Samsung WB500

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Samsung’s beefy WB500 features a 10.2Mp, 1/2.33’’ sized sensor along with a 10x optical zoom lens, offering an equivalent focal length of 24-240mm in 35mm terms. This practical focal length is well suited to landscape enthusiasts who need to fill the frame with stunning surroundings, as well as those who prefer to zoom in much closer on the action.

Spinning the WB500 around, a look at the perimeter shows off its impressive array of features: there’s a 230k dot, 2.7inch sized screen at the rear and off to its right there’s a series of buttons with a D-Pad controlling flash, macro, self-timer and display modes. Testing the WB500’s single macro mode allowed us to get within 5cm of our subject and with AF selected, it managed to focus sharply within a second of depressing the shutter. Exposure compensation can be controlled independently just above the D-pad from the command dial in Program mode and from the top plate you can take control of the mode dial, zoom and on/off button.

Start-up times were consistent and impressive, taking just 2.5 seconds to spring into life. Hitting the central button on the D-Pad enters the menu system, which is broken down into four sub headings – Recording, Sound, Display and Settings. Although the font that’s used inside the menu seems smaller than other compacts it’s still easy to read and navigate, thanks to the screen’s fantastic sharpness. There are three AF modes to choose from inside the shooting menu including Centre AF, Multi AF and Selection AF as well as three metering modes, with Multi, Spot and Centre-weighted all covered. ISO is also controlled from the same vertical shooting menu taskbar, offering an extensive ISO range from 80-3200. Testing the ISO in studio conditions showed results that were acceptable up to ISO 800. Pushing beyond ISO 800 towards ISOs 1600 and 3200 introduced significant digital Noise into our test images so it’s best to use these only on the odd occasion when you’re in exceptionally dark lighting conditions.

Overall Samsung’s WB500, with its 10.2Mp sensor, is an impressive compact. Its bulky build means it feels more wholesome in the hand than some ultra slimline compacts that don’t always offer much grip. If you’re particularly looking for a lightweight slender sized compact then the WB500 might not be the ideal choice for you, but if size isn’t your main concern, consider the WB500 – it offers great image quality at low ISO with a strong all-round handling performance.

Photoanswers Rating: 4