Samsung SL30 Camera Review: A Comprehensive Guide

The Samsung SL30 Camera is a compact and affordable entry-level point-and-shoot camera that offers value for money and decent features. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the Samsung SL30's specifications, pros and cons, and overall performance.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Samsung SL30 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 17 2009

Announced

10 megapixels

Resolution

BrandSamsung
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCCD
Weight140g
MSRP$99USD

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Overview of the SL30

Searching for a budget-friendly camera that's perfect for capturing everyday moments? Look no further than the Samsung SL30 Camera. This camera packs features that make it stand out from other similarly-sized cameras in the market. However, with so many cameras available, it's essential to know what you're buying before making a purchase. So, in this comprehensive guide, we'll give you all the information on the Samsung SL30 Camera, so you can decide if it's the right choice for you. So, let's dive right in!

Samsung SL30 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Samsung SL30 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

10.2 megapixels for sharp images
3x optical zoom for great distance shots
Face detection technology for easy portrait taking
Image stabilization to avoid blurry photos
Affordable price point for budget shoppers

Cons

Limited video capability
Small LCD screen size
Not suitable for low light situations
Mediocre battery life
Limited manual controls for advanced photography needs

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Samsung SL30

Weather sealed
Dimensions94 x 61 x 23mm
Weight140g
Thickness23mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Samsung SL30 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution230k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 230k dots. This makes the Samsung SL30 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Samsung SL30 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the SL30 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Samsung SL30 has a 10MP sized CCD sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 10 pixels. Samsung SL30 has a native ISO range of 80 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 17 2009

Announced

80 - 1600

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3648 x 2736 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Samsung SL30 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the SL30 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Samsung SL30 supports SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Samsung SL30 uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Samsung SL30 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Samsung SL30 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1500s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Samsung SL30 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Samsung SL30?

The Samsung SL30 features a CCD sensor

Is the Samsung SL30 weather sealed?

No the SL30 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Samsung SL30 announced?

The Samsung SL30 was announced on Feb 17 2009

Does the Samsung SL30 have in-body image stabilization?

No the SL30 does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Samsung SL30?

The SL30 has a native ISO range of 80-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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