LG G7 Camera Review: AI with an IQ

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. LG V30 Camera Quality
3. LG G7 Camera Improvements
4. Dual Cameras on the LG G7
5. Wide-Angle Lens Performance
6. Low Light Photography
7. Portrait Mode
8. Software Features and Modes
9. Camera Speed and Performance
10. Comparison with Other Phones

LG G7: An In-depth Review of Its Camera Improvements

The LG V30 had impressed users with its camera quality, but LG aims to take it a step further with its latest phone, the LG G7. In this article, we will Delve into the camera enhancements on the LG G7 and compare them to its predecessor, the V30. We will discuss the improvements in Detail, including the new dual-camera setup, wide-angle lens performance, low-light photography capabilities, portrait mode, software features, and modes. We will also explore the camera speed and performance on the G7 and compare it to other smartphones in the market.

LG V30 Camera Quality

The LG V30 boasted an impressive camera, with its 16-megapixel Sony IMX 351 sensor powering the main camera. The LG G7 takes a similar approach, using the same sensor for its rear cameras. However, there are differences in the lenses. The main sensor has an f-stop 1.6 lens with a 71-degree angle, while the secondary sensor has an f-stop 1.9 lens with a 107-degree angle. This means that the G7's wide-angle shots are not as wide as those achieved by the V30, but they still offer a wider perspective than most cameras. The G7's sensors also support pixel binning, which combines pixels to capture more light in low-light situations.

Despite the increase in resolution on the secondary sensor, the G7's wide-angle camera falls slightly short in terms of image quality compared to the V30. Shots from the V30 are sharper, more detailed, and generally have better exposure and colors. However, the G7's wide-angle lens shines in low-light conditions, thanks to the pixel binning feature. The G7's wide-angle camera also benefits from the new low-light mode, which significantly improves performance in darker environments.

LG G7 Camera Improvements

The LG G7 introduces several camera improvements over its predecessor. One of the noteworthy additions is the portrait mode, a feature that was missing from previous LG phones. The portrait mode on the G7 does an excellent job of separating the foreground from the background and creating a natural-looking blur. While the mode produces stunning shots, it can occasionally result in some odd blurring or strange effects. Overall, the portrait mode on the G7 is a valuable addition, but it may not always produce consistent results.

LG has also focused on software design and functionality on the G7. The camera app features a dedicated Record and shutter button, allowing users to Instantly switch between photo and video modes. Quick zooming is also possible with a single HAND, making it easier to capture those spontaneous moments. The camera app includes various modes, although LG has omitted some modes that were available on the V30. However, the G7 compensates by offering manual photo and video options, as well as the Graphy inclusion, which provides quick access to presets that enhance photos.

Google Lens integration is another notable feature on the G7. The AI-powered camera can recognize various scenes such as pets, sunsets, landscapes, and cityscapes. The AI camera automatically switches to the appropriate mode for each scene, enhancing the colors and contrast. Additionally, Google Lens allows users to visually search and identify objects within the camera app, although its functionality is still being developed.

Dual Cameras on the LG G7

The LG G7 incorporates dual cameras, a setup that has become popular among smartphone manufacturers. However, there is a drawback on the G7 compared to previous LG phones. Unlike the V30, users cannot switch between the cameras while recording a video. This limitation takes away a valuable feature, as the wide-angle lens on the V30 offered a unique perspective and allowed for creative shots without interrupting video recording. LG's decision to remove this functionality is a step backward and reduces the overall usefulness of the wide-angle lens.

Wide-Angle Lens Performance

Despite the limitation Mentioned above, the wide-angle lens on the LG G7 still has its merits. The narrower angle compared to the V30's wide-angle lens might be a result of technical constraints or to maintain compatibility with portrait mode. While it may diminish the impact of wide-angle shots, it still provides a wider perspective than most smartphone cameras. The G7's wide-angle lens also benefits from the improved low-light capabilities, making it useful in darker situations. Overall, the wide-angle lens on the G7 remains a compelling feature, but it falls slightly short compared to its predecessor.

Low Light Photography

Low light photography has been an area where LG phones have excelled in the past, and the LG G7 continues this tradition. The G7's low-light mode produces bright 4-megapixel shots, although they may lack details in certain situations due to the resolution drop. While the G7 showcases better low-light performance than previous LG models, it still doesn't quite match up to the likes of the Huawei P20 Pro or the Sony Xperia XZ2. The G7's shots tend to have higher exposure values, resulting in blown-out highlights and some loss of detail. Nevertheless, the low-light mode does enable users to capture scenes in darkness with better visibility.

Portrait Mode

The LG G7 introduces portrait mode, a feature that was notably absent in previous LG phones. The G7's portrait mode does an excellent job of separating the subject from the background and creating a pleasing blur effect. However, there are instances where the mode may produce strange blurring or inconsistent results. While the portrait mode on the G7 has its high points, it lacks the consistency and reliability found in other smartphones. Nevertheless, it is a positive addition to the camera features on the G7 and offers users another option for capturing stunning portraits.

Software Features and Modes

LG has put effort into designing a user-friendly camera app for the G7. The app features a dedicated record and shutter button, allowing for quick switching between photo and video modes. LG has also incorporated various software features and modes, such as graphy inclusion, which provides access to presets that enhance photos. Additionally, Google Lens integration allows for automatic scene recognition and visual searching within the camera app. While the software features on the G7 are commendable, LG has omitted some modes from the V30, which might disappoint users who enjoyed the full range of options on previous LG phones.

Camera Speed and Performance

The LG G7's camera speed and performance are not without flaws. There is a noticeable pause between pressing the shutter button and capturing the image, which could potentially cause missed shots in fast-paced situations. Additionally, the focus speed on the G7 is mainly reliant on laser autofocus, which can be erratic and slow at times. These issues may affect the overall user experience and could have been improved to match the competition. Comparing the G7 to the V30 reveals a difference in camera processing, which seems to have regressed slightly on the G7. Some shots appear overexposed, resulting in blown-out highlights and loss of detail. Despite these setbacks, the main sensor on the G7 still delivers decent image quality, with the low-light mode being a highlight.

Comparison with Other Phones

When comparing the LG G7 to other smartphones in terms of camera performance, it falls slightly short of the competition. The low-light capabilities, although improved from previous LG models, do not match the results produced by phones like the Huawei P20 Pro or the Sony Xperia XZ2. The G7's wide-angle lens and portrait mode offer unique features, but their performance may not consistently match the quality found in other smartphones. Overall, the G7's camera may not be the best choice for photography enthusiasts seeking the highest level of image quality and versatility.

In conclusion, the LG G7 introduces some notable camera improvements over its predecessor, the V30. However, it falls slightly short in certain areas, such as image processing and low-light performance. The wide-angle lens and portrait mode provide an added level of creativity, but their results may not always be consistent. Nevertheless, the LG G7 offers a solid camera experience with its advanced software features and user-friendly design. It is a reliable choice for casual photography needs, although it may not satisfy users with more demanding photography requirements.