Samsung WB700 review

It looks like Samsung started out to produce a camera that would contend with the large zoom TZ-series of compact cameras that Panasonic is releasing at the moment .

The WB700 is a similar size, has a similar zoom range and has a similar high quality lens from an independent manufacturer. Samsung offers slightly more though, such as the lens actually being built by Schneider and fitting an 18x zoom.

Pictures pop with realistic colour and are pin sharp, the processor handles noise very well and the novelty digital filters will provide additional entertainment.

We think that the Samsung WB700 will be ideal for many different types of consumer. The complete novice might be overwhelmed at first but there is a smart auto on the command dial to let the camera control everything except taking a picture.

We liked

We love the little extras that the WB700 has such as the Schneider lens, manual controls and excellent build throughout – even on the battery door. Pictures are great with lovely colours and sharp focusing.

We disliked

Detail resolution and dynamic range could be improved, especially at higher sensitivity settings.

Verdict

Amateur users will enjoy the fun elements and large zoom while keen photographers will welcome the manual controls however limited the aperture is. The addition of a histogram is also a welcome feature for the more advanced user. The rating of the camera reflects the good points. We feel that the bad points are negligible compared to the good points.