Following is a review of Samsung WB650/HZ35W GPS digital camera.
Shooting with 24mm 15x super zoom and check with GPS and built-in map
A digital camera is one of the most variable instruments by user’s request. Unlike DSLR camera which became like high culture, when it comes to selecting a compact digital camera, other things irrelevant to image quality such as additional functions or life style are more important. Between DSLRs and compact digital cameras, cameras having great image quality and high optical zoom are located. This is called ‘High end ‘ and Samsung recently has released the WB650(HZ35W) (24mm ultra wide angle, 15x optical zoom, GPS, and Map view) and WB600(HZ30W) (Except GPS and AMOLED). By looking at the 15x optical zoom in the compact size, I could see the development of technology. Especially, considering that a camera is mostly used in travel, it has included built-in map and GPS receiver at the camera. It also has various functions which the WB550 had and supports full manual mode for better image quality.
Ultra wide angle 24mm 15x super (360mm) Schneider Lens
Reasonable weight
When holding the WB650, it’s a little heavier than I expected. It’s because of its lens set taking up about a half of the camera, and in the 28mm slim body, 15x optical zoom lens is included. Also due to the 3” AMOLED screen on the back, it looks bigger. Body lines are mostly straight lines, but the grip held by a right hand is rounded. Because there’s nothing to prevent from slipping, you’d better hold it with both hands. It might be a little heavy for women to take a self shot.
External GPS and button
On the top of the camera, shooting mode dial, power button, and GPS On/Off button are located. This is to use the external GPS receiver on the left top of the WB650(HZ35W). The GPS button is small, but projected a lot, so it can be easily used. The shutter button on the right side is comfortable to push, because it’s a little tilted to the front. (The WB600 has no GPS or Map view.)
The arrangement of buttons on the back is similar to other digital cameras, but there’s a one big difference. It has a video recording button on the right top. When using this button, users can record and store a video by one touch. HDMI port is also located next to it, so recorded videos can be played in a TV or monitor in HDMI standard. The WB650(HZ35W) actually has as great video quality as a camcorder.
Map in the camera
The unique function of the WB650(HZ35W) is built-in map and external GPS. When turning the GPS receiver on, it records a detailed position of shooting place, so users can visit the place again later. Once getting the product, users can’t see the map, even though users select Map View mode in mode dial. It’s available after registering the product in Samsung homepage, downloading Map data, storing it in SD memory card. (Not internal memory) Then, without connecting the camera to a PC, users always can see maps. Of course it’s available when the GPS is off.
Information of shooting place making a picture new
When connecting the WB650(HZ35W) to a PC, built-in software ‘Intelli-Studio’ is executed, so users can manage files such as loading or deleting. This program supports more detailed location information. It’s linked to Google map, so the address of the shooting place can be displayed and more detailed map such as satellite picture or topographic map. It’s very simple to use. Users can just click the right side of each picture and select ‘View the map of selected picture’. The combination of the picture and location information allows new meaning (Memory of still image and visual beauty) of the picture.
3 components for outdoor shots
Let’s go out with a camera. The feature of the WB650(HZ35W) is optimized for outdoor pictures and it consists of 3 components. They are 15x optical zoom for long distance subjects, GPS for location information, and AMOLED screen under the daylight. F value 3.2 is not that good, but once taking shoots, it’s much brighter than other compact digital cameras. When checking pictures, the AMOLED screen is more vivid to me than a PC monitor, so you’d better check the picture once again after zooming it.
Smart Auto, Dual IS
The WB650(HZ35W) also supports Smart Auto mode and it automatically recognizes 17 scene modes (Macro, Macro text, White, Landscape, Action, Tripod, Night Scenery, Night Portrait, Backlight, Backlight Portrait, Portrait, Blue Sky, Sunset, Macro Color, Macro Portrait, Natural Green, and Firework) for still images and 4 scene modes for movie. (Sunset, Landscape, Blue Sky, and Natural green) The camera automatically detects the environment and sets it, so even beginners can enjoy taking shot very easily. Since it also has Face Recognition, when taking pictures or posters, it recognizes faces and sets the focus.
It also supports great IS function. Optical IS moving CCD unit by the movement of the body or Digital IS correcting by digital process can be applied, and for some situation, both can be applied as Dual IS. If you use a tripod, turning them off can take better pictures. ‘Image Stabilization’ is a ‘Hand tripod’ to use when moving fast.
Full Manual Mode
The WB650(HZ35W) not only considers beginners with simple control and various additional functions, but also has the performance to take good pictures. Schneider Kraunach lens basically has bright feature and has 24mm wide angle. It also has 12M high effective pixels and 14.2M pixels. The size of pictures can be raised up to 4,000 x 3,000 resolution. And it’s good enough for large development.
When taking shots, if you’re not in a hurry and can select your theme and composition, just try to use the full manual mode of the WB650(HZ35W). It consists of 3 modes such as A, S, and M. They are Aperture priority, Shutter speed priority, and Manual. (P among the mode dial is to manually adjust all values except aperture and shutter speed.) Because it’s a compact camera having limited space, the manual operation is not that convenient. Instead, selecting a control menu by pushing Fn button helps users reduce shooting time.
HD movie recording by One touch
For digital cameras, movie recording function becomes an almost necessary function. The WB650 has a movie recording function, not as an option, but as a main function, I think. It can record 1280×720 movie in 30 fps. (In H.264 format MP4 file for up to 20 minutes) While recording, most of the functions of the WB650 can be used such as Optical IS, simple editing such as still image capture, cut, exposure correction, white balance, metering, style, and Smart Filter. For recording a movie, speed is needed, so the product has an external button converting it to a camcorder. Pushing the button, in 1~2 sec, the recording begins. Therefore, users will not miss an important moment any more in front of their eyes.
Adding more fun to shoot
It’s good to consider the basic quality and colors, but various effects can also allow pleasure to users. The WB650(HZ35W) supports Miniature, Vignetting, and 2 Fish eye filters. Among them, Miniature was more useful. When taking shots on the street, houses and cars look like a small miniature. It’s very convenient, because this can be applied without using other functions. It also includes a stereo voice recording function. By using this, users can leave a voice memo for a picture. Up to 10 hours for Voice recording and up to 10 seconds for voice memo are supported.
Shooting with 24mm 15x super zoom
and check with GPS and built-in map
SAMSUNG WB650
Integration of developed technology
In a word, the WB650(HZ35W) was integration of developed technology like 15x zoom lens in the compact body and built-in map to see the location information. It’s not as great as an interchangeable lens type camera, but I think it’s great enough for intermediate level users who carry a camera to take good quality pictures. If you respect the essence of photos and the memory of shooting location, the WB650 will be a great high end compact digital camera for you.
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