Product Review

Product: Samsung S850

Brand: Samsung

Price: $199.99

Available at: Target

8.1 mega pixels

5x optical zoom

2.5" TFT color LCD

ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction) system

High sensitivity ISO 1600 support

Interval Shooting function

Size: 4 x 3 x 1 inches; 6.4 oz.

The Samsung S850 is one of the most affordable digital cameras available today with the advanced features found in high end SLR digital cameras. On looking at the camera, the first thing you will notice is the lens protruding half an inch from the body of the camera. Though not as sleek and pretty as other cameras in this price range, it has more features than cameras in this price range.

The most surprising feature is the P, S, A and M modes found on the mode dial. These allow you to manually control the features of the pictures you want to take. Or you could take the easy route and just use the auto setting. Another interesting feature is the ASR, which quickens the shutter speed for better, less fuzzy motion shots.

The only drawbacks to this camera are the slow start up and shot-to-shot speeds, and the fact that the 38mm lens does not allow for good wide-angle shots, and therefore pictures of buildings and landscapes don't come out that great. When you first turn on the camera, it takes up to 2.1 seconds before you can take a picture, and if you adjust any of the settings in between shots, there's another 2.1 seconds before you can take another picture. Also, the camera does not have a viewfinder, so the 2.5-inch LCD display must be used to frame every picture.

In spite of all it lacks, this camera is a great deal for people who just want to take good pictures without having to pay too much.