Samsung SL310 Review

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SL310 Overview

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SL310 Overview
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Samsung SL310W
Resolution:	13.60 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/1.72 inch (7.4mm x 5.6mm)
Lens:	3.60x zoom (28-102mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	LCD
Extended ISO:	80 - 3200
Shutter:	1/1500 - 8 sec
Max Aperture:	2.8
Dimensions:	3.6 x 2.4 x 0.9 in. (92 x 61 x 23 mm)
Weight:	4.9 oz (138 g)
MSRP:	$230
Availability:	09/2008
Manufacturer:	Samsung
Full specs:	Samsung SL310 specifications

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13.60 Megapixels	3.60x zoom	1/1.72 inch size sensor

The Samsung SL310W features a 13.6 megapixel image sensor and a Samsung-branded 3.6x optical zoom lens. The SL310W's lens offers a 28 - 102mm equivalent focal range, a useful wide angle to a moderate telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from F2.8 to F5.7 across the zoom range. Macro focusing is possible down to 5cm at wide angle, or 50cm at telephoto. There's no optical viewfinder, with images being framed on a fairly large 2.7" LCD display with above average 230,000 pixel resolution.

The SL310W's ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 1600, with the ability to extend this to a maximum of ISO 3200 at a reduced three megapixel resolution. The SL310W offers shutter speeds from 1/1500 to 8 seconds, controlled automatically. There are four metering modes in the Samsung SL310W - either multi, center-weighted, spot or face detection-linked, and the autofocus system can likewise use face detection (with either multi or center AF areas also available for selection). The Samsung SL310W has ten scene modes aimed at keeping things approachable for beginner photographers while still offering a degree of control over images: Portrait, Children, Landscape, Text, Close-up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, and Beach & Snow.

Seven white balance settings include Auto and Manual modes, as well as five fixed presets. The SL310W includes Samsung's "Dual Image Stabilization" function, which combines both a true mechanical stabilization function, plus the ability to combat blur using the camera's firmware, automatically raising the camera's ISO sensitivity as needed.

The Samsung SL310W has the ability to record movies in AVI format, using the newer MPEG-4 compression (which offers better compression / quality than the Motion JPEG format favored by most digicams). The SL310W's movies are recorded at up to a maximum resolution of 800x592 pixels, albeit with a reduced framerate of just 20 frames per second max. At 640x480 or 320x240 pixel resolution, the maximum frame rate increases to 30 fps. The SL310W does support optical zoom while recording of videos, but mutes the audio during zoom operation to prevent objectionable lens noises from appearing on the audio track.

The Samsung SL310W stores its images on SD, SDHC, or MMC plus cards. Information on the camera's built-in memory isn't confirmed at the time of this writing, but preliminary specs suggest a figure of 40MB. The SL310W derives its power from a proprietary SLB-10A lithium-ion battery pack. Connectivity options include NTSC / PAL video, and USB 2.0 computer connectivity of unspecified speed. The company's Samsung Master software is included in the product bundle.

The Samsung SL310W ships from September 2008 priced at US$230.