Customer Reviews

Samsung Digimax L85 8.1MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just bought this and I love it. Great pictures, easy to use, and feels great. The size is a bit larger than some, but the optics are great and that is why. You are getting a 5x optical zoom. To do it right, you need to have a bigger lense and thus a bigger camera body.

Prior to this I had a Lumix I paid 500 for. The Lumix is much bigger than this camera!! About twice the size. You can get a tiny camera with tiny features or you can get a well designed camera that hs almost as small and delivers quality pics and professional features.

The Samsung is easier to use, takes better pictures (although the Lumix does take great pictures) and feels better. In addition, it has many more features, like a very well lit very large viewer display and HDMI interface.

I bought this camera, tested it out over the weekend. I was coming from a Canon Powershot SD200. I found the camera larger then I would like and was not happy with that. For a point and shoot camera, in my opinion, having it compact is a great advantage. This camera felt bulky and you wouldn't want to toss it in a pocket to travel with.

The quality of the pictures were great, I thought they were highly superior to the Canon's.

The flash was annoying to the people I subjected it too. It did a red light for the red eye removal, then it did a preflash to get the blinks out of the way, then it did a longer flash for the actual picture taking. So in total it took around 2 seconds to take a picture which is way to slow for most point and shoot type actions.

I replaced this camera with the Panasonic Lumix FX01 and am loving this camera. It is very compact and light, and the pictures it takes are great. I have no complaints so far for this camera except that the speed of picture taking is still slightly slower then the Canon SD200.

The only complaints I have up to now are the difficulty of learning to use all of the features, there are quite a few. Also the display screen is hard to see in really bright sunlight.
The stop motion and video features are great and the standard photos seem to come out really sharp. The camera has a solid feel and is well made. Best one I've ever owned for the price.

I love this camera! It's easy to use, takes beautiful pictures, feels great, looks great. This is the 3rd Samsung I've owned...the first uses 35mm, the second one was sadly lost at the park and finally the Digimax. I just wish I would have bought this one instead of going with the Cannon when I lost #2. Life's lessons.

Although this camera has been discontinued by Samsung (they keep coming out with new cameras and discontinuing them soon after), as of this writing, many outlets still have them available. I got mine thru WM's website and am returning it tomorrow.

The potential for this camera is fantastic, but that can be said of many digital cameras which ultimately prove disappointing. In the L85's case, it's ruined by horrible low-light and indoor existing-light sensitivity. What I mean is that if you like to keep flash off, this isn't the camera for you. Or, if you like to take movies indoors or in any lighting conditions other than outdoor sunlight, the L85 isn't for you, either.

That being said, if you are a 'typical user' who doesn't mind using flash, and ignores the amazing potential for video most digital cameras now have (which, to me, rivals the amazing-ness of just being able to record stills), and you don't mind carrying a camera which is bigger than most any other digital camera on the market today, then I say go for it.

The L85 is larger overall than the Panasonic TZ3 to my eye, and it's larger than my 3 or 4 year-old digital camera which itself is chunky by today's standards. The movie mode, while a compact MP4 at half the size of my mjpeg-encoded previous digital camera, is still inferior. Granted, my older digicam, a Sanyo MZ3, takes almost the best video ever made available on a digital camera (as long as autofocus is off), however the MZ3, like most other digicams, disables optical zoom while recording movies, and I've been hunting ever since (unsuccessfully) for something superior overall to replace it.

Another odd thing about the L85 is that I couldn't take a screen shot in Windows of a still of the movie mode using the print screen button. The screen capture showed as black, as what happens when you try to screencap protected content. The encoder showed up as XviD, which is tantalizing, considering that a straight DVD-ROM of these videos would probably play on any DivX-capable DVD player without modification.

The movie samples I took using indoor light were grainy, and had a lot of splotchy noise and a good bit of digital artifacting (the artifacting not as big of a deal as the graininess/bad light sensitivity). The sound seemed to be very good, but the sounds gets muted during optical zoom--which is still superior to no optical zoom, of course. However, I want the option to optically zoom AND have audio through the whole video, EVEN if it introduces zoom motor noise (and it will, and that's OKAY), instead of having the speech of the person I'm recording cut out just because I choose to zoom in on their face.

