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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Color
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03.Noise
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04.Resolution
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05.Video
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06.Sample Photos
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07.Playback
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08.Hardware
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09.Controls
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10.Design & Handling
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11.Canon SD970 Comparison
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12.Nikon S630 Comparison
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13.Panasonic FX580 Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Photo Gallery
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16.Comments
Samsung HZ15W
Previous: Page 13
Panasonic FX580 ComparisonNext: Page 15
Photo GalleryConclusion
Samsung HZ15W is part of the relatively new division of the point-and-shoot market, the compact ultrazoom. These squeeze significant zoom lenses into bodies only marginally bigger than a standard camera.
The major selling point of this camera is its 10x zoom, starting at an impressively wide-angle 24mm setting. The 12-megapixel resolution and 720p video capture are also impressive.
In our testing, the HZ15W generally performed very well. It had excellent image sharpness, good color accuracy, fast burst modes, and an image stabilization system that really seemed to help. The one area it did struggle with (and this is a significant issue) was with image noise levels. Above ISO 400, pictures rapidly devolved into a speckled mess. However, shots at ISO 400 and below were perfectly decent for image noise.
What we really liked about the HZ15W was the manual control. It wasn’t quite perfect, but there are a lot of functions here that we appreciate seeing in a compact camera. The manual shooting mode offers the ability to set the shutter speed to any exposure length, and the aperture to either a maximum or minimum. Ideally, we want aperture control over the entire range, and aperture and shutter priority modes, which this camera lacks. The inclusion of any sort of manual exposure control is very welcome, though, as well as auto exposure bracketing.
But we still find beauty shot mode creepy.
Shop for the Samsung HZ15W
Latest News
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08-Feb-2012
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We’ve gotten our hands on Olympus’ latest bit of retro flavor, the E-M5. The camera will revive the famous OM line of interchangeable lens cameras with a digital spin. Read on for our full impressions after spending some time with this mix of old school and new. Read More...
Samsung HZ15W Manual
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