Well, it's not supposed to work like this. High-end, feature-packed cameras are usually, frankly, a mess: flaky, oddball features, a Frankenstein interface of patchwork hideousness, an image quality that, ultimately, feels like an afterthought… But the Samsung ST1000 is different.
It feels beautifully built – even if the decision to place the lens where it is means you're in danger of taking too many photos of your left index finger – and the 3.5-inch touchscreen on the back is just stunning.
It has super-high pixel density, great colour and the interface is actually usable without having to turn to the manual.
The pictures are good too – 12.2 megapixels is a little much to ask of a compact camera's sensor, so there's some smearing and noise at 100% (especially noticeable in low light), but otherwise they're fine.
No RAW
Granted, there's no RAW option, and an entry level DLSR is going to trounce it on image quality alone – for just £150 or so more – but the JPEGs sufficiently hold their own.
The 720p movies, recorded in an iMovie-friendly H.264 format, are good, though detail is smudged and a tad over-sharpened.
Best of all though, the advanced technology stuffed into this camera actually works. Given a few minutes to get a lock, the GPS circuitry can embed the location each shot was taken into the JPEG's metadata. The accuracy varies according to different conditions, but it's never usually more than a few metres out.
The Places feature of iPhoto can then use this data to pin photos to a map, or to build Smart Albums based on where photos were shot. Images uploaded to Flickr can (optionally) maintain this data, though an apparent bug in how Google truncates coordinates means that Picasa and Google Maps get the location wrong.
You can upload the images to Picasa and Facebook directly from the camera over Wi-Fi but, while the ST1000 supports WEP/WPA, it won't work with paid-for hotspots that require a login.
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Your comments (6) Click to add a new comment
e_shah
February 2nd 2010
6. It looks pretty simple but it's full of fun features and amazing functions... pictures come out beautifully as well.. great innovation!
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mikilovesu
January 9th 2010
5. So cold nowadayssss:) right? How was your christmas and new year?
oh.. you couldnt take good pictures?.. That'ts so sad!
BUT! Don't worry! ST550 will help you much!
It's not late! enjoy it:D
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mikilovesu
January 9th 2010
4. So cold nowadayssss:) right? How was your christmas and new year?
oh.. you couldnt take good pictures?.. That'ts so sad!
BUT! Don't worry! ST550 will help you much!
It's not late! enjoy it:D
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mikilovesu
December 27th 2009
3. ST550 is the greatest invention among all the cameras. And their price is very reasonable. I dont think it is that much expensive, and when you get one with that money, you will realise that it is very worthy.
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e_shah
December 7th 2009
2. This camera gives us something to remember... it's smart gestures, Wi-fi and bluetooth functions are among others that will keep you wanting this to be in your pocket. Definitely worth buying!
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mikilovesu
December 5th 2009
1. ST1000 has a good design. its very slim and light. And it has the widest screen ever so very convenient and nice:) You will love it!
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