Samsung ST30 Review

Samsung ST30 Overview

Posted: 01/19/2011

The Samsung ST30 is an ultracompact digital camera, based around a 1/3"-type CCD image sensor with ten megapixel resolution. The ST30's sensor sits behind a Samsung-branded 3x optical zoom lens, whose actual focal lengths range from 4.1 to 12.3mm. That equates to approximately the same field of view as a 28mm to 84mm lens on a 35mm camera -- a useful wide angle to a modest telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from f/3.3 to f/5.9, across the zoom range.

The Samsung ST30 lacks any form of optical image stabilization, although this is of less importance than it would be on a longer-zoom camera, given that the relatively limited reach of its zoom lens will reduce the likelihood of shake-induced blur except in low-light situations. The Samsung ST30 also 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 ST30 has a metal body, which will help to differentiate it from the masses of plastic-bodied cameras that are typical at this price point. Other features include face detection with both blink detection and smile shutter functions, Beauty Shot and Self Portrait modes, Samsung's Smart Auto mode (which selects from a subset of available scene modes automatically), and the ability to recharge its battery -- presumably, a proprietary lithium ion pack -- in-camera, which saves you carrying a separate charger, but means you can't be using the camera while charging a second battery pack.

The Samsung ST30 ships in the US market from March 2011, priced at around US$100.