Customer Reviews
Disappointed 
2008-09-24
First, I'll say that there are some things I really liked about this camera after using it for the past six months. The retro design makes it unique among digital cameras, and is very attractive if that's your style. The low price for a 10 megapixel camera is unrivaled as well, and was one of the main draws for me for this camera. It holds battery well, so I didn't have to recharge as often as some other cameras I've had. (It has an internal battery, so requires computer connection and cable to charge.)
Now, the downsides. It is very, very slow to take and process pictures: Expect to wait several seconds after snapping a shot before you're able to preview the picture. That doesn't sound like a lot, but for a camera that has problematic settings and needs more attention than the average point-and-shoot (see below), I found I was missing shots that even a disposable film camera could have snapped more easily and quickly.
In automatic mode, I rarely came out with focused pictures; it usually required playing around with various scenes and settings, even in full daylight. The on-screen functions are confusing, which may reflect my own personal preference, but I never really got used to them. I don't consider this camera a simple point-and-shoot, so because it requires heavy adjustments on the settings, I would have hoped them to be a little more user friendly. There are a series of buttons along the bottom and right side of the screen to scroll through the functions, which I found complicated to navigate -- I was always clicking the wrong functions because it was not clear which button matched up to what.
One of my major complaints is that the structure of the camera itself was, in my opinion, shoddy. I took very good care of the camera, always stored it in a case and never abused it. However, after less than two months of use, the pop-up flash started acting up. The flash would go off but not pop up sometimes, causing ruined, black pictures when flash was necessary. Not much later it broke completely -- the flash device is up 100% of the time and won't go down unless held there, so while I don't have dark pictures anymore, the flash risks snapping off.
In the end, I gave the camera away and just bought a Nikon S210 to replace it. The price on the new camera is about the same, and although the Nikon is 8 megapixels, it has consistently taken better pictures faster than the Samsung, and thrives in automatic mode.
For a nice looking, attractive camera, go for the Samsung NV15. For quality pictures, steer clear.
Generally happy, but with some concern. 
2008-09-17
Picture quality is very good, but not excellent. I don't like the pop-up flash. When someone else uses the camera, they tend to think it can be opened manually -- a logical conclusion. Fortunately, I've been able to give them advanced warning. If that isn't possible in the future, someone may innocently break the camera by opening the flash. Also, dust seems to be collecting under the LCD cover. That would be OK, if there were a way the user could clean it out.
Great camera, great price, great service 
2008-08-28
Everything I expected and more. This camera is sexy. Easy to use, fast from power to click, long battery life.
better than its rated 2008-08-27
If your worried about it being durable, don't be. I work as an engineer at a steel mill and I use it to document projects. I've dropped it a couple times from waist height, covered it in metal dust, and overall have generally used it in hot, sweaty, and dirty conditions. I've even had some water splashed on it. Sure it may have a couple small scratches on the frame, but that's to be expected. The display on the back is even fine. The only issues I have had is that the lens guard wouldn't open all the way once after I dropped with the lens was extended. However, it only took a few "on-off" cycles and then it opened perfectly fine. Also, the flip up flash seems a little flimsy for my liking, but I haven't really had a problem with it.
I would have so say the best feature is that it is rechargeable just like an iPod. You can plug it into the computer to charge it, or plug the same cord into the USB-to-AC Power adapter that it comes with. It's worth buying just so you don't have to buy batteries every other time you use it. I've even used it in a pinch as a portable hard drive to transport files since it appears as one on your computer when not using the provided software.
I was initially looking for a camera with a 10x zoom, but the 10.1 megapixels make up for what the 3x zoom lacks (you really don't need more than 7 MP otherwise). As for the shake reduction, I've taken it on a very fast roller coaster, although I'd advise not to, and ended up with some surprisingly clear pictures.
The psudo-touch screen buttons along the sides of the display is a pretty sexy feature. I'll admit though, even for a engineer, it took me a while of tinkering before I got the hang of navigating the controls. On the upside, they allow for a larger screen on a smaller camera.
