The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Makes Us Ask: Why Aren't Tablet Cameras Better?

In our review of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 I lamented that the tablet's camera did not end up matching early specs released by Samsung. The company initially claimed that the rear-facing cam would be 8 megapixels and record 1080p video. The actual unit fell way short of that: 3-MP only, 720p video max. In our review of the Galaxy Tab 10.1, we attributed Samsung's lackluster camera effort to the idea that consumers aren't expected to actually use the cameras on their tablets much, except for video chat. But is this assumption true?

A tablet isn't as easy to whip out when you want to snap a quick picture, unlike a phone. Nor is it as easy to carry around at a family function or any other gathering where pictures are supposed to happen. And imagine lugging a tablet on a nature hike and using it to line up shots of birds and flowers. Yes, the tablet isn't the best camera-bearing device in the world. Does that matter?

Would you use your tablet's camera more if it took better pictures that were worth saving and sharing? Or is the nature of the pictures you'd probably take such that the quality doesn't have to be good? We're interested in hearing your thoughts on this, LAPTOP readers. Especially those who are avid amateur photographers. Take a gander at the gallery of images shot with the Tab below.

Aside form the camera issue, the Tab 10.1 is a pretty sweet machine. We're fans of the slick design, the light weight, and the performance of Android 3.1. If you haven't checked it out yet, read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1.

Latest in Tablets
The Kindle Colorsoft ereader in front of an orange background beside a Laptop Mag deals icon
Upgrade your reading experience for less with this Kindle Colorsoft deal for Amazon's Spring Sale!
Apple iPad 10th Generation
iPad 10th Generation is $80 off with two years of AppleCare+ during Amazon's Big Spring Sale
Surface Pro 11 with keyboard against pink and blue gradient background with epic deals sticker.
Save $450 on the Surface Pro 2-in-1 Copilot+ PC in this unbeatable Amazon Big Spring deal
Blue Apple iPad mini 7 against an orange gradient background.
Apple's rarely discounted iPad mini just dropped $100 for Amazon's Big Spring Sale
Amazon Fire tablets
Amazon Fire tablets slashed up to 36% off ahead of Big Spring Sale — 5 scorching deals I recommend
Gray Galaxy Tab S9 FE tablet with S Pen and epic deal sticker against a blue gradient background.
Get the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE with S Pen for just $299 while you still can
Latest in News
A close-up of a light-colored computer keyboard shows the keys T, Y, G, and H replaced by the logos of OpenAI, DeepSeek, Grok, and Gemini, the leading competitors in the artificial intelligence market. This serves as a visual metaphor for the intense rivalry and innovation in the AI industry. (Photo by Matteo Della Torre/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Is generative AI inadvertently reducing the voices of many to the banality of one?
WWDC 2025 could mark the beginning of the end for certain iPhone users
Error when installing Google Chrome on the Asus Vivobook 16 Flip, on a white desk against a blue background.
"This app can't run on your PC": Google's Chrome Installer broke on Windows, but there's a fix
Nintendo Switch 2 handheld gaming console
Nintendo Switch 2 preorder date: It might be a lot closer than you think, say tipsters
Microsoft Surface Laptop (7th Edition, 2024)
Windows-on-Arm woes: Amazon warns customers about Surface laptop returns
Apple Watch Series 8
Siri is the biggest obstacle to making the Apple Watch an AI hit