2005 Sharp 903SH

Europe's first 3.2 Mpx cameraphone

	3G Network	N/A Mobile TV	NFC None
	N/A Biometry	3.2 Megapixel	2x Optical Zoom
	167ppi 240 x 320px	2.4" Screen Size	ASV LCD Type

The year is 2005. Compact cameras and DSLRs are quickly gaining in popularity and are becoming increasingly affordable. Sony's Powershot A520 and Nikon's Coolpix 6400 come in at under USD200 with 4Mpx on offer, and Canon's EOS 5D sets new standards across the board in full-frame photography.

Sharp's 903SH, a Vodafone 3G exclusive, debuted as Europe's first 3.2Mpx CCD camera phone with 2x optical zoom. It is the successful continuation of the first 9-series device, the Sharp 902SH. Made in Japan, Sharp's recipe for mobile devices differed significantly to that of Western rivals. Rather bulky but packed with high-quality features, these devices were expensive and exotic when compared to the much smaller and more basic candy-bars a la Nokia and Sony Ericsson. Not helping its cause, European 3G networks were still in their infancy with sparse availability, mainly concentrated around major cities.

As a student in 2005, this multimedia device enabled me to take photography into my own hands for the first time – literally – whilst allowing me access to an MP3 player and the internet. Although low-light performance still suffered significantly, day-time photography on the 903SH had now become competitive with compact cameras.
And so 15 years ago, my phone had become indispensable. Much like today.

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