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Samsung SL720

 
Samsung SL720 front
 
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • 640 x 480 video
  • 28-102mm (F2.8-5.7) lens
  • 168g - 92 x 61 x 23mm
  • Announced July 2009
  • Also referred to as PL70
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
94
Imaging
35
Features
14
Overall
26

Samsung SL720 summary

Samsung SL720 is Samsung's Ultracompact camera originally launched on July of 2009. It includes a 12 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 4000 x 3000. The camera is also known as "PL70" in some countries.

The SL720 is positioned #136 out of 151 in Ultracompact cameras and over-all #1227 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our list. Please use our Advanced camera filter to find camera results based on your personalized requirements.

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Here is a diagram of different factors used in the rating system.

Samsung SL720 family

The Samsung SL720 comes with a history of related digital cameras. Underneath, you can view all past and newer models as well as important specs.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Samsung-ST93 front thumbnailSamsung ST93
SL720 vs ST93
()mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2011
Samsung-ST65 front thumbnailSamsung ST65
SL720 vs ST65
()mm
F
14MP1/2.3"2011
Photography Glossary
Samsung-ST90 front thumbnailSamsung ST90
SL720 vs ST90
()mm
F
14MP1/2.3"2011
Samsung-ST6500 front thumbnailSamsung ST6500
SL720 vs ST6500
26-130mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2011
Samsung-ST95 front thumbnailSamsung ST95
SL720 vs ST95
()mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2011
Samsung-ST700 front thumbnailSamsung ST700
SL720 vs ST700
()mm
F
16MP1/2.3"2011
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Samsung-SH100 front thumbnailSamsung SH100
SL720 vs SH100
()mm
F
14MP1/2.3"2011
Samsung-ST600 front thumbnailSamsung ST600
SL720 vs ST600
27-135mm
F3.3-5.5
14MP1/2.3"2010
Samsung-ST100 front thumbnailSamsung ST100
SL720 vs ST100
35-175mm
F3.6-4.8
14MP1/2.3"2010
Samsung-ST80 front thumbnailSamsung ST80
SL720 vs ST80
35-105mm
F3.3-5.5
14MP1/2.3"2010
Samsung-SL720 front thumbnailSamsung SL72028-102mm
F2.8-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2009
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Samsung-SL620 front thumbnailSamsung SL620
SL720 vs SL620
35-175mm
F2.8-5.7
12MP1/2.3"2009

Samsung SL720 Pros and Cons

Here is a checklist of positives and negatives of the Samsung SL720 based on criterias which are oftentimes regarded as essential in a camera.

built in zoom lens (28-102mm 3.6 x zoom)
fairly wide (28mm)
has built in flash
very good minimum ISO (80)
does not have image stabilization
does not have selfie friendly display
lack of HDMI port
lack of headphone port
lack of microphone port
lack of shutter priority mode
lack of Timelapse mode
lacks phase detect auto focus
lacks RAW format
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
low MP (12MP)
low quality video (640 x 480 resolution)
manual exposure not possible
manual focus not available
max zoom aperture not good (f5.7)
more heavy than competitors (168 grams)
no aperture priority
no articulating screen
no external flash support
screen has low resolution (230 k dot)
screen is small (2.7")
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
slow max aperture (f2.8)
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Samsung SL720 Sensor information

The sensor dimension in the Samsung SL720 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to capture 4000 x 3000 pixels using aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9.

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The CCD sensor boasts 12MP and features a native ISO range of 80 - 1600. Sadly, RAW format is not saved which means that the user has less margin for error.

The graphic underneath illustrates the SL720's sensor size in comparison to other common sizes. The SL720 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is highlighted in green.

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To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Samsung SL720 dimensions

Samsung SL720 weighs around 0.37 lb (168 grams or 5.93 oz) and features outside measurements of 92mm x 61mm x 23mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9"). The weight of average Ultracompact camera is 121 grams so the Samsung SL720 is heavier as compared with other competitors.

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Here is a picture of the Samsung SL720 alongside a softdrink so you can have a sense of its size.

Samsung SL720 dimensions scale

The top view just below will show the button design on the SL720.

Samsung SL720 topview buttons dials

Samsung SL720 Lens information

The SL720 has got a built-in lens having a focal range of 28-102mm making it a 3.6 x zoom which is not at all significant however it might be helpful in some cases.

At it's widest 28mm, the lens provides an aperture of f2.8 which will be really sluggish and not the best in low light circumstances and you will struggle to capture good bokeh. You might also need to boost your ISO which results in noisy files. On the long end, 102mm comes with f5.7 which is pretty slow and you may have to use slow shutter speeds.

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Samsung SL720 Connectivity

The SL720 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Digital cameras that have NFC and / or Bluetooth compatibility are able to be used wirelessly with smartphones. You can easily send photos and sometimes adjust settings without connecting directly with the camera.

Some apps also provide a Liveview and release the shutter whenever you are not near the camera. If the camera provides a HDMI out, it can easily be hooked up to an external display. Many cameras enable you to recharge the battery pack with the USB socket.

