WB850F update

This link should go to the first page of the review rather than the last page.

http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Samsung-WB850F-First-Impressions-Review.htm
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Mike

16MP on that tiny sensor is a no-go. I hate how just about every small-sensored camera is back on the MP war wagon, now pushing 14-16mp, no matter what, image quality be damned. It's looking as if going back to getting a NOS camera from 1-2 years ago might be a way better bet.

The other thing I'm seeing is the camera makers trying to get their lenses to f2.8 or so on the wide end, which doesn't really do much on these small sensors anyhow, especially when they are stuffed with MP they really shouldn't be stuffed with. They're all really looking for gullible consumers who play the numbers game and don't know better.

Too bad that the reviewer didn't have time to evaluate the GPS functionality. The HZ35W had all the right hardware though the software fell short in many ways. Even though the HZ35W GPS implementation is flawed I still get some interesting use out of that capability. In more than one case the map info has helped me navigate a maze of unfamiliar streets.

From past experience with Samsung cutting GPS support, yet continuing to sell the wb650, I wouldn't bet on them being able to figure it out, to be honest. Many had severe issues with the download process, as well as the install of the files. Luckily, some on this forum came through, but Samsung isn't about support, nor about image quality anymore. It's all about toys.

thielges wrote:

Too bad that the reviewer didn't have time to evaluate the GPS functionality. The HZ35W had all the right hardware though the software fell short in many ways. Even though the HZ35W GPS implementation is flawed I still get some interesting use out of that capability. In more than one case the map info has helped me navigate a maze of unfamiliar streets.

From past experience with Samsung cutting GPS support, yet continuing to sell the wb650, I wouldn't bet on them being able to figure it out, to be honest.

I agree that it isn't wise to expect Samsung to deliver good GPS support though I doubt it is due to lack of technical expertise. Many of the problems and annoyances I've encountered with the HZ35W are easy fixes and I'm sure that their camera division has competent engineers who could address those issues.

My guess is that the product was EoLed and the entire team assigned to other projects. No funding == no change. Actually I believe that the "Mapview" component of the HZ35W firmware was probably outsourced to an external contractor. That contract ended before they identified the problems and it was considered too costly to re-engage with the contractor to enhance the software. Look at from Samsung's perspective: they would be paying money that could go elsewhere for nothing in return aside from the appreciation of camera owners like you and I.

When the 850 comes out I will be very skeptical and won't buy without giving their software a thorough workout.

(FYI - I've continued to use Mapview for basic navigation. Their raw Navtek data is actually quite accurate and complete. To bad the software doesn't make better use of it)