Samsung WB650
The basics
The 12.2 megapixel Samsung WB650 isn't a compact camera for the occasional Facebook group hug shot. Armed to the teeth with everything from a huge 15x optical zoom to HD video recording, a gorgeous three inch AMOLED screen and even GPS, it's a well equipped snapper designed for holiday photographers, whether on a skiing trip or safari. And once you're back, an HDMI port lets you play your shots and videos back on a TV.
The good
Peeping Toms and amateur photographers alike will adore the 15x optical zoom lens on the Samsung WB650: it's absolutely enormous for a compact, and extremely versatile. Even at full zoom, even the most butter fingered will struggle to come away with blurry shots - but you'll be able to tell simply because the rich screen on the back shows snaps so clearly and vividly.
GPS meanwhile is well handled - it's a useful tool for tagging where on the planet your snaps were taken, but it's also a battery drain. Luckily, there's a simple switch to flick it on and off on the top of the Samsung WB650. Even if you leave it on all the time though, you can expect enough gas for hundreds of shots.
The bad
While image quality in light is excellent with the Samsung WB650 (720p HD video too), its low light performance isn't the best we've ever seen in a compact camera. For cave dwellers and people who like to take shot in dark rooms than national parks, you'd be better off opting for something like the svelte Canon S90, even if it does lack video.
The Samsung WB650 review also pushes the definition of "compact" to its very limit: it's quite a chunky beast, and stashed in your jeans pocket, could lead to some unwelcome remarks and embarrassing situations.
The bottom line
It's simple: the Samsung WB650 is the best compact camera on the market right now that you can take on holiday. It's a powerful, solid performer, and coming in at a lower price than its close rival the Sony Cyber-shot HX5V, a must buy for anyone who doesn't fancy lugging a DSLR around on the tour bus with them.
User comments (2)
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colingw12324 February 2011
The WB650 is a good camera but not great. Due out shortly is the WB700 which looks an improvement in most areas. You'll pay more, but no doubt prices will come down.
Report as inappropriategillie03 August 2011
I purchased a Samsung WB 700 recently and was very impressed with the HD video and the great photographs that it took. It was compact enough to take any where I loved it. Unfortunately the audio play back was very distorted. It was fine for normal every day video but when it came to videoing bands the microphone seemed to be too sensitive, even when recording outside and quite a way from the main speakers. Do you have any suggestions for a compact camera that you have tried and tested that comes up to the spec of the samsung but has good audio.
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