Samsung Digimax A400      

Summary

Model: Samsung Digimax A400                                                                    

Type: Digital still camera

Resolution: 4.0 Megapixels

Zoom: 2.8 x optical, 6.2-17.4mm

Applications: Wound imaging, field / accident site imaging

Typical Price: £100

This compact digital camera comes packaged with all the extras you need to get going straight away - a USB and AV cable, software, built in 16MB memory (so you can take a couple of shots even if your memory card is full) and they even include a stylish soft case, which is well padded.

Setup was very easy, and even a novice could be taking photos within a few minutes of opening the package.  There is no need to charge this camera, as it uses standard AA size batteries.  Like most power hungry devices, this can burn through standard batteries within a few hundred shots, so high powered batteries or rechargables are best.

The camera is well designed and has  solid feel to it.  It sits nicely in the hand and has a large, clear 2 inch LCD viewfinder. 

Image quality is superb thanks to the Samsung SHD lens, which delivers crisp colour reproduction and clarity, with almost no visible grain.  The optical zoom is respectable, and probably more than enough for use in the Accident and Emergency department for imaging wounds and burns prior to dressing.  It is also well suited for taking images at the scene of an incident, although a smaller form factor would be appreciated here.  The 5cm macro feature is perfect for taking close up shots of wounds.  The image degrades when using the digital zoom, but this is unlikely to be necessary in the settings used.

Overall, an excellent camera at a great price, suitable for general imaging in the emergency department and in the field.

Setup / Ease of use              5/5  Came with everything you need to start shooting, easy to use menu and viewfinder.

Image Quality : Still               5/5  Superb image, excellent colour reproduction, macro works well.

Image Quality: Video            3/5  Adequate, but this is not meant to be a video camera

Overall rating: Highly Recommended.  

To read the full specifications, click here [external link]

test model kindly supplied by Makro

Sample pictures (taken in the field in Sri Lanka during a medical relief mission) Click to see full size image in new window.