Samsung WB650 / HZ30W Reviews: Digital Compact Camera
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This digital camera is a good all rounder.
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Some customer reviews of Samsung WB650 / HZ30W
Most helpful reviewsChris, Ware, Herts Keen amateur
- Good points:
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very easy to set up and use
quick start up time
similar design to other camera brands i've used - Bad points:
- menu navigation can be a bit tricky
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Confirmed purchase: 16 Jun 2011
Michael, Experienced amateur
- Good points:
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Great image quality
Easy to use
Manual settings have lots of adjustment
The flash is fantastic
Amazing zoom - Bad points:
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Bit bigger than most compacts
The GPS is a bit pointless and a little bit of a hassle to get to work properly.
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Confirmed purchase: 13 Jun 2011
Helen, Hampshire Keen amateur
- Good points:
- Excellent zoom lens
- Bad points:
- Not too sure about the Intel Studio software
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Confirmed purchase: 12 Jun 2011
Natalie, Point & shoot
- Good points:
- Have used it a few times and picture quality is good and what I expected. Am still getting to grips with all the functions to get the best out of it.
- Bad points:
- None that I've found so far.
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Confirmed purchase: 08 Jun 2011
sonia, whitton Point & shoot
- Good points:
- Good screen, easy to use, I like the delete all feature on the WB650, on my old WB500 pictures had to be deleted individually which was a pain. Nice smart looking camera
- Bad points:
- haven't found any yet.
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Confirmed purchase: 05 Jun 2011
John, Chelmsford Experienced amateur
- Good points:
- The zoom is great although you have to get used to the control which is much the same on most of these compacts, the controls are easy to use it will suit an inexperienced user if they read the instructions a couple of times and experiment with all the features before you go to actually use it, everything is shown on the screen so you can adjust the setup to what you want and the histogram gives you all the info you need to improve your photos the OIS function works well but you have to be aware of the limits as the manual says, the viewing screen is a good size and gives a clear image would recommend adding a protective film, video button really handy in good position, GPS works well when set up and is a handy extra. I found the macro worked well giving good shots there are plenty of features to use auto and manual, battery life good I found this camera very enjoyable with good quality.
- Bad points:
- The setting up for the maps can be a bit of a nightmare but very handy when sorted, I found the GPS sensor is easy to cover with your finger, did not like the catch for the battery/SD card would prefer for it to be sprung so that it locked when pushed shut. Recharging the battery takes a long time best to by an extra battery and a mains/car charger.
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Confirmed purchase: 04 Jul 2011
This Samsung WB650 / HZ30W is reviewed on Macworld
This Samsung WB650 / HZ30W is reviewed on Expert Reviews
This Samsung WB650 / HZ30W is reviewed on PC Advisor
Product Features
| Camera Type | Compact |
|---|---|
| Resolution (Megapixels) | 12.2 |
| Optical zoom ratio | 15 |
| Screen size (Inches) | 3 |
| Digital zoom ratio | 5 |
| Type of image stabiliser | Electronical Image Stabiliser |
| Touchscreen | No |
| 3D | No |
| Colour | Silver |
| Colour | Black |
| Media format | SDHC Card |
| Media format | SD Card |
| Media format | SDXC Card |
| PictBridge | Yes |
| Timer | Yes |
| Weight (g) | 259 |
| Flash | Yes |
| WiFi | No |
| Shortest shutter speed (Fractions of a second) | 1/1 |
| Longest shutter speed (Fractions of a second) | 1/16 |
| Waterproof | No |
| Viewfinder | Yes |
| RAW Format | No |
| GPS Receiver | Yes |
| Release date | 2010-03-09 |
| Height in mm | 6.1 |
| Width in mm | 106.6 |
| Depth in mm | 2.8 |
| Serial Shot Mode | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Changeable Lens | No |
| Highest focal length (Millimetres) | 360 |
| Lowest focal length (Millimetres) | 24 |
Also known as: Samsung WB650, Samsung WB650 -, Samsung WB650 Digital
Digital Cameras Buyers' GuideManufacturer's Description
With a 24mm ultra-wide angle lens and 15X Super-zoom, capture the whole world and bring it closer to you. With built-in GPS map-viewer, you will also now know where in the world you are, when you take a picture, and 12 Megapixels complemented by an AMOLED display make pictures clearer to see even under direct sunlight. 3.0" AMOLED screen
Large, clear screen for great detail and vibrancy of image – in any light conditions…
GPS for Location tagging
GPS for Location tagging
Locate where the photo was taken. Manage and Share photos by location. Makes it easy to find, organize and manage the photos you want…
Smart Auto Mode
Smart Auto Mode
This mode uses extremely clever technology to assess the type of photo you are taking and then optimise the camera automatically to ensure the best results possible are achieved. All this in less than the blink of an eye…
HD Movie
HD Movie
Record movies in 720p HD quality…
Face Recognition
Face Recognition
An evolution of Face Detection that not only detects a face, but recognises faces it has seen before and prioritises them so your favourite peoples faces are always perfectly focussed and exposed…
Full Manual Control
Full Manual Control
Get more creative and make use of full manual controls – shoot like a pro using aperture priority, shutter priority or manual…
Dual Image Stabilisation
Dual Image Stabilisation
Dual Image Stabilisation works by integrating the best sensor shift mechanisms of Optical Image Stabilisation with the sophisticated algorithms of Digital Image Stabilisation, to take ultra clear images without blur…
Face Detection
Face Detection
Each time you click, your camera automatically recognises if there is a face in the shot. It then optimises the focus and exposure of up to nine faces for stunning, natural looking portraits…
Red-Eye Fix
Red-Eye Fix
