Review: Samsung Digimax L85 digital camera

Samsung’s retro-styled L85 has the future in mind, being the first dedicated stills camera to boast compatibility with High Definition TV sets via HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection.

As it doesn’t actually shoot in HD though, images can also be viewed on a regular analogue telly with composite inputs.

HDTV access is provided with the aid of a supplied dock, also featuring regular AV and USB ports plus mains power access. So you don’t have to leave the armchair, a remote control is bundled.

The Samsung Digimax L85's additional specification includes a 8.1 megapixel resolution plus the ability to shoot and review photos in widescreen.

The latter means a resolution drop to five megapixels, as the image is cropped. Still, there’s a decent-sized 2.5in screen  for composition and review, a better than average 5x optical zoom plus the ability to capture uncompressed TIFF files, which offer better quality over regular (compressed) JPEGs.

Though its pricing suggests a fully auto point and shoot, the L85 mixes in manual features alongside gimmicky picture effects and photo frames, plus a high quality MPEG4 movie mode with sound that allows full use of the optical zoom.

If you don’t mind the fact it won’t fit in a shirt pocket, at £250 the L85 represents impressive value.

That given, it’s easy to overlook light sensitivity is disappointingly capped at ISO400, and no removable memory is included – just a 23Mb internal cache for storing four max quality JPEGs.

Making up for this, a ‘super macro’ close up mode allows focusing down to 1cm, and is perfect for photographing the fine detail of summer blooms.

The rubberised surface of the L85 allows for a steadier grip, while the screen menus are easy to read and follow.

The camera is also quick to power up and commit a full resolution shot to memory, though in strong sunshine the LCD becomes very reflective, reducing usability to ‘point and hope’.

The irony is that in bright light the L85 delivers its best performance – its vivid colours are a stand out – while low light results in occasional image blur. That grumble aside, the L85 makes a credible claim for your cash.

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Olympus Mju 720 SW 
If you don’t mind making do with a 3x zoom, this sharp-shooting 7 megapixel compact has the added advantage of being weatherproof.
Price: £330
Overall rating: 4