ability to a good picture, however, once again, likely not one I d use for Instagram. It would have been clearer with more light. The 5x optical zoom, while typically much better, is too far out, so you might find the 50x variation much better to flaunt.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cam: moving kayak– and missing it.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x routine camera.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x opitcal zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x routine electronic camera.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
Beginning with the 0.5 x ultrawide cam, you get an introduction of the New York Citys 1st Avenue from a rooftop. Its a bit too wide in this circumstance, as the roofing uses up most of the bottom of this image. You can see more of the tops of the Upper East Sides surrounding structures, which is nice.
Do you see The Bagel Cafe in either the 0.5 x or 1x image? It starts to come into focus at the 5x optical, 10x and 50x zoom levels. Returning to take a look at the ultrawide photo, its remarkable that we can get so close to the Bagel Cafe signage at the 50x zoom level that we cant get all of that signs into the frame.
Note 20 Ultra: Tug boat in the East River.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom.
Heres one in which the Note 20 Ultra crosshairs didnt assist me get a 50x image. Im sliding along on the cable car to Roosevelt Island, going West to East, and the kayaker is floating down the East River going South..
The ultrawide and routine video cameras didnt end up due to reflections, while the 50x pictures (there are 2 photo samples included) missed their targets. This is where the 5x optical zoom video camera sample served as the Goldilocks of zoom levels.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: remote lighthouse.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 10x zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x optical zoom.
Because I desired to see how clearly I could make out the letters on the hull, I took another four photos of this pull boat cruising up the East River. Sure enough, I could read the name at the Note 20 Ultras 50x digital zoom level. The waves and tires, while a loud, are likewise easily appreciable.
Something to bear in mind: while Im stalling, the topic (a tug boat) is steadily going up the East River.
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra: Empire State Building.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x optical zoom.
The cable car that took me to Roosevelt Island was headed back to Manhattan and I had the ability to snap 2 fast photos: 1x a 5x and no zoom optical zoom.
The 5x optical capture is the keeper. You can construct the name “Roosevelt Island” on the cable car regardless of it moving, and see a bit of the Queensboro Bridge along with a tall structure.
Desire more Note 20 Ultra photos?
Were continuing to evaluate the Note 20 Ultra video camera and taking requests. Simply ask me on Twitter, as we continue to research whether or not this smart device deserves it. When it comes to zoom levels, its shaping up to be the best.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 0.5 x ultrawide.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 1x regular camera.
With the 0.5 x ultrawide cam, I captured the canopy of trees at the leading and green grass at the bottom, with the Manhattan skyline in between. The pull boat ends up being the subject in the 1x picture.
Its the 5x optical zoom that uses the very best look without breaking up the image. If you found the Roosevelt Islands fence rather awful in the first 2 Note 20 Ultra pictures, this zooms past that distraction and focuses in on the boat. At the 50x level, you can completely see the deck of the boat and whats occurring onboard.
Keep in mind 20 Ultra: Tug boat (zooming into the letters).
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x optical zoom.
At Brooklyn Bridge Park, a lot of individuals are waiting for the ferryboat to Manhattan. At the 0.5 x 1x and ultrawide regular zoom levels, you can see the Brooklyn Bridge in the background, but cant precisely construct out the Empire State Building.
The Empire State Building becomes prominent in the 5x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, and 50x digital zoom. With the sun beginning to decrease, the image at this level isnt perfect, but it does inform an extremely different story than the images with all of the individuals waiting in line.
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cam: moving jet ski.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 5x opitcal zoom.
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x digital zoom (effort # 1).
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( Image credit: Future) Note 20 Ultra 50x telephoto.