Product Review: Samsung NV9 Digital Camera

The Samsung NV9 digital camera falls into the sub-$300 range, opening it to the largest portion of the digital camera market. This camera isn't unlike like the average $250 digital camera, but does sport some unique features that may make it more desirable in some consumers eyes.

This camera will officially be released in the United States in September, and is priced at $279, and is a standard point-and-shoot compact. If you're interested in purchasing this new camera, read on to discover it's unique features and to see if it's really worth the price.

Features

This camera has a 10.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, and boasts 5x optical zoom, a nice number for a standard point-and-shoot. To make sure every picture comes out nice and clear, this camera also features Dual Image Stabilization, meaning it uses both optical and digital stabilization at the same time.

The ISO can manually be controlled and goes up to 3200, a fairly high number for a simple consumer camera. Storage capacity comes in the form of a standard SD card, so no proprietary units are needed (unlike with Sony cameras). There are 13 different pre-made photography modes, but advanced users can customize and mix their own modes with their ideal settings.

The display on the NV9 digital camera is a whopping 2.7", making it above-average and a nice choice for those shooting fast subjects, where noticing blurs is an asset.

One of the most unique features of this camera is the two analog gauges on the top of the unit. They are styled to look like 'gas gauges' you would find on a tractor or a vehicle. They resemble little compasses upon first glance, and aren't as precise as a digital display. The two displays show the battery life left, and the storage capacity left. The gauges are thin, and appear they may need re-calibrated should the camera ever be dropped.

Body

The body on the Samsung NV9 is thin and the standard for 'stylish' digital cameras. The front of the camera is nearly blank, featuring the small lens in the upper left corner, next to it the small light sensor, followed by the camera and three small holes for the microphone.

The top of the camera is basic - holes for the speaker, a power button, the two analog gauges, and the mode dial. The back of the camera consists almost solely of the huge display, but also has a zoom tab, followed by the four standard trash/slideshow/lock/print buttons, as well as the standard circular scroll button with a MENU button in the center.

This camera has a very thin body, and as a result, will be unable to handle a lot of abuse. Don't take this a primary camera for hiking or other perilous activities.

PMP and MP3 Features

An even more unique aspect over the two analog gauges is the PMP and MP3 functionality. Not wanting to waste the large nearly 3" screen, Samsung tossed in a PMP feature, allowing users to play movies on their camera. There's also the ability to play mp3 music files.

Photo Quality

Photo quality will ultimately be one of the biggest factor in whether or not you'll get this camera. When this camera officially debuts in the US in September, check out DPreview's sample galleries page, where they will have several sample photos.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a thin digital camera will above average features at a reasonable price, this camera looks like a promising option. The high ISO will allow you to capture photos in very dark settings.

If, on the other hand, you're looking for a camera that is rugged and can go both up a mountain and deep into a cave, you might want to consider something a bit more bulky and thus, durable.