Samsung WB5000

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

There are plenty of digital compacts all vying for your attention on the retail shelves, so it takes something a bit different to stand out from the crowd. Samsung has a great vision for providing consumers with what they really want, especially with technology-driven ideas. This WB5000 camera is not so much about wizzy technology however, but it’s very much a photographer’s compact, and certainly of interest to the user who does a bit of everything.

Big zoom
The 12.47MP resolution sounds impressive on its own, but the key feature on this camera is the zoom range. Not only does it provide a 24x optical magnification, it also starts from a wide-angle 26mm focal length (35mm equivalent). This means that the total equivalent zoom is a phenomenal 26-624mm, and it’s all packed into a body that’s less than 100mm thick. The lens is optically stabilised too, so you can help keep your framing steady when using the top end of the zoom. For framing, you have the option of an Electronic ViewFinder (EVF) or a large 3in TFT LCD screen, while for adding light you have a pop-up flash.

Feature mix
Other top-line features include HD quality video capture, which at 720p definition and 30fps-recording rate is a well-specified movie offering. Sensitivity is not the widest range you will find, but with such a small sensor and high number of pixels, ISO 6400 is about as high as you would want to risk in low light. This camera also gives you the option to shoot RAW files, and convert them with the Samsung converter program. This gives you DSLR-style flexibility, and there’s full manual control too. For point and press photography, you have Smart Auto that can automatically identify the type of subject you are viewing and will then choose from 11 different pre-set image styles to deliver the optimum exposure and camera set-up. Portrait fans will welcome Smart Face Recognition that can learn up to 20 faces from your friends and family. The technology then prioritises these faces when they appear in a shot, to ensure they are in focus and correctly exposed in preference to any other faces. There’s also a perfect portrait system that automatically enhances portrait images. And then there’s Smile Shutter, which as the name suggests takes a picture when the subject smiles. It’s not the most responsive mode in the world though, so don’t expect to capture every smile with ease.

Image quality
The 12 million pixels on this compact are crammed into a very small area with the chip measuring just 6.13x4.6mm. This is not ideal for high quality images, and the noise levels are very obvious, as can be seen in our ISO panel. The camera does have accurate focus, but definition can be quite average, which leaves images looking soft in areas. Tonal range is good, as is the accurate metering.

Final verdict
This is a great family compact that has an impressive zoom and fun feature set. It’s not really for the serious photographer, despite having features that would perhaps be associated with that profile, such as manual settings and RAW capture. A DSLR will cost you a little more, but may be worth the extra if quality is more important than a handy all-in-one compact.

Specifications
Street price: £275
Resolution: 12.47MP
Sensor type and size: 1/2.33in and 6.13x4.6mm
Zoom: 24x
35mm focal length: 26-624mm
Exposure modes: PASM, Auto and scene   
Metering modes: Multi, centre-weighted, Face Detection AE
ISO range:  Auto, 64-3200 (6400 at 3MP)
Card type: SD/SDHC
LCD monitor size: 3in 230k dot
Autofocus: TTL AF multi/centre/tracking
RAW shooting: Yes
Face detection: Yes
Built-in stabilisation: Yes
Size (wxhxd): 116.1x82.2x91.1mm
Weight: 398g