Samsung PL20 32 MB 14.2 Megapixel Streamlined

Resolution: 14.2 MP
LCD Size: 2.7"
Dimensions: 3.81" x 2.28" x 0.80"
Price: $89 - $120/£58 - £127

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Review

The Samsung PL20 will never be confused with a top-of-the-line professional camera, but it's not bad for the point-and-shoot market. There probably aren't many other point-and-shoots in the same price range that offer so much functionality. Right off the bat it offers a 14.2 MP sensor, 720p HD video, a 5x zoom lens, and the same four color options as its ES80 predecessor.

Perhaps the best feature is the Smart Auto mode which analyzes frame contents and automatically makes adjustments before you push the shutter button. For amateurs and hobbyists Smart Auto offers the opportunity to take really good shots without knowing anything about photography.

For the money (listed at USD $119.99 by Samsung) the PL20 is a really good deal. We found it extremely easy to use despite the fact that it required quite a bit of manipulation to get shots in harsh lighting conditions. The video capture is less than desirable, though. For your run-of-the-mill daily photography needs the camera is more than adequate.

Advantages: extremely affordable price; Smart Auto mode compensates for limited photography knowledge; good resolution for a point-and-shoot; lightweight and stylish.

Disadvantages: limited video capability; lower resolution than other cameras in its class; feels very cheaply made; feels clumsy for left-handed users.

Price and Availability: the PL 20 is currently available in the US and parts of Europe US price: $89-$120; UK price: £58 - £127

Release Date: March 1, 2012

Ratings:

Megapixel Count 4/5
Lens 3.5/5
Shutter Lag & Sensor Size 4/5
Flash 4/5
Memory Card 5/5

Overall Rating: 4.1/5

Basic Specifications:

Resolution: 14.2 mp
Kit Lens: Samsung 5X Zoom Lens Type
View Finder: live preview
LCD Size: 2.7"
ISO: auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter: auto : 8 ~ 1/2,000 sec., program : 1 ~ 1/2,000 sec. night : 8 ~ 1/2,000 sec.
Max Aperture: F3.5-F5.9
Dimensions: 3.81" x 2.28" x 0.80"
Weight: 0.23 lbs (w/o battery and SD card)
MSRP: USD $119.99
Availability: North America, Europe

Detailed Specifications:

General Information: the PL20 offers standard feature like picture stabilization, red-eye fix, double-motion timer and more; most of what you would expect in an economy point-and-shoot
Image Sensor: CCD 14.2 Effective Pixel: 1/2.3″ (Approx. 7.76mm)
Image Capture: JPEG (DCF), EXIF 2.21, DPOF 1.1 PictBridge formats; 8 res options
Video Capture: AVI(MJPEG); 720p HD
Optics: Samsung 5X; optical zoom; focal length f = f 4.9 24.5mm (f27∼135mm 35mm film equiv.)
Auto Focus: yes; with Auto, Smart Auto; host of image manipulation options and a choice of scenes
Display: 2.7" LCD
Exposure and Flash: ±2EV (1/3EV steps); built-in flash
Image Storage: internal 32MB; external SD, SDHC, SDXC
Connectivity: USB 2.0; video out NTSC, PAL (user selectable)
Power: BP70A rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery; 4.2V DC power input
Software: N/A

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Samsung PL20 32 MB 14.2 Megapixel Streamlined

Review

Basic Specifications:

Detailed Specifications:

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