Overview
The Samsung Digimax NV10 is a 10 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. It has a distinctive design. In terms of features the camera has a fairly standard set of controls although there is a manual exposure function. The menu system is also unique to this range of cameras. The Digimax NV10 also has a pop up flash unit.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
3x
2.5 inches
96.5 x 60 x 18.5mm
148g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
4cm
No
Yes
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
My first test shot shows what is to become an ongoing problem, noise. Noise is basically a decrease in picture quality and is similar to static on a television screen. It is hard to say if the camera struggles to focus or it is simply a problem caused by noise levels. The Digimax NV10 also struggles where the sun falls on the boats, with high levels of detail lost. This is not a very good photo.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
Noise causes a problem in this picture too. I am also not convinced by the focusing and I can also see some purple fringing creeping in. This is a problem that is quite rare on cameras with shorter lenses, especially when the zoom is not being used.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
My feeling is that the camera struggles with any landscape type shots where the scene is distant. This is another photo with noise and sun glare problems.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
This is a better effort. At least I like the colours in the shot. Once again if you blow the photo up you will start to notice levels of noise. These can be seen in the hair as you move away from the centre of the photo.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
With flash indoors the Digimax NV10 produces a decent photo. There is a greater degree of red eye in the shot then I expected to see. I had hoped that the flash popping up away from the lens would help with this common problem.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
This is another one of the better shots taken with the Digimax NV10. Although noise is visible in this shot it is more understandable as it is taken indoors in fading light.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro:
At last a test photo where I have little to complain about. The photo is bright and clear.
Colours:
The colours in the portrait shots are about right for me. I would like to see more vivid colours in the scenic shots. This is especially true of the skies that lack a bit of colour for my liking.
ISO 400:
Pushing up the ISO level to 400 adds even more noise and also causes a problem with colour. A strange purple tinge starts to appear.
ISO 1600:
At this level the photo is pretty grim.
Summary
Overall the Digimax NV10 is a big disappointment. This is meant to be an award winning camera, but all of my tests have been blighted by noise.
Style
This set of Samsung cameras look a bit different to other digital cameras in general. They have a small grip on the front to help you hold the camera steady. Personally I think the Digimax NV10 is an attractive camera.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.36 seconds
9.74 seconds
0.58 seconds
10.23 seconds
Ease of Use
This series of cameras have a different set up to most others. Options are controlled through lines of buttons down one side and along the bottom of the camera. In my opinion it is not always obvious what you need to do to select an option.
Points I Like
Looks good - feels good it the hand - large LCD screen - after photo effects
Where it Could Improve
Photo quality - shutter lag can be a problem from time to time
Verdict
According to the Samsung website the Digimax NV10 has won a number of awards. This leaves me scratching my head as I found it difficult to take a decent photo with out high levels of noise. Aside from this problem it is a decent enough camera, but I cannot recommend it owing to the poor quality of test photos I managed to take.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
Top Rated Cameras in this Category
Related Pages
Samsung Digimax NV10 Review Samsung Digimax NV10 Specification Samsung Digimax NV10 Sample Images Samsung Digimax NV10 Features
Review Date
October 2007
