Samsung ST550

Hosting two LCD screens, what else does Samsung’s new compact have on offer?

 The first thing you’ll hear about Samsung’s new slim line innovative compact is that it has two LCD screens. In fact it, along with its launch stable mate the ST500, are the world’s first camera to host a display on both the front and the back of the device. What is more , no unsightly borders or rimmed frame, no the front LCD is virtually impossible to decipher when the feature is deactivated and appears as sleek and as immaculate sexy as other slim line compacts. The design is one that will surely impressive the most fashion conscious photographer, as the ST550 consists of a tough yet smooth hardened plastic case. Available in the choice of black, gold, orange and purple, we applaud Samsung’s revolutionary decision to incorporate a second colour to fringe the shell. The huge 3.5” screen dominates the entire reverse, its designers favouring touch screen operability over traditional buttons and d-pad, leaving the top rim to collect up the essentials: power, shutter, playback and zoom.

So know we’ve explored the body work lets check out under the hood. First up the device packs a 12.2 megapixel image sensor, at this price tag that is more reasonable than most if that’s what you are looking for, but its 27mm wide angle lens disappoints with a below par, in terms of market average, optical zoom; 4.6x optical and 5x digital. The touch screen interface is a plus for gadget fans but its layout of menu commands can take some getting used, and purists will probably yearn for the days of buttons and nobs. That said once the virtual commands’ locations are fathomed the operation to exploit them is fairly straightforward. Other features aren’t so unique as the device touts its own brand of auto scene recognition and face detection technology (incorporating its own version of beauty mode and smile mode). HD movie recording is on offer here but only 1280x720p at 30 fps, but as it records in H.264 format rather than MP4, movie-makers can enjoy twice the amount of footage for the same memory capacity. For all those low light fans dual image stabilization is incorporated, and narcissists will love the self portrait and perfect self timer functions.

Handling the ST550 was largely an enjoyable experience, starting up occurs within a second but with our review unit a high pitched whir was emitted constantly during use. Shutter lag wasn’t distracting in most situations but when using burst mode (a meagre 2fps), flash or zoom control and users may become slightly frustrated at its sloth-like speed. It’s ultra cool and practical main feature will ultimately help the brand shift these like hot cakes. It’s such a simple design idea and one that is executed well. The only negative is that you can’t leave this setting as a default, instead activate it when necessary but you can just tap the front screen at any point to summon it. Face Detection is available with this until but our niggle with it is that the settings only allow you to choose one setting at a time between: face, smile and blink.

Results were very varied on the device. Generally speaking using Auto produced the worst images, the most noticeable of these being in low light scenarios. In auto scene recognition the device would fire flash or if indeed it did recognise the lack of light sometimes it failed to provide the aid of image stabilisation, which yielded incredibly blurring shots. However, if the user takes some intuitive and opts for the settings themselves the device can be more responsive. For example when Twilight mode is summoned, image stabilisation demanded, self timer probed and the photographer finds something stable to rest upon – the night shots are fantastic – clear, crisp and spot on colour replication. The sentiment extends to other shooting settings; in auto the camera’s metering tends to underexpose and for portraits the opposite is true, whereas when the scene is selected by a human more accurate results are accumulated. The wide angle lens is ideal for landscape fans and on the whole render images sharp, on some images chromatic aberrations were apparent when used at full wide angle or telephoto capacities, but not wildly distracting. The camera is an ideal piece of kit for any one with a basic grasp of photography, i.e  can recognise what it will take to best replicate the scene in front of them or in short select the right scene mode. Anyone buying this and intent on using its auto features may be disappointed.

Final Verdict An interesting device with a focus on fun and functionality. The image results produced using its auto feature aren’t quite up to the standard expected for a £300 piece of kit. Seasoned photographers will therefore find this of more use than new comers. OVERALL

Backed with a journalism degree, Natalie has worked in the magazine industry for over five years. Since joining DP she has reviewed a plethora of cameras, gadgets and accessories, and is never afraid of telling it like it is.