Samsung PL120

CONDITION: 8.4/10

THE CAMERA IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. THE GLOSSY PINK FRONT HAS LIGHT MICRO-SCRATCHING VISIBLE UNDER DIRECT LIGHT, TYPICAL FOR THIS FINISH. THE DUAL LCD SCREENS (FRONT 1.5-INCH AND REAR 3.0-INCH) ARE CLEAR. THE LENS IS PERFECT AND CLEAR. ALL FUNCTIONS WORK PERFECTLY INCLUDING SHOOTING, DUALVIEW DISPLAYS, CHILDREN MODE ANIMATIONS, AND ALL BUTTONS. BATTERY AND CHARGING CABLE INCLUDED. A CHARMING EXAMPLE OF SAMSUNG'S 2011 DUAL-SCREEN COMPACT.

Samsung's PL120 launched in early 2011 as one of the company's most affordable DualView cameras—compacts with screens on both the front and back of the body. With a 14.2-megapixel CCD, 5× optical zoom (26-130mm equivalent), and that distinctive 1.5-inch front LCD for self-portraits, it made taking photos of yourself or getting kids to look at the camera genuinely easier. The front screen could display animations to capture children's attention, show a visual self-timer countdown for group shots, and preview your framing in real time so everyone could see themselves before the shot. Combined with Smart Auto 2.0, Magic Frame templates, and extensive Smart Filter effects, it prioritized fun and ease over manual control.

NO FILTER: SHOT ON PL120

THE LOOKS

In pink, the PL120 embraces its consumer-friendly identity completely—one of three color options alongside purple and silver. The compact plastic body measures 94 × 54 × 19mm and weighs just 87 grams, making it genuinely pocketable. The 1.5-inch front LCD is positioned above the lens, while the larger 2.7-inch screen dominates the back. A dedicated button on top switches the front screen on instantly. The chrome trim around the front screen looks flashy, though it can create reflections in bright sunlight.

THE SPECS

The PL120 uses a 14.2-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with ISO up to 3200. The 5× optical zoom covers 26-130mm equivalent with digital image stabilization. Dual LCDs: 1.5-inch front (for self-portraits) and 2.7-inch rear, both 230,000-dot resolution. Smart Auto 2.0 recognizes scenes, Smart Face Recognition remembers up to 20 people, and extensive Smart Filters include miniature, vignetting, fish-eye, soft focus, and half-tone dot effects. Records 720p HD video at 30fps. Stores on SD/SDHC cards.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

• Dual LCD screens front and back: The 1.5-inch front screen made self-portraits practical by letting you see yourself while framing the shot.
• Children Mode with animations: The front screen could display built-in or downloadable animations to capture kids' attention and ensure they looked at the camera.
• Magic Frame templates: In-camera compositing let you frame subjects with artistic borders, backgrounds, and effects like vintage film, magazines, or holiday themes.

THE VERDICT

The PL120 is an entry-level DualView camera from Samsung's budget compact lineup. The dual screens, particularly the front LCD for self-portraits, made it genuinely useful for casual social photography, though the limited manual controls and basic video specs reflected its accessible positioning.