Samsung’s NV24 HD was announced at CES on January 6, 2008. The NV24 HD features an 8.1 megapixel image sensor with an ultra-wide, 24mm Schneider lens and 3.6x optical zoom. The NV24 HD also features Dual Image Stabilization, which combines both Samsung’s improved and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Digital Image Stabilization (DIS). When selected, OIS and DIS work simultaneously to help curb shake-induced blur in your photos.
The NV24 HD gives shooters the ability to record video in 720p high-definition at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of a movie stabilizer and optical zoom while recording video and with Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files. Additionally, the NV24 HD utilizes H.264 compression, a codec for high definition video that has become an industry standard and iPod compatible. To enjoy the NV24 HD’s high-definition video on an HDTV television, users have to dock the camera into a proprietary Samsung HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) cradle (sold separately). When the HDMI CEC cradle is connected to a high-definition Samsung digital television, users can navigate the NV24 HD’s menu using their TV’s remote control.
The NV24 HD features face detection autofocus and a special Self Portrait mode. The new Self Portrait mode is a unique functionality that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. By utilizing Face Detection technology, the NV24 HD automatically detects the user’s face, adjusts focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame.
Situated on the back of the NV24 HD’s brushed black, stainless steel body is Samsung’s Smart Touch user interface. Smart Touch enables easy navigation of the camera’s comprehensive feature set by simply sliding a finger across the control buttons positioned around the camera’s 2.5″ LCD screen, which will automatically brighten or dim depending on the current lighting situation. For reviewing and sharing images with others, the NV24 HD also features an intuitive Multi-Slide Show. With Mutli-Slide Show, end users can playback their images using five different slide transitions and can also have their images set to scroll to the camera’s preloaded music or their own favorite MP3 files.
Samsung NV24 HD Reviews
The serious photographer will appreciate the focal range and will perhaps be attracted to the 24mm wide-angle. As for sharpness, the lens center offers superb sharpness, whereas the edges suffer from blur which needs improvement.
At the point and shoot level there are more reliable alternatives for its price and headline specification. However, the Samsung NV24HD’s more esoteric features – including the funky photo styles, placed right at the fore of its operation – are indeed fun and less run-of-the-mill than many, meaning it feels churlish to bash this model with too large a stick.
Where to Buy
If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.
