Samsung ST93 Review

Samsung ST93 Overview

Posted: 04/20/2011

The Samsung ST93 ultracompact digital camera is closely related to the existing ST90 model, but replaces that camera's 14 megapixel image sensor with an ever-so-slightly higher resolution 16 megapixel chip of unspecified type. (While not disclosed, the chip is likely still 1/2.3-inch type, as the lens looks to be unchanged and provides identical effective focal lengths).

The ST93's sensor sits behind a Samsung-branded 5x optical zoom lens, that provides approximately the same field of view as a 26mm to 130mm lens on a 35mm camera -- a useful wide angle to a moderate telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from f/3.3 to f/5.9, across the zoom range.

The Samsung ST93 includes what the company calls "Dual IS", a two-pronged approach to fighting blur from camera shake, consisting of optical image stabilization, and digital techniques that likely work by raising ISO sensitivity and/or performing deblurring. Like the earlier camera, the Samsung ST93 forgoes any optical or electronic viewfinder, providing only an LCD display of unspecified size and resolution on which to frame and review your shots.

The Samsung ST93 includes the company's Smart Filter 2.0 function that offers special effects such as Vignetting, miniature, half-tone dot, palette, and a new soft focus effect. There's also a Magic Frame function that overlays templates such as Wall Art, Retro Film, Ripple, Full Moon, Retro Record, and Classic TV on your photos. The ST93 also has a panorama shot function, and includes 720p movie recording, although we don't currently know the frame rate or codec used.

The Samsung ST93 has currently not been announced in the US market. Availability in certain other markets worldwide is set for June 2011. No information on pricing was available at press time.