Your camera uses a special algorithm to automatically detect and eliminate red-eye from your shot. You just get the perfect, natural portrait. You can even choose to remove red-eye after you have taken the shot…
Blink Detection
Blink Detection
The Blink Detection function detects when a subjects eyes are closed; this feature triggers the camera to automatically take three shots in order to capture the eyes open…
Beauty Shot
Beauty Shot
The Beauty Shot function uses face detection technology to retouch the facial skin to appear brighter and to give the impression of a smoother skin tone. This can be done either while shooting or during playback…
Smile Detection
Smile Detection
Smile Detection ensures that no happy moments are missed by taking the shot automatically when smiles are detected…
Scene Mode
Scene Mode
Choose from various scene modes to automatically adjust your camera settings, such as exposure, colour and contrast. These can include; Portrait, Children, Night scene, Backlight, Landscape, Sunset, Dawn, Firework, Snow, Close up, Self, Cafe, Food and Text…
Auto Contrast Balance
Auto Contrast Balance
The new Auto Contrast Balance automatically compensates the brightness of objects in challenging light environments (i.e. backlight conditions) to ensure a perfectly exposed image…
Smart Album
Smart Album
Find your images quicker. Automatic classification of your images helps you search through all your pictures by simple categories, such as time/date, subject, colour or even by your favourite face…
Li-on Battery, in camera charging system
Li-on Battery, in camera charging system
Charge the battery inside the camera from a standard electrical socket or alternatively straight from a USB port connected to your computer. Greater flexibility as there is no need for an additional charger…
Recycle Bin
Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin Function allows you to retrieve images if you’ve accidently deleted them…
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Here’s a list of the questions other shoppers have asked owners of the Samsung WB650 / HZ30W
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I have ready that the image qulity is not that great on this camera. That the images are not sharpe, and that the colour is not accurate, and a little dull. Do you agree with these statements?
Thanks,
Louise-
No I do not. I think its great even compared to Canon EOS 350 D
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how long does the battery last for when on video mode
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Its supposed to last 20 mins but I have not had much experience of using the camera in this mode so I am not sure.
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im having a problem getting the gps to work , i carnt get the maps to open with adobe , any idea's
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I have heard it can take 30 mins to find itself with gps also had problem with maps
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Does the GPS relate to GB or can we get maps for worldwide use
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The maps are for both GB & Worldwide, you have to download the files and put them onto your sd card, it's very easy to do. Hope it helps Sonia
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I was told that the gps is worldwide. Have not used it myself, but from my research before buying am confident that is true. Sounds as if it is good but difficult to set up initially. I may just take it into our local Jessops if I struggle as they have been excellent in helping out so far.
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Can I copy the videos onto a dvd dic
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i havent actually done it but my son in law assures me the answer is yes !!
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Hi I purchased the WB650 in May. I have noticed that when taking a photo indoors with a light coloured background there is always a shadow - mainly down one side of the person in the photo?? I always use auto flash but why is this happening!! ALSO.... I used the video for the first time (4 mins long) and the sound keeps cutting off - any ideas.........helppppppppp!!
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iv double checked my photos taken indoors and i cant see any shadows ,iv expirimemted with all the different settings on the scene setting ,ie beach and snow ,moving children etc and also the smart auto (the green)button !and i cant see any shadows at all ,longest video iv done is about 2 minutes long and the sound is fine ,perhaps you have a dodgy one ?might be worth googling to see if there are any forums for this model and asking someone on the forum ,sorry i cant be more help .
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Have to say, I've also checked my photos and can't find any trace of shadows. And again, the videos I've taken are all fine.
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Have taken indoor photo's in varying light conditions, with light through window and artificial light from various angles and I have not noticed any shadow. I will take some more with a light coloured background and see. If I get problem I will report back. Video is fine but initially no sound and it did not seem to want to keep sound on when I selected it in menu. (seemed it had to be on video on top dial). After that no problems. Sounds like yours might have a problem. I would take into shop, take like for like photo/ video with shop model and compare results.
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How does it compare to others at £150
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Personally I am really happy with it. My only quibble is I have found it slower than i expected between shots when using flash. For me the zoom was very important and so this reduced the camera's I was looking at. A great sight to compare generally and on specific criteria is snapsort.com. You can compare by price or if you have specific criteria (ie for me 15x zoom) you can specify that also). Hope this helps. (By the way the main trade on having such a large zoom is the size and weight of the camera, it is not one you 'pop' in your pocket.
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Xenos, weston-super-mare Point & shoot
Score 8.0/10Confirmed purchase: 22 May 2011