All in all, it's a really great camera for the price. I've used it in many different environments for many different types of pictures, and I haven't even used half of the features that it provides. For the price, you can't beat the value.
Great Camera 2008-06-13
I have enjoyed using this camera, the interface with the multiple buttons around the screen makes changing the settings a breeze. It does a pretty good job cleaning up the picture when you use the doubler as well and I think it looks pretty cool.
great little camera for the money 2008-04-09
Samsung NV15, part of the second generation of NV series, takes both design and functionality to a whole new level. The NV15 is equipped with 10.1 mega pixel CCD and a Schneider-Kreuznach lens, known for outstanding quality and delivering crystal-clear images with every shot, as well as a 3x optical and a 5x digital zoom. Built-in Face Recognition AF&AE can identify up to nine faces in a picture and adjust complexion accordingly, while Red-eye Fix automatically removes any annoying red-eye effect. Auto Contrast Balance compensates for brightness and Auto Shake Reduction (ASR) compensates for a shaky hand on the part of the photographer. And now navigating complicated menu systems is a thing of the past! The brilliant new Smart Touch user interface makes accessing menu functions and reviewing your images an absolute pleasure with a unique touch-ensitive system gives you easy, intuitive control over the camera, as the large 2.5" LCD gives you a great view every time. Innovative Smart Touch User Interface Face Recognition AF & AE with Red Eye Fix Bright 2.5 color TFT LCD screen 20MB Internal Memory - accepts SD/SDHC/MMC memory cards (up to 4 GB) VGA recording capability Supports ISO 3200 (at 3M) for clarity in imperfect lighting USB 2.0 port - can connect to Windows and Mac
great camera 2008-03-25
great camera. can be a little tricky at times. very stylish and have received tons of compliments...the pictures are not too shabby either
Very pleased! 2008-03-07
So this is the second time I've owned a digital camera. My first one was a cannon, and I was seriously disappointed in it, but since I didn't shop around for a new one until recently, I suffered with it.
I did some research, looked around, asked friend who were professional photographers as to what I should use for a basic digital camera. When I brought up the Samsung NV models, they all had wonderful responses. One of my friends even said, "It's a pro camera without the price."
After I looked around and came accross some reviews that were mostly positive, I decided I would get it.
I'm definately not disappointed. This camera takes AMAZING photos and without the flash, they're still clear, crisp and have great natural lighting.
I would reccomend this camera to anyone I know, knowing I would not be letting them down!!!
Amazing little camera 2008-03-04
Let me start off by stating I am a professional photographer, so I do have plenty of experience with REAL cameras. :) But, real cameras cost a lot and are bulky and aren't easy to carry around. This little guy fits perfectly in my pocket, in pants that aren't very baggy, and still take great pictures.
So, the picture quality is not fantastic, but I'm probably biased. They're not always tact sharp, and the lens isn't one of my $2,000 lenses, but it's much better than my camera phone. The face recognition is nice and the touch sensitive controls are really easy to use. The features are exactly what you need with nothing too over the top (some of the "frames" are a little pointless, but they don't get in the way.) Overall, you can just hit the power button and start using the camera without a problem.
The only problem I've experienced is that after having it in my pocket, the mode dial gets moved so when I pull it out, I have to double check to make sure it's still on the right setting.
Fantastic Pocket Camera 2008-02-26
I have had this camera for four days now, and I couldn't be happier. Got it for $160 - I looked and looked, but there just ISN'T a better deal.
It looks great, fits into a pocket (but I use a small belt pouch), gets up and running very quickly, and takes great pictures! Before I bought it, I ran across several reviews claiming poor picture quality...including blurry photos. Believe me, it isn't the camera's fault. The Schneider Kreutznach lens was one of the features that helped to sell me on this camera...nice.
The 640x480 video at 30 fps is better than I'd expected, now I may just put off getting a DV camera a bit longer.
The very clever user interface is incredibly easy to use, the stainless steel body is beautiful, and how can you go wrong with SS, anyway? Even as solid as this thing is, it is very light (151.7 g w/o battery or memory card)....and it feels VERY solid.
