Samsung PL210

For the casual photographer who needs a low-cost, pocket-size camera, experts recommend the 14-megapixle Samsung PL210 for its 10x zoom, good picture quality and range of auto controls. However, "Its zoom capability doesn't quite make up for the somewhat lacking functions further within," says Molly McHugh of DigitalTrends.com, citing the laggy autofocus and somewhat confusing manual controls. The PL210 sports a variety of useful, fun filters, ranging from fish-eye to landscape, though some are better than others, McHugh notes. Reviewers say the six flash modes, with two dedicated to red-eye reduction, capture portrait shots nicely. Overall, the PLS210 produces good images with natural-looking colors, says K. Ershad of PC Advisor, but noise becomes more prominent beyond ISO 200.

Reviewers say the Samsung makes photography easy, especially for beginners. Its Smart Auto feature selects the appropriate settings for shots and wins high ratings from experts for its ease of use and accuracy. "Short of pressing the button to take the picture and zooming in if need be, the PL210 will do it all for you," Matt Grayson of Photography Blog says. Dual image stabilization produces crisp, clear photos for even the shakiest of hands. Corners of the images become softer when the lens is at its widest, but for the price "there is plenty for the compact user to get their teeth into," reviewers at EPhotoZine.com say. For those who plan on more frequent photo sessions, the Sony Cyber-shot H70 includes 10x optical zoom with a 16.1-megapixel sensor while the premium compact Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS offers the same optical zoom with a 10-megapixel sensor.

Steves-Digicams.com, DigitalTrends.com, PC Advisor and PhotographyBlog.com each provide comprehensive reviews of the Samsung PL210, along with plenty of photo quality examples and comparisons to similar competitor cameras. EPhotoZine.com offers a slightly shorter but still thorough review.