Since buying my first digital camera in 2004, photography has become a passion of mine. I take my camera with me everywhere - to the grocery store, during long walks, and on vacation.

So when I had the chance to review the Samsung SL310W for Qwowi’s Tech Gift Guide, I was psyched.  

I should say upfront that I have only owned Canon digital cameras in the past. I’m not prejudiced against other cameras, but my comments and thoughts are based on a comparison of my previous experience with Canon cameras.

Judging by the price ($199.99 MSRP, $129.99 Amazon.com ), the size,  and ease-of-use, this camera is designed with novices in mind. It’s a good deal, especially when you consider that not only is it is very straightforward to use, but it also happens to take very good photos.

The SL310W has the features you come to expect from a camera:

• 13.6 mega pixels
• Large LCD monitor
• Face recognition and smile recognition (that was new to me)
• Image stabilization
• Ability to record movies or take still images

Thoughtful Design and Layout

Taking the SL310W out of the box, it looks like your typical digital camera. Small, light form factor - around the size of a deck of cards.  My review copy was black and silver, but this model comes in other colors as well.

Most impressive about the Samsung SL310 is that the buttons and dials are surprisingly intuitive.  Too often with digital cameras, the most frequently used functions are buried 2 or 3 layers deep in the menu system. What got my attention right away was the button to toggle between taking photos and viewing them. Simply genius.  This feature, no doubt among the most frequently used, should be easy to find.  It is.

I also appreciated how easy it is to delete a photo. While it should never be so easy that you delete your images by accident, when your memory card is full and you need to make a decision fast, it’s nice to know you can. When you press the Delete button while viewing your photos, a message appears on the monitor to ask if you want to delete it. You have to toggle over to the Yes option, so if you happen to  hit a button by accident, or the camera gets bounced around in your pocket or purse, you’re unlikely to lose anything.

Some of us like capturing photos with different colors effects. It adds a nice touch without requiring any sort of special photographic skill.  The SL310W allows you to take negative photos - which is a very cool option that I hadn’t seen before.  It’s a great addition to the familiar sepia and black & white options found on most digital cameras.   And again, this feature is easily accessed via a single  button on the back of the camera marked with an ‘E’.  You’ll never risk losing a shot while hunting through an overly complicated menu system.

The self-timer feature is also only a touch away. I don’t use this function often, but it’s a big help at family gatherings; this time of year especially.  It’s labeled on the right side of the dial on the back of the camera.

A Few Knocks

It’s hard to find something wrong with this gem of a digital camera.  My only qualms are based on my level of use, which is slightly above novice.

To ensure Samsung could provide the largest monitor possible, the SL310w doesn’t have a viewfinder.  Many digital cameras today are forgoing them, because many consumers no longer want them.  I’m old school about these things and like the viewfinder for certain shots.  There are some times, like when the sun is really bright, that it becomes difficult to see your subject without one.  Even if I don’t use it all the time, I  like to know that I have the option.  I also realize that I’m probably in the minority.

The camera does not offer manual settings.  Again, this is not one of those features I typically use, but I like to know I can.  Of course, considering the target market for the SL310, it’s not a surprising omission.

Finally the buttons, while convenient, are bit on the small side. Definitely go to an electronics store to see how it feels in your hands before buying the camera.

Recommendation

The Samsung SL310w is a great little camera. It’s made for novices who want basic functions without too many bells and whistles.  It’s affordable and offers enough mega pixels to allow you to keep the camera for a while. If I were buying a digital camera for a ‘tween or my parents, the Samsung SL310 is the one I would chose.

The Samsung SL310w is availabe from Amazon.com for $129

While you’re here, check out all of the reviews that are part of Qwowi’s 2008 Tech Gift Guide.