Samsung Digimax 800K 0.8MP Digital Camera

The Samsung Digimax 800 does not offer an LCD display--a feature that is standard with many digital cameras. However, this camera does not go through batteries as quickly as most digital cameras. The Digimax 800 connects to PCs with an RS-2232-C serial connection.

Now I have got used to it, I actually quite like it! I can usually judge if the light is OK and a good image will result.

Good points: Cheap, small and easy to use. Capable of reasonable images if light is right.

Bad points: You cannot see the images until you have loaded them into the computer so you don't know if your pictures are any good. But then that's what I am used to with film cameras anyway. Battery life is a real problem (see below).

Tips: Buy a smart media card reader for your computer and don't use the serial transfer. This will vastly prolong battery life. Buy some rechargeable NiMh AA cells and a charger. They will repay their cost in no time at all.

I want to get a bigger smart media card (the 2mb one that comes with the camera only holds 15 images). The information I have seen is contradictory on the subject. Some of it says 16mB is the maximum and some says there is no limit (assuming 128mB max). I guess I'll buy a big card and try it unless someone can confirm that it won't work?


Why all the negativity??   May 17, 2002
Andrew Radics (Melbourne Australia)
I dont understand why so many people are bagging this camera. I have had mine for a couple of months now and honestly, I couldnt be happier. I knew I wasnt buying a professional digital camera with all the bells and whistles of a more [costly] one but for what I paid for it, it has not disappointed me. Sure it has its downsides to it. The amount of batteries it goes through is a bit disappointing but I have found if I buy the really [less costly] ones they only last for maybe about 7-8 photos. I buy the slightly more [costly] ones which last a lot longer. For downloading, I use rechargable batteries as they give it the life it needs to download all 14-15 pics without a hassel. It is by no means a 'serious' digital camera for professionals, but for a beginner like me its fantastic. For me it gives great photos in all conditions provided you follow some basic photographic principles. My wife used it the other day to photograph a friends house being built and she came back with some fantastic shots (my wife and cameras generally do not like each other). With a bit of practice and image manipulation after downloading (the software that comes with it has all those features) the photos turn out really well.
The bottom line is this: if you want a camera that takes sharp, crisp professional looking photos, then buy one that has everything and spend a lot of money. But, if you want to try out the world of digital photography, then this camera is an ideal beginners camera. Practice using the camera in all types of light, either invest in a imaging program like adobe photoshop or download some fantastic free imaging programs from the internet for free. If you do your homework, then there is no reason why this camera wont give you great looking photos, unless off course you dont have the patients to practice in which case youd be better off with a point and shoot instamatic camera.


for beginners?   April 22, 2002
ebony (Australia)
After reading the review of this camera I decdied to go and buy one. Afterall they are [onexpensive] and apparently reliable. I also bout 32 expensive batteries thinking they would last me a while. They lasted less than 3 days. Now, it would be logical to assume that I took a huge amount of pictures but you would be wrong.

The total number of pictures I took was just under 100. 16 times the batteries were changed as the camera kept flashing "battery low" and turning itself off on me right in the middle of a shot.

Batteries aside, let me mention the quality of the pictures. Oh my god do not move and make sure you have the lighting perfect. The slightest shake and your picture is ruined and if the lighting is wrong you can just imagine. Also, there is actually 2 settings for the camera. One I assume is for close up and one is for further away. I read and re-read the manual and although it says to change the setting back after using the macro setting, what "beginner" knows what a macro picture is? The manual fails to explain what the actual difference is between the 2 settings. It just states that if you don't turn the setting back your pictures will be blurry. Problem is that they are blurry a lot anyway.

This camera, once your batteries have been replaced and you have found the perfect light, providing you have the camera setting on the right one the picture quality can be quite good. A few turned out like mirror images- bear in mind I say a few kindly.

I personally, as well as my friends and family, agree that this camera is [inexpensive] at first but after you buy the adaptor or the constant supply of batteries you need, it does work out quite expensive. I would estimate that you can expect to get one good picture to every 4 taken, and one great one to every 12+.

I guess this is a case of you get what you pay for!