amazon Samsung ST50 reviews
This is a 12.2 megapixel camera, Samsung 3x optical zoom lens (35-105mm equivalent) and many amazing features.
It seems that also in the tradition of Samsung mobile phones, the ST50 has a very thin design (16.6mm). Size is only business card and sure with scratch resistant alloy cover.
The compact control system, the top face of the shutter button is surrounded by the zoom / telephoto control ring, the “power” button and the “smart” button highlighted with “blue” light.
LCD 2.7″ takes up most of the back with a very detailed menu, the shooting mode is implemented into a convenient switch.
Universal USB terminal for both data and A / V output, especially a battery charger with USB cable and a beautiful and innovative design outlet.
The bottom of the battery compartment is Li-ion rechargeable battery, SD memory card.
where can you get a Samsung ST50 online
Samsung ST50 Digital Camera – Black (12MP, 3x Optical Zoom) 2.7 inch LCD: Buy it now
1. Design and Build Quality
1.1. Aesthetic Appeal
The Samsung ST50 boasts a slim and compact design, characteristic of the compact camera trend of its time. The camera’s body is elegantly designed with a metal finish, providing a premium feel and look. It is available in several colors, including classic black, silver, and more vibrant options, catering to different personal preferences.
The ST50’s compact size makes it highly portable, fitting easily into pockets or small bags. Its dimensions of approximately 89 x 57 x 19 mm (3.5 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches) and weight of around 125 grams (4.4 ounces) ensure that it is lightweight and easy to carry. The camera’s design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, with a well-placed grip and intuitive controls.
1.2. Build Quality
The build quality of the Samsung ST50 is solid for its class. The camera features a metal casing that adds durability while maintaining a lightweight profile. The buttons and dials are well-constructed and provide tactile feedback, which enhances the overall user experience. However, as with many compact cameras, the ST50’s durability is limited compared to more rugged or higher-end models.
2. Key Features and Specifications
2.1. Sensor and Image Quality
The Samsung ST50 is equipped with a 12.2-megapixel CCD sensor, which was considered a standard resolution at the time of its release. This sensor provides sufficient detail for most casual photography needs and allows for printing images up to 8 x 10 inches with acceptable quality.
The camera’s image processing engine is designed to deliver vibrant colors and decent sharpness. While it may not match the image quality of more advanced models, it is suitable for everyday use and casual photography. The ST50 performs well in well-lit conditions, capturing clear and detailed images.
2.2. Lens and Zoom Capabilities
The Samsung ST50 features a 5x optical zoom lens with a focal length range of 27.5mm to 137.5mm (35mm equivalent). This zoom range offers versatility for various shooting situations, from wide-angle shots to moderate telephoto zoom. The lens includes a bright f/2.5 aperture, which is advantageous for capturing images in low light conditions.
The zoom functionality is smooth and easy to operate, thanks to the camera’s dedicated zoom control. However, users should note that while the zoom range is adequate for casual use, it may not be sufficient for more demanding photography scenarios that require longer focal lengths.
2.3. LCD Screen
The Samsung ST50 is equipped with a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. The screen is used for composing shots, reviewing images, and navigating the camera’s menu system. While the screen provides adequate clarity and color reproduction, its resolution is lower compared to more modern cameras with higher-resolution displays.
The LCD screen is generally viewable in various lighting conditions, although direct sunlight may pose some challenges. The screen’s size and resolution are suitable for the ST50’s intended user base, providing a satisfactory experience for casual photography.
2.4. Image Stabilization
The ST50 incorporates Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) to help reduce the effects of camera shake and minimize blurriness in images. While digital stabilization is less effective than optical stabilization, it provides some benefit in reducing the impact of minor movements. Users may still need to be mindful of camera shake, especially when using the zoom function or shooting in low light conditions.
2.5. Shooting Modes and Features
The Samsung ST50 offers a variety of shooting modes and features designed to enhance the user experience. Key shooting modes include:
- Auto Mode: The camera automatically adjusts settings for optimal exposure, making it easy for users to take good photos without manual adjustments.
- Program Mode (P): Allows users to adjust settings such as aperture and shutter speed while the camera handles other parameters.
- Scene Modes: Includes various presets such as Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, and Macro, tailored for specific shooting scenarios.
- Movie Mode: Enables users to record VGA-quality video (640 x 480 pixels) at 30 frames per second. While the video quality is acceptable for casual use, it is not comparable to modern HD or 4K video capabilities.
