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Samsung latest pair of point-and-shoots actually seem pretty decent: The 12MP TL320 has 5x zoom, 24mm wide-angle lens and a 3-inch AMOLED screen on the back that should be beautiful.

They’re claiming a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and the ability to see the AMOLED display perfectly in direct sunlight, so it damn well better be pretty. Like many higher end point-and-shoots, it records 720p HD video, making it sound like a capable, if not particular drool-including, pocket cam. Well, those analog gauges for battery life and memory on top are kinda sexy:

Its dance partner is the HZ15W, which is also a 12-megapixel cam. No AMOLED display, but it does cram a 10x optical zoom 24mm wide-angle lens into its body, which is the real selling point. It too, shoots 720p video.

They’ve both got the typical point-and-shoot whizbangs: image stabilization, face & booger detection, and super-auto-do-everything-but-take-the-picture-for-you mode. The TL320 will be $380 in May, the HZ15W will be $330 next month.

Samsung Introduces Pair of 12 Mega-Pixel, 24mm Ultra-Wide Angle Compact Digital CamerasNew TL320 Boasts Three-Inch AMOLED for Enhanced Viewing and Energy Efficiency

HZ15W Offers 12 Mega-Pixel Resolution and 24mm, 10x Optical Zoom Schneider Lens

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Samsung Electronics America today unveiled two new 12 mega-pixel compact digital cameras boasting 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lenses. Samsung’s new TL320 raises the bar for innovation in the digital imaging industry as it is the world’s first digital camera to feature a three-inch AMOLED screen with HVGA resolution. The new HZ15W, Samsung’s second mega-zoom, point-and-shoot digital camera, offers consumers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot with an impressive focal length of 24-240mm (35mm film equivalent).

The TL320

The new TL320 goes above and beyond traditional compact point-and-shoot digital cameras, offering an impressive list of features that set the camera apart from the competition. The TL320 features a Schneider lens, renowned for quality and trusted by professionals worldwide, and offers consumers a more versatile 24mm ultra-wide angle focal length paired with a powerful 5x optical zoom.

Utilizing the same advanced technologies found in its revolutionary AMOLED televisions, Samsung was able to incorporate a three-inch, 460,000-dot HVGA AMOLED screen in the new TL320, the largest AMOLED screen on a digital camera to date. In comparison to a traditional TFT-LCD screen, the TL320′s AMOLED consumes less power and offers a higher contrast ratio of 10,000:1, producing darker black levels, more vibrant colors, and a brighter display which can easily be viewed outdoors and even in direct sunlight. Additionally, unlike a TFT-LCD, the TL320′s AMOLED screen has the ability to display images that can be reviewed at any angle, while fully maintaining the same color gamut.

Samsung’s new TL320 also offers advanced high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity through the use of a cradle to view one’s video and photos in HD clarity on an HDTV. The camera’s 5x optical zoom can be used while recording, and because the camera utilizes H.264 compression (a codec for high-definition video that yields three times the recording length than that of MJPEG video) users can record HD video for longer periods of time with the TL320.

For added stability and blur-free images, Samsung has outfitted the TL320 with both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. The shooter has the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization or choosing Dual Image Stabilization, combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

For the more advanced user who prefers to have more control over camera settings, the TL320 offers aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual shooting, as well as Samsung’s unique Advanced Picture Mode. Much more precise than simple white balance presets, Advanced Picture Mode gives users the ability to fine tune color tones before image capture by adjusting the color temperature from 2,800-10,000K, in 100K increments, or by manually configuring the camera’s color space shift.

For users looking for simplicity when it comes to taking digital images, the TL320 offers a comprehensive suite of automatic controls designed to help them capture better images with ease, including the camera’s Smart Auto mode. When selected, Smart Auto will automatically choose from one of the TL320′s 11 scene modes, determining which best suits the environment the user may be shooting in. For example, the TL320′s Smart Auto feature will automatically set the camera to its Landscape scene mode if the user is taking an image of a mountain range, and then switch gears and automatically select the Portrait scene mode if the user proceeds to take an image of an individual. No manual interaction is required.

