Overview
The Samsung WB1000 has more features than most digital cameras of this size and shape. It will squeeze into most pockets, yet it includes features such as an extreme wide angle lens, manual exposure controls, including aperture priority and shutter priority and manual focus. The WB1000 also has an advanced movie mode. It can shoot high definition movies and zoom can be used while movie recording is in progress.
Standard features include 12 megapixels and a 5x zoom lens. Image stabilisation is also included. If you are worried about the accidental deletion of photographs you will be pleased to hear Samsung has added a recycle bin so you only delete photos when you are certain they need to go. There is also an extensive picture search feature built in.
Why Buy The Samsung WB1000
It is not often you will find so many features on such a small camera. If the idea of a pocket camera with extra functions appeals then this camera is likely to be of interest.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
12
5x
3 inches
97 x 61 x 21mm
160g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
Yes
Yes
Lithium-ion Rechargeable
SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
Outdoor 1 (Medium Zoom):
There is a lot to like about this photo. Colours appear to be well balanced and there is minimal detail lost from the lightest areas of the shot. Sharpness is good too. The only area I would like to see improved is for more detail to have shown in the darker areas of the photo.
Outdoor 2 (No Zoom):
For a camera with such a wide angle lens this is a very credible effort. Although not perfect I think the level of sharpness the WB1000 manages to produce is very good indeed. There is just a hint of darkness creeping into the very corner of the photo.
Outdoor 3 (Maximum Zoom):
With the lens zoomed in fully the WB1000 manages to produce a sharp enough photo. If you increase print size you do start to notice a hazy look around some of the boats. Focusing also shows a slight slippage towards the edges of the shot.
Outdoor 4 (Building):
Once again I like the colours in the shot. In fact I have been happy with the colours produced throughout my outdoor shots. They have a more subtle look compared to some Samsung digital cameras I have reviewed. Focusing is similar to my third outdoor shot. Good on the whole, but a slight slippage as you move out from the centre.
Portraits
Outdoor Portrait:
This photo has a warm glow to it. The glow may be a little orange for some tastes. There are no problems with focusing here with the WB1000 being that much closer to the subject.
Indoor Portrait with Flash:
There are no problems here. Despite the use of flash the skin tones retain colour. Lighting is fairly evenly distributed although the camera again shows signs of struggling to bring out detail in darker areas.
Indoor Portrait without Flash:
Here the WB1000 does very well indeed. Samsung has produced a camera that has been able to keep noise levels down to a much lower level than many manage. In the majority of situations you will need to use flash when light gets low, but this camera should be up to the occasional indoor portrait when light levels are still reasonable.
Macro, Colours and Noise
Colours:
I have no issues with the colours the camera produces. Combined with the lighting used they may lack a bit of extra sparkle, but they look fairly close to how the scenes were on the day.
Macro:
This is a very impressive shot indeed. It is one of the better closer up shots I have managed to take recently. There is plenty of detail showing and there is a pleasing crispness about the shot.
Noise:
I had no serious issues with noise. It almost goes without saying that if you increase the ISO rating noise will become more and more prominent in your photos, but on the whole I felt the WB1000 handled noise well enough.
Summary
In terms of picture quality this camera produced a fairly solid set of test photos.
Style
This is a pleasant, simple design. I like the small grip area on the front of the camera too. On the top Samsung has placed very useful battery and memory card indicator dials.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.35 seconds
10.35 seconds
0.55 seconds
17.8 seconds
2.78 seconds
Ease of Use
It will take time to acquaint yourself with all the features this camera has. It can be used in fully automatic mode if you find the more advanced controls more daunting.
Points I Like
LCD screen - manual exposure mode - features in general - size and design - High Definition movies
Where it Could Improve
I would like to have a touch more quality when zoom was fully extended.
Verdict
The Samsung WB1000 offers something different to the majority of digital cameras. With an extra wide zoom lens, plus manual exposure controls it has few direct competitors with this compact body size. Picture quality is pretty good and if the features fit your requirements it is worth close consideration.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Related Pages
Samsung WB1000 Review Samsung WB1000 Specification Samsung WB1000 Sample Images Samsung WB1000 Features Nikon Coolpix S570 vs Samsung WB1000
Review Date
October 2009
