Microsoft announces three new photography-focused Lumia smartphones

The Lumia 730 and Lumia 735 are Microsoft’s take on a “selfie-phone”, designed for Skype video-calls and photography. As such, both devices boast a 5 megapixel, wide-angle front-facing camera that’s 1080p capable. The devices’ rear camera is 6.7 megapixel with LED flash.

The Lumia 730 and 735 are almost identical devices, however, the 730 is a Dual SIM 3G model, whereas the 735 is single SIM and has 4G. Otherwise, both devices pack the same hardware: a 4.7-inc 720p display, the same 1.2GHz quad-core processor as in the 830, 8GB of expandable storage, 1GB of RAM and a 2200mAh battery.

The Lumia 730 and 735 will retail for €199 (AUD$275.50) and €219 (AUD$303) respectively, and release in September. Official Australian pricing and release has yet to be confirmed.

All three new Lumias will ship with an update dubbed Lumia Denim. Lumia Denim includes Windows Phone 8.1 Update 1 which will provide improvements to Cortana, folders, improved messaging and a faster browser. Features unique to the Lumia range include “always on” functionality for Cortana, HDR imaging, and a faster camera app.

Lumia Denim will also be compatible with the Lumia 930, Lumia Icon and Lumia 1520, and will be available for these models towards the end of this year.