Testing the LG Spectrum's 8-megapixel camera (photos)
The LG Spectrum boasts an 8-megapixel camera, and its photos look great on the smartphone's 4.5-inch 720p HD display. Let's see how it did in our hands.
Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica is a passionate content strategist and team leader across the CNET family of brands. She leads a number of teams, including commerce, performance optimization and the copy desk. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on the iPhone and Samsung devices. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds.
Jessica began her leadership role managing CNET's How To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones to home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick in the UK.
Like many other juiced-up smartphones these days, the LG Spectrum packs an 8-megapixel camera. Photos usually look great on a 4.5-inch HD display like the Spectrum's, but how about when you blow them up on the computer screen or TV? The following photos were taken with the phone's automatic settings. They've been resized, but are otherwise untouched.
Flowers outside CNET, taken in even morning light, are vibrant and crisp.
2 of 7Jessica Dolcourt/CNET
A little dark
Bright colors look best in this outdoor shot, taken from afar; note that the person looks pretty sharp.
3 of 7Jessica Dolcourt/CNET
Not playing around
I often shoot these toys, an indoor, artificially lit scene that trips up most smartphone cams. I placed the focus on the angry red guy. Can you tell?
4 of 7Jessica Dolcourt/CNET
Cube
There's little natural light in this scene. Colors look duller and the focus is less crisp. The flash didn't go off, though the camera was set to autoflash mode.
5 of 7Jessica Dolcourt/CNET
Backlit fail
I knew I was taking a chance with this iffy shot of the lovely Katy. The flash didn't engage, and Katy looks dark and grainy. I hoped the Spectrum would pull out of it better than that.
6 of 7Jessica Dolcourt/CNET
I feel this way too
No wonder CNET Download.com editor Jaymar Cabebe is upset. He's washed out and blurry after the second attempt to capture him on the Spectrum. No flash, but there was pretty good indirect light streaming from nearby windows.
7 of 7James Martin/CNET
Studio scene
The Spectrum did a nice job with this controlled, completely indoor studio scene that's become a standard shot in these CNET reviews. For more details, read up on the LG Spectrum here.
