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LG has launched its V30 flagship phone at IFA in Berlin and like its predecessors in the V-series the V30 puts a lot of emphasis on camera and video features and performance. LG goes as far as to promise a “whole-new video experience”.
Like on most recent LG models, the V30 dual-camera combines a main camera with a 71 degrees angle of view with a secondary 120 degree super-wide angle. On the main camera a Sony IMX 351 1/3.1 sensor is coupled with a very fast F1.6 lens.
One of the six lens elements is made from glass rather than plastic which, according to LG, results in a 4% increase in light transmission and consequently better low light performance. The company also claims an increase in dynamic range which is mainly achieved in the shadow areas.
The super-wide-angle comes with a smaller Samsung sensor that features a 13MP resolution and 1.0um pixel size. There is an F1.9 aperture but no OIS which is easier to live without on a super-wide-angle.
Manual mode offers a full range of manual controls including shutter speeds up to 30 seconds but it is its video mode features where the V30 really stands apart. There is manual control over video shutter speed and sound recording levels among many other parameters.
You can also choose from 15 new Cine Effect color presets that are based on film genres, such as ‘romantic’ or ‘film noir’ to give your footage a certain look and the Point Zoom mode allows for stable zooming into a target in the frame rather than the center. The feature also comes with controllable zoom speed and looked quite impressive in a demo we were given at a launch event at IFA. In addition LG says color grading based on LG Cine-Log results in expanded dynamic range and a wider color gamut.
Sound recording is performed by two high-preformance mics that offer 24-bit high-definition audio with a high dynamic range and very little distortion. According to the LG engineers LG says this results in much improved sound recording in very loud environments.
Images and videos can be viewed on a 6″ QHD+ OLED FullVision display with a 18:9 aspect ratio that occupies almost the entire front of the device. HDR10 is supported as well. With the Snapdragon 835 the V30 offers Qualcomm’s latest top-end chipset and all components are wrapped up in Gorilla Glass 5-covered metal body that is sealed against dust and water.
We have our hands on a test unit and it’s fair to say the V30 comes with a very attractive industrial design and reassuring build quality. Despite its 6″ display the overall dimensions feel surprisingly compact, thanks to the FullVision design. We are planning to get our full review started as soon as possible.
Key specifications:
- Dual-camera with 70 degree main camera and 120 degree super wide angle
- Main camera: 16MP 1/3.1″ Sony IMX351 CMOS sensor, F1.6 aperture, OIS
- Super-wide-angle: 13MP Samsung sensor with 1.0um pixel size, F1.9 aperture
- 4K video
- 5MP F2.2 front camera
- 6″ QHD+ OLED FullVision display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset
- 64/128GB storage, 4GB RAM
- microSD card slot
- 3,300mAh battery with quick charging
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)