Samsung launches two new L-series cameras
A few years ago, I wouldn’t have even bothered with a Samsung camera but they are coming up in the rankings, they aren’t at the top, I don’t think they ever will be but I’d be surprised if the company won’t make the top 5 at some point. To that it has released two new 8 megapixel cameras under $300.
The cameras have similar features but the more expensive L83T is smaller and has a few features over the less expensive but still capable L830.
The L83T features a super slim all metal body and an 8.2 megapixel sensor as opposed to the L830’s 8.1 megapixel sensor. Let’s be honest here, it would be foolish to argue over a 0.1 difference in megapixels.
Both cameras have a high resolution 2.5 inch LCD display, a 3x optical zoom NV lens with 38mm to 114mm focal length, “ASR” digital image stabilization, face detection, 800 x 592 high resolution movie mode and a lithium ion rechargeable battery pack.
Differences end with the amount of internal memory. The L83T has 19MB and the L830 has 16MB but both feature support for SD or SDHC memory cards and while MMCplus cards are supported face it, MMC cards are dead.
These are point and shoot models and include several in-camera editing features such as red-eye removal and adding text to pictures.
The L83T will retail for $280 with the L830 coming in at a more acceptable $230 with availability in September.
Once again, I am hard pressed to find any redeeming qualities in the cameras except for the quality of the NV lens. There is no optical image stabilization and 3x optical zooms are a dime a dozen these days.
The more zoom, the better, anything over 3x is better, even 3.8x. Optical image stabilization is better because your images won’t become noisy by the camera using high ISO settings and short shutter lengths to compensate for motion, instead the sensor or lens is moved to adjust for sudden motions.
In my opinion paying nearly $300 for a camera without optical image stabilization and a rather short 3x zoom with poor focal lengths is not a wise decision. Once again, I am forced to suggest the Canon PowerShot SD800IS or SD850IS. If you like wide angle shots then the SD800IS is for you; if you like longer zooms then the SD850IS is best.
I have yet to find a pocketable superzoom camera that I like.
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