Monday, June 27, 2011
Samsung's SH100 Brings The Internet To Your Camera
Posted by Angelina Purpura in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 10:00 AM
Product Category: Digital Camera (Point-And-Shoot Variety)
Manufacturer: Samsung
Where to Buy: Amazon.com [USA, Affiliate] / Best Buy.ca [Canada]
Price: $199.99 CDN
System Requirements: Wi-Fi connection (Supports B, G, and N)
Specifications: Provided by Samsung
Pros:
- Simple and quick wireless media uploading;
- Amazing photo quality;
- Impressive battery life;
- Amusing photo editing options.
Cons:
- Complicated menus slow down useability;
- Video quality leaves a little to be desired;
- Limited destination options for uploading photos.
Summary: It was more than four years ago that I first heard mention of Wi-Fi enabled cameras. It was theoretical technology at the time, and I was intrigued. Imagine being able to upload your pictures right from your camera! So when presented with the opportunity to try out one of these mythical beasts my excitement was boundless. And it absolutely lives up the expectations I had. Unfortunately, those expectations were from a time before the iPhone, before smartphones in general. Camera phones existed, sure, but they were of no notable quality. These days however we have phones capable of taking HD video and sending it out into the world instantly. This camera can do that too, but only with a Wi-Fi connection. That can actually be surprisingly limiting at times. For example, uploading pictures from a party is simple (What sports bar or apartment building doesn't have an unlocked connection these days?) vs trying to upload them while out in public (Can't find a Starbucks? I guess it'll have to wait). I found myself thinking that it would be better if it was 3G enabled, to really let you upload anytime, from anywhere. And then I considered that, really, we already have our smartphones for that. And they can make phone calls, too. This camera comes pre-installed with a number of picture editing programs that are incredibly fun to play with, but I have also already seen countless apps that offer the same functions. That's not to say I haven't very much enjoyed my time with it - its picture quality is fantastic and the touch screen is very nice. But I know that, while the cameras in smart phones are not quite there yet, it's only a matter of time before their quality improves enough that I worry the SH100 will have to fight hard to keep its place in the market. But in the meantime this camera is one of the most fun to play with I've ever used. From a point-and-shoot, it's hard to ask for more.
A note before I get started: as I have previously stated I am not a professional photographer. I take a lot of pictures, but with no degree of training. If you're looking for a detailed technical review of the camera then I'm afraid that this is not it. This is a review of the camera's useability and functionality for the average recreational photographer. Read more...
