Samsung S730 Review

The Samsung S630 and S730 are closely related models, sharing basically identical bodies and differing mainly in sensor resolution.

The Samsung S730 offers a sensor resolution of six megapixels, and the S730 boosts this to seven megapixels. Preliminary specifications suggest that the S730, despite its higher resolution from the same sensor size, may offer a higher maximum ISO sensitivity of ISO 1000- versus ISO 800 on the S630 - but this spec is marked as "to be determined" and hence may change before release.

Both the Samsung S630 and S730 have understated, attractive compact body with softly curved side edges, and mostly smooth panels, save for a slight protrusion around the lens, and a gently angled handgrip on the right hand end (as seen from the rear). The lens is a Samsung SHD-branded 3x optical zoom with a fairly standard 35 - 105mm equivalent zoom range, and a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at wide angle, or a not so bright f/4.9 at telephoto.

A 2.5" LCD display with a higher-than-average resolution of 230,000 pixels takes up a fair amount of real estate on the back of the camera, and serves as the only method of framing images. The Samsung S730 and S630 include the company's "Advanced Shake Reduction" function which attempts to combat camera shake in software - not to be mistaken for a true mechanical image stabilizer. They also offer nine scene modes should help make the camera approachable for beginners. Images are stored on SD / MMC cards, or in 20MB of built in memory, and power comes from two standard AA batteries - either alkaline disposables (bundled) or NiMH rechargeables.

The Samsung S630 ships this Spring priced at US$179.99, alongside the launch of the S730 at a suggested price of US$199.99. Both will be available in either black or silver finish.