Sony fixes camera distortion issue on latest Xperia flagships

Sony Mobile introduced a new camera lens with the Xperia XZ Premium and Xperia XZs earlier in the year, and since then it has been fielding complaints from users on the distortion effects when taking pictures. The same camera is used in the Xperia XZ1 and Xperia XZ1 Compact flagships that launched recently.

The complaints of distortion are consistent with that of utilising a wide angle lens, rather than a problem with the camera itself. However, it is great to see Sony listen to its customers, as it has provided a software fix for those who have a keen eye for the distortion effect.

The Xperia XZ Premium is the first handset to recieve the fix, as part of the Android 8.0.0 Oreo firmware update. Sony has added an option in the camera settings, where you will need to enable a toggle option called “Correction for image distortion”.

Sony Mobile has confirmed that the same setting option will also arrive on the Xperia XZ1 and XZ1 Compact, which is due in a new firmware update at the end of November 2017. The Xperia XZs is also due the update at some point, most likely when Android Oreo lands.

Sony Mobile statement on camera distortion fix

Thank you for your feedback, we would like to reassure you that we are dedicated to providing the best possible user experience for our customers and have taken your feedback very seriously. We have been taking time to make improvements and increase photo shooting options. Our models featuring our new Motion Eye™ Camera, including XZ Premium, XZs, XZ1 and XZ1 Compact, feature a wide-angle lens. This lens enables an immersive experience by providing the ability to capture more scenery in the shot, however it may also yield perspective distortion when shooting photos. Whilst this distortion is consistent with similar wide-angle lens cameras in the industry, we have listened to your feedback and developed a new optional setting in the camera menu called ‘Correction for image distortion’ to minimize the distortion effect. It will be available via an upcoming software update on XZ Premium, XZs, XZ1 and XZ1 compact.

Thanks Diogo, Geoff, KF and najodleglejszy!