I really wanted to like this camera. And I read so many reviews before purchasing. I desperately tried to find a sample video somewhere online, unsuccessfully. I did direct A/B comparisons to my MZ3 as a reality check on what I'm saying. The video on my MZ3 is so much smoother, even though darker (the L85 nicely gains up for video, UNlike/opposite of its still mode, but the result is still bad for any digicam video enthusiast).

The MOST irritating thing about the camera to me, though, was its insane shutter lengths when the flash was off. Contrary to one review I read, it's extremely easy to turn the flash off. It's just not good to do that. The L85 will readily go to 1 second and beyond for shutter lengths when flash is disabled, even in full Auto mode. It regularly went to 2 full seconds! 2 seconds! This was in a moderately (realistically) lit room, a small living room with one well-placed, 100W incandescent lamp (which is how I always have my living room lit.

Anyone smart enough to get a job desigining digital cameras should know to limit the shutter length to 1/2 second or less while in auto mode, or arguably even less. People just can't hold their hands still long enough to get an unblurry shot at 1/2 second or longer. At 1/4 second, it's still a challenge, but can be done if you know the exposure length in advance, and that brings me to my next point. Despite being bombarded with on-screen information, the L85 doesn't tell you what the shutter time will be (nor the aperture), until you midway-depress the shutter release button. My old MZ3 displays the shutter and F-stop changes real-time as you move the camera around, without touching the trigger. This makes sizing up an exposure, especially without flash, much easier. Hmmph... the live histogram didn't impress me (no wonder disabled by default), in light of absence of much more useful information appearing real-time in the window.


Some features I really LOVED, and got me to buy the camera, are of course the 5x optical zoom, enabled while recording video (again, audio gets muted while zooming to prevent ignorant people from complaining about zoom noise and possibly exchanging the cameras as defective [to which I counter, just keep the audio mute setting on by default, but let there be an option to manually enable zooming WITH audio]). I also love the ability to pause video recording--and audio recording with the 'Voice' feature--and be able to resume, still in one continugous file. There are reportedly basic movie editing features on-board, which I know from experience can be very handy, and tremendously easier to use in terms of learning curve and tools needed, than doing on a computer.

I can also say that the pics I took with zoom turned out excellent. I just believe that 'the best way to use flash is not to use flash', and I don't like becoming the center of attention when I am trying to put my attention on another situation without disrupting it. And remember, you can't use 'flash' while recording video. And I've found that the best measure of ANY camera--digital or not--is how well it works in low- and existing-light. Virtually any digital camera nowadays of decent brand name will take great photos in bright outdoor light. And even a disposable film camera will.


The camera has a very nice feel to it, metallic and smooth, a soft, buttery, metallic, well-engineered feel to it. I think the LCD is oversized, but most would like that. The control surfaces are adequate, I just think the function of the few dedicated buttons should've been redone before releasing the camera.

When plugged in directly via USB cable, the camera shows up as a mass storage device, so you can drag and drop without software and without a card reader if you want. Because it contains some built-in memory, you can be up and taking test photos and movies even if you haven't bought an SD card for it yet, and I imagine you could switch over to it if your SD card fills up.

The flash appeared to be very well-balanced and, if using flash, just leaving things on 'Auto' mode is normally sufficient. But foray into other modes (i.e. in hopes of getting a decent no-flash shot lower than 1 second of exposure time), and... the unfun begins. On Priority mode where you can choose between F-stop or shutter speed priority, the F-stop only went down into the low 3's, or upper 2's, and strangely, the limit would change. Contrary to what I've seen some reviewers say, I thought that the interface was a bit frustrating, especially in the sense that you have very easy access to menu items you probably won't be using, however navigating through more useful/apropos tools (such as choosing manual exposure and ISO settings, which themselves are redundant, yet lumped together in one buried window area) is not intuitive--however, you can get through it. There are many mediocre digicam interfaces, and this is one of the 'average' ones in my opinion. My years-old Sanyo MZ3 is much easier to use with a much more intuitive interface and more useful options while still managing to be easier to use, actually takes better PHOTOGRAPHS, despite being only a 2 megapixel camera, vs the Samsung L85's eight megapixels. Those megapixels are pretty much worthless if what gets recorded in such high resolution is pretty much crap to start with.

