Samsung NV11

Pros: Great manual controls, good high iso performance (finally in a samsung!)

Cons: one size larger than the nv10 or other compact camera

Summary: Just got my NV11 as an upgrade from my NV10 which a loved but since I wanted a little bit more of everything (controls, zoom, features, etc.) I figured an upgrade was due.

The NV11 i very similar to the NV10 (no big surprise) but is improved in many ways; there are even more manual controls, it performs much better at high iso (the weak point of the NV10) and has some added features.

If all you want is a small camera that takes great shots without ever changing the "auto" setting, you might aswell take a look at the sony's and canon's out there, but if you want to play around with settings and show your artistic side this camera is a bargain!

One you get used to the "smart button" interface most other cameras feel real slow and non-intuitive.

It has Face detection (personally don't use it, I can detect faces myself), but no image stablizacion. I don't have rock steady hands, but have not noticed any difference in pic. quality to my cameras that do have is. There is an electronic IS mode which works pretty well, as fuji were the first to realize high iso and quicker shutter time performance is more effective than trying to stablize a moving lens anyway, imho.

For me it is a back up for my dslr and primary camera for my wife (yes it takes real nice pics on full auto too...) and as such is does its job beautifully.

The camera comes with a small lousy manual and I recommend downloading the "full" manual from samsung.com.

Just wish it was a wee bit smaller, it still fits in your pant pocker, but not really your shirt pockes (like the NV10).