Fun For First steps Into Photography (Samsung Digimax A7)

Member Name: Clarryb42

Product:	Samsung Digimax A7
Date:	03/06/09 (16 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, good pictures with little skill required & scope to experiment further.

Disadvantages: Relatively heavy & zoom lens extends far out. Batteries run out quickly.

This camera is fairy easy to use without really understanding the finer points! I have been using it for ages without knowing how it works or all the features. Although it's worth looking around for courses (some are free) to really maximise the usage and enjoyment of your digital camera. I did and it was fun.
The camera is quite heavy but quite robust. I dropped it recently and it suffered a few scratches only, though I wouldn't recommend doing this! It does have a wrist strap to prevent such accidents.
Price:-
It was a present a couple of years ago and no doubt on special offer, so I don't know the price, though it was quite expensive. I think that you should be able to pick one up cheaply second-hand now.
Pixel size:-
It has 7 Mega pixels, which means basically that you can get a good picture even if you enlarge it to say A4 size.
Using a tripod:-
Any settings with a longer exposure tend to result in camera shake, unless you can stabilise your hand. The fixing for a tripod is off-centre so requires a special one to remain stable, not off balance, remembering that this is a relatively heavy camera. You could get a bendy tripod which "grips" onto an object, like a fence for stability and look fun to use.
Getting clear pictures:-
There does seem to be a long delay between depressing the button and the flash. Sometimes the subjects move thinking the photo has already been taken. I tend to go into the ASM menu and select "children" if this is likely as it allows to some extent for people moving. N.B. There are lots of useful modes like "fireworks" which give good results (remember the tripod for this or a least rest on say a wall to steady the camera whilst the shutter is open for a long time).
Battery usage:-
This camera uses 2 X AA batteries. They quickly run out, even the better makes, so I suggest the use of rechargeable batteries and to carry a spare set of them with you.
Features include the usual:-
Being able to choose the picture size and also quality, so for example if you know you are going to email them make them both small and "normal" (not "fine") to reduce the file size, for the sake of the person you are going to send them to.
You can review your photos using the buttons at the top (back) which is useful to see what you've taken and to delete the poor ones, if you have any! Plus lots more standard features.
What doesn't it have that I would like in my next camera?:-
A feature for taking pictures through glass, and an "auction" feature for splitting the screen into 3 or 4 images on one view, great for selling goods on e Bay. Otherwise, a great little camera.

Not a camera for an expert but a good quite a robust and fairly easy to use digital camera for someone starting out. If you can get it very cheaply give it a go.

Summary: For quick and easy snaps it's great. With features that are useful & extend the variety if desired.

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