Samsung PL210 Review

Review posted 5/02/2011

Quick Take

Pros

Slim and Compact Easy to use and carry Incredibly versatile 10x optical zoom Dual image stabilization for crisp images Excellent features for the price HD video capture Good battery life

Cons

Slow camera performance microSD cards are slower, easy to lose and not as common Noise throughout ISO range No AV cable included

Bottom Line

The Samsung PL210 is an affordable and versatile compact digicam. With a full set of features including a 10x optical zoom lens, dual image stabilization and HD video capture, you will have a hard time finding another comparable camera in this price range. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Point-and-shoot cameras aren't known for high caliber zooming capabilities, but Samsung is announcing two new pocket-sized cameras aimed at customers who love capture images from afar. The cheaper of the two, the sub-$200 PL210, features a 14-megapixel image sensor behind a 10x optical zoom (35mm film equivalent: 27-270mm) lens. Housed in a compact, pocket-friendly casing, the PL210 offers dual image stabilization (digital and optical) and a large 3.0-inch LCD screen.

Like Samsung's other models in the PL series, the PL210 features a suite of filter and image processing technologies. Smart Filter 2.0 is mood-enhancement software with specially designed "looks" (soft focus, half tone dot, old movie, and enhanced movie) for both still images and HD 720p (30fps) movie recording. Smart Auto mode analyzes key elements of your shots -- brightness, color, motion, etc. -- and adjusts the camera settings automatically.

Samsung PL210 features:

• 14-megapixel, 1/2.3" CCD image sensor
• 27mm Wide angle, 10x optical zoom lens
  
• Dual IS system (Optical & Digital Image Stabilization)
• 3.0-inch LCD (230K)
• HD Movies (720p@30fps)
• Smart Auto (Still & Movie)
• Smart Filter 2.0
• Sound Alive recording technology
  
• Smart Face Recognition & Face Tracking
• Smart Album
• Blink Detection & Smile Detection
• Beauty Shot (1,2,3 Steps)
• Dimensions: 100.4 x 58.5 x 19.7mm
• microSD/SDHC card slot
• Li-ion battery
  

The Samsung PL210 is available now for about $200 US.


What's in the box?:

• PL210 Camera body
• Rechargeable Battery
• Charger
• Camera 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.