Evolution of compact cameras as a new development

Here is a user review about Samsung WB500 digital camera.

Evolution of compact cameras as a new development
Lately, Dslr cameras with live view function have come out one by one, and recent release of a Dslr camera with video recorder have been brought to our attention. Compact cameras contributed a lot in enabling this, because thHey are the first to have applied a convergence concept. It seems that compact cameras have played a role as a tester that tries and applies a new technology. That’s how the evolution has taken place, and it’s adding its speed more and more. Therefore, it can be said that newly-released compact cameras with outstanding specifications announces a new start in the technological development. A newly release from Samsung in 2009 is WB500.

WB series aiming at well-made products
WB500 is a newly release of WB series that have built a high-powered lineup. If we must compare, it is similar to the most recent one of the NV series, NV100HD in a way that it has specifications sticking to the fundamentals rather than having fancy appearance and multimedia functions. It includes fundamentals that could be a model of well-made product; 24mm wide angle, 10x optical zoom, and HD video recording function. In addition, advanced functions including image stabilization are more than enough to reach the satisfaction.

From 24mm ultra-wide angle to 240mm telephoto zoom
Considering a lens as the essence of a camera, we can say that WB500 is equipped with the best essence of all because it carries the Schneider lens that offers 24-240mm angle and 10x optical zoom. There are other competitions in the same level with 10x optical zoom. But I’ve seen no other compact cameras that offer 24mm angle as well. WB500’s 24mm angle is enough for capturing wider view. It is useful not only for broad scenes but also for snap shots. The iris value starts with F3.3. It is forgivable when we consider its telephoto capabilities of 240mm.

Two types of Image Stabilization, Dual IS
WB500 offers two different kinds of Image Stabilization functions. Optical Image Stabilization function helps light coming in through a lens not to shake. Digital Image Stabilization function utilizes the fast shutter speed of high-speed mode. Dual IS can stabilize images by using these two functions and it can be used up until 5 stops. It is especially useful in dark indoor rooms or for telephotography. My conclusion is that Dual IS offers far better quality than the optical and high-speed combination.

Perfect Portrait System
WB500’s ‘Perfect Portrait System’ offers functions such as face detection, smile shot, blink detection, self portrait, beauty shot, and red eye fix. Face detection mode detects the face and then sets the focus and exposure. This function can detect up to 9 faces. Deriving further from this function is smile shot. The camera automatically presses the shutter button by detecting smiley face of the subject. The detection rate is pretty high. It even detects smiley face in laid position. However, its sensitivity tends to be low so it doesn’t work in front of light smiles. Blink detection mode detects the subject’s eye closure and takes 3 continuous shots. It saves you from the troublesome retake of a picture due to the blink. Self portrait notifies shutter timing by alarm sound, when the subject is right inside the frame. Beauty shot can control face brightness and blemish removal in 3 steps maximum. It is possible to take clear skin shots without face retouching afterwards. When a picture shows red eyes like rabbit’s because you used the flash light by accident, it can be removed and get back to the natural eye color using red eye fix function.

It recognizes numerous faces even in plane condition.

Optimal Exposure Balance, ACB
One of the features is Auto Contrast Balance. ACB automatically controls the exposure under an environment where there exists a great contrast between light and dark area. It is not simply just brightening the dark area and darkening the light area. It is more of adjusting to a natural amount of light by automatically calculating the difference of exposure between the two. It will work effectively if you use it in dark indoor or bight outside settings, or where there is an imbalance of light such as backlight.

Metal body with classical design
Mostly, it consists of metallic material in order to heighten durability. There are two colors, black and grey, which gives professional look rather than light image. The size of it is 105(W)x61.4(H)x36.5(D)mm/219g, which is quite weighty compared to recently released slim cameras. So it might look somewhat bulky at the first sight. However, the finishing touch of sparkling metallic material on the top adds the classical charm of two-toned color. On the upper side, there are stereo speaker, power button, zoom lever, and mode dial from the left.

Smoothly curved grip
Instead of giving up a slim body, you can enjoy nice grip. The side area is all rounded so the hand grip feels smooth and comfortable. The right side is projected as much as the lens. There is a rubber lever on front side and plastic on back side. When you put your index finger on the shutter, the middle finger naturally locates on rubber lever and the thumb on plastic on the back side. Some patterns are protruding from the rubber lever so it makes the holding more stable. However, plastic part on the back side is slippery so it doesn’t seem to be much use. Using ‘Command Lever’ on the plastic part, you can quickly control the exposure and white balance.

