Review: Samsung NV24HD digital camera

Samsung’s NV cameras all look and feel very similar, with only relatively minor cosmetic differences apparent from the outside.

Cameras of this size can’t compete with those with bigger sensors and lenses, but the NV24HD has overcome some of the image noise problems found in early NV models and produces decent images.

However, the true benefits of this camera are in its ability to capture great shots with minimal user effort. The 24mm wide-angle lens is ideal for shooting landscapes, but portraits get even more of a boost by using enhanced face detection technology to create new scene modes. The camera can also detect when your subject is blinking and will automatically take two extra shots to ensure you capture them with their eyes open.

In the new Smile Shot mode the camera detects your subjects’ faces, waiting until they crack a smile at which time a picture is taken automatically ­ you don’t even need to click the shutter. The camera will also help you avoid cutting yourself out of self portraits by beeping when your face is correctly framed within the image. These features all worked well during testing and produced decent photos we would have otherwise missed out on.

The NV24HD’s video shooting modes extend up to 720p resolution which gives you 1,280x720 pixel, widescreen video that can be played back directly on your HD-Ready TV via the supplied HDMI cable. These movies are saved in the high quality, yet highly compressed, H.264 format, which does require a bit of oomph from your PC ­ a 3.2GHz processor and Geforce 7600GT or Radeon X1600 higher is recommended.

At £249 the NV24HD is a little pricey, but shop around and you’ll find this model for about £100 less, which is a great deal on such a sophisticated and well-made camera.