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Pros

Flip-screen is ideal for self/group portraits
Smartphone-like controls easy to master
Lots of easy-to-use creative tools and effects

Cons

No built-in social networking integration
Flip-screen doesn't swivel
Much better value at £150 than £200

Key Features

Review Price: £199.99
16.1-megapixels
5x optical zoom (26-130mm)
180-degree flip out monitor
14 digital effects filters
720p HD movie recording

The Samsung MV800 is a feature-packed, pocket-friendly ultra-compact that offers a flexible flip-up screen for easy self-portraits and group shots, along with full touch-screen control. Currently available for around £200, it’s very much targeted at casual snappers looking to have a bit of creative fun with their camera without the need for any advanced image editing software.

The MV800 arrives at a time when the compact market finds itself under massive pressure from the growth of the smart phone market. With more and more people using smart-phones and, just as importantly, having access to an increasing number of dedicated photo apps, it’s no wonder that the ultra-compact market has been shrinking in the past couple of years.

In this respect, the Samsung MV800 is well placed to lead the fightback, boasting not only a smart-phone like user experience through its touch-screen operation and tile-led interface, but also plenty of app-like shooting modes that can be used to jazz your images up, without the need for a computer or any fancy image editing software.

Does this, along with the flip-screen design make the MV800 an ideal companion for self-portraits and social gatherings where the photographer wants to be in the picture too? Or does it simply feel a bit gimmicky and ultimately fall flat?

Let’s take a closer look and find out…

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