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The Gazelle GadgetLab got the chance to take a look at Nokia’s first 8Mp camera phone to date. The new N86 features an 8MP camera with a 28mm wide angle lens from Carl Zeiss. The camera can also record VGA video at 30fps. Powering the handset is the Symbian S60 operating system with feature pack 2.  This is the standard OS that we see throughout both Nokia N & E Series phones. The phone is said to be an upgrade from the Nokia N85 and it does truly surpass it (along with all other models in the N-Series family). Although the form factor remains the same (dual slide), the build quality has been increased 10 fold. Weighing in at 149 grams the device has a solid feel to it while still remaining pocket friendly. The new retro keypad layout along with shiny chrome trim make the N86 a real head turner.

Now for a few things Nokia could have improved with the N86. The N86 should have been released last year as a replacement to the n96. The technical features on the device are great but it seems a 2008 release would have really captured more users.

Speed: The phone does seem a bit laggy when going through apps and the camera. Although it has a ARM 11 434 MHz processor I think more power may have been needed to handle image processing.

Screen:The AMOLED produced great colors and vivid images, however in direct sunlight I found it a bit difficult to view.

Camera: Last but not least has to be the lack of a Xenon flash. Nokia has elected to use a dual LED flash which is not bad but in low lighting conditions the N82 still reigns supreme.

All in all the N86 is a great upgrade for those looking to move from their rock solid N95, lack luster N96, and trusty N85. Starting at around $500 unlocked many may want to hold off until Nokia starts rolling out a complete line of 8MP and 12MP camera phones early next year. For the complete review and wrap up on the device check out the video below.