Samsung ST550 - Double Delight
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Performance
Two Strikes
Let's review what the ST550 brings to the table on the specification front. As laid out earlier, the ST550 utilizes a 1/2.33-inch CCD sensor, capable of imaging resolutions of up to 12.2-megapixels. Wide-angle shots are also possible with its 27mm lens, which also comes with a 4.6x optical zoom.
Our earlier launch coverage of the ST550 gave us a quick peek at some of its imaging capability. In this round, we subjected it to a more detailed analysis, which includes our usual ISO test on the color charts, and a close examination of its imaging quality under Auto settings.
As expected, image noise becomes visible when we reach the ISO800 range. Nonetheless, below that value, the returned colors
were well-balanced and didn't look too saturated on the three primary colors (red, green and blue) areas.
Imaging quality aside, we also took note of the ST550's performance in terms of speed and stamina. This includes the start-up time, image processing and how long it managed to sustain itself under one charge. The ST550 takes a substantially long time to start up,up to almost 3 seconds that could cost you the image when you least expect it. Image processing speed varies, depending on which mode the ST550 is currently set at. This isn't an issue under its Auto, Smart Auto, Program or Scene modes, but it is still relatively slow with nearly two seconds taken to process the image. With the Dual IS mode option, up to three seconds is required for the processor to go through the digital image stabilization algorithm.
If you're looking for prolonged usage with a single charge, the ST550 is probably good for up to no more than 200 shots with its limited 720mAh battery. This quantity will take a dip once the secondary LCD is utilized on a more frequent basis. Over time, we've also noticed that the device does heat up significantly on both LCD screens.
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