me however, wished they can make the screen size smaller, preferably 4.3 - 4.5 range.  i hate super large phones.  if sony can copy paste everything except the screen size of the Z1 and make it a 4.3 i would definitely get it to be used as a dedicated camera when i go for vacations.

But it seems to be playing in mono only. whats the use of the other speaker?

Yes..tried playing the smurf trailer and original songs frm walkman app...not playing stereo also..

U r correct. In the device test, it can play frm left and right speakers
Just retry the service test..the sound is coming frm the same speaker only even for left and right channel..its not stereo speakers..

Anyone tried sketching (with or without a stylus) on the Z1? Any comments?

Saw a lot of bad review about the QX10...now thinking twice to get it.....

16:9 is not that easier to control the ratio especially snap closed object, if not angle proper, the things will looks a bit like stretch, easier to spot, try snap round plate.

But 16:9 nice in landscaping. and dunno why, after some use, I more like 16:9, maybe I always like this ratio, I also much prefer movies in 16:9.

The 16:9 aspect ratio is just like auto-crop from the default sensor aspect ratio which is 4:3. The only reason people shoot 16:9 is for photography perspective reason (i.e. cinematic feel etc). By right, it doesn't give any difference compared to you cropping a 4:3 picture into 16:9 aspect ratio. Any perceived loss in details of distortion is merely perspective.

In the end, it's just up to how you want your photos to looks like nia. Nothing else.

If it's me, I prefer to compose my photos at 4:3. Only when I wanna shoot certain landscape where there're too much unwanted, unimportant or unattractive features then I use 16:9

processor. S800 and S4 Pro is big difference
screen quality. improved from Z although still not able to compete with Z Ultra quality
build quality. body is made out of steel and glass 
CAMERA. of course big improvement too.

These are stuff that I can think of.

The Xperia Z1 Night-Mode Reference Guide!


Since our current app for Z1 has poor control over the camera parameters due to limitation of our android, fortunately we have several night modes in our Z1 to choose from. Each mode has its own set of parameters which can provide excellent shots with minimal blur and noise. This guide will provide you the guidance to shoot night shots depending on your taste.

20 MP manual mode
Adjustable parameters:
ISO: 50-800
Max shutter speed: 1/8" (EV +2)
Focus mode: Auto Focus

Great setup if you choose to shoot macro object in a decent lighting. Make sure your phone is away from the subject 8cm away. You have control over the camera parameters here, unfortunately the maximum allowable shutter speed is at 1/8" which may turn your photo underexposed if you try to shoot at low ISO. Higher ISO give you higher noise which is a no no.

Night potrait 8MP only
Auto parameters: (In SCN mode, the phone camera decides the parameter)
ISO: 50-800
Max shutter speed: 1/4" (No EV control)
Focus mode: Auto Focus

Its a decent mode to shoot at low light subject but sometimes the camera may decide a very high ISO settings (Up to 800) if the subject has poor lighting and moves causing blurs and noises. You dont have the choice to choose the ISO and shutter speed

Night scene 8MP only
Auto parameters: (Same as above)
ISO: 50-100
Max shutter speed: 0.8" (No EV control)
Focus mode: Infinity

One of my favorite mode to shoot night scene! The lower ISO range and long shutter speed (up to 0.8") combine with a tripod, the Z1 certainly will be the happier snapper around in the night scene. The low ISO in this mode produce very minimal noise. Light trail shoots can be produced in this mode as well

However, this mode is NOT for macro/potrait shots due to the lack of auto focus in this mode.

Fireworks 8MP only
Auto parameters: (Same as above)
ISO: 50
Max shutter speed: 0.8" (No EV control)
Focus mode: Infinity

Same as Night scene but with a fixed ISO at 50 only

Cheers!

A mini tips to focus with on screen shutter. Click and hold to focus. Release will capture photo. To release without capture, hold and slide away from the shutter button.

You could try with Passport also, the phone will beep when you touch the phone with passport with NFC ON. I accidentally notice this, hehe.

just bought a Z1.. happy playing it until cannot sleep

Ya, only for new passport.

With NFC Tag Info - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?...apps.nfctaginfo

You can get more details include your passport photo!

After install, need to setup access key by keying your passport number, birth date and expiry date, before it can check in proper, photo wise, need to additional install PassportImageDecoder - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?...ps.imagedecoder

Ya, in very details except the finger print as that part is security protected. Lucky at least this part is protected!

And I just notice the photo inside my passport NFC is my initial passport photo instead of renewal one!

Sorry, mistake on photo, is current one.  A bit blur blur already.

If can write then is danger!

wow nice shoot...... new firmware??