Samsung D600 camera review: A place at the top

Comparing Samsung D600 to its competitors

I did my best to go and test Samsung D600's camera abilities at precisely the same places, where I took the pictures for the comparative review between Sony Ericsson W800 and Nokia N90. Even though at that time the light conditions were much better, the comparison published below will give you at least a general idea of what you can expect from each mobile. Unfortunately, we are not able to test the first two models all over again, for we no more have them in our office.

Nokia N90:
  
Sony Ericsson W800:

Samsung D600:

Nokia N90:
 
Sony Ericsson W800:
  
Samsung D600:
 

Nokia N90:
   
Sony Ericsson W800:
    
Samsung D600:
 

It is a success

There is no doubt that Samsung D600 can join the two current top-class photo mobiles Sony Ericsson K750 (D750, W800) and Nokia N90. No matter how many minuses we have mentioned in this review, the new Samsung D600 belongs to the group of the best photo mobiles, being so not only due to its brilliant resolution characteristics. Its weakest characteristic, if compared to the competitors, is its fixed focus. As photo mobiles tend to be used mostly for taking close pictures, Samsung definitely loses points here. Besides that, I appreciate the fact that Nokia N90 and Sony Ericsson K750 (D750, W800) can be held and taken pictures with horizontally, just like one would do with a standard camera, while Samsung does not feature such an option. And that is not all. You will have to constantly pay attention not to cover the lens with your finger.

The camera speed in Samsung could have been a bit higher, but put next to the other two competitor photo mobiles, which have to focus, it evens off. When you press the release button, you have to hold the phone still for at least one second. Phone's setup options and the fast function selection with shortcuts are quite pleasing. Another option that could have given Samsung a strong advantage, but is not to be found in the phone, is the possibility of saving EXIF information about taken pictures directly into their files, just like it works in common digital cameras.

Although I did not have the chance to compare identical photos, I think Samsung D600 camera capabilities are not a threat for Sony Ericsson W800/K750. I think, however, that D600 can successfully compete with Nokia N90 in two categories: picture quality (excluding the close ups) and price.

More sample photos:

With the help of Maciek Wilkos.