Following is a review about Samsung WB550 wide angle digital camera.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Samsung WB550 (HZ15W), Even Tempting to Professional Photographers
Friday, January 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Pocket compact incorporating a large 10x optical zoom
Samsung’s WB550 camera squashes a longer-than-average 10x optical zoom lens (the equivalent of a 24-240mm lens on a film camera) into a 12-megapixel pocket compact camera. Unlike on some cameras the full extent of the zoom is usable when shooting either photos or video.
There is no optical viewfinder so shots have to be composed using the rear 3in screen. It can record 720p high-definition movies with stereo sound and, unusually, there is a side-mounted HDMI port so the camera can be directly connected to a flat-panel television screen to watch the films. A light sensitivity range from ISO80 to ISO3200 is broader than most competitors, allowing for good results in both bright light and darker situations.
With a weight of 225g and an exterior that mixes plastic with metal, the WB550 has a solid grip, making camera shake less of a problem than with svelte fashion-conscious cameras. There is little shutter lag and it took two seconds for a full-resolution JPEG image to be saved to the SDHC memory card (there’s 21MB of internal memory, enough for a few snaps).
The WB550 is equipped with a Smart Auto function that lets beginners just point and shoot, while the camera automatically chooses the best from 11 possible settings for a given scene or subject. Although it has face detection, blink detection, and smile modes (in which it picks out shots when people are smiling) for happy snapping, there is manual control too. Users can change the area the camera focuses on the light sensitivity and white balance settings, as well as tweaking shutter speed and aperture on screen using a lever, although this control felt unnecessarily narrow and fiddly.
Images from the WB550 were warm and richly coloured. This can look unnatural but it was flattering for portraits and there was little need to edit them on a PC. At maximum wide angle there was some barrel distortion (slight curvature of the image edges )while with plenty of light the extreme zoom was sharply focused.
With the WB550 available online as low as £230 it’s a steal: a pocket compact with plenty of punch.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Samsung WB550 digital camera
Want a compact but wide angle snapper?
Full Review
10 July 2009 - Getting a broad focal range from a non-interchangeable lens camera needn’t necessitate purchase of a bridge model that won’t fit in your pocket. Witness Samsung cramming a 10x optical zoom (24-240mm equivalent) into its latest WB550 compact, the "W" indicating a wide-angle lens at 24mm and the "B" that aforementioned big zoom.
At a width of 36.5mm though, the 12.2 effective megapixel camera nevertheless feels chunky and reassuringly weighty gripped in the palm at 225g, bucking the trend for svelte fashion-conscious compacts.
Plastic of build with chrome detailing, around the back is a large 3-inch, 230k dot LCD screen in the absence of any optical viewfinder, with a nicely firm dial on the top plate providing a choice of eight shooting modes – including one for high definition 1280 x 720 pixel movie clips, with, unusually for a compact, an HDMI port built into the camera’s side. Also handily large are the shutter release button encircled by a rocker switch for operating the zoom.
The WB550 offers a broader range of light sensitivity settings than most point and shoots, starting out at ISO 80 and topping out at ISO 3200. While that sounds impressive, resolution drops to 3-megapixels at the higher setting to limit noise. And it appears to work, shots taken at ISO 3200 comparable to the results from rivals at ISO 1600. With little discernable shutter delay, it takes around 2 seconds for a full resolution JPEG to be written to memory – here in the form of either removable SD or SDHC card, or paltry 21MB internal capacity.
Found via the shooting mode dial set into the right hand edge of the top plate (mirrored by a "virtual" version onscreen) is Smart Auto, Samsung’s interpretation of the intelligent auto point-and-shoot functionality offered by Panasonic’s Lumix and Canon’s IXUS ranges. Select this and the camera will in theory recognise the intended subject and switch its internal settings accordingly, with 11 pre-optimised scenes to choose from. For example point the WB550 at a close object and it’ll jump to macro mode (focusing as near as 5cm), direct it at one further away and landscape mode will be chosen.
Also on-board for beginners are the now ubiquitous face detection, blink detection, smile mode – capturing an image when a grin is detected – plus Samsung's own beauty shot option, automatically retouching out spots and freckles.
For photo enthusiasts, there’s the ability to select program or manual settings – with the chance to change focus area, metering, single or high speed capture, ISO and white balance therein. Manual adds the ability to tweak shutter speed and aperture on screen via a "command lever" set into the top right-hand corner of the camera back. Being a narrow and uncomfortable lever, with seemingly enough surrounding space for it to have been made larger, it’s one of the few black marks against an otherwise pleasant to use, intuitive device.
Verdict
In terms of image performance, it’s the colours delivered by the Samsung WB550 even when left on its default settings that jump off the review screen, being mostly warm and well saturated. On occasion this can almost make scenes resemble pages torn from a Japanese comic, though there’s no doubt that it lends punch to the blues and greens of landscapes and puts a healthy glow in the cheeks of human subjects.
It also ensures that would-be users have to do little, if any, in the way of post processing afterwards. Again, a beginner friendly feature, if the visibility of purple pixel fringing between areas of high contrast disappoints. At maximum wide angle there is some barrel distortion too – though not to a painful degree – while sharp results are achievable at extreme telephoto if there’s plenty of light available.
For those who demand a big zoom but want a relatively small form factor too, Samsung’s WB550 – along with the 10MP WB500, which otherwise boasts the same headline spec – suggests itself as a viable alternative to Panasonic’s pioneering TZ series of big zoom pocket cameras.
For more information, please click: http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/4157/samsung-wb550-digital-camera-review
Monday, September 7, 2009
DSC: Samsung WB550 Digital Camera
$649 with an 8GB memory card, available in black or grey from authorised dealers
THE Samsung WB550 digital camera's claim to fame is that its zoom can open up to a wider angle than other ultra-zoom compact shooters. At the widest focal length, it reaches 24mm -1mm wider than its closest competitors. When zoomed out to its maximum, this camera's 10x lens hits 240mm.
This camera is versatile enough to tackle a variety of shots, from capturing the whole structure of, say, the Esplanade dome, to taking tight, close-up shots of performers at the open-air stage while you are sitting at the last row.
With its ability to take 720p high-definition movies (1,280 x 720pixels), you can record those performances too.
Compared to other ultra-slim shooters, the WB550 does feel a little chunky in my hands. However, the build is solid and at 219g, the camera feels weighty enough that you would not accidentally brush it off a table.
The WB550 can take images at up to ISO3,200, making it unnecessary to to use the flash in dark places.
However, image noise is obvious at this ISO setting even when you are previewing the shot on the camera's 3-inch LCD.
To deal with this, there is the dual image stabilisation (IS) mode that combines both optical and digital IS. This allows photos to be taken at slower shutter speeds without blurring - even at maximum zoom. I was able to grab a decently sharp shot even at 1/15 shutter speed.
When taking photos, there is slight barrel distortion - where edges of the image appear curved - at the widest zoom setting.
For some reason, however, this unwanted curvature is more noticeable when the camera is in video mode, especially with objects close to the camera.
Your kids may look cute at such proximity but do avoid filming the wife right up close. Instead, she would probably prefer photos made with the camera's Perfect Portrait system. It uses smile detection, blink detection and other beauty shot features, ensuring that smooth-complexioned and cheery faces are captured.
When recording video, the built-in stereo microphone captures audio very well. The moving vehicles I shot sounded realistic, with engine sounds panning from one end of the screen to another, before finally fading away as the vehicles exited the frame.
Final say
A versatile ultra-zoom shooter that records high-definition movies.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Positive Review from Pocket-Lint: Samsung WB550 Digital Camera
Full Review
10 July 2009 - Getting a broad focal range from a non-interchangeable lens camera needn’t necessitate purchase of a bridge model that won’t fit in your pocket. Witness Samsung cramming a 10x optical zoom (24-240mm equivalent) into its latest WB550 compact, the "W" indicating a wide-angle lens at 24mm and the "B" that aforementioned big zoom. At a width of 36.5mm though, the 12.2 effective megapixel camera nevertheless feels chunky and reassuringly weighty gripped in the palm at 225g, bucking the trend for svelte fashion-conscious compacts.
Plastic of build with chrome detailing, around the back is a large 3-inch, 230k dot LCD screen in the absence of any optical viewfinder, with a nicely firm dial on the top plate providing a choice of eight shooting modes – including one for high definition 1280 x 720 pixel movie clips, with, unusually for a compact, an HDMI port built into the camera’s side. Also handily large are the shutter release button encircled by a rocker switch for operating the zoom. The WB550 offers a broader range of light sensitivity settings than most point and shoots, starting out at ISO 80 and topping out at ISO 3200. While that sounds impressive, resolution drops to 3-megapixels at the higher setting to limit noise. And it appears to work, shots taken at ISO 3200 comparable to the results from rivals at ISO 1600. With little discernable shutter delay, it takes around 2 seconds for a full resolution JPEG to be written to memory – here in the form of either removable SD or SDHC card, or paltry 21MB internal capacity.
Found via the shooting mode dial set into the right hand edge of the top plate (mirrored by a "virtual" version onscreen) is Smart Auto, Samsung’s interpretation of the intelligent auto point-and-shoot functionality offered by Panasonic’s Lumix and Canon’s IXUS ranges.
