My feelings towards AI have been a rollercoaster lately. Just as I was starting to appreciate its potential, Sony's latest smartphone launch reminded me why I have mixed feelings about it. About a month ago, I wrote about how I was warming up to AI in smartphones. But Sony, a company I admire, quickly changed my mind with the release of the Sony Xperia 1 VIII and its AI Camera Assistant feature. Sony showcased some sample images on social media, but they left much to be desired. The AI processing resulted in flat, overexposed images with missing background details. While the original shots may have needed some HDR correction, they still had a natural charm that the AI-enhanced images lacked. The difference was clear, and not in a good way. Even the sandwich shot fell victim to the AI processing, losing all the intricate details and colors in the process. It was a disappointing outcome, to say the least. It's disheartening to see a company like Sony, known for its photography expertise, miss the mark so drastically with its AI Camera Assistant feature. The initial samples were a far cry from the quality we've come to expect from Sony. After facing backlash online, Sony clarified that the AI Camera Assistant doesn't edit photos post-capture but offers users four setting suggestions for a creative touch. However, the damage was done, and many still preferred the original images. Sony responds(ish) Following the uproar, Sony acknowledged the feedback and explained the concept behind the AI Camera Assistant feature. While the new samples showed improvement, they still couldn't match the appeal of the untouched originals. The AI trend in photography seems to be catching on, with Google also introducing AI-enhanced features in Android 17. However, the results showcased by tech giants like Google and Sony have raised concerns among those who value realism in photography. As the world of AI-enhanced photography evolves, it's essential to strike a balance between innovation and preserving the authenticity of images. Let's hope tech companies take note and prioritize quality over gimmicks in the future.