| Samsung NV4 Digital Camera Review |
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The NV4 is a digital multimedia camera in the Samsung range that is worth investigating if you’re in the market for a stylish, intelligent, multi-functional portable unit that supports MP3s, PMPs and .txt files, in addition to functioning as a compact camera with a little bit of punch.
Along with enabling you to listen to music, watch video content and read text documents, the NV4 operates primarily as an 8.2 mega pixel point and shoot digital compact with a 34 MB internal memory and the option of operating with SD, MMC or SDHC memory cards.
The NV4 also offers digital image stabilisation, which proves highly effective when shooting hand-held images without flash, as it automatically reduces blur created as a result of operator hand shake. Users do need to remember to activate the function as required however, but the results are certainly worth the additional forethought.
The 6.3mm – 18.9mm non-protruding 3x optical zoom lens compliments the NV4’s slim and compact design and the curved body rests comfortably in hand and is small enough to fit in a shirt or pant pocket.
The 2.5 inch LCD screen has an automatic brightness adjustment feature, which helps to provide the best picture preview in the given lighting condition and also conserves battery power where possible by dimming the intensity of the live picture provided.
The real-time preview on the NV4 seems to suffer no lag and gives a bright, clear picture that automatically adjusts white balance and exposure as the composition is altered by the user. The LCD itself is quite susceptible to finger marks, as is the stainless steel body, so regular cleaning is advised for those who prefer a polished unit.
Face detection of up to nine people at a time makes taking group shots a no-brainer with the NV4. Let the technology automatically adjust exposure and focus when faces are detected and simply press the shutter; there’s no mucking around with manual controls and that means you will always capture the moment. You can even get into the photo yourself and use one of the four self-timer options to operate the shutter for you.
Self-portrait mode is also supported by face detection technology: the NV4 can detect whether or not your face is in frame and will not allow the shutter to be pressed until it detects that you are centred. So no more wasted photos of one side of your face or of the top of your head!
14 scene modes are included in the NV4 and range from sunset, dawn, backlight and fireworks to beach and snow, landscape, food and children etc. There is also an eight option photo-style selector, which offers various picture colour effects including normal, soft, vivid, classic, calm, forest, retro and cool, which help to promote experimentation and imagination in the user.
MPEG-4 movie mode is available to record memories through motion and sound and the succussive record function allows users to pause and resume filming as required. If the movie stabiliser is switched on, unwanted camera shake and subject blur will be heavily reduced but once again, this is a function the user must remember to engage otherwise it does not operate.
The slideshow function is an additional way to incorporate sound with your photos. Multiple transition effects are available for selection and MP3s from your personal collection can be uploaded onto the NV4 and played in accompaniment with your images. Slideshows are a great and simple way to share images with friends and family and the portability of the NV4 makes it so easy to pass between people so everyone can experience the fun of a personalised slideshow.
The headphone port on the NV4 means users can listen to their music selection or share it with others via the internal speaker equipped with SRS 3D surround sound acoustic technology. A point to note is that the connection for the earplugs is specific to Samsung however, so if you misplace the ones that came with the kit it may be difficult or a little more expensive to replace them.
There is no doubt that the multiple functionality of the Samsung NV4 is highly likable and suitable for today’s lifestyle considering it is one compact unit that acts as three or four different multimedia devices yet it is portable enough to carry at all times. I highly recommend this unit for a person who is somewhat technically proficient and looking for an entry-level camera that provides solid results with minimal effort.
     
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Digital Camera Review by: Katrina Putker
The NV4 comes with a dedicated rechargeable battery and charger, a USB and AV cable, wrist strap, warranty card and software. The included Samsung Convert software is able to compress 700 MB files to 200-250 MB meaning you can fit more video and music content onto your NV4 than you may have initially thought. It is highly recommended that you purchase a large capacity memory card and perhaps even a second battery for the NV4 so that you can really get the most out of what this versatile unit has to offer.