Samsung WB750 Review

Samsung WB750 Overview

Posted: 09/01/2011

Although detailed information wasn't available at press time, the Samsung WB750 looks to be aimed at the photographer wanting a relatively compact camera that's easy to bring along when traveling, but doesn't skimp on zoom range. If it proves fast enough--and the choice of a CMOS image sensor, plus the presence of Full HD video capability suggest that it may be--it could perhaps also prove a useful camera for sports fans wanting to get closer to the action without being too obtrusive.

The Samsung WB750 looks to retain the same 18x optical zoom lens that previously featured in the WB700, with 35mm-equivalent focal lengths from a generous 24mm wide angle to a powerful 432mm telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from f/3.2 to f/5.8 across the zoom range. As with the WB700 before it, the optically stabilized lens carries Schneider-KREUZNACH branding, and although it's clearly labeled on the camera body as an 18x optical zoom, the marketing materials call attention to its ability to crop the image down by ~1.3x once the maximum zoom position is reached, yielding what the company refers to as a "24x Smart Zoom".

Where the Samsung WB700 had a 14 megapixel CCD image sensor, the WB700 replaces this with a 12 megapixel, backside illuminated CMOS chip, however. Backside-illuminated sensors place their circuitry on the rear (non-illuminated) side of the chip, leaving more space on the active side available for light-gathering, and thereby increasing sensitivity. Unfortunately we don't yet know the sensitivity range for the WB750, and so we can't speculate as to how the switch of sensors has borne the theory out in real life.

One aspect of CMOS sensors--although not specific to BSI chips--of which the WB750 does take clear advantage is its speed, and the abilities that offers in terms of movie recording. Where the WB700 was limited to 720p (1,280 x 720 pixel) capture at 30 frames per second, the WB750 offers up Full HD (1,080p; 1,920 x 1,080 pixel) recording, increasing the pixel count by 225% in the process.

Other significant features of the Samsung WB750 include a 3.0-inch LCD panel, USB 2.0 data connectivity (type unspecified), and a choice of both high-def Type-D HDMI and standard-def composite NTSC / PAL video outputs.

Information on pricing and availability had not been disclosed at press time.