Tested: Sony Xperia Z1 camera performance compared after software update

UPDATE: We’ve pitted the Xperia Z1 against the Lumia 1020 and Galaxy Note 3 in another camera shootout. Find out how does it compare after the new software update here.

The 20.7MP shooting Sony Xperia Z1 has just gotten an update which brings the firmware version up to 14.1.G.2.257. Camera performance is expected to receive a boost which is very much needed to close the gap with its competition.

So we’ve finally updated ours through the desktop PC Companion software and we’ve compared some shots taken before and update the software update. However do note that there’s some slight lighting variations as there’s a 30 minute difference between the 2 shots taken. On some shots, it does appear that the Xperia Z1 is able to capture more details but at some shots, the difference is barely noticeable. Comparing the 2, it does look less smudgy especially with low light shots.

Overall, we believe there’s still room for improvement on the Xperia Z1 and now they have another direct challenger in the form of the Lumia 1520 which also comes with a 20.7MP camera but with a smaller 1/2.5″ sensor. Watch this space as we will conduct another round of camera shootout against the Nokia Lumia 1020 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3.

For Xperia Z1 owners out there, do you face significant quality improvements? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and it would be great if you can share some sample shots as well.

Head after the break for sample comparison of the Xperia Z1.

Sample #1

Sample #2

Sample #3