Cameras with gimmicky features: Yay or nay?

Leonard Goh | Nov 03, 2009

The ST550 and the Coolpix S1000pj. (Credit: Samsung and Nikon)

At a dinner last week, I was showing off the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj to some friends who were quite impressed with the onboard projector function. However, when I asked if they would fork out S$749 (US$540.44) for this shooter, most of them expressed reluctance, stating that they probably wouldn't have much use for it. But when another friend whipped out her Samsung ST550, everyone crowded around her and was soon asking for the price (S$549 (US$396.13)) and the best place to get it. Perhaps it's a price issue, though I think it runs deeper. The ST550's dual LCDs probably have a more practical use for taking pictures. By their reckoning, people are more willing to pay for it. Nonetheless, one friend gave the Coolpix a thumbs up as a great torchlight for outdoors camping, though he did mention that battery life could be an issue in such a situation.

What about you? Would you fork out a premium for novelty features like an in-built projector or dual LCDs? Sound out below.

Filed under: Digital Cameras
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photo-cnet@infoman.co.uk

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photo-cnet@infoman.co.uk says...
The Samsung with dual LCDs is a great idea. Lets your subject check their "POSE" first, and stop wasting time with the "Let me look. No good, you take again" comments as they check the photo you have just taken.

On weird features, my Casio Exilim EX-S880 model lets me store DOCUMENTS in it for viewing "On the road". Never used the function. But the Video in low light is far better that any of my other Fuji Digitals.

Nov 03, 2009 17:29

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Sepanta

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Sepanta says...
I Prefer Samsung ST550 Between 2 Digicams . Not Only For Second LCD . I Think Nikon Coolpix Have More Excelent Features , But Dont Like Its Projector . Because I Think It Kills Battery Capacity Very Fast , Faster Than You Think .
It Was A Good Idea To Instal Projector On A Compact Camera , But I Prefer To Keep My Camera Battery To Take More Shoots .

Nov 04, 2009 02:40

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