Yes, Sony actually seems to think that image you’re seeing above looks better after running through an “AI Camera Assistant.” In promoting its new Xperia 1 VIII, Sony is rightfully seeing backlash around the output of these new AI changes – and I can’t help but think about how this is just the worst possible form of the problem facing so many modern smartphone cameras.
AI is in everything now, but “machine learning” – essentially AI before it became a buzzword – is what unlocked the magic of computational photography years ago. It took the smartphone camera sensor which, by the laws of physics, couldn’t be perfect, and made it a whole lot better. But, now that the focus is on throwing more AI at every problem, the cameras in our pockets are continuing to evolve.
Cut to Sony, which has introduced the “AI Camera Assistant” in its new Xperia flagship.
Sony explains:
The new AI Camera Assistant with Xperia Intelligence helps you bring your vision to life. It suggests various expressive options with different adjustments to create memorable photos. Combined with a new Telephoto camera sensor that’s nearly 4 times larger than before, every photo will make a memory you’ll want to keep and share.
