Samsung Introduces Robust Camera Lineup At PMA 2010
Need more camera news? PMA has it. Samsung has remained a steady and solid competitor in the point and shoot market, and while they have thus far stayed an arm's length away from the highly competitive DSLR market, some of these new cameras could very well replace a low-end DSLR for someone who doesn't need the option of swapping out lenses. The new HMX-U20 ($250) and the HMX-U15 ($230) both offer lots of new features, including Full HD video, built-in USB connectivity and an HDMI port. The U20 offers a 3x optical zoom, and both are looking to rival the Flip UltraHD and all of those other "pocket camcorders" that have made such an impact in a YouTube-obsessed world.
The TL500 is a more standard point and shoot camera, offering a 10MP sensor, a 24mm lens and a 3" AMOLED display that's capable of articulating. The 10MP TL350 is a slightly weaker version of that, but it will offers 1080p HD video recording and a 3" AMOLED LCD. The waterproof AQ100 ($200) and the scratch-resistant SL605 ($130) have 2.7" LCDs and a 5x optical zoom, with the main difference being the movie mode (the AQ100 does 720p, while the other does just VGA).
All of the remaining details can be found below, but it's safe to say that Samsung has come out swinging. It's tough to find 1080p in a handheld form factor, and these definitely look promising.
The TL500 is a more standard point and shoot camera, offering a 10MP sensor, a 24mm lens and a 3" AMOLED display that's capable of articulating. The 10MP TL350 is a slightly weaker version of that, but it will offers 1080p HD video recording and a 3" AMOLED LCD. The waterproof AQ100 ($200) and the scratch-resistant SL605 ($130) have 2.7" LCDs and a 5x optical zoom, with the main difference being the movie mode (the AQ100 does 720p, while the other does just VGA).
All of the remaining details can be found below, but it's safe to say that Samsung has come out swinging. It's tough to find 1080p in a handheld form factor, and these definitely look promising.
The HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 come fully equipped with high-performing 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensors which help capture stunning, 1920x1080 full HD resolution video (30p / H.264). In addition, the ultra-compact HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 also boast impressive digital still image capability. With the HMX-U20, consumers can capture 10 mega-pixel digital still images, while the HMX-U15 shoots 14 mega-pixel digital still images. This impressive digital still capability eliminates the need for consumers to carry a separate digital camera as everything they'll need is in one, ultra-compact device. The camcorders also include Hyper Digital Image Stabilization to help produce blur-free video and the HMX-U20 adds even more versatility with a true 3x optical zoom. Consumers can also get creative with their video thanks to fun and unique features such as time lapse recording, which allows users to program the camcorder to record at a pre-set interval of one image every one, five, 10 or 30 seconds. Time lapse recording is especially useful for condensing extremely long events, such as rolling clouds on a sunny day, into a short, easy-to-view video.
The Samsung TL500 is sure to turn heads thanks to its ultra-wide, f/1.8 Schneider lens – one of the brightest ever featured on a compact digital camera. The impressive f/1.8 lens offers photographers a wider range of aperture steps and shallow depth-of-field, giving them the ability to blur out the background of their images while maintaining focus on their subjects. The ultra-fast, f/1.8 lens also allows users to take better photos in low-light environments as more light is passed through to the new high-performance 1/1.7" CCD sensor. Larger than the sensors typically found in compact digital cameras, the TL500's 1/1.7" CCD offers unrivaled sensitivity (max ISO 3200/full-resolution). Together with Samsung's re-engineered and fast, DRIMeIII imaging processor, the TL500 captures high-quality images, regardless of the lighting environment.
The TL350 allows users to capture high-quality images no matter how fast the action may be. Its advanced CMOS sensor and re-engineered DRIMeIII processor yield impressive low-light performance and most notably, speed, giving users the ability to capture up to 10 pictures-per-second (pps) at the resolution of 10 mega-pixels. Additionally, the TL350 features a 1,000 fps (138x78), high-speed video recording mode which today's creative consumer can use to reveal details of a fast moving event in super-slow motion. Whether it's used to capture an everyday moment in an astonishing new light or to analyze a golf swing, the capabilities of the TL350's super-slow motion playback are endless.
Offering extraordinary capabilities, the slim (0.78" thick) AQ100 was developed for use in up to 10 feet of water and thanks to the camera's exceptional low-light performance, it's capable of taking bright images at that depth. Whether taking photos of friends and family in the pool or a school of fish while snorkeling in the ocean, users will benefit from the AQ100's dedicated Aqua mode, which will optimize camera settings for the best possible underwater photos. A powerful camera on land or in water, the AQ100 boasts an ample, 5x optical inner-zoom lens complete with Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blurry images. Additionally, the AQ100 features a bright, 2.7-inch TFT-LCD screen for framing and reviewing images.
The new SL605 was designed with durability in mind, and offers consumers Samsung's Anti-scratch Mask, which safeguards the camera from any unwanted scratches during everyday use. Furthermore, key areas of the Samsung SL605, including the bottom, buttons and areas surrounding the 2.7-inch TFT-LCD (230,000 pixel), are rubberized to further protect the camera from elements such as dust, dirt or sand. Beyond its durability, users will also benefit from the Samsung SL605's internal 27mm wide-angle, 5x optical zoom lens, which gives them the ability to take sharp and detailed images from any distance. With a wide-angle lens at their fingertips, users will be able to capture more of a desired scene, such as landscapes or large groups of friends and family. The SL605 offers standard definition, VGA video recording and also features Samsung's intuitive and easy-to-use Smart Auto scene recognition technology.
