Samsung DualView TL225 Conclusions

CONCLUSIONS
As camera makers rush to try and come up with the next big thing to move camera volume during these economic hardships, Samsung has engineered a new idea that will either turn on new customers or have them scratching their heads.

My first thoughts about the TL225 were a bit cynical to say the least. I opened up the package and saw that there was no printed out manual (relying on a CD-ROM once again), strike one, and started to inspect the camera body and the rest of the contents. I played with the camera and wondered how the touch screen would fare, then I opened the trap door on the bottom, squinting in search of a memory card slot, until I realized it takes the same kind my Blackberry takes (MicroSD) - another strike.

The DualView proved to be a great idea, and is not gimmicky; it provides people who have to rely on others to take the picture the freedom to shoot themselves without help. This camera is for the independent photographer who prizes self-reliance, for the mother who wants to keep the attention of their infant child staring up at the screen, and for that matter, any person who wants a stylish and small camera that makes and processes decent images.

The cost might be a little bit high with a retail price of $350, and may turn off more than a few consumers. But if you like what you read, I'd suggest you take a shot at the TL225. I enjoyed shooting with it and found very little wrong with it once I got past my cynicism. The Samsung TL225 really is a cool camera. It works exactly as it is marketed, and it's worth trying out.

Pros:

• Unique DualView LCD technology
• Small and stylish form factor
• Haptic touch screen
• Good image quality
• Sharp lens

Cons:

• ISO performance not great
• Uses MicroSD (Really?)
• Video quality subpar
• Slow image buffer