Samsung MV900F subcompact lets you zoom using hand gestures

Consumer Reports News: July 18, 2012 10:09 AM

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Samsung has added a fascinating new feature to its new 16-megapixel MV900F subcompact camera: You can control the camera's 5x optical zoom lens, as well as its shutter button, remotely via simple hand gestures. Samsung calls this feature Gesture Shot, and it tracks your hand in much the way face detection tracks your face.

Here's how you use it:

You'll need to set the camera up either on a tripod or flat surface, and stand in front of the lens. Then flip up the swiveling display so you can see the photo you're composing. Now you can control the lens via two circular hand motions (they're similar to the "wax on/wax off" hand motions Mr. Miyagi immortalized in the movie The Karate Kid).

A clockwise motion zooms the lens in, and a counterclockwise motion zooms it out. To take the photo, you pretend to push down with your hand (palm down) twice, which engages the self timer. So it's great for self-portraits. If you want to get out of the photo, you have 3 seconds to exit, stage left.

The MV900F subcompact also has Wi-Fi features and a swiveling 3.3-inch OLED display, and it can capture 1080 full HD-resolution videos. It will be available in late August for $350.

—Terry Sullivan