Smartphones have completely replaced point-and-shoot cameras. In fact, some of the premium devices, with their multi-camera setup, are more versatile than high-end mirrorless cameras, and devices like the Oppo Find X8 Pro (review) are a testament to the same.
Smartphone photography is no longer limited to capturing images and videos, it is also about how you make them better using various tools. This includes dedicated camera modes and image-editing capabilities. Now with the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the question is also how one uses AI to improve the quality of post processing images.
The Oppo Find X8 Pro, which has been my primary smartphone for over a month, has cleverly implemented AI across the smartphone, especially to make photography better. Here are five AI-powered photography-related features that give it an edge over its contemporaries.
AI Zoom That Works
The same scene was captured at different zoom levels. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
While many smartphones boast up to 120x hybrid or digital zoom, the Oppo Find X8 Pro stands out by leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance image quality at higher zoom levels. Between 10x and 20x zoom, the AI algorithm improves image resolution for clearer visuals. From 20x to 60x zoom, the device employs a generative adversarial network (GAN) to maintain true colours, textures, and sharpness. At 60x to 120x zoom, the phone uses an AI model to reconstruct the image pixel-by-pixel, ensuring remarkable clarity and detail.
For users who prefer unaltered images, the AI zoom feature can be easily turned off.
Smart Scenes
Smart scenes automatically optimise the camera settings as per the lighting. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
The Oppo Find X8 Pro also excels in adapting to different lighting conditions with its “Smart Scene” feature. This function automatically detects the scene and switches to modes like stage, silhouette, or fireworks to capture optimal details and colors without requiring manual adjustments. All you need to do is point the camera and shoot. This feature works seamlessly for both photography and videography, making it versatile for all content creation needs.
AI Clarity Enhancer
This feature adds details to a low-resolution image. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
Blurred photos are no longer a problem with the Oppo Find X8 Pro’s AI Clarity Enhancer. This feature sharpens images by enhancing their resolution and works not just on photos taken with the Find X8 Pro but also on older photos from other devices. It’s particularly effective for restoring details in low-resolution images, such as those stored in Google Photos. While the results are impressive, especially for older pictures, zooming in may reveal a slight watercolour-like effect.
AI Eraser
Removes unwated subjects from the image. (Image credit: Vivek Umashankar/The Indian Express)
Removing unwanted elements from photos is now a breeze with the AI Eraser. Whether it’s a person or an object, this tool automatically regenerates the background, ensuring a natural and seamless appearance. While highly effective, the success of this feature can vary depending on the complexity of the image. For those without the Oppo Find X8 Pro, similar capabilities are available in apps like Google Photos.
AI Reflection Remover
Another notable feature is the AI Reflection Remover, which reduces reflections in photos. While it performs well in most cases, achieving a cleaner image, the results are not always flawless. Although it doesn’t completely eliminate all reflections, it significantly improves the photo’s quality in many scenarios.
The Oppo Find X8 Pro demonstrates how AI integration can transform smartphone photography, offering advanced tools to cater to a wide range of creative needs.
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