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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Color and Resolution
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03.Noise and Video
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04.Speed and Timing
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05.Components
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06.Design / Layout
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07.Modes
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08.Control Options
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09.Image Parameters
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10.Connectivity / Extras
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11.Overall Impressions
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12.Conclusion
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13.Sample Photos
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14.Specs / Ratings
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15.Comments
Samsung TL34HD
Previous: Page 4
Speed and TimingNext: Page 6
Design / LayoutViewfinder (0.00)
As with most point-and-shoot cameras, the TL34HD has no viewfinder.
Being a touch-screen camera, you'd expect a lot from the LCD of the TL34HD, and it doesn't disappoint. It's three inches large diagonally, with a resolution of 460,000 pixels. While this isn't quite up to the specs of some of the 900,000+ pixel LCDs we've seen, we found the Samsung's screen to be accurate, bright and easy to control. Some other touch-screen cameras, notable the Sony Cyber-shot T700, failed to impress us because the touch-screen felt imprecise. The TL34HD, on the other hand, was very responsive even if it doesn't have quite as many pixels. While there was some solarization of the screen, this only occurred at the most extreme of angles.
As this is a touch-screen based system, there's no button for changing information while shooting or during playback. Rather, a small icon near the bottom left of the screen takes care of this function. Pressing on it allows you to change between three settings. The first shows complete shooting information and control icons constantly. The second will hide this information if it doesn't detect anything touching the screen for three seconds. The third pops up a little guide to each setting when you touch it so you know what you're dealing with. In playback, you have similar choices. Full information; only editing controls; and hide all information after three seconds of no activity.
The different options for display mode.
Flash (5.25)
The flash is placed on the top right of the body, where it springs upward when needed. This has the advantage of putting it a bit further from the lens, which helps reduce red-eye a little. The problem with the placement, though, is the way it's positioned right where you'd normally hold the camera. This makes it extremely easy to accidentally stop it from popping up, or to block it with your fingers. On the positive side, it's very bright, and recycles quickly, so you can shoot again with a minimal delay. The flash modes available are Off, Auto, Red Eye, Fill in, Slow Sync, Red Eye Fix, and it is rated by Samsung at 1' to 17' (0.3m to 5.4m) wide and 1.6' to 8.9' (0.5m to 2.7m) tele on Auto ISO. If you're setting the ISO yourself, actual mileage may vary.
The flash has a tendency to get blocked by your fingers.
Lens (7.80)
The lens offers 3.6x zoom, with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 28mm to 102mm. It's a good zoom ratio for such a small camera, and is wide-angle enough that group shots should be a breeze. Fully zoomed out, the aperture range is f/2.8 to f/7.3, and zoomed in all the way this changes to f/5.9 to f/15. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 is quite speedy for a point-and-shoot, and makes low light shooting just that little bit easier.
A nice combination of a good zoom and wide angle.
Shop for the Samsung TL34HD
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