Korean manufacturer Samsung is carefully approaching the formation of its line in the segment of photographic equipment. This niche is not a priority for the company; therefore, developers follow proven paths, mastering the most predicted concepts. These include the class of small digital cameras, which are characterized by a relatively modest filling and minimalistic design without unnecessary elements. Among the representatives of this group in the manufacturer's family, the Samsung ST60 model stands out, demonstrating the classic features of a compact digital budgetary.
Camera Overview
The device incorporates a lot of progressive qualities and functions for its class, including the ability to shoot video, a zoom lens, 12.2 MP sensor, etc. At the same time, the budget and limited resources of the component base did not allow us to offer the creators quality, noticeably beyond the scope of most entry-level compact digital cameras. Again, the wide functionality overshadows the rather average quality of the resulting photo and video materials. However, if we recall the price tag, which is only 3.5-4 thousand rubles, then claims to some characteristics of the shooting disappear by themselves. In general, the model turned out to be practical and convenient. But these are not the only advantages that distinguished Samsung ST60 model. The PowerPlant charger quickly replenishes the energy supply of the BP70A, allowing you to also monitor the process intensity using a special indicator. Pleasantly surprised by the LCD display, which supports the automatic correction of parameters taking into account external factors. These features by themselves knock out the device among representatives of budget models.
Specifications
Before reviewing the characteristics, it is important to emphasize that this camera was at the peak of popularity back in 2010, and it is obvious that by current standards its characteristics look rather average, if not modest. On the other hand, the Samsung camera refers to the digital technology in which each performance indicator declared by the manufacturer corresponds to the actual result. And now it’s worth examining the parameters of the Korean camera in more detail:
- The type of matrix is CCD.
- The number of active pixels is 12.2 million.
- Focal length - from 2.7 to 1.1 cm.
- Optical zoom is four times.
- The crop factor of the model is 5.7.
- The resolution in the maximum format is 4000x3000.
- Matrix sensitivity - from 80 to 3200 ISO with support for automatic tuning.
- The flash range is up to 3.8 m.
- The minimum shooting distance is 5 cm.
- The movie recording format is MPEG4.
Camera settings
The user receives several controls on the case, but the main emphasis is still on the digital interface. The developers used the classic structure in the menu, in which there is access to a choice of shooting modes, parameters of the LCD screen, etc. There is also a possibility of automatic correction in the Samsung ST60. Intelligent filter selection, for example, is not present in all state employees of this class. Having specified the settings through the automatic mode, you can count on the optimal characteristics of photo and video shooting. However, an individual approach can be fully disclosed only on condition of manual selection of the most favorable parameters from the point of view of the task.
Features Samsung ST60
In terms of immediate shooting abilities, one can distinguish a well-implemented filter system, the presence of a viewfinder and focus. This is not to say that these options are comparable to the counterparts that provide more expensive models, but for their segment this is quite a decent level. As for the filters, the developers have provided the modes of "vignetting", "miniature" and "fisheye". Moreover, their selection and correction can be carried out in an intelligent way. The viewfinder, which is equipped with a Samsung ST60 digital camera, allows you to mitigate the so-called damping and more clearly fix the target object at the time of shooting. This function is today widespread in models of any level, but much depends on the quality of its performance. In Samsung, this option manifests itself with the maximum benefit for the characteristics of the materials obtained. But this cannot be said about the work of the focus, which can fail at a crucial moment - here the coordinated work of automation is just not enough.
Shooting video
The quality of video recording in budget class devices in most cases leaves much to be desired. But there are also models in which this mode, on the contrary, positively overlaps unsuccessful photography. Model ST60 nominally allows you to record in HD-format 720p, supporting a frequency of 30 frames per second. Also, the use of special settings makes it possible to double the recording speed without losing the quality of the material. From the point of view of functionality, work in this mode does not stand out from the segment. The set of video options available with the Samsung camera is minimal and will interest only amateurs. But the very quality of the clips compensates for this flaw. Moreover, the budget matrix is hardly a successful tool for implementing special recording formats. The resulting video materials, by the way, can be viewed without loss of quality on high-definition television HDTV. The camera is connected using an HDMI cable.
Positive reviews
Choosing the long-established concept of compact inexpensive digital cameras, the creators were able to translate into the model almost all of their advantages. Users, in particular, point to the thoughtful and ergonomic design of the device body, functional filling, convenient placement of buttons and reliability. There are also positive opinions about the camera, not typical for budget products of this type. For example, wear resistance and unpretentiousness - these qualities facilitate the care of the Samsung ST60 camera. The reviews here also indicate that the manufacturer chose not cheap materials for the case. And this can be seen on the surfaces of the structure, organically arranged without backlashes and gaps.
Negative reviews
There are few complaints directly to the working qualities. In the optimal functional state, the model adequately develops its resource, providing an acceptable quality of shooting. But owners note some random camera crashes. Many say that sometimes the Samsung ST60 turns on and off immediately without entering a working state. According to experts, this problem can be solved in one of two ways. Firstly, check the state of charge of the battery, and secondly, evaluate how correctly the focus is configured. There may be a problem with its sensors or drive mechanism.
There are some claims to the focus work that are not related to the arbitrary shutdown of the camera. If the Samsung ST60 does not focus properly, then again it should be disassembled. The way out of this situation may be the correction of the position of the sensors and the motor of the drive mechanism of the system.
Conclusion
The entry-level digital camera is the most attractive segment for many manufacturers as one of the most sought after. At the same time, not everyone is able, with minimal resources, due to the low cost of the device, to offer a truly interesting model. And in this sense, Samsung ST60 is one of the best developments in the class. If we make an adjustment for the limitation of its release, the camera can compete for the place of the most successful representative in the budget category. Of course, there were some shortcomings, but they can be ignored, given the low cost of development and the overall quality of the shooting. With regard to technological excellence, there may also be different opinions, but the model is justified at least by the fact that all the functionality is implemented efficiently. Another thing is that today this set of options is mandatory for the lowest level models.