Test: Nokia N86 - today's best cameraphone?

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Successor to the N85, the main changes in the Nokia N86 involve its camera.  It still isn't a big threat to the best digital cameras, but it clearly outclasses its mobile competitors, even those with much bigger sensors.

Despite being outshone by the manufacturer's flagship model, the N97, the N86 still deserves some attention.  Nokia claims that the 8 Megapixel sensor makes this smartphone an excellent cameraphone ... and it lives up to the promises.

> Test: Nokia N86

> Product Survey: Mobiles & Smartphones

Alongside the test, you might want to consider its photographic capabilities yourself.  You can compare it both to other phones, and, more interestingly, to recent digital cameras.  Here are some of our suggestions from the Face-Off:

• N86 vs N97
• N86 vs iPhone 3G S
• N86 vs Nikon S220
• N86 vs Nintendo DSi
• N86 vs Panasonic FS7
• N86 vs Canon EOS 500D

As you can see, on 4 x 6'' prints, the N86 does pretty well, and it even manages photos that look good on A4.  As for portraits in low light levels, though ...