Samsung S860

Features:
Camera resolution: 8.3 megapixels
Optical zoom: 3x
Screen size: 2.4″
ISO speeds: 800, 80, 1000, auto, 100, 200, 400

Pros: Function Description mode and Help Guide make it easy to use for novices

Cons: Flawed images, over-simplified in some instances

The final word: Samsung’s entry-level S860 has plenty to help new camera users, but its images don’t help it stand out from the crowd.

SAMSUNG’S S860 is an entry-level camera for novices. It has an inbuilt Photo Help Guide and a comprehensive Function Description feature. While it doesn’t take the most thrilling pictures, it’ll be a great introduction into the world of photography.

The S860 has an 8.1 megapixel sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens. A 2.4” LCD is mounted in the rear, along with a number of buttons. The camera’s top mirrors the S1070: a dial to switch between camera modes as well as power and shutter buttons. It’s powered by AA batteries like most other entry-level cameras, in order to keep costs down and battery replacement simple. If you’re using the flash often it will chew through batteries, so you may want to invest in a rechargeable set.

The 3x zoom is versatile enough, with a 38-114mm focal length (35mm equivalent). It won’t be great for indoor group photos or larger outdoor landscapes, but for the budding photographer it should be good enough.

The S860 has a sturdy body, but it does feel quite cheap and hollow. It is also a fingerprint magnet. The button layout is much the same as on the S1070, including the rear-mounted zoom control.