Samsung WB650

Samsung's WB650 looks like the ideal camera for travellers, with 15x optical zoom and GPS tagging.


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Samsung has come out swinging in the battle for the zoomiest compact camera. The WB650 is not quite a behemoth superzoom, but it's almost there, packing a 15x optical zoom lens into its small chassis.

The WB650 is definitely positioning itself to take some of the glory from Panasonic's travel zoom series, like the TZ10. Like the other camera, the WB650 features in-built GPS, manual shooting controls and HD video recording.

It also comes equipped with a 24mm wide-angle lens and a 3-inch AMOLED screen. The resolution, at 920,000 dots, is one of the highest resolution screens on a camera of its class.

Here's how the WB650 stacks up against its fellow zoom brethren.

Samsung WB650 vs. Panasonic Lumix TZ10 vs. Canon PowerShot SX210

Samsung WB650 Panasonic Lumix TZ10 Canon PowerShot SX210 IS
12 megapixels 12.1 megapixels 14.1 megapixels
3-inch AMOLED 3-inch LCD 3-inch LCD
15x optical zoom 12x optical zoom 14x optical zoom
GPS tagging GPS tagging No GPS tagging
Manual controls Manual controls Manual controls
HD video (720p, 30fps) HD video (720p, 25fps) HD video (720p, 30fps)

Available in two colours, black and grey, the WB650 will be available from March for AU$499. Stay tuned for our full review soon.

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unsure posted a comment   

How would this camera compare to the Canon s95 for image quality. From all reports the s95 is very goood in low light, how's the Samsung? Also, is zoom & auto focus still operational in video mode?

 

RAYNBOZ posted a comment   

I have just switched from owning a series of Ricoh (R8) cameras. Nothing compares with the Samsung W660 (W650). I bought it on the internet via a site in Western Australia for less than A$400 including a 16GB card. I am just back from a holiday in Europe with it. The zoom lens (15x) beats the Ricoh (7.1x). The ultra wide angle lens is 24mm (Ricoh is 28, and the Panasonic is 25mm). Nothing comes close to the clarity of the 3 inch screen. It all just works fantastically - even in poor light.

 

Nick posted a reply   

Hi Raynboz - what is battery life like?

 

carmin posted a reply   

Hey, what site was this? i live in perth and think im going to buy this one, or the panasonic equivalent.
thanks

Andrew
10
Rating
 

Andrew posted a review   

The Good:GPS Switch, Display, Optical and Digital Zoom

The Bad:Literature

Because I got this camera for $345 it is exceptionally good. The display is large and crystal clear. The ability to actually see a map of where you are is helpful and the GPS is easy to switch on and off (would be useful if you are entering a building momentarily).
I highly recommend this camera.

 

Lisa posted a reply   

Hi ANdrew, where did you find this camera for $345???


Seems to be $499 everywhere.

 

Banana posted a reply   
Australia

Hi. I was able to buy it from Camera House for $370. And since I was going overseas soon after that, I got $30 back duty-free.

Andrew
10
Rating
 

Andrew posted a review   

The Good:GPS Switch, Display, Optical and Digital Zoom

The Bad:Literature

Because I got this camera for $345 it is exceptionally good. The display is large and crystal clear. The ability to actually see a map of where you are is helpful and the GPS is easy to switch on and off (would be useful if you are entering a building momentarily).
I highly recommend this camera.


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User Reviews / Comments  Samsung WB650

  • unsure

    unsure

    "How would this camera compare to the Canon s95 for image quality. From all reports the s95 is very goood in low light, how's the Samsung? Also, is zoom & auto focus still operational in video mode?"

  • RAYNBOZ

    RAYNBOZ

    "I have just switched from owning a series of Ricoh (R8) cameras. Nothing compares with the Samsung W660 (W650). I bought it on the internet via a site in Western Australia for less than A$400 inc..."

  • Andrew

    Andrew

    Rating10

    "Because I got this camera for $345 it is exceptionally good. The display is large and crystal clear. The ability to actually see a map of where you are is helpful and the GPS is easy to switch on a..."

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