Overview
The Samsung Digimax S730 is one of the cheapest digital cameras to offer manual exposure control. Aside from that the Digimax S730 works well as a more standard point and shoot camera. This is a seven megapixel model with a three times optical zoom lens.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
7
3x
2.5 inches
99.8 x 62.8 x 25.7mm
136g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
No
No
AA
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
The first thing that strikes me about this shot is that the Digimax S730 struggles to cope with the glare of the sun. A lot of detail is lost from the boats in the photo. Just how much of a problem this is likely to be will depend on the type of photos you are planning to take. It will be a problem if there are reflective areas in the photograph and the shot is taken with the sun behind you. I should also point out that this is more of a problem at the time of year the test shot was taken (autumn) when the sun is becoming lower in the sky, but still retains a fair degree of strength. Focusing is sharp enough without being perfect. In the main the colours in the shot are also true, but blue lines tend to have a purple tinge to them.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
As I have noticed with other Samsung digital cameras when the lens is not zoomed in at all the Digimax S730 appears to have a problem getting enough light into the photo. This leads to a drop in overall quality with some noise creeping into the sky and the more shaded areas under the trees. This causes a loss of definition.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
This is not a bad effort. I can see some similarities with the first shot in that focusing is quite good without being spot on. Again sun glare is more noticeable with the Digimax S730 than it is with other digital cameras.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
The outdoor portrait is an acceptable photo, but perhaps lacking a bit of zing. I put this down to the colours being a bit dull. I would also like to see the photo a couple of degrees sharper.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
This is not a bad effort. There is no red eye showing and despite the fact that the flash has been used there is still plenty of colour in the shot. The photo is on the dark side though.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
The lighting used here is similar to what you might expect to find at an indoor party, bar or restaurant. At this level of lighting the Digimax S730 is not able to produce sharp focus.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Macro:
For my close up test the Digimax S730 has produced a decent effort. As with one or two other photos a brighter photo would have made for an even better result.
Colours:
Throughout all the test shots I would say the colours are one of the stronger points. Samsung have produced a good balance of colours.
ISO 400:
Normal loss of quality kicks in at ISO 400. Fortunately it is unlikely that you will be looking to use this setting very often.
ISO 1000:
Here the loss of quality is very pronounced. I would suggest only using this setting when you are in very dark situations and you are outside the range of the flash.
Summary
For me the camera does not quite hit the mark. The photos are not the worst I have ever seen, but quality wavers in places.
Style
In terms of style it this is a fairly standard rectangular box with a raised grip area on the right hand side. You can buy black, silver, red and pink models.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
0.33 seconds
12.59 seconds
0.53 seconds
17.58 seconds
Ease of Use
The Digimax S730 works in a very similar way to the majority of digital cameras.
Points I Like
Manual exposure for low price
Where it Could Improve
Wide angle photos - indoors in lowlight without flash
Verdict
If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive digital camera offering manual exposure then the Samsung Digimax S730 is an option. As you would expect at this price level the camera does have one or two weaker areas, but it still offers fair value for money against many of its competitors.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Samsung Digimax S730 Review Samsung Digimax S730 Specification Samsung Digimax S730 Sample Images Samsung Digimax S730 Features
Review Date
October 2007
