Likes

-Cute and portable -MP3 player and PMP Multimedia mode give you more for your money -Extensive image and video editing and effects options

Dislikes

-Tiny, hard to press buttons -Poor refresh rate on the LCD screen -Glossy plastic body is slippery and feels hollow -Limited aperture range

Conclusion
One of the more interesting new cameras introduced at the CES 2008 show in Las Vegas, the Samsung i8 combines fairly standard camera and video features with MP3 playback, video playback, a travel guide, and a text viewer, making it a unique hybrid device.

The i8 is far different in appearance than its predecessor, the i7. The i7, a heavier, metal, industrial-looking camera, has been replaced by the cute, glossy i8 that slides right into a pocket. Despite its stylish design, the i8 is rather slippery, with no grips to hold onto. Also, the control buttons are very small and hard to press, making fingers tired during extended use, and the glossy exterior, while attractive, is easily smudged and scratched.

As a camera, the Samsung i8 is a decent point-and-shoot model, providing 8 megapixels, a Face Detection mode, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, and several manual controls. The menus are straightforward until you venture into the Multimedia menu, where you need to keep a close eye on what mode you end up in. The camera features a number of fun image and video effects, some available before you shoot, and some available in playback. There is a Fun mode for simplified shooting, as well as an extensive list of Scene mode options for various shooting situations.

Where the i8 sets itself apart from the pack is in its multimedia features, especially the MP3 player and PMP Multimedia mode. These features are easy to use and access, though are limited by the hard-to-press buttons and the poor refresh rate of the LCD screen. The i8 isn’t going to replace your MP3 player, so if you’re looking for a device that will lessen the number of gadgets in your pocket, you may want to look at other products, especially hybrid cell phones like the Apple iPhone. If you’re looking for a decent 8-megapixel camera that has extra features to keep you entertained, the i8 is an attractive device.
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