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Samsung SL720 Video information

The highest possible video resolution in the Samsung SL720 is 640 x 480 and it can record in Motion JPEG format. 480p is low by today's requirements. You really should aim for at least 1080p resolution for decent video. The body does not offer a mic and / or headphone socket which means you have absolutely no control over your audio. It is perhaps a better idea to purchase another model should you require better audio in your video clips.

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Samsung SL720 Weather Sealing

There is no environment sealing for the Samsung SL720 so you have to be careful in wet or dusty situations.

Samsung SL720 Display and Viewfinder

The Samsung SL720 includes a 2.7" fixed display having a resolution of 230k dots.

Please be aware that the display screen offers no touch support.

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The View Finder specs regarding Samsung SL720 are below:

  • ViewFinder None

In those sunny outdoor situations that make the camera displays washed out and challenging to view, viewfinders are quite helpful.

Samsung SL720 Shutter information

The max shutter speed is 1/1500 seconds.

Photography Glossary

Samsung SL720 Flash and Hot shoe information

Samsung SL720 has got just built-in flash lacking external flash support.

Samsung SL720 Autofocus information

Samsung SL720 has got only Contrast Detect Auto Focus and does not have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot more faster and accurate as compared with Contrast Detect focusing.

Samsung SL720 has not got manual focus. Manual focus is good for low light occasions or you want more precise focusing control.

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Samsung SL720 Battery life

The average Ultracompact camera battery life is 214. Nikon L32 offers the best (320) battery life for this category of cameras.

Here is a list of Ultracompact cameras that have the highest battery life:

Samsung SL720 for different types of photography

The following chart gives a summary of the Samsung SL720 for different types of photography. To view more, have a look at the specific section underneath.

Portrait photography with Samsung SL720

The Samsung SL720 gets a score of 21 which is terrible, and means the camera is not really good to use for portrait photography. Shooting portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, support for RAW photos and capability to work with off-camera lighting.

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manual focus not available
no manual exposure
cannot use external flash
low megapixels (12MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files

Samsung SL720 as a Street photography camera

Getting a reasonable rating of 47, the Samsung SL720 is somewhat suited for street photography. A good street photography camera gives a good balance of picture quality plus portability.

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screen is fixed
lack of image stabilization
small sensor (1/2.3")
has no RAW files
more heavy than competitors (168 grams)

Samsung SL720 as a Sports photography camera

A terrible sports photography points tally of 17 means the Samsung SL720 is not really good for taking pictures of sports. A camera really should have good focusing and shutter speeds for sports photography.

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lack of shutter priority mode
does not have image stabilization
low MP (12MP)
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
no phase detect autofocus

Samsung SL720 Travel photography features

Weight is very crucial in buying a travel camera. Over-all, the Samsung SL720 gets a reasonable 56 for a travel camera which makes it relatively suited to take on your travels.

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flash built-in
really wide (28mm)
missing Time Lapse mode
heavier than competition in class (168g)
low MP (12MP)
doesn't have a selfie friendly screen
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)

Samsung SL720 Landscape photography info

For anyone who is looking to choose a camera for landscape pictures, the most essential aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Samsung SL720 with it's terrible rating of 27 as a landscape camera is not really good within the current market.

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quite wide (28mm)
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f2.8)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inches)
no manual mode
lack of image stabilization
resolution not great (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW support
doesn't have Timelapse recording

Samsung SL720 Vlogging details

A vlogging camera really should have a articulating screen, mic port and preferably IBIS. Taking everything into account, the Samsung SL720 is not really good as a vlog camera as it receives a terrible score of 25.

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quite wide (28mm)
sluggish max aperture (f2.8)
display isn't selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
low quality video (640 x 480 resolution)
no mic port
heavier than average (168g)

Samsung SL720 Alternatives

If you need replacements to the SL720, here is a range of the top rated cameras which fall into the category of Ultracompact.

The line chart listed below offers you an overview of the SL720 vs it's highest scoring rivals mentioned above.

There are a bunch of cameras you might take into account as alternative options. To browse through a extensive comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Make
Samsung
Model
Samsung SL720
Also called as
PL70
Type
Ultracompact
Announced
2009-07-14
Body design
Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Max resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW support
Max native ISO
1600
Min native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Live view autofocus
Face detect focus
Contract detect focus
Phase detect focus
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
28-102mm (3.6x)
Highest aperture
f/2.8-5.7
Macro focus distance
5cm
Focal length multiplier
5.9
Screen
Range of display
Fixed Type
Display size
2.7"
Resolution of display
230k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
8 seconds
Fastest shutter speed
1/1500 seconds
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
4.60 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
800 x 592 (20 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30 fps)
Max video resolution
640x480
Video file format
Motion JPEG
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
168 gr (0.37 lb)
Physical dimensions
92 x 61 x 23mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9")
Other
Battery model
SLB-10A
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse recording
Storage media
SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal
Storage slots
Single
Cost at release
$119