Samsung claims that the NV10 is a perfect balance of elegance and simplicity, but what’s it like at taking a picture?

Features
As well as a 10MP resolution, the NV10 also uses a physically larger CCD than the NV7, which is a sensible move. There’s no Optical Picture Stabilisation, but the 3x zoom hardly needs it. It’s a shame there’s no aperture or shutter priority modes on offer though.

Design
Like the NV7, the satin black NV10 feels incredibly solid and with its small lens it sits beautifully in the hand. The ‘Smart Touch’ buttons just make you want to play with the camera, and the more you play the more you want to use it.

Performance
There’s a slight hesitation on start-up, but other than that the NV10 is lightning fast. The zoom covers its focal length range quickly and smoothly, the AF is keen and frames can be taken in quick succession. There’s no viewfinder, but the 2.5in LCD is excellent.

Image Quality
It may have a different Sensor: from that of the NV7, but the image quality here is largely the same. ‘Hundreds and thousands’-style noise makes ISO 1000 unusable and, although this is concealed at ISO 200, it’s at the expense of detail.

Value For Money
Like the NV7, with the NV10 you get a lot of Samsung for your money.