Digital Camera News and Reviews

Samsung TL500 / Samsung EX1

CNET UK has tested a new high end compact digital camera from Samsung. The Samsung camera is called Samsung TL500 (or Samsung EX1 in Europe). The most interesting part of this compact is the bright 3x optical zoom lens that is pretty wide and starts at f/1.8.

Some key features for the Samsung TL500 / Samsung EX1:
-10 megapixel image sensor
-3.0″ multi-angle AMOLED display
-3x wide angle optical zoom lens (24-72mm, f/1.8-2.4)
-RAW capture
-VGA video recording in H.264 format

CNET UK ends up giving the Samsung TL500 / Samsung EX1 a good review with an overall score of 3.5 stars out of 5 possible. On the positive side the reviewer finds the build quality and finish to be very good. The big swiveling AMOLED display is also great and so is all the control you get over your photography with this camera. On the negative side we find aspects such as some awkward controls and maybe it is better to buy small Micro Four Thirds cameras like Olympus EPL-1 or Panasonic GF1. The Samsung camera is a good camera, no doubt about that.
Read the full review of the Samsung TL500 / Samsung EX1 digital camera here.

Samsung SMX-C20

Digital Camera Review has tested a regular camcorder from Samsung. The camcorder is called Samsung SMX-C20 (the Samsung SMX-C24 is also mentioned in the review as it essentially is the same camcorder) and has a special lens that is positioned at an angle making it more natural to film.

Some key features for the Samsung SMX-C20:
-10x optical zoom lens
-2.7″ LCD screen
-2.5 Hours Battery Recording
-25 degree active angle lens
-Uses SD or SDHC memory cards

Digital Camera Review ends up giving the Samsung SMX-C20 an overall score of 3 out of 5 possible stars. On the positive side we find ergonomic handling and the time lapse feature. On the negative side there are points such as that you do not have HD video, the buttons feel cheap and no external audio jack. The Samsung camcorder scores highest on features, design and ease of use, scoring a little lower on performance and scoring lowest on image quality and video quality. Overall this seems like a good camcorder, but it is worth looking at HD camcorders which seems to be taking over the camcorder market.
Read the full review of the Samsung SMX-C20 camcorder here.

Samsung ML-2580N

Trusted Reviews has tested a mono laser printer from Samsung. The Samsung printer is called Samsung ML-2580N and it is able to print up to 24 pages per minute, or so Samsung claims.

Some key features for the Samsung ML-2580N printer:
-Print speeds up to 24 pages per minute
-250 Sheet Capacity
-USB 2 and ethernet connectivity
-Toner Save Mode
-Print resolution up to 1,200dpi

Trusted Reviews ends up giving the an overall rating of 8 out of 10 possible points. The Samsung printer scores highest on print quality, a little lower on print speed and value for your money while it scores lowest on features. The printer is really good, but lacks some features (like a dedicated page print button) from getting a top score from Trusted Reviews.
Read the full review of the Samsung ML-2580N mono laser printer here.

Samsung NX 30mm f/2

The German photo website famous for their lens tests has reviewed a new Samsung lens. The lens is called Samsung NX 30mm f/2 and is a part of the new mirror-less camera system from Samsung. The lens is a so-called pancake lens with a fixed focal length and it is pretty bright at f/2.

Photozone.de gives the Samsung NX 30mm f/2 a very good review as the lens is very sharp and takes good pictures. It also has good build quality, low price and has ok focus speed. There is about non distortions and chromatic aberrations. The only downside the reviewer finds with this Samsung lens is the quality of the bokeh which can be pretty harsh at times. Seems like a sure bet for all photographers who have invested in the NX system.
Read the full review of the Samsung NX 30mm f/2 lens here.