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Samsung MV800

*Est. $150

Reviewed

June 2012

by ConsumerSearch

Adjustable LCD makes for easy self-portraits and extreme-angle shots

Pros

Adjustable LCD display
Responsive touch screen
Smartphone-like interface
Compact size

Cons

Slow shooting speeds
Mediocre image quality
Limited 5x zoom lens
Short battery life

Where to Buy

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Our Analysis
Specs
55 Amazon Reviews

Reviewers agree that the ultra-compact Samsung MV800 offers plenty of point-and-shoot fun with its adjustable 3-inch LCD display and touch-screen operation. As the update to Samsung's Dual View lineup, the MV800 has a single hinged LCD that flips from the back to the front of the camera so you can easily frame self-portraits and extreme-angle shots.

Samsung camera or Samsung smartphone?

Critics like the responsive touch screen and the user-friendly interface that works a lot like the Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Plenty of apps are on board for in-camera editing, along with fun shooting modes such as 3D Image Capture and a Pose Guide that displays sample self-portraits. However, nearly all functions rely on the touch screen, which "attracts fingerprints like lint to a bellybutton," says Liam McCabe at DigitalCameraInfo.com.

Aside from HD video, disappointing performance

Aside from the gadgets, the MV800 garners lukewarm reviews for performance. Expert tests reveal sluggish shooting speeds, soft photos and poor low-light abilities, while users say the standard 5x zoom limits creativity. The standard HD video (720p), however, receives good grades, especially for the audio.

The bottom line

Although experts agree that the MV800's novel LCD hits the sweet spot for beginners, they say other compact cameras with stationary touch screens offer better value. The Canon PowerShot Elph 500 HS delivers superior image quality, full HD video (1080p), manual controls and a 3.2-inch touch screen, albeit with a less user-friendly interface. If an adjustable LCD is a must-have, be prepared to step up to a pricier DSLR camera, such as the Canon Rebel T3i or the Nikon D5100.

Test-based reviews from PCMag.com, ConsumerReports.com and DigitalCameraInfo.com show how the Samsung MV800 compares with class rivals, while informative evaluations from TrustedReviews.com and PhotographyBlog.com look solely at the MV800. User comments at Amazon.com help to reveal problems that surface only with extended use.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 500 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full HD Video and Ultra Wide Angle Lens (Silver)

from Amazon.com

New: $279.00 $135.00

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Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Samsung Multiview MV800 16.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black)

(55 reviews)
Buy new: $279.99 $196.95 40 New from $184.95

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Our Sources

1. PCMag.com

Although the "svelte" Samsung MV800 has a nice flip-out LCD that's bright and pretty responsive, it "doesn't live up to its predecessor's pedigree," says Jim Fisher. Poor performance hampers overall ratings, so Fisher recommends the current Editors' Choice, the Canon PowerShot Elph 310 HS, as the better buy for a midrange compact camera.

Review: Samsung MV800, Jim Fisher, Dec. 19, 2011

2. ConsumerReports.org

Editors conduct thorough lab tests on more than 170 point-and-shoot cameras, among them the Samsung MV800. A ratings chart shows the MV800's scores for features such as image quality, ease of use and versatility, and reveals how it ranks overall next to competitors. The newly expanded overview includes brief summaries of key features.

Review: Point and Shoot Digital Camera Ratings and Reliability, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

3. DigitalCameraInfo.com

"Why spend $280 on a camera that does little more than a smartphone?" says Liam McCabe. Although the MV800 has a "genuinely useful" flip-up screen and elegant interface that echoes the Samsung Galaxy smartphone, the camera comes up short with average image quality, sluggish shooting speeds and an unremarkable 5x zoom lens.

Review: Samsung MV800, Liam McCabe, Oct. 14, 2011

4. TrustedReviews.com

The Samsung MV800 isn't the speediest camera around and image quality peaks at "pretty good," says Audley Jarvis. However, the camera achieves its goal of being easy to use, flexible and fun thanks to the flip screen, user interface and app-like shooting and editing modes.

Review: Samsung MV800 Review, Audley Jarvis, Nov. 18, 2011

5. PhotographyBlog.com

For Mark Goldstein, the Samsung MV800 offers "the most hand-holding features that we've ever seen on a compact camera." It targets the point-and-shoot crowd with its flip-style LCD, touch screen that "mimics" a smartphone and tons of automatic shooting and editing features, but image quality is just "so-so."

Review: Samsung MV800 Review, Mark Goldstein, Dec. 5, 2011

6. Amazon.com

"In summary, I believe this is a sweet, intelligent little camera that is just crammed with features," says one satisfied owner of the Samsung MV800. Most other users agree. They like the camera's flip screen, simple controls and fun shooting features, though a few find that the 5x zoom limits shooting options.

Review: Samsung MV800 Digital Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com

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