I still wonder if digicam mfrs collectively, and consciously, impair the video functions of their digital cameras in order to keep a market for camcorders. Camcorders and digital cameras are really now starting to converge, as camcorders are heading more and more into solid state territory. And I know that there's no reason a digital camera can't get close to matching DV camcorders if the mfr wants them to, even with small size--case in point: the old Panasonic TZ1 (5MP, 10x optical zoom, enabled during video recording, with sound, and slightly smaller than the L85). The TZ1 is replaced by the TZ3, which improves on the TZ1 in virtually all areas, EXCEPT that it now disables optical zooming while recording movies (taking away half the reason of having a 10x zoom). Other famous but not as appropriate examples due to being mini-SLR type cameras are the Canon S[x]-IS series (i.e. S1, S3, S5, S8--matching the megapixels of the model). Find and download an original video from any of these above cameras, and you can see what kind of video can come from a digital camera. And, you will note, that despite being 640x480 resolution at 30 frames per second like most other digital cameras on the market, the difference is as if numbers don't matter (and it becomes obvious they don't, when you see the differences). The above cameras running at VGA make other cams' VGA modes seem like QVGA (quarter VGA, or 320x240).

So as yet, every single digital camera I've come acrost--and I've studied nearly all of them--has some kind of fatal flaw for the power user. I wish the TZ1 were still available, but then again, it was reported to have poor low-light capability. The Fuji F30 has great low-light ability, but uses xD cards and can't optically zoom on movies. Basically all of the Samsung line today (bucking the trend) can optically zoom on movies, record movies in MP4, and have pause and in-camera editing, BUT their cameras are consistently noted to have poor still & video quality, especially in low or existing light. Canons are generally great, but currently only allow optical zoom in movie mode on their SLR style cams, probably as to not compete with their own camcorder line. Sanyo "C"-series hybrid camcorder/cameras are a harbinger of the future, but are still noted for their poor stills, awkward ergonomics (try standing one up to take a photo on self-timer, or to put yourself in a movie), and big cost. The Casio "V" series (V7, V8) is out now out with stereo and allowing optical movie zoom with no sound cutout, but the stills and video I've seen of the V7 are too soft (even at highest quality video), and the focus is apparently locked in movie mode--which isn't necessarily a bad thing considering how bad digicam AF can be on movie modes, but with 7x optical zoom, you're going to want to actually use that zoom, and your subject will become blurry (as if they didn't know this would happen. And Casio doesn't allow manual focus during movie recording--just before). However, the Casio V-series movie mode WILL satisfy most users, and really impress beginners. (In European cameras, btw, Casio has reportedly put a stupid 10-minute cap on movie mode.)

I bought this camera to take on a recent trip to Cancun. Got it just a day prior to leaving. This camera is easy to use and takes great pictures. I was surprised by the size. It is small and light weight. Perfect digital camera for vacations.

It came the same week . I guess I bought it for the vintage part but I am still learning how to take pictures.

I bought the refurb off woot for $130, and it's been working great.

Reliability: 9/10 - this thing survived hundreds of drops/abuses in my backpack; it's extremely durable.

Sensitivity: 8/10 - default light settings make no-flash pictures very dark, you have to tweak the ISO, aperture, and shutter manually, then you'll get some pretty awesome pics.

Size: 6/10 - the camera is pretty bulky, but that's expected with the load of features included.

If you just want to take basic pics, don't spend over 150$ on a camera, it's not worth it. If you want to take professional shots, expect to blow 300$+. If you're taking professional shots with a point and shoot, well, you're not gonna be a professional for very long. For its purpose, the L85 is a great deal, but only at 130$, not at MSRP.

I have had this camera a little over a week and have taken about 1000 pictures with it. So, while this is not a long-term review, I have spent quite a bit of time with the L85 during the short period I've owned it.

First off, this Camera has a really nice look and feel to it. Not one part looks or feels cheap. Even the battery/memory card door features a precise slide mechanism. It makes you want to go out and take some pictures...or just hold it and press buttons for no particular reason.