24-240mm, 10x optical zoom lens
It is equipped with a retractable zoom lens, so when you turn it on, the lens protrudes to the front. The booting time is pretty short, about one second. The lens aperture is 48mm, which is twice as big as regular compact cameras. It shows that exterior design had been paid attention from the layout. Its Schneider lens is amazing; it has almost 10x optical zoom feature. Its greatest strength is 24mm ultra-wide angle and 240mm, 35mm film equivalent, telephoto zoom. Its iris value, F3.3-5.8, is fairly ok. But as a compact camera for professional use, it feels somewhat dark.

6.9cm LCD, it’s not a touch screen
It uses 230000 pixel 2.7 inch TFT LCD screen. Like NV series, WB500 doesn’t have separate multimedia functions, so the size doesn’t seem to cause any inconvenience. However, users who are sensitive to trends might feel sorry that it’s not a touch screen. Fortified plastic is attached to the LCD, so it puts up well against the scratch or exterior shock. Also, the visual angle from the upper side and side area is good enough for two people to watch the photos. Yet, it is a weak point that the monitor gets greasy easily.

Charging port and battery holder
On the right side of the camera, there is a 20-pin charging port. With 20-pin charging connector, it is easy to charge the battery. Separate charger cradle is not supplied. At the bottom, there are battery and memory card slot.

Mode dial composition
To let users select a shooting mode, mode dial is provided on the upper side of the camera. By using the strong metallic material, it shows a contrasting match with the body. It is jagged around the dial, but it is so minimal that male adults might have difficulties in turning the dial using finger tips. I feel sorry for the inconvenience of operation. There are 8 modes in the mode dial; Auto mode, Program mode, Manual mode, DUAL IS mode, Beauty Shot mode, Nightscene mode, Scene mode, and Movie Clip mode.

Button type instinctive interface
On the back side of WB500, there are hand-operated function buttons. Using the function button on the right side of the top, you can set up the resolution and various recording conditions. 4 directional buttons under that are for flash, self-timer, close-up and recording information. If you push the menu button on the middle, you can see the recording, sound, screen, and camera settings in detail. And at the bottom, there are effect button for styling effect and play mode button. You can easily check the play mode button even when it is turned off.

Newly introduced WB Style
The reasons why most of the users choose WB500 are firstly, because of its 24mm angle and secondly, 10x optical zoom lens. Frankly speaking, it is hard to say that the design of it is fascinating enough to encourage purchase. Yet, its grave color and the look of the large lens on the front side make it appear dignified. The design might not be that appealing to all types of users, but it has its unique style. Excellent grip and easy-to-operate interface are its impressive strengths.

Conditions to become a hit
People watch movie clips on their cell phones, and look at photos while listening to the music. Besides, they even listen to the MP3 while they use a washing machine. The convergence of digital appliances have created ‘-ism’ which is more that just a trend. Especially, the convergence style that fits our tastes takes effect like Bibim-bop. Bibim-bop is a hit that has worked up appetites of not only Koreans but also people from all around the world. Samsung has tasted success with the convergence type WB series. However, even though WB500 is not a convergence digital camera, it has what it takes to be a hit. It simply suggests the most idealistic way of visual expressions.

5cmm close-up mode which is fairly good
WB500 can approach to the subject as close as 5cm. It is not like super macro, but it shows ok close-up features. Depending on the circumstances, you can feel the out focus effect by using the close-up mode. Also, image stabilization function makes the close-up shot in dark indoors easier.

Motion Capture function
It provides drive modes such as Single, Continuous, HS Continuous, AEB, Motion capture. If you use the motion capture function, you can take up to 30 pictures in a rate of 7 pictures per second. And then you can make motion pictures using GIF files. The resolution of the motion captures is fixed to 640×480. If you only compare the speed of the continuous shots, it’s no less than that of Dslr cameras’.

Recording HD movie clips in 1280×720 resolution
Like NV100HD, WB500 also supports recording HD movie clips (1280×720 resolution). It uses 30fps progressive method that captures smooth motions in clear image. H.264 Codec has 3-4 times higher compressibility compared to regular digital cameras’ video recording function, so you can use memory more efficiently. Besides, it supports HDMI output, so if you own a HDTV at home, WB500’s movie clip recording function will be practically used more. If you set the resolution as 320×240, it supports 60fps recording.

Movie clip mode offers diverse options
When you record movie clips, you can use diverse options such as zooming, recording in black and white, pause and successive recording. Successive recording that creates stop motion effect can be used to make a short movie. While recording, you can set up image capture, and various color effect. Plus, image stabilization and voice recording function are also available.