Software:

The Samsung Digimax S700 comes with CD Installer containing driver and Digimax Master Software. It supports Windows 98SE, 2000 and XP; Mac O/S is not mentioned neither does it say Windows Vista.

I took my chance and installed the Digimax Master to one of my computers with Vista O/S. The installation went smoothly but Digimax Master refused to load. However, it does recognize the camera storage via USB so that users could download images into their PC.

For Windows XP users, there are no issues at all.




Click to enlarge

Digimax Master is quite comprehensive; it consists of video and the photo editing. Video editing allows for cut, adjust brightness, contrast, hue and saturation in addition to adding sound and video compression. Photo editing consists of features that are quite similar to name brand paid software programs in the market; may be the reason not being Vista compatible.:)

Conclusive Thoughts:

There is no question in my mind that digital cameras are getting better every year. Does higher pixel camera produce better picture? The standard format 120mm film camera gave in to the more popular 35mm in the past not because of picture quality but size and price. The higher pixel will definitely produce better picture in prints when taken under the same conditions. For everyday shooting, I'd go for no more than 5 Megapixels. All I can get in a wedding, scenic places, architecture such as church and bridge.

What the consumers could get the best benefit from is looking for camera model of "yesterday". Unlike DSLR cameras holding the price pretty good, pocket size/ready to shoot digital camera is similar to fashion or Personal Computer hardware; left-overs are "uncool" but "priced attractively". This Samsung S700 Digimax is it. Yet, it is no less in quality, performance and features except for the price.



From a scale of 1 to 10

Ease of carry ●●●●●● 6

Color Balance ●●●●●●● 7

Photo Quality ●●●●●●●● 8

Macro clarity ●●●●●●●● 8

Video ●●●●●●● 7

Flash coverage ●●●●●●● 7

Software ●●●●●●●●● 9

Street Price ●●●●●●●●●● 10

Battery life ●●●●● 5

Total Score: 7.44

Bottom line, this is a very good camera at a fantastic price. The only issue will be the low battery life. Nevertheless, the use of AA battery is a huge plus, as these are available anywhere.