I got mine from Walmart for $158.00 and that included shipping, the HDMI docking/recharging station, a remote, and a nice little camera bag. A great deal, unfortunately, they just sold out.

I love all the manual controls...something that can be hard to find in a camera this small. I wish it had an optical viewfinder, but I knew that it didn't when I bought it, so I am not subtracting any points for that.

Plan to spend a little time playing with it if you want to figure out all the features. The Manual is fairly good and is definitely a help if you can force yourself to actually read it. I went back and forth between reading the manual for a while and then playing with the camera for a while, and was able to figure out what I wanted to fairly easily. Some features are not available in certain modes, so that can be annoying until you figure out what is what.

The L85 is great for outdoor shots, but not the best for indoor and lowlight situations unless you want to use a tripod. The LCD works very well in most situations, but in bright light you will have to engage in some "faith-based" shooting, but it is probably no worse than any other cameras that lack an optical view finder.

If you love the styling and you want to do some manual creative tinkering and can get one for $150.00, buy it, but otherwise, I would get something newer with higher ISO's. If you want a point and shoot only, and don't want to mess with manual settings at all, then definitely go with another camera. This camera is a nice size and weight to not be a burden on daily walks. I would like to get a DSLR, and probably will eventually, but don't think I will ever want to carry it every day with me. The Digimax L85 is small and light enough where you can, and still get some creative control. It would be a great second camera for someone who already has a larger camera.


I hate flash pics, so I don't use it much, so I can't really comment on that.

One concern I have is that there is dust getting under the LCD cover and there is no way that I know of to get it out. I have only had it for a week, so I will have to see if it becomes a problem over time. Without an optical view finder I will be up the proverbial sh_t creek if I can't use the LCD.

Pros:
Really nice Style, look, and feel.
Full manual controls.
Exposure times up to 15 seconds for creative low light shots.
5x optical zoom.
Good quality images (but not exceptional)
Compact enough, but sizeable enough to get a good grip.
None of the surfaces show fingerprints (except for the LCD Screen)
Choice of Jpeg or Tiff format
Nice Macro and super-macro features.

Cons:
Dust gets under LCD cover (may be an isolated problem with my camera)
Tripod mount is way off to one side of the camera making balance tricky when using a mini tripod.
No optical viewfinder.
Poor low-light performance(ISO 400 max)without tripod.

I have owned this for about 5 months. I am very satisfied except for a few minor problems, detailed below. I gave it 5 stars because the Cons can be easily overlooked, considering the high quality and cheap price.

Pros:
* This camera is just, sexy. It feels comfortable and smooth in the hands, and the black and silver looks great.
* Pictures taken in daylight, or close pictures with the flash on are unsurpassed. The 8.1 MegaPixels really show.
* The video mode is great (640x480, 30fps), and the mic is pretty good.
-For an example of the video capabilities, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-MqMOTPu-o
* No part of the camera scratches easily. I have had it in my pocket while walking many times, and it has no scratches. Not even on the screen.
* The screen on the back is high resolution.
* Tons of different modes, though I haven't used them much yet.
* HDMI output, provided you buy a separate adapter.
* USB cable, AC adapter, and Composite Video/Mono Audio cables included.

Cons:
* Poor shutter speed in the dark, with flash off.
-For example, 90% of pictures at a dimly lit concert were blurry, I could not use the flash because of the fog, and could not hold the camera still for about two seconds while it was recording all the dark pixels.
-I tried taking a picture of a bright city skyline from about 1/2 mile away. It did not work because I couldn't hold it still enough, and flash overpowered the skyline.
* Stupid zoom in-out controls; they are on the back rather than a dial on the top like most cameras.
* USB cable does NOT charge camera. Only AC adapter will. They cannot be plugged in at the same time.

BOTTOM LINE:
* If you are interested in taking dark pictures the flash will not work for (far-away concert photos, night-time outdoor scenery, etc), then avoid this camera.
* If you are interested in taking daytime photos, and close-up night photos where the flash can be used, this 8.1MP camera can be found for sub-150 dollars. It's a great deal, and you should get it.