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Samsung WB2000
By Leonard Goh

Compact cameras that can capture RAW-format images are somewhat of an interesting
bunch. They may not be priced at a premium like high-end point-and-shoots, yet they
have the same advanced features such as manual exposure control. One fine example is
the Samsung WB2000. This shooter has almost all the features found in the top-tier EX1,
yet it is positioned one notch lower. That said, the WB2000 is still more advanced than
most compacts you can find on the market now.

Upside
Based on the specification sheets, there are plenty of plus points to highlight about the
WB2000. The first is the use of a 10.2-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS image
sensor. Based on reviews of other shooters using similar sensors,the camera is expected
to deliver good image quality in low light conditions. The use of BSI sensor also offers
other advantages, and in the case of this Samsung camera, allows users to capture up to
10 frames per second (fps) at full resolution.

The closest competitor we can think of for the WB2000 is the Canon PowerShot S90 and
the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. Here's a quick comparison table between these three
shooters.

Model/Specificati
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Samsung WB2000 Canon PowerShot S90
ons

Sensor resolution 10-megapixels CCD 10.2-megapixel BSI CMOS 10-megapixels CCD

Lens 2.5x optical zoom (24-60mm 5x optical zoom (24-120mm 3.8x optical zoom (28-
specifications F2.0-2.8) F2.8-5.8) 106mm F2.0-4.9)

LCD size 3-inch, 460k-dot 3-inch, 641k-dot AMOLED 3-inch, 461k-dot

 Max. video
1,280 x 720 pixels 1,920 x 1,080 pixels 640 x 480 pixels
resolution

RAW image
Yes Yes Yes
capture

Program, shutter priority, Program, shutter priority, Program, shutter priority,

Shooting modes aperture priority, manual, aperture priority, manual, aperture priority, manual,
auto, scene modes auto, scene modes auto, scene modes

Dimension/weight 108.7 x 59.5 x 27.1mm/229g 99.3 x 58.9 x 21.6mm/TBC 100 x 58 x 31mm/175g

Related link Review Review

In addition to full-HD video recording, the WB2000 is also capable of capturing slow-
motion clips at 1,000fps. Like other shooters utilizing BSI sensors (such as the Sony
Cyber-shot DSC-TX1), the snapper can shoot panoramic photos where users just have to
pan the camera across the scene.

The analog gauges lends a retro touch to the WB2000

(Click to see more images)
Like the LX3, the WB2000's lens is widest at 24mm, but it has an advantage over the
Lumix in terms of the LCD. The Samsung camera's screen is a 3-inch AMOLED which is
said to deliver better colors and consume less power compared with the Panasonic
shooter's display.

Taking a leaf from the NV9's book, the WB2000 has retro-looking analog gauges on top of
the shooter to display the remaining battery life and storage space on the memory card.

Downside
On its own, we don't have much to pick on the WB2000. However, it faces stiff
competition from other advanced compacts, and in some aspects, it loses out. For
example, the largest opening on the Samsung lens is only F2.8, which is two stops slower
than the F2.0 optics found on the S90 and LX3.

Outlook
If you're shopping for a compact camera with RAW image capture feature, then WB2000
is worthy of your consideration. However, do keep in mind that there are other similar
choices out there such as the S90, and the competitors pose serious threats to the
Samsung shooter. However, the Korean camera has several advantages, such as the use
of BSI sensors which lets it capture full-HD video and panoramic shots with ease. It's a
tough choice to make, and we'll reserve our final verdict after we have reviewed the
WB2000.

According to Samsung, the WB2000 will be available in Asia between Q2 and Q3,
depending on the country you're in.