Samsung MV800 Review

Review posted 12/06/2011

Quick Take

Pros

Mostly metal body is both sleek and stylish Captures sharp 16-megapixel photos with pleasing color Nice wide 5x optical zoom lens with Dual IS Acceptable noise levels up to ISO 800 Modern "App style" user interface, very similar to a modern day smart phone Offers a plethora of fun photo and video modes and effects 3.0-inch LCD screen uses the more common capacitive touch system Shooting performance up to par with other models Budget friendly price tag of $279 USD or less

Cons

Very weak flash Flash recharge time is up to 8 seconds While the flash is recharging, the camera is non-responsive AE issues in lower lighting conditions Rear shutter release can be hard to operate with one hand Uses microSD/SDHC cards, which are VERY easy to lose Noise present at even the lowest ISO settings ISO 1600 and 3200 show a great deal of noise No A/V cables included

Bottom Line

Samsung continues to create some extremely fun to use cameras, and the MV800 is no exception. This stylish camera is loaded with fun to use settings, and the hinged LCD is sure to be a hit among the social crowds. We did find a few shortfalls with the camera, but overall it gets a good recommendation from the staff here at Steve's. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Samsung continues to create innovative consumer products, like their Dual-View cameras. Samsung has taken the ideals behind their Dual-View cameras and created the all new MV800. MV stands for Multi-View, and that's the idea behind this sweet little pocket camera.

While the Dual-View cameras continue to be some of the most popular Samsung has made, the MV800 takes a slightly different direction. While still offering the ability to see yourself and your friends when pointing the camera towards you with one hand, instead of having to frame with a small LCD on the front, you now can use the huge flip-up 3.0-inch LCD display from the back of the camera. This unit tilts up only, giving you a nice, easy to see display for framing. The Dual-View cameras are handy none the less, however due to the lens on the front of these cameras, Samsung is always limited with the size of the front screen due to a lack in real estate. With the MV800's design, that's no longer an issue.

Other important features on this camera include a 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD display, an all metal body, App style GUI (similar to a modern day smart phone), 16-megapixels of resolution, a 5x optical zoom lens, Dual IS (optical + digital), additional shutter button on the rear when the 3.0-inch display is facing forward, etc.

Samsung MV800 Key Features:

• 16-megapixel CCD image sensor
• 5x optical zoom lens, covers 35mm equivalent zoom range of 26-130mm
• Dual IS system, combines optical + digital stabilization methods
• Flip-up 3.0-inch TFT LCD, touchscreen display
• App driven GUI (Graphical User Interface), functions much like a smart phone
• Records 720p (1280x720, 30/15p) HD video
• Smart Auto 2.0 exposure control
• Smart Filter 3.0 and Magic Frame 2.0 technologies
• 3D still image and Panorama modes
• Folding AMOLED screen can also act as a camera support
• HDMI output
• Li-ion battery
• microSD/SDHC memory card slot

The MV800 is available now with an estimated street price of $249 USD or less. See our buy  box below for the most current online pricing from various vendors.

What's in the Box?:

•  MV800 Camera body (Black only)
• BP70A Li-ion battery pack
• USB cable
• USB/AC charging adaptor
• Wrist strap
• Manuals
  

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.