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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 10
Connectivity / ExtrasNext: Page 12
ConclusionValue (8.00)
The TL34HD strikes us as pretty good value, overall. It's not the least expensive camera you'll find, but at less than $300, it probably won't break the bank. It takes excellent photos, and the touch-screen fixes the severe interface problem we experienced with the other Samsung we recently reviewed, NV40. All in all, it's an excellent, hardy camera at a reasonable price.
Comparisons
Samsung NV40 – The Samsung NV40 was one of the best cameras we've reviewed this year, with one problem: it had a horrible interface. The TL34HD takes everything we loved about the NV40, the handsome body, the solid construction and the excellent test results, and makes the interface work far better with a touch-screen. The NV40 has a list price of $300, but can currently be found for less than $200 if you look in the right place. It scored better than the TL34HD in our resolution and dynamic range tests. That said, the touch-screen model has a higher resoluiton, a better zoom and wide-angle lens, and is far easier to use.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T700 – The Sony costs $399, and to its credit has a robust body, which is sexy and slim, and has an incredible 4GB internal memory. However, apart from that we can't find much to recommend it. The touch-screen worked far less effectively than the Samsung's, and it scored worse in every test we run, bar color accuracy. It's a great stylish camera for impressing onlookers, but the T700 is a definite case of style over substance.
Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS – Consider the SD1100 a recession special; you can track one down on Amazon for approximately $160. It doesn't have a touch-screen, and it only shoots 8MP. It didn't score quite as well as the Samsung in our tests, but it is a solid, affordable camera. If you don't want to break the pocketbook on your purchase, this might be worth considering.
Fujifilm FinePix F60fd – This Fujifilm camera retails at the same level as the TL34HD, at $299. However, the Fuji is larger, lacks a touch-screen, shoots at 12MP compared to the Samsung's 14.7MP, and scored worse on every test bar resolution. It did have some better controls, including better aperture adjustment, and the Natural plus Flash tool, which is good for trying shots both with and without your flash.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – While lacking the simple auto mode of some other cameras, the TL34HD is highly competent while left in auto. If you just let it do its own thing, the camera takes very good photos, and we were especially impressed with the excellent white balance results. This great result in auto mode makes it perfect for point-and-shooters, who can then work their way into more in-depth controls via Program then Manual modes if they choose.
Budget Consumers – At $300, this is probably just a little high for budget-minded folk. It's a very good deal at this price, but it's still not the least expensive camera that you can find. That said, wait a couple of months and the price may drop considerably.
Manual Control Freaks – Technically, the camera does have a manual mode, but true control freaks will chafe against the limited aperture settings and overall automatic nature of this camera.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Pro and serious hobbyists would most likely gravitate more towards a high-end point-and-shoot with a large amount of control, like the Canon G series. That said, the TL34HD costs less, has some manual controls, and takes very good photos. If they're looking for an inexpensive, throw-in-the-purse point-and-shoot, it's a possibility.
Shop for the Samsung TL34HD
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