Samsung WB700 Compact Camera Has 24x Zoom, 720p Movie Mode

While most camera companies will probably hold their camera releases for next week's Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung would rather not wait around. And it's probably a smart move. They're able to gain more exposure during a week between holidays, and if you have a little cash in your pocket from someone special at Christmas, you may already be hunting for something to commit those dollars to. Samsung has a compelling new offering with the WB700, a new point and shoot camera that has a 24x zoom. That's pretty impressive, and a zoom that big is rarely found on a compact camera.


The camera uses a 24mm wide-angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens, made up of an 18X optical zoom and 1.3X Smart Zoom. There's a 16MP CCD sensor, a 720p movie mode (H.264 format), new smart filters, the smart lens effect and zoom noise cancellation. The WB700 also features Smart Filter 2.0 - artistic filters in modes such as ‘soft focus’, ‘half-tone dot’ and ‘cinema’ alongside traditional features such as ‘fish-eye’, ‘miniature’ and ‘sketch.' Samsung has also introduced new innovation to remove zoom noise from video content. The WB700 uses an advanced noise reduction algorithm that actively cancels out the zoom noise, as the optical zoom slides backwards and forwards, which will definitely come in handy with such a huge zoom.

Optical image stabilization is also included, as is HDMI out, RAW file support, a full manual mode, and the ability to have its firmware updated along the way. It will be available in April 2011 for $299.99, which sounds like a very reasonable price for a camera with a full manual mode and a 24x zoom.

Samsung Zooms into the Future with the New WB700

The ultra-slim 24X zoom camera comes packed with features for the demanding photographer

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the new WB700, the ultra-slim camera with an impressive 24X zoom function, capable of delivering superb quality images whether your subject is near or far.

    “On top of the core excellence of the WB700’s 16MP 24mm lens with OIS and Schneider KREUZNACH 18x super-zoom, we have added features that bring surprise and delight to the photography experience, such as our new smart filters, the smart lens effect and zoom noise cancellation.”

The camera features a 24mm ultra-wide Schneider KREUZNACH® lens to capture the perfect wide shot, as well as an outstanding 24X zoom function, made up of an 18X optical zoom and 1.3X Smart Zoom. The WB700 delivers sharp images with incredible detail, thanks to the camera’s 16 Megapixel (MP) CCD sensor. The WB700 is also equipped with full manual control and the ability to record full 720p high definition video (H.264 format). The flexibility of the WB700’s lens and zoom functions allows users to capture a broad landscape in the same 16MP detail as a bubbling brook in the distance.

“We understand that many of our customers come to us for the very best and most up-to-date technology available, which is why we have chosen to bring all our innovation together in the WB700 for both the advanced and novice photographer, giving a balance of professional quality imaging and the kind of usability anyone can master,” said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “On top of the core excellence of the WB700’s 16MP 24mm lens with OIS and Schneider KREUZNACH 18x super-zoom, we have added features that bring surprise and delight to the photography experience, such as our new smart filters, the smart lens effect and zoom noise cancellation.”

High quality and fun shooting

The successor to the successful WB600 and WB650 models, the WB700 includes Samsung’s latest advances in HD video technology so users can capture high quality video footage, as well as still images. The WB700 also features Smart Filter 2.0 - artistic filters in modes such as ‘soft focus’, ‘half-tone dot’ and ‘cinema’ alongside traditional features such as ‘fish-eye’, ‘miniature’ and ‘sketch’, giving entertaining and professional finishes at the touch of a button.

Zoom Noise Reduction

Samsung has also introduced new innovation to remove zoom noise from video content. The WB700 uses an advanced noise reduction algorithm that actively cancels out the zoom noise, as the optical zoom slides backwards and forwards, giving you uninterrupted clear sound to complement your detailed High Definition movies.