Samsung WB30F Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Samsung WB30F is a compact camera with a 10x optical zoom lens, built in Wi-Fi for sharing and backup, and a 3inch screen on the back. 

Samsung WB30F Features

The Samsung WB30F features a wide-angle, 24-240mm equivalent, 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, and 720p video recording. It packs all of this into a compact body that will easily fit into small pockets.

One of the most appealing features is its Wi-Fi connectivity, meaning you can send photos to Facebook, Picasa, Photobucket or email with videos uploaded to YouTube. You can also upload to a cloud service, meaning you can backup your photos and then delete some, creating space to take more pictures. The Samsung Mobile link app makes it possible to send your images to your smartphone or tablet. Images can also be saved to your PC with auto backup.

Key Features 

• 16.2 megapixel CCD sensor
• 10x optical zoom lens, 24mm equivalent wide-angle
• Optical image stabilisation
• 3inch screen, 230k dot resolution
• Wi-Fi Sharing
• 720p video
• ISO80 - ISO3200
• 5cm macro mode
• MicroSD slot
• Available in white, pink, red, purple, blue

Samsung WB30F Handling

The Samsung WB30F feels well built with a plastic body, and front handgrip. On the back there is a small textured area for your thumb, as well as a 3inch screen which looks good, although it is only 230k dots. There is a slim body, with a protruding lens making the camera more bulky, although the camera is still easily pocketed. There are a number of buttons on the back giving quick access to the usual settings such as flash, macro, and self-timer, as well as a dedicated Wi-Fi sharing button. 



To change photo options, such as exposure compensation, continuous shooting etc, you press the Menu button and the available options appear on screen letting you see the changes as you make them. The home button lets you switch between the different home screens which are: Wi-Fi, Scene, Album, and Basic which is the main photo home screen. The basic home screen features the most commonly used shooting modes: Smart auto, program, smart movie, movie, scene, live panorama, and also enter settings. 



The main attractions when using the W-Fi are the ability to upload straight to Facebook and connecting to a smartphone to transfer pictures and use as a mobile viewfinder. It's all as simple as connecting to your Wi-Fi and following the on-screen instructions. To work with smartphones, you'll also need to download apps on those devices. A battery life rating isn't provided by Samsung, however we were able to take a decent number of shots without having to recharge the battery.

Samsung WB30F Performance

Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Samsung WB30F Sample Photos

Sample Photos - Some red-eye is visible in the portrait photo with flash, although colour is good. Colour and exposure are good, with good colour reproduction.

Samsung WB30F Lens test images

Lens Performance - Images show soft corners at the wide end of the lens, although detail is generally good in the rest of the image, as well as when zoomed in. Digital zoom is best avoided unless you plan on sharing on website such as Facebook where the image will be resized. Some purple fringing is visible, although this is most noticable in areas of high contrast, and wasn't too much of a problem in most shots. Dynamic range is decent, and can be extended using the backlighting scene mode.

Samsung WB30F ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance - Noise is low at ISO80 and ISO100. Noise increases at ISO200, with a slight loss in detail. Noise increases again at ISO400 with further detail loss. Images become softer at ISO800, although results still appear usable. Noise is highest at ISO3200, with lots of detail loss, and this setting is best avoided, although ISO1600 may provide useful results, particularly if resized.

Samsung WB30F White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performs well under tungsten lighting with a slightly warm result, and the tungsten preset gives a more neutral result. AWB performs extremely well under fluorescent lighting, with the fluorescent preset giving a slight colour cast, so it's best to stick to AWB balance.


Panoramic | 1/250 sec | f/8.8 | 4.3 mm | ISO 240

Panorama mode - The panoramic mode lets you pan the camera from one side to another while holding the shutter button down. The camera automatically stitches the image together while you shoot. The resolution is low, and detail is also poor, so these are best used for sharing on the web.

Samsung WB30F Other sample images

Samsung WB30F Digital filters

Digital Filters - There are a number of scene modes, frame options, as well as digital effects available, including: miniature, vignette, art effects, cross screen, sketch, soft focus, fisheye, old film, half-tone, monochrome, retro, zoom, as well as a number of split shot options.

Video - Video is recorded at 720p (1280x720) at 30fps with mono sound, and optical zoom is available while recording. You can also pause the video while recording. Quality is reasonable, and benefits from the build in optical image stabilisation.

Value For Money

The Samsung WB30F is available for £119 which makes it excellent value for money for a compact camera with 10x optical zoom and built in Wi-Fi. Alternative cameras available include the following:

Sony Cyber-shot WX200 - 10x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £159
Panasonic Lumix SZ9 - 10x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £179
Canon IXUS 255 HS - 10x optical zoom, Wi-Fi, £219

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Samsung WB30F Verdict

The Samsung WB30F offers excellent value for money for a compact camera with 10x optical zoom lens, a 3 inch screen, and built in Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi sharing on this camera is about as easy as it gets, letting you share images on public Wi-Fi, straight to Facebook or other social network sites. Competitors in this market with a 10x optical zoom, and built in Wi-Fi are available, however these tend to cost more, and Wi-Fi sharing isn't always as easy as it is on the Samsung. While image quality isn't perfect, it is generally good, and should provide great quality for sharing to sites like Facebook, with good colour and exposure. While we would have liked to see a higher resolution screen, and better panoramic photos, as well as full HD, for someone looking for a basic camera, at a great price, the Samsung WB30F should be considered.

Samsung WB30F Pros

Wide angle 10x optical zoom lens
Excellent value for money
Excellent Wi-Fi connectivity
Optical image stabilisation
Very compact
Good 3inch screen

Samsung WB30F Cons

230k dot screen - but looks good
Slightly soft corners
Low resolution panoramic shots
720p video

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Samsung WB30F Specifications

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