Select this and the camera will in theory recognise the intended subject and switch its internal settings accordingly, with 11 pre-optimised scenes to choose from. For example point the WB550 at a close object and it’ll jump to macro mode (focusing as near as 5cm), direct it at one further away and landscape mode will be chosen. Also on-board for beginners are the now ubiquitous face detection, blink detection, smile mode – capturing an image when a grin is detected – plus Samsung's own beauty shot option, automatically retouching out spots and freckles. For photo enthusiasts, there’s the ability to select program or manual settings – with the chance to change focus area, metering, single or high speed capture, ISO and white balance therein. Manual adds the ability to tweak shutter speed and aperture on screen via a "command lever" set into the top right-hand corner of the camera back. Being a narrow and uncomfortable lever, with seemingly enough surrounding space for it to have been made larger, it’s one of the few black marks against an otherwise pleasant to use, intuitive device.
For more information, please click: http://www.pocket-lint.com/reviews/review.phtml/4157/samsung-wb550-digital-camera-review.phtml
Here is a positive review from Pocket-Lint.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Almighty compact digital camera in a pocket, Samsung PL10 unboxing
As of Feb. 1st, Samsung Digital Imaging has been reborn by separating from Samsung Techwin , and I ve got an opportunity to review their new compact digital camera PL10 . In 4 weeks, I m going to use the PL10 and find out the product.
This is the first posting of my review and I m going to look at the appearance as a preview.
Last March, Samsung digital imaging has shown 13 kinds of digital cameras at the announcement of new products. It s the first lineup since the camera department has been independent from Samsung.
The products released this time consist of high-end digital cameras and popularized model with practical design and functions. WB and IT series with high zoom, ST series with stylish design, and PL series having functions have been released.
(Slim size compact digital camera PL10)
Among them, the PL10 is an inner zoom lens type compact digital camera not a protruding lens type. The inner zoom camera has strength in shot time after pushing a power button.
The inner zoom lens is imperative to make a camera slim. For a protruding lens type, the lens can be freely designed, but the lens makes the camera thicker. However, the lens size is bigger than the lens of inner zoom lens type, so it s more bright.
The inner zoom lens type can take a simple quick picture any time, because the lens doesn t protrude. On the other hand, it s weak to shake due to the slimness, so the IS (Image Stabilization) is necessary, and hard to secure light. Therefore, how they solve the weakness will decide the destiny of the product.
Once, Inner zoom lens type cameras were more expensive than protruding type cameras, because there was a lot of technology to cover the weak points of small lens. However, now the technology becomes normal, so there s no difference in price.
Let s take a look at the package and appearance of the PL10.
The box is similar to a cell phone box. Looking at the picture of the box, it seems like a cell phone or PMP, because the lens is not focused much.
Normally, features of the product are put on the box. This has 5 functions such as 9M pixels, optical 3x zoom, 2.7 inch LCD, MP3P and PMP, and smart face recognition. That customers can recognize the functions with a glimpse of an eye is the design point of the package.
The MP3P function of the PL10 reminds me of the Samsung Kenox #1 MP3. The #1 which was released on 2005 adopted the inner zoom lens like the PL10, and was able to play MP3 files. Dong-Gun Jang was the model of TV commercial, so it was impressive. As a same series model, there was #11 PMP which could play videos.
The PL10 has not released officially, yet. There s no Korean manual in this PL10 package. Instead, in the CD, there s a Korean manual as a PDF file. The power adaptor is provided for Korean. Like other VLUU products, a battery charger is not provided.
It consists of body, 900mAh battery, 4.2V output USB charge adaptor, USB cable, A/V cable, earphones (1 set of earphone cover), hand strap, manual, and program CD. It could have been better if there had been an LCD protection film. And the strap is a little too long. When putting the camera in the case, the strap dangles down.
The battery is SLB-0936 compatible with other Samsung VLUU compact digital cameras like i8, L730, L830, and NV4. It s 3.7V 900mAh Li-Ion battery. Full charge takes only 3 hours. It s good to charge occasionally. Complete discharge can reduce the life of the battery.
Samsung digital imaging is selling the battery at 20,000 won from their homepage. One more battery is useful for outside shots. But the charger is not on sale. In open market, the products by third party are on sale.
The battery time on the manual is 140 min for 900M pixels pictures (280 shots), 130 min for video recording, 330 min for MP3, 250 min for PMP, and 210 min for text viewer.
The output of the adaptor is a USB type. While normal USB is 5V, the provided charge uses 4.2V 400mA. It can be charged by the PC s USB port 5V 500mA. Instead, if it s connected with other USB devices at the same time, it may not be charged.
The USB cable is compatible with the cell phone 20 pin port. I mean for data transfer it s different (20 pin transfer cable for cell phones can be used for camera data transfer), but charge by the USB is compatible with cell phones. With the 20 pin charge of cell phone, it s possible to charge. This can be a great point, because you don t need to carry many charge cable. The LCD is red when charging, and green when the charge is done.
