Nothing has finally brought the much-wanted periscope zoom to their phones for the first time with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro camera. But how good is it on a mid-range budget device? In this article, you’ll find out if the periscope on the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro is actually good or not.
Introduction
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro has a 50MP periscope camera, featuring a 1/1.95-inch Sony LYTIA 600 sensor with a 70mm equivalent focal length and a f/2.55 aperture. You can take 3x shots at 70mm, and 6x shots at 140mm, which is achieved by an in-sensor crop.
In a price bracket where phones rarely offer a telephoto lens, let alone a periscope lens, Nothing has listened to the people’s demands and implemented the coveted telephoto camera.
Now, I’ll share some images to tell you what I mean.
Review with Images Samples
Let’s start by having a direct comparison between a 70mm and 140mm image. For context, this plant wasn’t very far from me.
Just like subjects in close range, the periscope can capture subjects like birds particularly well. Even beyond 140mm, the periscope does well, as it enhances the image quality with AI.
To understand how good it can zoom, let’s consider this scenario. The first two images are unedited, with only LUTs (Stands for Look Up Table. It’s a tool used for color grading, acting as a preset filter or a mathematical formula that transforms color values to achieve a desired look) being used.
The second set of images illustrates the zooming capabilities better. See for yourself how well the periscope could zoom.
Now, let’s zoom even further. The first image shows the actual distance, and the fourth image shows how far it can zoom. And the 407mm shot is decently usable!
Now, this is the farthest I have zoomed so far. I think this was 50x or 60x. Two of the shots aren’t very useable in this scenario, but curiosity got the better of me and I clicked these images.
Here’s a comparison between 1x, 2x, 3x and 6x. I.e. 24mm, 50mm, 70mm, 140mm. 70 mm and 140mm look too good for the price.
One thing to note is that you can use LUTs, that is custom colour grading filters, which can be imported in the form of .cube files. Here’s the same picture shot in 3x
Original
Hasselblad Moar Yellow
Leicablad Vibrant Both made by 𝕏 (fka Twitter) user @KorothArjun.
Now, let’s get closer, literally. The periscope lens doubles as a very cool macro lens. This is called telemacro, and there’s a dedicated mode for it. You can either shoot telemacros in 70mm or 140mm. Here are some samples, featuring an aloe vera plant.
Here is another set of macros with an insect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, from these images alone you can understand that for this price, Nothing has offered a phenomenal periscope.
- It performs well in all conditions
- Offers excellent bokeh
- Is very easy to use; point-and-shoot
Some Things to Note
- Telemacros can sometimes shake if their hands are not steady
- Anything zoomed beyond 240mm needs very steady hands
- Moon shots can be taken
- Sometimes, sky shots can go out of focus
- In very rare cases, camera lag is present
Also read: 6 WhatsApp Features You Must Use!
Final Verdict: Nothing Phone 3a Pro Camera
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro’s periscope is good. That’s the answer. For this price, you get great optical zooming, as well as good macro shots.
Let me remind you, no phone is perfect. If this phone matches your requirements, then it is the one for you.
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