Samsung NV100HD in Digital cameras

Like its cousin the NV9, Samsung's NV100HD is desperate to be different. To that end, it supports a huge image resolution. It also uses a touchscreen rather than conventional buttons. This is a novel idea but it's a shame you can't tap in the area you want to focus on in the way you can with some high-end Sony touchscreen models. We found it no easier than the button approach.

With a faintly ludicrous 14.7-megapixel sensor, you might expect the NV100HD to blow you away with image detail. But in fact it's more proof that megapixels don't necessarily mean good pictures. This model came plumb last in terms of image quality due to an insistence on over-exposing and bleaching out almost every shot. Any detail that the high-density sensor might have picked out was lost to image clipping and blooming effects from the poor auto-exposure electronics.

The HD in the name isn't just for show, though: it's one of the select few this month able to record 720p video at 30fps. The zoom remains active too, but it's far from silent and the camera mutes the audio track when you use it. Ignoring that strange foible, results are fair and it's certainly a cheap way to get an HD video camera.

If you're prepared to nurse the NV100HD's exposure for every shot and apply manual compensation, and you're desperate for a camera that can record HD video, the NV100HD might interest you. For everyone else, it's one to steer clear of.

Author: David Fearon