Digital Camera Review

First Impressions Review

Samsung’s latest barrage in the battle of the budget cameras is the S730 and S630, two 7.2 and 6 megapixel cameras priced at $199.99 and $179.99 respectively. Apart from the resolution, the two cameras are identical, so we’ve looked at them together. Both include 1/2.5-inch CCD image sensors, 2.5-inch LCD screens, 3x zoom lenses and Samsung’s ASR (Auto Shake Reduction) mode, which they claim reduces camera shake by increasing the ISO setting and shutter speed. We looked at some pre-production prototype models at the CES show in Las Vegas; the final versions of both cameras are due to be released in Spring 2007.
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Value
Both of these cameras are well priced at the budget end of the market. The S630 will have an MSRP of $179.99, and the S730 has an MSRP of $199.99. They’ll probably be available at street prices, some way below thMSRP. They aren’t the cheapest cameras in this class, though. The 7.1 megapixel Kodak EasyShare C743 can be bought for about $150, while the Fujifilm Finepix F700 is available for about $150 on the street. The Samsung cameras aren’t likely to be found much more expensive than these. 

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – These simple cameras provide simple, straightforward features that should satisfy most shooters who just want to point and click.  

Budget Consumers – There are cheaper cameras available, but the S630 and S730 are competitively priced for the photographer on a budget.  

Gadget Freaks – There really aren’t enough bells and whistles on these cameras to satisfy your inner gadget freak.  

Manual Control Freaks – Although this camera does have a manual mode, exposure controls are not flexible enough for this demographic. 

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Pull this camera out when your pro photographer buddies are around and you’ll be laughed out of the serious shooters club. 

Connectivity / Extras Page 9 of 10 Conclusion Samsung S730 and S630 First Impressions Review Navigation

  
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