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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Testing/Performance
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03.Components
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04.Design / Layout
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05.Modes
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06.Control Options
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07.Image Parameters
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08.Connectivity / Extras
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09.Overall Impressions
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10.Conclusion
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11.Sample Photos
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12.Specs / Ratings
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13.Comments
Samsung NV40
This review is organized into 13 pages
Next: Page 1
Physical Tour
Section The Good The Bad
Tour
Well-constructed, easy to hold
Shiny top attracts smears, inconsistent body color
Testing/Performance
Good results in almost all tests
Slightly slow speed from startup to first shot
Components
Clear LCD screen with wide viewing angle
Flash is uneven, with large interval between flashes in Red Eye mode
Design/Layout
Prominent front ridge and thumb pad assist in holding
Hard to change modes while holding the camera without jostling , menu system difficult to use
Modes
Excellent results in auto mode
Difficult to control playback mode, few image presets
Control Options
Decent manual controls including wide range of shutter speeds
Options poorly documented, some controls available in program mode but not manual mode
Image Parameters
Ability to shoot in 4:3, 3:2 or 16:9 formats
No VGA mode
Connectivity/Extras
Decent PictBridge and DPOF support
Proprietary connector, very basic software, mediocre battery life
The Samsung NV40 is a solidly-built, compact camera that handles well and impressed us with its test results. Its white balance performance was surprisingly good in automatic mode, and it produced images with high color accuracy, low noise and good dynamic range at high resolution. It wasn't the fastest-shooting compact we've seen, but is relatively quick and the design of the body made it easy to hold, an important factor for a small camera. The major drawback of the NV40 is its difficult-to-use control system, which uses a series of buttons in ways we've never seen before, and hope never to see again. Overall the NV40 is a reasonably priced compact point-and-shoot that scored very well in our rigorous testing. If you can get used to a user interface with a steep learning curve and inefficient controls, it's a competent little camera with a list price of $280.
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