Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
The Samsung WB650 shares similarities in terms of its shape to other WB models that we’ve reviewed before, like the Samsung 10.2Mp WB500. This latest model in the WB compact range features a 12Mp, 1/2.33’’ sized sensor, with a 15x optical zoom lens, offering an equivalent focal length of 24-360mm in 35mm terms. This is the longest focal length packed into a WB Samsung compact to date and has been designed for those who like to cram as much of the landscape in the frame as possible and photographers who like to zoom in to the heart of the action. The zoom on our test model showed it was whisper-quiet to use through the zoom range and to find out how quickly it zoomed from wide-angle to full telephoto we timed it with a stopwatch. It took four seconds to zoom from one end of the focal length to the other and the AF locked onto our subject at full telephoto with no problems.
In the hand, the WB650 feels fairly chunky. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing and gives you more to hold onto compared with slimmer compacts on the market. Taking a good look around the body, there’s an impressive array of features that stand out, not least its GPS and Geo-tagging capabilities. To fit this technology into the design the top-plate has been raised by a couple of millimetres at one end with a switch positioned alongside to turn GPS off and on. This feature has its own switch and LED, so when you’re working in dark lighting conditions you’ll know if you’ve got it switched on or off. To prolong the battery life, it’s recommended that the GPS is switched off when not in use. There’s the option of viewing where you’ve taken your shots on a map using Map View mode from the mode dial but we soon discovered this only works when the relevant map data is downloaded onto your external memory card. We were prompted to visit Samsung’s website when we selected Map View for the first time.
The GPS button isn’t the only button that’s found on the top-plate; to the right of it is the Power button and to the side of this is the Mode dial, offering 7 options; Auto, Program, ASM (for controlling Aperture, Shutter speed and Manual settings), Dual IS, Map View, Scene, Movie and Smart Auto. The mode dial and shutter/zoom buttons are well located on the top-plate for quick and speedy operation. We even found ourselves operating the camera single handedly when the other hand was occupied with different equipment.
At the rear of the camera there’s a 3in, 920k dot AMOLED screen offering excellent sharpness and a 10000:1 contrast ratio. To the right of the screen, there are four buttons to control the menu, movie recording, playback and deleting of images in playback mode. The D-Pad controls flash, macro, self-timer and display modes. The menu was clear and easy to read with the relevant menu categories listed on the left side. To save you going into the main menu each time you want to change settings, the delete images button doubles up as a function button in shooting mode. Image size, Image quality, Face Detection, Focus area and Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) are all controllable from the vertical shooting menu task bar and there are four Smart filters on offer, including fish-eye, miniature and fish-eye effects.
To test the WB650’s extensive ISO range we set the compact to Program mode and used the function button to access the sensitivity settings. Set up and locked off in studio conditions, the results from ISO 80-400 were clear and sharp. Results at ISO 800 were satisfactory and only at ISO 1600 and 3200 did we notice more digital Noise creeping in. It’s good to have the option of cranking up the ISO if poor lighting conditions dictate, but don’t expect to push past ISO 800 without a loss in image quality.
Samsung’s WB650 features many interesting features that will appeal to many compact users. The GPS and Geo-tagging capabilities will be useful if you’re regularly travelling and fancy pinpointing images on a worldwide map. The bulky, chunky design would suit those with a slightly larger hand, so it’s not one to go for if you’re after a slim-line compact.
Overall, the Samsung WB650 is a solid performer, offering good still image quality and HD videos at 720p. If size and weight are not your main concerns, the Samsung WB650 should be considered.
Resolution: 12 million pixels (4000 x 3000)
Sensor type: 1/2.33’’
Lens: 15x optical zoom Schneider lens
Focus range: 24-360mm f/3.2 (W) -f/5.8 (T)
Focusing type: TTL auto focus (Multi AF, Centre AF, Selection AF, Face Detection AF,
Focusing Range: Normal : 80cm ∼ ∞ (W), 200cm ~ ∞(T) Macro : 3cm ~ 80cm (W) / 100cm ~ 200cm (T) AutoMacro : 3cm ∼ ∞ (W), 100cm ~ ∞ (T)
Face Recognition AF, Object Tracking AF) Focus Area, Manual Focus
Exposure metering: Multi, Spot, Centre Weighted, Face Detection AE
ISO range: 80-3200
File formats: JPEG (DCF), EXIF 2.21, DPOF 1.1, PictBridge 1.0 Movie Clip : MP4 (H.264 (MPEG4.AVC)) Audio : WAV
HD video: 720p, 30fps
Image stabilisation: Dual IS (Optical IS + Digital IS)
Memory card: SD/ SDHC
Monitor: 3.0" Visual VGA Screen Panel AMOLED
Power supply: Li-Ion rechargeable
Weight: 214.6g (without battery and card)
Dimensions: 106.6.60.5x28mm