Samsung NV15 Review

Click on the Samsung NV15 for a 360° QTVR tour

In the Summer of 2007, Samsung added three new models to the stylish NV series of digital cameras.The NV line is known for it's elegant design, innovative Smart Touch interface, premium Schneider optics, Advanced Shake Reduction and Face Detection technologies. NV series cameras are designed for photographers seeking a digital point-and-shoot camera that provides something new and different in a consumer- level camera, like the 10-megapixel NV15.

The most distinctive feature of any NV camera is the "Smart Touch" user interface. Instead of labeled dials and buttons to set camera functions, the NV series enables easy navigation of the cameras' menus using unmarked control buttons positioned around the LCD. The NV15 is certainly a fashionable camera with it's multi-textured stainless steel body. The entire NV line has an updated look with contrasting black finishes.

That's not to say the NV15 is just a fashion statement - it's packed with advanced, innovative ideas. The most prominent feature is a Schneider-KREUZNACH zoom Lens. Each surface of this lens is multi-coated to minimize "ghost" or "flare" artifacts. The NV15 can shoot at high 3200 ISO and has Samsung's new Auto Contrast Balance (ACB) and Image Noise Reduction modes.

Samsung's clever Face Detection technology makes taking group photos much easier. This feature detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. And with 14 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Cafe, Food, and Self-Shot, you can effortlessly capture the best image in any situation. All images can be saved to either the cameras' 20MB of internal memory or to an optional memory card.

The NV15 includes the ability to record at VGA resolution (640x480) at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of the cameras' movie stabilizers and 3x optical zoom while recording video. With Samsung's Successive Recording mode you can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.

Samsung's unique multi-charging system is very practical. Using the supplied USB cable, you can charge the camera with the AC adapter or from a computer's USB port. The new Red-eye fix algorithm can automatically eliminate red-eye from your pictures. You can remove red-eye during image payback, or set the camera to automatically detect and eliminate red-eye from your shots as they are taken. Samsung also has also provided a Business Card Manager function (used with Samsung Biz Reader software) to help you manage your contacts by taking photos of business cards to store on your PC.

NV15 Major Features:

• Stylish black aluminum body
• 10.1-megapixel CCD
• 2.5" TFT LCD
• Unique "Smart Touch" user interface
• Schneider-Kreuznach lens with 3x optical zoom, F2.8 - F5.2
• "Advanced Shake Reduction" mode (Fast ASR)
• Face Detection Auto Focus & Auto Exposure
• New Auto Contrast Balance (ACB)
• ISO equivalent: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
• Special effects modes: Normal, B&W, Sepia, Red, Green, Blue, Negative, Custom Composite, Photo Frame, GIF Animation
• Exposure metering: Multi, Spot, Center-weighted, Face Recognition AE
• Exposure compensation: ±2EV (1/3 EV steps)
• White balance presets: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent_H, Fluorescent_L, Tungsten, Custom
• Focal length: Schneider Lens f = 7.3 - 21.9mm (35mm film equivalent : 34 - 102mm)
• 20 MB Integrated memory, supports SD (up to 2GB), SDHC Card (up to 4GB) and MMC Plus (Up to 1GB)
• Rechargeable battery : 3.7V Li-ion battery
• Flash modes: Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red-eye Fix
• Supports Windows and Macintosh OS X computers with USB port
• PictBridge enabled printer compatible
• Movie Clip with audio or without audio (recording time max. 4GB or 6 hours)
• Lightweight at 5.3 ounces (151.7g) without batteries and memory card

The MSRP of the Samsung NV15 is $299. 

Samsung NV15 Specifications