The argument about the pixels goes on, but there has been no consensus on whether loading the camera with more pixels actually improves the image quality. However, this does not stop camera manufacturers from adding more megapixels to their new digicams. Perhaps this gives them an edge against competition and also a chance to increase their price. Whatever the reason, the fact is that we are getting more and more digicams with higher megapixels in a small and slim form factor and Samsung L310 is the latest one that I got my hands on.

It packs in 13.6 mega pixels and dual image stabilization. It has a wide angle lens and face detection as well.It arrived at my desk dressed in shocking pink and silver! Though I did not quite like its color combination, kinda weird for a guy like me (thankfully, it is also available in black and silver), but besides that the ergonomics and design seem to be okay.

The camera is comfortable to hold and has got a solid build quality. On the rear panel, you will find the 2.7 inch LCD screen along with couple of other buttons. The main is the menu button flanked by the button for zoom setup and another for the optical image stabilizer. There is a button with “E” written on it, which is used to set the image sharpness, color and saturation settings. There is also a 'Fn' (function) button which lets you control image size, quality, ISO settings (a higher ISO will mean a higher sensitivity to light), white balance and exposure settings.

On the top, you will find a dial which lets you choose between different modes: manual, program, auto, dual, movie, scene and beauty shot. There is the power button as well.

The image quality of the camera is quite good. Even in low light conditions, the images clicked came out to be clear. Switching on the dual image stabilization mode with the 'OIS' button definitely makes a difference to the clarity of the images.

The L310W has a rechargeable 1050 mAh Li-ion battery and next to the battery is the memory card slot. The tiny hinge used to hold the battery is a bit too small and doesn't feel that sturdy.

For a camera priced at Rs 19k, it has only 32 MB internal memory which by any stretch of the imagination is too little. At about medium settings, you will not be able to snap and store more than 10 images which is a disappointment. Getting the additional high capacity memory card will entail an additional expenditure. We can get a lot of other camera's for about Rs 12k with relatively similar specs which makes this particular price quite difficult to fathom. For example, you can get a Sony CyberShot with similar specs and more internal memory for about Rs12k with a Carl Zeiss lens.

Overall, performance of this camera is extremely good, but its rating has taken a beating because of the price and lack of internal memory. However, if you are a Samsung fan and you love its products, then this camera won't disappoint. But mind you, this one doesn't offer best value for money.

Samsung L310 digicam Rs 18,990	Performance Coolness
Pros Great image quality Cons Price, lack of internal memory Sold by Samsung India, www.samsung.com/in	Specs 13.5 MP, dual image stabilization, 32 MB in built memory, SD Card slot, face detection, wide angle lens, Li-ion battery Verdict