Samsung has a few digital cameras on the market and the latest to launch is the Digimax V4. If there was any doubt that Samsung was taking its foray into digital imaging seriously, a glance at the V4's specification should dispel it.

With a resolution of 2272 x 1704, the four megapixel Samsung is very good value at £350. That makes it the cheapest true four megapixel camera available.

A closer look proves that there is no catch either. Regardless of the number of megapixels, quality photographs require a quality lens. The Schneider Kreuznach lens fitted here is excellent and the three-times optical zoom is adequate.

For photographers who don't want to lose the flexibility that manual settings provide, the Samsung is well provided for. Once you find a set-up that suits you, it can be saved and reused thanks to the 'My Set' feature.

Another nice touch is the opportunity to use one of your photos as a start screen.

The downside of these many options is that navigating the menus can be a little tricky to begin with. However, point-and-shoot photography is easy.

Samsung has also ensured that no corners have been cut with the accessories. Also in the box are a soft case, a 32MB SD memory card, USB cable, composite video cable and even a cigarette lighter charger for when you are in the car.

As the V4 can be powered by nine different types of battery, getting caught without power should be a thing of the past.

We were pleased to see that the V4 is more than just a good-value camera.

It can be a little fiddly to use but it produces pin-sharp images and gives nothing away to similarly specified devices costing over £50 more from rival manufacturers.

Contact: Samsung Opto-Electronics 020 8232 3280
www.samsungcamera.co.uk

Also consider
Pentax 330GS
A great 3megapixel camera.