The introduction of the Vivo X100 Ultra makes it one of today's most powerful devices among flagship smartphones. It is equipped with many advanced innovations that include a camera system with exceptional performance. At the same time making it an attractive choice for modern users who want superior image quality. Having the opportunity to participate in a visit to the Vivo headquarters located in Shenzhen China on July 15 -18, 2024 provided an interesting experience. It wasn't just a tour, we were given the opportunity to try out this powerful device for a short period of time. But it has to be said that this article is more focused on the capabilities of the device's camera system which is also included with several pieces of photo results. You should also know that this device is not officially offered in Malaysia.
200MP ISOCELL HP9 Sensor Developed Together with Samsung
One of the most prominent features of the device is the advanced camera system. The 1″ 50MP Sony LYT-900 main camera is used with a matching 1/1.4″ 200MP ISOCELL HP9 (telephoto) and 50MP Sony LYT-600 (ultra-wide) sensors. Vivo developed this 200MP telephoto sensor in collaboration with Samsung making it the largest ever used on a smartphone. It also offers an aperture of f/2.67 and an equivalent focal length of 85mm. It also has a 3.7X optical zoom capability with a 20% increase in light sensitivity and a telephoto macro mode that can zoom up to 20X.
Complementing this is the SLR's CIPA 4.5 level image stabilization which means the camera has passed the CIPA level 4.5 test standard. In theory it allows you to shoot subjects with a shutter speed 22.6 million times slower without imei co-stabilization is good enough. However, it still depends on the current situation and the stability of the user's hand. Various other factors such as lens focal length and subject motion can also affect the actual performance of image stabilization.
There's also a ZEISS T* coating that helps minimize reflections and improves light reception in the main camera for maximum clarity. Especially when used for night photography. Then the Vivo X100 Ultra also became one of the first devices equipped with the BlueImage algorithm developed by Vivo itself. It is said to be able to solve issues that usually occur in photography such as overexposure and the failure of detail to be well maintained in low light.
Apart from that the device is also powered by the latest Vivo V3+ ISP which allows the device's camera to record 4K portrait videos with built-in post-production (also known as post-production) editing functions. In addition to also supporting video recording with Dolby Vision features.
Macro Telephoto Gives a Different Approach
The Vivo X100 Ultra is also equipped with a ZEISS APO Floating Telephoto camera sensor that allows photos to be taken well at different focal lengths. This feature is called Super Macro and is available in the camera app directly. In our brief trial we found the camera would immediately shift to the 3.7mm focal length and begin to identify the subject's focal point.
It then takes a few seconds to produce the final image and the quality is satisfactory. Subjects can also be taken at a very close distance between 12-20cm without losing significant detail. The only issue is that the camera sometimes seems to fail to detect the correct focus point. As an option there is also the ability to shoot in manual focus mode if the user wants to change the bokeh effect according to their own preferences.
Combined Technology From ZEISS
The situation improved when the device's camera system was also developed in collaboration with ZEISS for professional-grade image quality. Through it Vivo has offered the ultimate portrait experience through high-quality photos that are more real and sharp. However, it is not the first time that ZEISS has been involved in this collaboration, in fact it has been offered since the X60 series.
A total of five focal lengths are offered on the device's camera, namely 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 100mm. Followed by up to seven ZEISS bokeh effects to choose from, consisting of Biotar, B-speed, Sonnar, Plannar, Distagon, Cine-flare and Cinematic. Complementing it is also a bokeh effect control that can be adjusted according to the user's own preferences. As an option, users can also choose a bokeh effect with a focal length that has been adjusted directly through the Portrait Lens Kit feature.
In addition, there are also AI-based features available such as AI Visual with the ability to change the background of the subject into an atmosphere in four different seasons which include Winter and Spring. The built-in Beauty Mode can also be used with various editing options such as whitening the skin, shrinking the nose, changing skin tone and so on.
Vivo also gives flexibility to users to adjust the color profile according to their preferences. For example, like Vivid which can increase the contrast in colors to be brighter. Next, Textured can also increase image contrast with an interesting vintage effect. Finally, ZEISS is also seen to be able to adjust the color, contrast, shade and brightness to make the picture look natural.
It also has AI capabilities on the camera side thus allowing users to edit images in various ways. However, it should also be noted that all the editing features provided require an internet connection to access them. Also attracting attention is when the image can also be improved using the built-in AI and Vibrant Bright Mode features.
8K recording + Cinematic Portrait Mode
Next, the device can also record a maximum of 8K/30FPS video using the rear camera. 4K videos that support 30/60/120FPS can also be made with a choice of zoom capabilities between 0.6X (14mm), 1X (23mm), 2X (45mm), 3.7X (85mm) and 10X (230mm). The camera system also supports recording with Dolby Vision features that can make the video results have bright color contrast and better detail. There is also a Cinematic Portrait Video function that makes the video look more attractive with a creative touch.
Special Functions On Device Camera
There are also other special functions available that are not only believed to be able to improve the photography experience to be more fun. It even contributes to achieving a balance between quality image processing and optimizing it to be more visually appealing. The following are the functions provided:
Snapshot Mode – This feature uses a combination of motion detection and fast autofocus algorithms while allowing the camera to lock on to fast-moving subjects and take a well-timed shot.
3D Photography – To create 3D-based photos and videos that can be enjoyed on compatible devices such as smart glasses for example.
Underwater Photography – Suitable for water activities such as diving or boating to explore the beauty of the island for example. A special waterproof phone case is needed to protect the device from water. Can be used with water depth up to 40 meters.
Stage Mode – Designed specifically to enhance the experience of a concert or other entertainment event with optimized audio quality, exposure, focus and recording along with up to 30X zoom capability.
Humanistic Street Photography Mode – Works like Pro Mode for SLR-like controls but more retro. It reintegrates the interactive camera application interface to provide a more efficient and professional landscape image shooting experience. It provides up to four unique color profiles that can capture images in a more interesting way.