The Shiva statue in Sanga, Phewa Lake and the stunning Annapurna range, Tenzin Thinley of Caravan fame, and Biru the yawning hippopotamus – what do they have in common? All of them have become profile pictures on Facebook. And yet digital camera manufacturers took more than a decade to understand this basic human instinct to overshare their lives online and to incorporate social media into their gadgets.
Samsung’s WB200F at Rs 25,000, makes this transition from atmosphere to cyber-sphere as smooth as silk.
Sharing photos online means you need to make yours stand out, for millions of images are flowing through the mains. Use My Magic Frame to frame one photo with another, or Split Shot to create artsy diptychs and triptychs, and Photo Filter to Instagram your photos and videos. The best, however, is the panorama feature: press the shutter and move your camera laterally or vertically to create a stunning vista that would have taken a lot of hassle on a computer. Once you’re done adding frills, you can either upload photos directly to your Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram accounts or press the Auto Share icon to transfer photos to a phone. All you have to do is download the Samsung smart camera app on your phone and you are good to go.
The WB200F is fully equipped with all functions imaginable on a pocket-camera, but it’s ‘smart’ features warrant attention. For example, you can simply tap the screen to take photos, although this has as much time-lag as pressing the shutter. There’s also the remote button option on the camera which turns your phone into a remote control. Zoom and click to your heart’s liking from your phone.
The huge LCD screen on the back and sparse controls on the left over space indicate Samsung’s desire to wean users from tap control to touch. Still, it’s early days and there some buttons you just can’t do without like the flash. Pressing it will make the flash spring out like a jack in the box and perhaps this is one flimsy weakness Samsung just couldn’t avoid.
Just the other day, Yantrick’s cousin flew in from the US, bringing her manicured babies to these badlands. And what did one of the toddlers do? Used his fingers to pinch and zoom a glossy magazine picture. The world is migrating online, folks, pack up before you get left behind.
Yantrick’s verdict: if pocket cameras are your thing, you would do well to follow the leading maker.
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