XperiaZ3 in Thailand

I recently did a week long trip in Thailand and my cell phone was XperiaZ3. It was my first real trip out with Z3 even though I had it in my clutches for about 2 weeks now. And the real test of a cell phone is when you travel with it. I have to say I am pretty happy with the results I got. I am also extremely happy with the battery life it provides. It never even once threatened to die on me mid way through the day.

The Speed Boat Rides

I did 4 speed boat rides on this vacation. Right at the trip number one I realized that sitting on the open deck was a good idea for seeing with your own eyes, but not so much for seeing through the camera! There would be a tearing wind on the deck as soon as the boat started gathering speed. A good cell phone camera like XperiaZ3 is more manageable in such conditions.

I also went kayaking at Hong Island. Now I would not even dream of taking my SLR on a kayak. As XperaZ3 is waterproof (under certain conditions, do check it out) I easily took it on a kayak. The gentle splashing it got, the camera took it quite easily in its stride.

Night Markets

XperiaZ3 gave me decent results in low light conditions. I took this photo at the Pak Khlong Talat, the Bangkok’s biggest flower market. I was delighted with the results I got.

Clicking People

I have said this often on my blog, I am quite timid when it comes to clicking pictures of strangers. I have realized that people care less if you point a cell phone at them rather than a SLR. This is just a personal observation but that is how it works with me.

I was going closer and closer armed with my XperiaZ3 to where the kids playing but they didn’t pay me any attention.

Getting Your Picture Clicked

Just hand over your cell phone and get the picture clicked, it is that easy. Now hand over your SLR to a stranger and a complicated discussion can follow.

Not will cell phones, not when I gave people my XperiaZ3. You may ask, why give your phone and not take a selfie? Well if I took a selfie how would I show the beautiful beach behind me?

Clicking Food
Most of the times the kind of people I travel with, there will be 5 SLRs pointed at the food as soon as it makes a contact with the table. But there are times when people give you secret (at least they think it is secret) nasty looks while you fuss about clicking the best possible food picture, you see there are others who just want to eat their food even in this day and age!

A camera like XperiaZ3 comes in handy at such occasions, you still get a great food picture and other get to eat their food before they start shooting secretive nasty glances at you!

When you are Tired
There are days when you know you are staring at a great photo opportunity and yet your feet and mind refuse to cooperate with each-other. I do get truly tired on some days.

A good cell phone camera saves the situation. You need not change the lens, lug around the SLR which mysteriously starts weighing more right at that moment! Just pick your phone and shoot.

When you want a Low Angle Shot
While I was looking at this blazing sunset, I was challenged for a foreground element. There was a boat but then I had clicked a gazillion pictures of it already. I do not mind getting dirty, getting on my knees to get a good picture.

But I was wearing a dress that I didn’t wish to spoil. So I decided to take the shot by putting my cell phone closer to the ground. It is easier to manipulate and with new improved cameras like Z3 you are assured of a good shot too!

A while ago if someone would have asked me about cell phone cameras I would have been quite dismissive about it as the quality of the pictures used to be not good. That is changing for sure. With my XperiaZ3, I have taken a wide variety of cell phone shots which I would not have even considered clicking with a cell phone earlier!