Samsung AQ100 Review

Samsung AQ100 Overview

Posted: 02/20/2010

The Samsung AQ100 is a waterproof digital camera based around a twelve megapixel image sensor and a prism-folded 5x optical zoom lens. The AQ100 has a slim 0.78-inch thick body, and can be operated safely at depths of up to ten feet underwater. A dedicated Aqua scene mode is available to help get the best results with underwater photography. Sadly, the Samsung AQ100 lacks any form of true optical image stabilization, instead opting for what Samsung terms "Digital Image Stabilization" - essentially, the camera raises ISO sensitivity to gain a higher shutter speed at the expense of some image noise or subject detail.

On its rear panel, the Samsung AQ100 offers up a 2.7" LCD display with 230,000 dots of resolution, roughly equivalent to a 320 x 240 pixel array with three dots per pixel. This display is the only venue for framing and reviewing images and movies, given that the AQ100 lacks any form of optical or electronic viewfinder. Samsung's Smart Auto intelligent scene recognition mode is available, which automatically selects the appropriate camera settings based on the determined subject type. The function works for both still images and movies. The Samsung AQ100 records movies at high definition 720p (1,280 x 720 pixel) resolution or below. Movies are saved as 30 frames-per-second H.264 files.

Other features of the Samsung AQ100 include a Smart Filter function which offers lens and color effects, a Photo Style Selector function, and Samsung's Perfect Portrait System. This last consists of a Face Detection function, smile shot and blink detection capability, in-camera red-eye fixing function, Self Portrait mode, and Beauty Shot mode which automatically softens skin tones.

The Samsung AQ100 is available from Spring 2010, priced at around $200.