REVIEWS / POINT AND SHOOT / SAMSUNG

Samsung WB600

08 Jul, 2010, 3:32 pm IST | by Sandeep Balachandran | Point and Shoot Point and Shoot


PRICE IN INDIA

11,500
View Stores

TECH2 RATING

8.0

AVERAGE USER RATING

How we test

CONTACT

Samsung

 1800 3000 8282, 18002668282

 www.samsung.com

The Samsung WB600 doesn’t spell much of a difference with the previously released WB550. Sporting almost the same look and features, the WB600s major difference lies in its enhanced zoom capabilities. In contrast to the WB550 the former touts a whopping 15x of optical zoom; that’s 5x more than what the older model showcased. However the features just don’t end here, it goes a little beyond their previous model.

 

When it comes to looks and overall build there is no denying the fact that the WB600 comes out as a sheer winner. Encased in a rugged plastic body the camera feels sturdy enough to survive a fall. Moreover the matte finish ensures that the camera doesn’t get smudged with fingerprints. Now taking into account that the Samsung WB600 is a compact megazoom it comes in as being quite a bulky and heavy one. Nevertheless sporting 15x of zoom does have its drawback but that is something that can be easily overlooked. Size wise, the Samsung comes in at 107 x 61 x 28 mm and weighs 245 g, which makes it tad heavy to be carried around in your pant pocket. Irrespective of its weight and dimensions the camera fits in quite well when held. However since it lacks any sort of grip (other than its protruding right side) there are chances of it slipping. Capturing wide angle shots shouldn’t be a problem since this little baby comes with a sweet 24mm wide angle lens.

 

 

 

Switch to a top down view and you will notice a neatly placed mode selection dial along with the power and shutter release button placed on opposite sides. The zoom rocker as of now has more or less become a standard in most mid range digital cameras and is very neatly implemented in the WB600. Tilt the camera forward and you will be greeted to a nice big chunky screen that measures to a decent 3-inch display. The controls placed beside the display are quite responsive. Having said that, users with slightly bulky fingers would find it a little uneasy to navigate via the menus as they are a little small but not impossible to operate. A dedicated video record button is also placed towards the top right which allows you to record at any given mode or setting. The shutter release button can also be used to record video – provided the mode is switched to video.

Speaking about modes, the WB600 comes with a dedicated Aperture (A), Shutter speed (S) and Manual mode (M). What I mean to say is, the selection dial has a function called A-S-M which allows the user to select the desired mode thereby eliminating the need to hunt for it. Here you will also find a ‘Dual-IS’ mode – which offers better Image Stabilization, Program mode, Scene mode – allows you select from a variety of 12 different preset modes, Beauty shot mode – automatically retouches spots and blemishes (to a certain extent) and you have the usual Auto and Smart Auto mode that decides on the most appropriate mode depending on the scene.


Overall interface is clean and slick which makes navigating between modes a breeze. The image review interface could have been made slicker as having the dates displayed below the image makes no sense – you cannot jump from one date to another. Pictures can also be viewed by type (JPEG / Video) or color or week. Nevertheless you are still confined to scrolling image wise.

Tags: Samsung WB600 , WB600 , HZ30W

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Build Quality
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There are many other aspects of the product that are looked at such as the bundled software and accessories. All of these scores are aggregated together to form the final score.

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The product is bad in almost every aspect. We strongly advise against purchasing this product.

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An average product that isn't the best you can buy, but isn't the worst either.

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Product with this rating is highly recommended because it's priced sensibly, has a good set of features and performs well.

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