DPexpert: [REVIEW—SAMSUNG ST50 compact camera]

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May 14, 2009

[REVIEW—SAMSUNG ST50 compact camera]

Price: $380

Petite and sweet

The low-down: This 12.2 megapixel camera has a 35–105mm (film equivalent) lens. It is not image stabilised. The large (75mm) LCD screen is of average resolution and useless in sunlight. Dimensions are tiny with a face area equal to a credit card and a mere 14.2mm thick. It will fit any pocket without a bulge. Surface is attractive brushed metal. Ergonomics are poor with some essential controls, such as exposure compensation, buried in two layers of menu. There is no printed manual and the “quick start” manual is useless.

Like: The image quality is generally very good, when all the conditions come together precisely. Focus is fast and accurate. Resolution is good. At ISO200 images are very good. Surprisingly it is even possible to get acceptably clean images at ISO speeds up to 800. And Samsung is honest – when ISO800 is selected in the menu a notice pops up warning of probable increase in image noise (grain).

Dislike: Both auto exposure and auto white balance are erratic. Generally the camera over exposes by at least one stop. And the auto white balance, which is acceptable most of the time, can be easily upset, resulting in some weird colours. The absence of a proper printed manual is inexcusable. And as with all compact cameras that rely on the LCD as a viewfinder you won't see anything in bright sunlight. Sadly the optical viewfinder is now a rare feature on compact cameras.

Verdict: The appeal of this camera is its small size and attractive appearance. It is a true go-anywhere camera which, used intelligently, delivers very good results. Needless to say most owners will put it into Smart Auto mode and leave it there, which is a pity. The ST50 deserves more discriminating use. It is not cheap and is up against stiff competition from Canon, Sony and Panasonic in this price range.