Review: Sony Ericsson TM506
Camera
The TM506's camera software is the same that we've seen on other Sony Ericsson models. I dislike that the camera button and the app switcher button are one in the same. This means it takes two presses to launch it, which takes extra time. It takes about 3 seconds from the time you push the button until you get the camera up and running.
Along the top of the viewfinder screen is a little status bar. It shows you what mode you're shooting in (still or video), what zoom level you're at, what brightness level you're at, and how many pictures you have left at the current resolution.
With the camera set to its maximum 2 megapixels, you can't zoom in and out. Using the settings menu, you can dial it down to 1 megapixel, or VGA quality. Either of these lets you zoom in a bit with the up and down buttons on the D-pad. The volume toggle on the right side of the phone controls the exposure settings.
It takes about 2.0 seconds to take the picture, save it, and bring up the review screen.
Gallery
The gallery app is found as part of the camera's options menu, or through the Media folder in the main menu. Opening it from either location shows you one image at a time. Using the D-pad, you can scroll through your library sideways. There is a nice animation that sweeps pictures off the screen and brings up the next one.
The gallery app works really fast. There is no delay or waiting while you move the selector around and choose photos. When viewing the pictures, the D-pad takes on new functions. Pressing up on the D-pad will automatically initiate a new message, or ask if you want to add the picture to an online album or send it via Bluetooth. Pressing down on the D-pad lets you add and remove stars to photos, marking them as your Favorites.
Video Tour: Sony Ericsson TM506
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Sony Ericsson TM506