The ST50 also includes features such as face detection, which helps ensure that faces are properly focused and exposed in portraits. Additionally, the camera offers a range of image effects and filters that can be applied to enhance creativity.
3. Performance and Usability
3.1. Ease of Use
The Samsung ST50 is designed with ease of use in mind. The intuitive menu system and well-organized controls make it accessible for users of all experience levels. The mode dial allows for quick switching between different shooting modes, and the dedicated buttons for functions such as playback and menu navigation contribute to a user-friendly experience.
The camera’s compact size and lightweight nature enhance its portability, making it a convenient choice for everyday photography and travel. The ST50’s straightforward controls and automatic settings cater to users who prefer a hassle-free shooting experience.
3.2. Image Quality
In well-lit conditions, the Samsung ST50 delivers good image quality with accurate colors and satisfactory detail. The 12.2 MP sensor provides sufficient resolution for most casual photography needs, and the 5x optical zoom lens offers versatility for framing shots.
However, the camera’s performance in low-light conditions may be less impressive. The Digital Image Stabilization helps mitigate camera shake, but images may still exhibit noise and reduced sharpness at higher ISO settings. Users may need to rely on the camera’s built-in flash or use a steady hand to achieve better results in low-light situations.
3.3. Battery Life
The Samsung ST50 is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which provides a reasonable amount of shooting time on a single charge. Battery life is generally adequate for a day of casual photography, though users who plan to take a large number of photos or record extended videos should consider carrying a spare battery.
3.4. Speed and Responsiveness
The ST50 offers decent speed and responsiveness for a compact camera of its class. The camera powers on quickly, and the shutter response is generally satisfactory. However, users may experience some lag when switching between shooting modes or when the camera is processing high-resolution images.
4. Comparison with Similar Models
4.1. Canon PowerShot A1200
The Canon PowerShot A1200 is a comparable alternative to the Samsung ST50, featuring a 12.1 MP sensor and a 4x optical zoom lens. The A1200 offers a similar level of image quality and functionality, but it includes optical image stabilization, which provides an advantage over the ST50’s digital stabilization. The A1200 also features a slightly larger 2.7-inch LCD screen with a higher resolution.
4.2. Nikon Coolpix L22
The Nikon Coolpix L22 is another competitor in the entry-level compact camera market. It features a 12 MP sensor and a 3.6x optical zoom lens. While the L22 offers a lower zoom range compared to the ST50, it provides a similar level of image quality and ease of use. The L22 also includes Nikon’s image stabilization technology, which may offer better performance compared to the ST50’s digital stabilization.
4.3. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W350
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W350 is a more advanced compact camera featuring a 14.1 MP sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens. It offers a higher resolution and improved image quality compared to the ST50. The DSC-W350 also includes optical image stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD screen with higher resolution, providing a more refined user experience.
5. Pros and Cons
5.1. Pros
- Compact and Stylish Design: The ST50’s slim and attractive design makes it a fashionable and portable choice for everyday use.
- User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive controls and menu system cater to users of all experience levels.
- Decent Image Quality: Provides good results in well-lit conditions with accurate colors and satisfactory detail.
- Versatile Zoom Lens: The 5x optical zoom offers flexibility for various shooting scenarios.
- Reasonable Battery Life: Adequate for a day of casual photography.
5.2. Cons
- Limited LCD Screen Resolution: The 2.7-inch display has a lower resolution compared to more modern cameras, affecting clarity and ease of use.
- Digital Image Stabilization: Less effective than optical stabilization, potentially leading to less sharp images.
- Basic Video Recording: VGA resolution may not meet the expectations of users looking for high-definition video.
- Lower Performance in Low Light: The ST50’s high ISO performance may not be sufficient for challenging lighting conditions.
6. Conclusion
The Samsung ST50 is a compact and stylish digital camera that offers a balance of functionality and ease of use for casual photographers. Its slim design, user-friendly interface, and decent image quality make it a suitable choice for everyday photography and travel. While the ST50 has some limitations, such as basic image stabilization and VGA video recording, it remains a viable option for users who value portability and simplicity.
For those seeking more advanced features or higher performance, modern alternatives such as the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W350 or Canon PowerShot A1200 might be more suitable. However, the Samsung ST50 stands out in its class for its design and user-friendly operation.