Nokia Lumia 1020 announced with 41-megapixel camera

Nokia has officially announced the Lumia 1020, the long-rumored and sought-after 41-megapixel Windows Phone 8 handset.

The Nokia EOS has been rumored ever since the company has entered the Windows Phone segment. About two years later and a drop in smartphone sales, the now-called Nokia Lumia 1020 has become official with an amazing 41-megapixel camera on its back.

This is the brand new Nokia Lumia 1020 smartphone. Its design is based on the MeeGo-powered N9, which has transited to the Lumia series of Windows Phone 8 devices.

Nokia Lumia 1020 becomes official with 41-megapixel sensor, Xenon and LED flashes, and Zeiss lens

The same image sensor has been added into the PureView 808, a Symbian-based device, which has not attracted a lot of customers, despite its big camera. Nokia has taken this concept to the next level, by tweaking the sensor and using a modified Zeiss lens made out of six elements, that will be responsible for capturing great images.

The 41MP backside-illuminated sensor receives help from a bright Xenon flash, though users will rarely need it, since the camera can capture amazing shots in low-light environments, thanks to built-in optical image stabilization.

Moreover, an LED flash stands proud nrxt to the Xenon version, allowing cinematographers to light up their videos.

Nokia Lumia 1020 41-megapixel camera is found on the device’s back, sitting alongside a Xenon flash and an LED one.

Full HD video capture with 4x zoom or 720p recording with 6x zoom

Speaking of video recording, the Nokia Lumia 1020 is capable of shooting full HD videos with Rich Recording support, thanks to a cutting-edge microphone that captures deep bass among others.

At 1920 x 1080 resolution, users will be able to use a 4x zoom, while recording at 720p allows them to zoom at 6x, so they can get closer to the action without actually moving.

Lumia 1020 will be able to take two photos at the same time, one at 38MP and the other at 5MP

Since the device is using the same technique as the PureView 808, it will be able to capture images at up to 38-megapixel in 16:9 and 4:3 formats.

Oversampling allows the Lumia 1020 to capture a 5-megapixel photo at the same time as the 38MP one. These images will be less of a hassle when editing and easier to share on social networks.

Pro Camera mode to allow users to input camera settings

The recent Nokia smartphones have been centered around camera features. Today, the Finland-based company introduces the new Pro Camera mode and Smart Camera app.

Pro Camera can be used for customizing the shooting settings, such as white balance, flash, exposure, ISO, shutter speed, and focus.

On the other hand, Smart Camera comes packed with plenty of editing tools, such as cropping. It is worth noting that this app has actually been announced before and it is available in the Lumia 925.

Nokia Lumia 1020 Camera Grip can be attached to the smartphone. It is available in three colors, just like the device, and it offers a shutter button, extended battery, and a tripod mount.

Nokia Lumia 1020 release date is July 26 for $299.99 at AT&T

The Nokia Lumia 1020 specs list also includes a dual-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 2GB RAM (up from 1GB in the 920 / 925 / 928), built-in 32GB storage without any microSD card capabilities, and 4.5-inch 1280 x 768 AMOLED touchscreen.

This Windows Phone 8 device will be released in black, white, and yellow colors with optional accessories, including a leather wrist strap and a Camera Grip with tripod mount, external battery, and a dedicated shutter button.

Lumia 1020’s release date is July 26 in the United States for a price of $299.99 with a new two-year contract. However, the handset will only become available at AT&T, with little chances of becoming available at other carriers anytime soon.