Reviews4,313 Reviews

All Reviews > Hardware > Cameras > Compact cameras

June 25, 2009

Samsung WB500 review

Product Code: ECWB500BBPGB

The 10.2Mp Samsung WB500 is a chunky model that's too large to fit easily into a coat pocket. It has a huge 1/2.33in Schneider lens, weighs 240g and offers 24mm ultra-wide image capture and a 10x optical zoom that stretches from 4.2 to 42mm.

Finished in gunmetal grey, the Samsung WB500's understated colouring sets off the attractive shiny silver accents of its dials and lens ring. In use, the power button is illuminated by a thick blue LED band - useful for checking you've not accidentally left it switched on but no good for stealthy candid camera snaps.

A rubber grip helps right-handers steady their shots, and Samsung supplements this with dual image-stabilisation features. These come into their own when shooting with the WB500 in low-light, although the maximum ISO of 3,200 also helps. The range of autofocus settings includes face-detection and blink-detection, and there's the now obligatory smile sensor and Beauty Shot mode, too. We found this latter feature tended to obliterate detail with the force of its flash; while ensuring dark circles under eyes disappeared, this also bleached out faces.

Digital photography news and reviews

Samsung has erred on the side of providing too many rather than too few options, including a video-capture mode. It's quite possible to spend 20 mins adjusting settings and searching through the Samsung WB500's menus.

On the video front you can record 1,280x720 at 30fps, composing footage on the 2.8in LCD. You can pause and resume recording, too. Samsung also provides separate voice-recording options with the WB500, but you need to delve into the complex onscreen menus to adjust the defaults.

Of our test shots, the wide-angle ones were the most satisfactory and we can see why Samsung is pushing this as its main selling point. It's ideal for group shots and landscapes. Most of our test shots were taken on an overcast day, so overexposure and other defects caused by too much light suffusing the Samsung WB500's sensor weren't evident.

There's approximately 30MB of internal memory and Samsung's specs ‘guarantee' that the WB500 will read 4/8GB SD/SDHC cards.

VERDICT >
1 | 2 | NEXT >

Independent customer reviews from

Samsung WB500 scored:
9.1 out of 10 100% real reviews

The 2 most helpful reviews based on 40 reviews:

06 Jun 2009 Tracey, Brentwood

10

Good Points

I purchased this camera because of the good reviews that it has received. I have only had it a short time but have found that the Optical Zoom of 10x is great. It is certainly adequate for my use, which is the usual amateur family snaps, but I have managed to take some good close up shots. The face and blink detection are a good feature and one that I have already used. The images produced are crisp and clear. The quality and weight of the camera feel more like an expensive SLR. The camera came with an image software CD which I haven't really had a chance to use properly but seems ok. It also has a rechargeable battery and you easily plug the camera into the charger. No more AA's! All in all I am very happy with my purchase and would definitely recommend it.

Bad Points

The only bad point to mention is that it doesn't come with a case and I have found it hard to find one that fits as it is larger than your average digital camera.

06 Apr 2009 Zelda, Enniskillen

9

Good Points

simple & easy to use. Superb quality

Bad Points

none

See more Samsung WB500 reviews on Reevoo.com

Best Prices

£153
Go»
£158
Go»
£162
Go»
Prices, delivery and availability at 18 retailers
Go»

Keep up to date by adding PC Advisor Reviews to your iGoogle home page or Google Reader

What is this?

Subscribe to PC Advisor now and claim your FREE gift

Question of the day!

Does your smartphone replace your need for a laptop when on the move?

Question of the day!

Does your smartphone replace your need for a laptop when on the move?

% of PC Advisor readers agree with you

Yes
TBC
No
TBC

What tasks can your smartphone do that would have traditionally been done on a laptop?

119 characters remaining

Follow the conversation at @SmartphoneFocus

web browsing, search facilities, voip, email, word processing everything RT @Graham_D_C

Mainly email but getting better at spreadsheets etc, RT @IDGdan

Total reviews: 4,313

See product specs

expert rating

Build quality

3.5/5

Features

3.5/5

Value for money

3/5

Overall

3.5/5

expert rating

Samsung WB500

READER REVIEWS


Google


Recent reviews

Reviews index


Latest reader reviews

Latest reader reviews


Top news

News index


Latest blog entries

Blogs index


Sponsored Content

  • Take the internet to new places with the Nokia N800
    Communicate how you want to, where you want to with instant messaging, email and internet calling. View movies, browse the internet wirelessly and watch TV on the high-resolution screen and listen through high-quality stereo speakers with headphone jack.
    Buy now