It s the A/V cable. One side is 20 pin port, and the other side is for video and audio. The yellow is video, and white is audio. Because the PL10 supports mono sound, it has only one audio port. It s used to connect to a TV or a composite port for display.
The bundle earphones are compatible with standard cell phone 20 pin, so earphones for cell phones can be used, and vice versa. But because of the cell phone standard, 3.5mm standard can t be used. This is inevitable for a slim digital camera.
Cell phone standard is a strong point, but I think it was much better if they provided a gender for 3.5mm, because I could have connected a speaker. But because this supports a cell phone type, if using a 3.5mm gender type earphone, speaker can be used. The sound quality of the bundle earphones is not bad. The design of the earphones is similar to the iPod bundle earphones. You can put the cover on them, If you want.
Let s take a look at the body. I ve got a red one. (The official color is Arty red.) Sometimes, it s called wine red. Generally, a red color is considered for a woman. I can see the LaFleur flower pattern. LaFleur means a flower in French. It can be seen a lot from Samsung MP3P Yepp.
It comes with 5 colors such as black, purple, titan silver, candy pink, and arty red.
From the front, on the left, there s a projection for middle finger for better grip. I could see this is designed for being held by women s hand. That doesn t mean this camera is for a woman. This can be small to those who have big hands. With a small change on just a steel body, it has better grip.
On the right top, there s an inner zoom lens. It s off and the lens is closed. Next, AF, self timer lamp, and flash are located. Normal F3.5~4.5 and 6.3-18.9mm focus length are displayed. Optical 3x zoom is also here.
For your reference, an inner zoom lens has a high F value (Low brightness), because the lens size is small. It means you will use flash more frequently. (High number is low brightness.)
Because there s no view finder hole, the back is neat. Generally, slim digital cameras don t provide a view finder hole. Therefore, you have to take a picture using the LCD screen spending a lot of power.
On the right side of the 230K 2.7 inch TFT LCD, control buttons are located. Status lamp, Zoom in/out, shot mode, menu button, direct play, and function buttons are located. There s one more glass plate on the LCD, but I don t know it s an intensified glass. If it is, protection film is not needed.
Looking at the top, you can see how slim this camera is. The design is made for inner zoom lens digital camera. On the center, a power button is located. When turning it on, the green light becomes on. It s quite bright in a dark place. The right button is a shutter button, and there s a microphone for recording between them. One microphone input means the recording is mono type.
On the left, there s a speaker for MP3 or video playing and a name of the product PL10
On the bottom, a tripod hole and battery/memory slots are located. It s not different from other slim digital camera design. For the button opening/closing the slots, it has 3 small projections for easy closing and opening. Product serial number is also here.
It s the left side. At the very upper size, universal port for charge, data transfer, and earphone connection is located. The cover is open by slightly pulling it up with your nail. Strap hole is located below.
Battery and memory are put in. It is hard to adjust the blue battery holder for big hands.
Turning it on, language and time setting comes up. The initial setting is English. Of course, it supports Korean. The GUI of the PL10 is not bad.
I ve looked at the package and appearance. Let s take a look at the specification of the PL10
Size : 97.4mm x 62.4mm x 21mm (Except protruding part)
Weight : 120.7g (Except battery and memory card)
Image sensor : 1/2.5"(App. 1.02 cm)CCD
Pixel : 900M pixels
Lens : f=6.3mm ~ 18.9mm
F value : F3.5 ~ F4.5
Zoom : Optical 3x, Digital 5x
Screen : 2.7" 230K pixels TFT LCD
Shutter speed : 1 ~ 1/2,000 sec
ISO : auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
IS : DIS (Digital Image Stabiliztion)
Video : MPEG-4, 800x592 (20 fps), 640x480, 320x240 (30 fps), Video editing function, Max. 3x zoom
Voice recording : Up to 10 hours, 10 sec for voice memo
Memory : Internal memory 196MB, External Memory : SD, SDHC(up to 8GB), MMC Plus
Storing type : Still image JPEG(DCF), EXIF 2.21, DPOF 1.1, PictBridge 1.0 Video AVI(MPEG-4), Voice WAV
Music player : SRS EQ, 48 ~ 320 kbps MP3
Video player : Xvid MPEG-4
Text viewer : ANSI, Unicode, UTF-8
The PL10 is an inner zoom lens type slim digital camera. It has 9M pixels with IS function. And multimedia functions such as MP3 with SRS Eq and videos with MPEG-4 are also supported.
This product has also various shot functions. The camera takes all by itself using a Smart function without complicated setting, and I m going to explain that with more review.