Two days ago, firmware version 2.0633.65.01 became available for my U.S. product code and I jumped on the bandwagon and upgraded. I tested the camera once again in both photo sizes, both in low light conditions at night and during the day. The result is the same. So my conclusion here (other than the camera on the E61i is average at best compared with what's out there today, especially from Nokia) is that, unless I plan to print something I snap with my phone (which I don't think will ever be the case), I will be taking all of my photos in 640x480 format, which offers richer, smoother pictures at 1/5 of the file size of the 1600x1200 format.

Taken at night in 640x480 size:



Taken at night in 1600x1200 format and then resized to 640x480:



Taken during the day in 640x480 format:




Taken during the day in 1600x1200 format and then resized to 640x480:

As happy as I am with my E61i, I have to admit I could be happier if the camera was better. I mean, I wish this 2MP camera matched the quality of either my 1.3MP 6682 or 1MP 7610. The 6682 does have a flash and this makes a big difference, but the 7610 doesn't, is about 5 years older and still takes better photos than the E61i. What's worse... Last night, I noticed the E61i takes better quality photos in 640x480 format than in 1699x1200. I will be taking all of my photos in this smaller format from now on, which pretty much defeats the purpose of having 2MP. I plan on posting a more thorough comparison, maybe even including photos taken with my 6682 and/or 7610, but here's a sample of what I am talking about.

This photo was taken in the smaller format (640x480):



This one was taken in the larger format (1600x1200) and then reduced to the same size as the first.