Samsung PL200 Review

By

Review posted 12/15/2010

Quick Take
Pros
  • Well built
  • Comfortable control layout
  • Captures pleasing 14-megapixel photos
  • Good photo quality up to ISO 800
  • Smart Auto produces great results
  • Great bang for your buck
Cons
  • Lens starts at 31mm (equivalent), which might cause some headaches when framing indoors 
  • ISO 1600 and 3200 are not really usable
  • Vertical banding issues in movie mode
Bottom Line
Samsung has put together a great compact digicam that offers appealing features and performance with a price tag that is very easy on the wallet. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
samsung_pl200_550.jpgAlong side the announcement of their new Dualscreen cameras (the ST100 and ST600), Samsung also unveiled a new affordable compact camera, the PL200. This unit offers some versatile options, such as a 7x optical zoom lens and 14-megapixels of resolution, which are stuffed into a stylish and compact frame.  

The PL200 also uses a 3.0-inch LCD, can record 720p HD video at 30fps, and offers their latest version of Smart Auto for both still and video capture. This mode uses scene recognition technology to analyze the subject(s) being framed, then selects not only the best exposure values but scene settings too. 

Samsung PL200 key features include:
  • 14.2-megapixels of resolution for large prints
  • SAMSUNG 7x optical zoom lens covers 31-217mm (in 35mm equivalence)
  • Dual IS system (Optical Image Stabilization + Digital Image Stabilization)
  • 3.0-inch LCD with 230k pixels
  • 720p HD video capture (30 fps, H.264 format)
  • Advanced Smart Auto exposure mode (Still and Movie)
  • Beauty and Smile Shot modes
  • Face and Blink detection options
  • microSD/SDHC card slot
  • Li-ion battery pack
The Samsung PL200 is available in black, red and silver with a suggested retail price of $179.99 US. 

What's in the box?:
  • Pl200 camera body
  • Rechargeable Li-ion battery
  • Wrist Strap
  • USB cable
  • AC Adapter
  • Quick Start Manual
  • User Manual CD-ROM

Additional Views

samsung_pl200_back_550.jpg
samsung_pl200_red_550.jpg
samsung_pl200_silver_550.jpg

Next: Specifications

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