This is a simple test. Below are several shots of the same church using Superior Auto Mode is 23mp and 8mp and also manual mode is 23mp and 8mp variations. Except the order is all mixed up. No cheating by looking at exif data allowed. So name your top 3.
Before we get to the test shots, this is manual mode, 8mp, backlight scene. It is a cracking shot too.
Right onto the test. I am going to label each photo 1 to photo 6. All you have to do is say which is best, or name your top 3. I am going to say this that IMO, I believe the best shot was taken in Superior Auto.
As you all have had a chance to ponder which is which, here we go with the results. If you haven’t read this yet, just have a look at how good superior auto mode performs. Photo 1 and Photo 2 are Superior Auto Mode, 23mp and 8mp respectively. All the others are manual, trying little tweaks here and there. However, my first choice is Photo 1. What this goes to show is we all have difference reasons for liking a particular shot or shots, but also Superior Auto mode does a good job now.
Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4
Photo 5
Photo 6
And while you deciding on which shots are the best, here is a photo from one of the many artificial reality modes.
A big thanks to Clove Technology for sending the Z5 Compact.
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 
Photo 1 followed by 3 and 4
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1,4,3
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4… Then 1, then 5
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4 then 1 then 6.
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Yeah I’m with Joe……… 4, then 1, then 6.
So which one is the SAM (Superior Auto Mode) shot you think is best Gavin?? lol
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4, 5, 1
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I love everyone’s replies. I will post the answers tomorrow morning UK time.
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Ok cool!
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2 and 3 seem the most realistic and so I would say they are without superior auto… Fog is fog, not sure how the others take it away without superior blending.
6 has the sky blown out
4 and 5 seem nicest of last 3 choices, but the stone below the main window in 4 seems extra contrast, so not sure how that was done when 5 is the same without the stone popping out. Arg, what a shame as I was hoping for more from this camera. OIS in 2&3 would kill!
Otherwise #5 followed by #4 depending on my mood.
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Results are released. See main article near beginning. Bold paragraph.
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Strange and unexpected… I guess I’ll find out what works best for me in a week.
The strangest is see the fog lifted and if it isn’t how the detail is represented for trees (upper left).
Drop test next? haha, just kidding as I’m shooting for the Z5. Although I’m curious when someone will post one. I wouldn’t even suggest on the compact as it’s a plastic build.
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Less likely to drop the Compact as it will be wrapped inside your hand 🙂
Hope you enjoy your Z5 when it arrives too.
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Hmm, don’t understand when you said photos 1 and 2 are SA.
SA is 8mp. So only photo 2 can be SA.
23mp means manual. So photo 1 is 23mp in manual.
Next thing I don’t understand is why it has more details than the 8mp.
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SA on Z5 is also at 23mp
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