Samsung S1050 Review

The Samsung S1050 features a Samsung SHD-branded f/2.8 - f/4.4, 5x optical zoom lens with a generous (at the telephoto end, at least) 38 - 190mm equivalent focal range. The S1050 couples this with - as the name would suggest - a ten megapixel CCD imager that yields a maximum resolution of 3648 x 2736 pixels. The S1050 also includes a whopping 3.0" LCD display that has 230,000 pixels; likely to help keep price and complexity down, this LCD is the sole method of framing images, as the Samsung S1050 forgoes any form of optical viewfinder. Autofocus is via contrast detection, while ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 1600 equivalent, selected either automatically or manually. Exposures are determined with multi-pattern or spot metering, and the user can tweak the exposure with +/-2.0EV of exposure compensation, in 1/2EV steps. Want a little more control? Then you'll be pleased to find that the S1050 offers both aperture- and shutter-priority modes, as well as fully manual shooting.

The S1050's shutter speeds range from 1/2000 to 15 seconds. White balance can be controlled automatically, manually, or via one of five presets. The Samsung S1050 has a five mode internal flash good to five meters, and ten scene modes that help beginners get the most from their camera without needing to understand the subtleties of exposure variables. As well as still images, the S1050 can also capture movies (with audio) at 800x600 or lower resolution at a rate of twenty frames per second, in MPEG-4 format. The Samsung S1050 also has a two or ten second self-timer to let you get into your own pictures. The S1050 stores images on Secure Digital or MultiMediaCard media, as well as the newer SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards, or in a somewhat generous 45MB of built-in memory. The S1050 also offers USB computer connectivity, while power comes from two AA batteries - either disposable alkalines as included in the product bundle, or rechargeable NiMH types.

The Samsung S1050 ships this Spring, at a suggested price of US$349.99.