Samsung NV8

The Samsung NV8 is a really fantastic digital camera: but rather than gush for ages about how I took this totally awesome picture with it, I will try to remain objective about the camera and it's features.

The Samsung NV8 is an 8 Megapixel digital camera that can also record audio/video up to a maximum resolution of 640x480 for around 13 minutes of footage at 30fps(256MB SD card), which would mean almost an hour if using a 1GB SD card. Using the camera for still images it can be set to 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1 megapixels (resolution adjusts automatically accordingly) The 8Meg can be set at lesser denominations thereof to prolong the life of your limited storage space. Once again based on a 256 MB SD card and set on maximum resolution, using the "Superfine" noise shaping, would result in a maximum of 60 photos, reducing the noise shaping to "Normal" results in 165 photos. It has the standard SD card slot embedded in the underside of the camera, along with the battery.

The settings of this camera are certainly worth a mention, as it caters to both kinds of photographers, Experienced & Novice. In the past I have owned both a Pentax & Kodak unit, the Pentax was complicated to setup, the Kodak was so simple to use I ended up replacing it because I was frustrated at not being able to use it exactly how I wanted! This unit caters for both by having the usual "Auto setup" settings optimsed for various scenarios, but it also has a "Manual setup" mode which remembers EXACTLY how you like your configuration. This is truly an excellent combination, that I have not seen in any other camera I have owned, it is almost always; exclusively one or the other. The other brilliant innovation with this is the touch sensitive buttons that surround the LCD screen on the reverse of the unit, these are really easy to use and make navigating the various menus, so simple & straightforward, you couldn't possibly get it wrong! The battery charges in 2 1/2 hours and is supposedly good for 200+ photos using the flash on every single shot. It has an innovative link system which uses a USB cable to connect to a P.C as you might expect...but the plug attaches to the end and it becomes the socket charging unit from the mains as well, so it can obtain power from a computer device or the mains to be charged...once again a unique feature of this camera!

The lens is manufactured by Schneider-Kreuznach and is incredibly detailed and capable of capturing beautiful stills even at maximum optical zoom; which is 3X, then the usual digital-based zoom function (5X). The flash is extremely compact, it pops up from the case housing when needed and can be pushed closed when done, keeping the overall dimensions minimal. Speaking of which the dimensions are very small, the body of the camera is wafer thin when the lens is retracted, not much bigger really when the lens is extended.

The advanced options are worth mentioning, face recognition is built into the unit (single or multiple), it has Advanced Shake Reduction, Self timer, effects feature (picture borders), metering and the usual image resizing and such. More info from www.samsungcamera.co.uk as it saves me having to write it all a second time here...

To conclude; for a budget camera ( £80- £100), this is an above average performer that is in-line with more expensive models around the £150- £200 mark. It can be a little heavy handed on the lesser noise shaping settings, but that is to be expected. I would recommend buying a 1 or 2 GB SD card for £5-7 online and set the resolution to max with superfine noise shaping. It tends to take better pictures indoors at social gatherings, where the face recognition function can excel and the auto-adjust for the exposure, etc comes into it's own. It is more than capable however of taking superb pictures outdoors too, but if I had to pick one category this camera favours indoor/social shots; like nights out with your friends.

This unit is quite simply the best camera I have ever owned and would recommend this highly to everyone as an absolute bargain and stunning performer...keep your eyes peeled as I snapped one up "ex-display" from Currys (which just meant it had been in a glass case for a while) for £70 last month!