Samsung Pro 815

Unlike many big zoom cameras, the Pro 815 uses a 2/3in 8megapixel sensor that delivers sharp, detailed images.

However, when compared to a good budget digital SLR, the photos can appear a little noisy.

Despite its huge zoom, the Pro 815 has no image stabiliser. Instead a high-speed mode is available that, at the touch of a button, sets up the camera for the fastest shutter speed and highest ISO setting available.

As expected, this also increases the amount of noise in the resulting image. Furthermore, it's not available in all shooting modes, making hand-held shooting at the extreme end of the zoom range rather difficult.

The camera's movie capture mode can record at 25fps (frames per second), with stereo sound and at a resolution of 640 x 480.

The fact that it's limited to just 30 seconds of continuous recording seriously limits its appeal.

In operation, the camera can also seems rather sluggish, with noticeable waiting times between shots.

The on-screen menus could also do with a usability overhaul as settings are often denoted only by cryptic icons with no plain-text help. To compound the issue, the printed manual has no index.

A unique and ground-breaking camera, the Samsung Pro 815 is a little less impressive in use than it is on paper.

That said, it's still a hugely capable prosumer model and is packed with features.

You can take a closer look at the Pro 815 in our image gallery.