Test the Samsung ST100:

Several virtual shooting modes can be selected with the touch of a finger. These include a standard auto mode, a program auto mode with a wider range of options, a scene mode which provides 12 pre- optimized for different situations, a dual anti-shake mode and a video mode. Generally, the features and functionality of the ST100 are easy to navigate.

The ST100's auto mode works whether you're shooting stills or video, allowing you to disengage your brain and simply point and shoot. This mode can recognize certain types of scenes and subjects, and can also track a subject as it passes. moves. The ST100 can also detect and memorize up to 20 faces in a frame.

The camera's light sensitivity ranges from ISO 80 to ISO 3200. Close-up macro shots are offered up to 50mm from your subject. Video is shot at 720p high-definition resolution, at 30 frames per second or at 15 fps.

With the sun low in the sky, the ST100 handled this tricky exposure well, although there was some barrel distortion at the maximum wide-angle setting (click image to enlarge)

The ST100's lithium-ion battery is charged inside the camera. You can charge the camera via mains or plug it into your

portable

via USB. That's convenient, but it means you won't be able to use the camera while it's charging.

Bright colors

The ST100 powers up quickly, in just over a second, and also saves a full resolution JPEG to memory in just over a second.

We found the image quality of the ST100 to be very similar to the cheaper

Samsung PL90

.Colors are warm and vibrant in bright light, and detail is generally acceptable, although we did notice occasional softening, particularly at the maximum telephoto setting or when the light was lowered.

Although the lens isn't particularly wide, peaking at a 35mm equivalent, there is slight barrel distortion at the maximum wide-angle setting that results in slanted verticals. of almost all digital cameras, are also present, although the effect is not as pronounced as we have seen on some compacts recently. In the case of a £150 camera these issues would be problems minor, but they're slightly more serious at the price of the ST100.

Verdict

The Samsung ST100's dual screens are relatively new, but they also have their practical uses, especially when it comes to taking self-portraits or keeping children's attention while you try to snap them. fancy screens and the ST100 really is your average point-and-shoot camera. While the ST100 is fun to use, it could be more affordable.

Edited by Charles Kloet