Samsung MV800 Multi-View
The Samsung MV800 Multiview is the latest addition to the company’s self-portrait oriented compact camera range, along with the existing 2View models. The 2View range did this in a slightly clunky way by having a second screen on the front of the camera whereas the MV800 does things a little different, employing a single screen that normally faces rearwards but can flip all the way up until it can face the front.
It’s a simple variation on the established flip and twist screens, generally found on larger, SLR-style, cameras, but is cheaper to produce and more compact. Unfortunately it’s also more cumbersome.
Normal operation of the camera is easy enough with just a power button, shutter button and zoom control on the top edge and two further buttons on the back – just power on, point and click. The camera’s solid build and textured finish gives you a decent purchase, and looks good too. Samsung has even thought about how you’re going to operate the camera when the screen is flipped up on its sturdy, easy to use hinge; on the back there’s a second shutter button for more easily taking one handed snaps.
Yes, it allows the camera to be more compact and elegant than if it were to use a twist and flip screen, but it also doesn’t help you to shoot at any other awkward angle, whether off to the side or overhead. The 5x optical zoom (equivalent to 26mm-130mm) offers a decent range from quite wide to slightly telephoto. Correct us if we’re wrong but is the ability to take handheld (rather than timed) self portraits really your biggest consideration when buying a camera? If it is, what’s wrong with the old self portrait mirror? However, at £200-£250, the MV800 is only a little expensive considering its basic shooting abilities and is otherwise an attractive and well built camera.
Tags: Camera, Camera Digital, Camera Digital Printer, Samsung MV800 Multi-View
