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Samsung ST550 - Nearly a good camera

When i first saw the TV add for the Samsung ST550 I thought it would be a top vlogging camera. It's duel screen would mean you could monitor the composition of your video as well as your photos.

(Here is a short clip from the camera that cut off as tha memory card was crap.)

I was wrong. The front facing screen although very cleverly hidden behind the plastic body and perfect for composing your cheesy self portraits in front of tourist attractions, for some strange reason is not activated during video recording. I figured it must be just 'off' as the default and could be turned on but no.. At least I think not. Neither me of the friendly shop assistant could find out how to turn the duel front facing screen whilst shooting video. This was pretty disapointing as as soon as I saw the camera I thought about it as a vloggers camera. I imagine this is a simple firmware upgrade that's needed so Samsung, if you are watching.. You really have missed a trick and I would have certainly considered your camera over the Canon Ixus 120is I eventually bought. Although saying that, your audio was nowhere near as good as the Ixus so if you get the chance, please sort that out as well. ;o)

So very nearly a great blogging tool. Hi-res photos and HD video in a device that has a front facing screen. It appears only half thought out. I am certain if the camera companies spoke to more of the users out there they'd sell more devices to corners of the market still waiting for someone to do it right. There were a few interesting features on the camera but I havn't gone into detail about these or the other things I didn't like I don't think any person that reads this blog would buy it anyway. As it stands the screen is more of a gimick for taking self portraits.

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Filed under  //   camera   review   samsung   tech   video   vlogging  
Posted December 5, 2009
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