The Bottom Line
With a price of less than $200, Samsung's L210 offers a number of slightly above average features, when compared to other models in its price range. My Samsung L210 review shows a few drawbacks, but this camera works well for a beginning photographer looking for a thin, inexpensive option. The photo quality found with the L210 is a little better than expected, especially in low-light conditions. However, this model's buttons and dials are so small and placed in awkward locations that they can be difficult to use comfortably.
Pros
- Ultra thin camera body is handy to carry
- L210 performs very well in low light for low-priced model
- Overall photo quality is good
- L210's response times are a little above average
Cons
- LCD could be larger
- Flash photos aren't as good as they could be
- Design of camera controls isn't very good
- Only a 3X optical zoom lens
Description
- Resolution: 10.2 megapixels
- Optical zoom: 3X (34-102mm equivalent)
- LCD: 2.5-inch, 230,000 pixels
- Maximum image size: 3648x2736
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 4 oz. (without battery and memory card)
- Image sensor: 1/2.33-inch CCD
Guide Review - Samsung L210 Review
Image Quality
For an ultra-thin, sub-$200 digital camera, the Samsung L210 creates slightly above-average images. In outdoor light, the camera's images are sharp and bright, although you might notice some problems with washed-out images from time to time. For indoor photos taken without a flash, the L210's images have less noise than most budget-priced models. Surprisingly, flash photos are a little below average, primarily because the flash unit isn't very powerful.
With a 3X optical zoom lens, the L210 provides the most basic magnification in a lens. With so many current camera models offering optical zoom lenses larger than 3X, this is a drawback for the L210.
Performance
Compared to other cameras in its price range, the L210's response times are slightly above average. You can shoot your first photo 2-3 seconds after pressing the power button, and shutter lag is not noticeable. Shot-to-shot delays when using the flash can be as high as 5 seconds, which could be a problem for some photographers.
Don't purchase the L210 looking for a lot of manual-control or high-end features. This is a basic, point-and-shoot digital camera aimed at beginners. It does offer dual image stabilization, which is a helpful feature.
Design
At 0.8 inches in thickness, the L210 fits easily in a pocket, but it can be a little difficult to hold comfortably. Adding to this problem is the fact that the camera's buttons and dials seem small. You will want to test this model at a camera or electronics store before buying it, just to ensure that you can hold and use it comfortably.
The L210's 2.5-inch LCD could be a little larger, but it does display sharp images. It can be a little difficult to see in bright sunlight because of glare, which is a problem because the camera has no other viewfinder.
You'll find the L210 in three colors: Red, black, and silver.
