Digital Cameras Ratings: Samsung Digimax i85 8.2MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom (Black) Review

Average Reviews:
3.9 out of 5 stars

(More customer reviews)I purchased this camera after doing some lengthy research.I looked at Casio Exilim EX-V7(suffers from mediocre image quality) or EX-v8 (probably much more comparble to this camera) and Konica Minolta Dimage X1 (also medicore picture quality) models as well, with the criteria being a small, portable camera, with a non-protruding lens.In addition, I wanted video at least similar or better than the Flip Video Camcorders, which can do an hour of low quality video in a small package.

I've owned this camera for two weeks now and used it for still images, video cam, and mp3 player purposes.I have not tested it's ability to play videos (PMP mode) downloaded from the web.

It is compatible with Windows XP (tested), Mac OS X10.5.1 (tested), and Ubuntu Linux (tested).Windows requires the install disc which is included.Mac and Linux auto open their respective photo viewing software for import with no additional drivers and the camera shows up as a removable hard drive on your desktop. The included extra software only works in windows, but it is not essential except if you want to view videos downloaded from the web in your camera.It stores images in jpg format, videos in avi format, and music up to 320kb quality as mp3 format.

The image quality is excellent, with crisp, sharp pictures, and good, accurate colors.Of course it has a million override settings which also allow you more control if desired.

It's best two features are the ASR (Anti Shake Reduction) and Face Recognition capabilities.My hands are not as steady as they used to be and the ASR produces quality shots every time.

The camera is quick to shoot and there is no noticeable shutter lag (at least compared to my previous camera, a Sony DSC-S85, which is now retired).Those other reviewers who complain of camera lag or bad photos in dark are not using the appropriate settings.The camera has different settings, such as night, "cafe", fireworks, and other settings they may be what they need and they may not fully understand settings such as "ISO 1600", and so forth.I encourage them to read the very clear manual and try it again...

This camera uses standard SD cards and I use both a Dane-Elec 4GB 133x SD card and a2 GB SanDisk Ultra II SD card.I have easily recorded one hour videos with these with room to spare.It has several settings for frames per minute and it can do 30fps at 640 x 480.This format is easily converted into a DVD with your favorite computer software.

The mp3 player produces great quality sound and has an equalizer which will adjust your music according to your preference, such as Rock, Jazz, Classical, etc.The only drawback is that the earphones included are not up to hi fi standards and if you want to upgrade the earbuds, the earphone socket is 2.5mm in size (a smaller size which is usually used by cell phones).If you want to plug in your Grado headphones you will need an adaptor (which is not included).

In summary, I highly recommend this camera/multi-device.If you are looking for an easy to use camera which will produce very satisfying results, this is it.

Pros:
Super compact, fits in your jeans pocket.

Nice size LCD screen for easy viewing.

Very fast start-up.

ASR and Face Recognition modes are a huge help.

Fast focus in most all conditions.

Movie mode is incredible.

Sharpness, colors, all are very pleasing.

Nice build quality, polished metal casing.

Cons:
2.5mm earphone jack is not directly compatible with most hi fi earbuds.

No carrying case included.

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Product Description:
Digimax i85 - Camera (8.2 mega pixels 5x optical zoom).MP3 player PMP(Portable Multimedia Player) World Tour Guide.Camcorder Text viewer Voice recorder Portable disk.3.0" TFT LCD (230K).World Tour Guide.Face Detection AF & AE.i-Movie (MPEG4 SVGA Quality 800X592 size).ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction).