Samsung Digimax 240 2.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

by Samsung

Product Details

Product Manual [2.08mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 1.6 x 4.3 x 2.4 inches ; 6.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008KIW8
• Item model number: Digimax 240
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,215 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 12, 2003

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Digimax 240 allows you to capture memorable moments with high-quality images anywhere, anytime. Elegant and sleek, the new Digimax 240 comes with a 3x optical and 2x digital zoom to get you up close to the action. Its 2.1-megapixel resolution enables you to print enlargements up to 8 x 10 inches. Other features include a 10-second delay timer and built-in flash.

The Digimax 240 automatically adjusts exposure according to various shooting conditions, and exposure can also be adjusted using a separate programmable exposure compensation. Short video clips can also be recorded on the Digimax 240 (in AVI format) as well. The camera also comes with features such as Quick View (on the 1.6-inch LCD screen), slide show, and the ability to view on one screen or up to 9 split screens.

A mode dial lets you switch from still image mode, movie clip mode, play mode, and set mode with a simple twist. Images can look their best thanks to 6 flash modes, adjustable white balance and a selectable ISO sensitivity (Auto,100,200,400)

You can store images on the standard 8 MB internal memory, or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards. Transfering images, as well as other files, between PC and Camera are a breeze using the USB interface. There is no need to open a specific program. Just drag the images from the camera and drop them in the desired folder in your PC. Images can also be played back on an external monitor or TV via the NTSC/PAL video output. The Digimax 240 is powered by two AA batteries and is compatible with CR-V3 batteries.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From an observant consumer, November 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Samsung Digimax 240 2.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Before buying this camera (my first digital camera), I consulted with my friends who have been using various digital cameras for months, if not years. I hesitated on buying Digimax 240 due to horrible comments made by the Amazon.com folks below. Also, I saw how much people raved about Canon A40 in Amazon.com. So I was strongly leaning toward buying a Canon A40 which also has 2.0 M Pixels. Then, I decided to take a chance after seeing sample photos taken by Digimax 240 from the potential sellers who took time to share their photos with me. (My sample photos from Digimax 240: http://photos.yahoo.com/brianmustbecrazy) In the end, I was able to pay less than half of what Canon A40 would have cost.

2-M Pixles from Digimax 240 is more than sufficient for photo sizes of 4 X 6 or 5 X 7 as it gives superb photo quality & sharpness. I find that it is good enough for larger photo sizes as well when the best performance settings are chosen when taking shots.

I see that a lot of people complained about the short battery life. But I conclude the reason is that Digimax 240 operates on 2 AA batteries whereas most other 2 MP digital cameras need 4 AA batteries. It is a trade-off because 2 AA batteries give you shorter life, but 4-battery-operated cameras look and feel funny (also bulky and heavier) because they have to house 4 AA batteries. Digimax 240 has an attractive shape without any funny contour since it only houses two AA batteries - makes it easier to pack and carry. Also, see my comment on rechargeable batteries at the bottom.

Here are good and bad of my Digimax 240.

Very good: Excellent photo quality, sharpness / Ergonomics & easiness of camera operation / Easy to follow manual / Light weight-wise / Comes with a quality pouch / Solid construction / Easy software installation / Different settings for different weather situation - cloudy, sunny, sunset and more / Different settings for fineness and sharpness - 1200 X 1600, 600 X 800 and more. This allows you to control the size of the file - sometimes you don't want the photo to be too big in file size. / Automatically (but also manually) able to change the level of light exposure (separate feature from the aforementioned weather settings) - this helps you to get quality photos in darker and brighter environment. Usually the camera will automatically adjust the settings according to different environment, but you can do it manually as well, over-riding the automatic settings. Being able to manually adjust the weather and light exposure really made improvement in my photo outputs in extreme conditions.

Good: Flash reload time / Flash power - could be stronger as the flash recommended range in dark indoor space is about 8 feet. But then, this is what the photo-editors are for. Also, talking to and seeing photos from many friends with fancy digital cameras, I found out that shooting, focusing and getting quality photo product in darker environment is a challenge for any digital camera. In other words, conventional film camera is still the way to go for photos in darker settings.

Bad: Fairly short battery life - but my friends with other digital camera brands told me that they can't really use theirs without rechargeable batteries and AC adaptor... Besides, the manual strongly recommends using AC adaptor when connecting to PC, where the batteries really get used up. I recommend NiMH type rechargeable batteries and an AC adaptor - I bought them and they work very well. With the first two AA size rechargeable batteries I have shot close to 100 shots with flash and I still didn't have to recharge the batteries.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Value, February 9, 2004

By 

"triske1e" (Wappingers Falls, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung Digimax 240 2.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Finding a digital camera in the under $200 range is not easy. After doing a bit of research, I finally purchased the Samsung 240. It takes only two double "A" batteries, keeping the unit light and compact; easy to fit in a coat-pocket or bag. Do not make the mistake however of trying to use standard batteries with digital cameras. Buy a set of rechargeables and an AC adaptor for home computer hook-up. One set of NiMh batteries easily lasted me through eighty-two photos and seven avi files on a a busy birthday weekend.
If you are familiar with the use of computer, electronics, and cell phone menus so prevalent with today's devices you'll have no problem with the screens and menus (though the screen is hard to see in brilliant daylight). If, however you are not comfortable with electronic devices ask a friend who is, to walk you through the menus as the manual is cumbersome and stiffly worded. The software that comes with the camera is passable, but most computers have something that will allow you to manage your photos more readily.
A memory card is a must, but in a pinch, the on-board memory is fine for ten or so shots at medium quality resolution. There are three photo qualities available. The middle resolution is fine for just about everything. I have even been able to take shots of architectural drawings and e-mail then to contractors for review within the span of a few minutes. 2.0 pixels is more than adequate for most applications. The avi movie files are a fun addition, reminiscent of old 8mm footage, but great for catching the sense of space in a landscape or two children playing in a treehouse. And like 8mm there is no sound.
Some points for improvement: A built-in lense cover would have been nice. The rubber AC adaptor-cover needs to be pressed firmly in place to make a good seal (difficult if you have poor dexterity in your hands). Flash recharge is a bit slow, about three to four seconds which doesn't sound like much until you have all the grandchildren lined up for a group shot. :)
All in all a nice camera to take you into the world of digital photography and at a price that won't make you worry about taking it everywhere with you!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars easy to operate, but high on power use, June 30, 2003

By 

Killy "ben29540" (Batavia, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung Digimax 240 2.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

It is easy to switch between modes of the camera. The included video cable allows you to display video or photos on a t.v. with the setting of only one option.

It seems to eat batteries though. I was surprised when after shooting a few minutes of video and taking 8 photos with the LCD screen on, I didn't have enough battery power to download them onto my computer. In two days, I had used up 3 new pairs of AA alkaline batteries. Perhaps that is normal - this is my first digital camera. The service department recommended I buy lithium rechargeable batteries.