It may not be the first name you'd associate with digital cameras, but Samsung has enjoyed success with its Digimax range. The V50 is the company's latest feature-packed model, aimed at those looking for substance as well as style.

Chief among its specifications are a 5megapixel resolution, the ability to capture mpeg-4 Quicktime movies at 640 x 480 with 30fps, 3x optical zoom, a rotating 2in LCD screen and the option of using a variety of AA batteries as well as rechargeable packs. The camera can handle nine power sources.

It can also use SD/MMC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo cards, and supports add-on lenses. The camera even comes with a carry case.

While the V50 offers a variety of automatic and manual modes complete with a 4cm macro mode and presets for portraits, landscapes and other common scenes, in use its menus and buttons can be very annoying. We found it easy to accidentally press the mode buttons when using the zoom, for example, and the menu system is slow and awkward.

In terms of pictures, the V50 is unforgiving. The camera seems to be very sensitive to any shaking in the user's hands, especially at maximum zoom, resulting in a large number of blurred images during tests.

Shots that were in focus came out clear and detailed with little chromatic aberration, although not quite up to the standard set by the Canon S60. We were more impressed with the movie mode, which can capture clips to the capacity of your memory card.

Overall, we had mixed feelings about the V50. While it looks good on paper, and features such as the rotating LCD are a plus, its performance didn't match our expectations.

Contact: Samsung 00 80 012 263 727
www.samsungcamera.co.uk

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