Samsung PL90 review
Dependable image quality, but slow performance and basic videos mean there are better buys
Specifications
1/2.3in 12.0-megapixel sensor, 4.0x zoom (28-112mm equivalent), 122g
Photo quality was generally much better, with lush colours and crisp details, although focus deteriorated towards the edges of frames. Noise was visible even in brightly lit shots but digital processing kept it in check up to ISO 800.
Lush colours and crisp details helped produce some decent shots, but focus deteriorated towards the edge of the frame – click to enlarge
The Smart Auto mode handled low-light scenes well, despite the lack of optical stabilisation, but other modes tended to use blur-inducing slow shutter speeds. The airbrush effect applied to faces in Smart Auto mode looked ridiculous. We dread to think of the offence caused if friends thought we had airbrushed their wizened faces before posting shots on Facebook.
The PL90 has some interesting features and its image quality is respectable. Ultimately, though, its weaknesses are more conspicuous than its strengths.
Basic Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Rating | *** |
| CCD effective megapixels | 12.0 megapixels |
| CCD size | 1/2.3in |
| Viewfinder | none |
| Viewfinder magnification, coverage | N/A |
| LCD screen size | 2.7in |
| LCD screen resolution | 230,000 pixels |
| Articulated screen | No |
| Live view | Yes |
| Optical zoom | 4.0x |
| Zoom 35mm equivalent | 28-112mm |
| Image stabilisation | none |
| Maximum image resolution | 4,000×3,000 |
| Maximum movie resolution | 640×480 |
| Movie frame rate at max quality | 30fps |
| File formats | JPEG; AVI (M-JPEG) |
Physical | |
| Memory slot | microSDHC |
| Mermory supplied | 50MB internal |
| Battery type | Li-ion |
| Battery Life (tested) | 200 shots |
| Connectivity | USB plug, AV |
| HDMI output resolution | N/A |
| Body material | plastic |
| Lens mount | N/A |
| Focal length multiplier | N/A |
| Kit lens model name | N/A |
| Accessories | AV cable |
| Weight | 122g |
| Size | 57x98x20mm |
Buying Information | |
| Warranty | one-year RTB |
| Price | £90 |
| Supplier | http://www.amazon.co.uk |
| Details | www.samsung.com/uk |
Camera Controls | |
| Exposure modes | auto |
| Shutter speed | auto |
| Aperture range | f/2.8 (wide), f/6.3 (tele) |
| ISO range (at full resolution) | 80 to 1600 |
| Exposure compensation | +/-2 EV |
| White balance | auto, 5 presets, manual |
| Additional image controls | red, green, blue |
| Manual focus | No |
| Closest macro focus | 15cm |
| Auto-focus modes | multi, centre, face detect, tracking |
| Metering modes | multi, centre-weighted, centre, face detect |
| Flash | auto, forced, suppressed, slow synchro, red-eye reduction |
| Drive modes | single, continuous, self-timer, AE bracket, smile detect |