In addition to Smart Auto, the TL320 also incorporates Samsung’s proprietary Smart Album program. Smart Album is useful tool which allows users to easily search for a specific image they have saved on their memory card. Smart Album automatically organizes the user’s digital images and gives them the ability to narrow their search based on specific criteria. Users can quickly sort by the date or week the image was taken, the overall color tone, as well as whether they’re searching for portraits or specific file types, including photos, videos, or voice memos.

Users can also take advantage of the TL320′s Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot technologies. Designed to help capture better portraits and group shots of family and friends, Face Detection technology detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Smile Shot automatically triggers the TL320 to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will automatically fire two consecutive shots if the camera detects that a subject’s eyes are closed. Beauty Shot is a unique functionality which will automatically enhance and balance skin tones as well as remove blemishes.

Featuring a brushed stainless steel finish, the TL320 is as stylish as it is advanced. The camera offers a compact form factor highlighted by two analog dials found on top of the TL320′s body. The two dials give the TL320 a retro look and provide users with the ability to quickly glance down at the camera for an approximate readout of remaining battery life and memory capacity.

The HZ15W

The step up model from the HZ10W introduced in January at CES 2009, the 12 mega-pixel HZ15W offers consumers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact point-and-shoot digital camera, featuring a 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lens coupled with a generous 10x optical zoom. For blur-free images, especially when using the HZ15W at its maximum zoom, Samsung includes both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. Optical Image Stabilization can be used independently or shooters can choose Dual Image Stabilization, which combines the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

Like the HZ10W, the HZ15W puts high-definition video recording in the palm of users’ hands. With the HZ15W, consumers have the ability to record high-definition video at a resolution of 720p, and utilize the camera’s full 10x optical zoom. Samsung also incorporates H.264 compression and offers consumers true HDMI connectivity, which allows the camera to be connected directly to an HDTV without the need for a cradle. Additionally, the HZ15W’s ultra-clear, three-inch LCD screen is sure to turn heads and gives consumers the ability to easily frame their shots and review their images and video in any condition, even in direct sunlight.

Designed for a range of consumers, including entry-level photographers and advanced amateurs, the HZ15W offers a variety of shooting modes, including Manual. The camera’s Manual shooting mode allows users to manually configure settings such as shutter speed, aperture, exposure, and ISO values. Similar to the TL320, the HZ15W also features a highly-intuitive suite of automatic controls designed to help improve one’s ability to take great digital images. The camera’s advanced automatic shooting options include Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection, Beauty Shot, as well as Smart Auto, which automatically selects the appropriate scene mode for the user, and Smart Album, which simplifies the process of searching for an image saved on a memory card.

Specifications
TL320
Mega-Pixels 12.2 mega-pixels
Optical Zoom 5x optical zoom / Schneider lens
LCD Size 3.0″ hVGA AMOLED
Lens Schneider – KREUZNACH
Movie Mode 720P HD Resolution With HDMI Connectivity

(An optional cradle needed.)
Size 97mm x 60mm x 21.8mm
Special Features

- 24mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Schneider Lens
- 5x Optical Zoom
- 3.0″ hVGA AMOLED (460K dots)

- Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital)

- Full Manual Mode (A/S/M) supported

- Advanced Picture Mode (manually adjust color tones)
- High-Definition 720p Video With HDMI Connectivity
- Smart Auto / Smart Album
- Face Detection / Smile Shot / Blink Detection /
Beauty Shot / Self Portrait / Red-eye Fix
- Frame Guide
- Recycle Bin
- Dual Analog Gauges (Memory Capacity / Battery Life)

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Available in black or silver, the TL320 will be available in May 2009 at an MSRP of $379.99.

Specifications
HZ15W
Mega-Pixels 12.0 mega-pixels
Optical Zoom 10x optical zoom / Schneider lens
LCD Size 3.0″ TFT-LCD (230k pixels)
Lens Schneider Lens f = 4.2 ~ 42mm (35mm equivalent : 24~240mm)
Movie Mode 720P HD Resolution
Size 105 X 61.4 X 37.2 mm
Special Features

- 24mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Schneider Lens
- 10x Optical Zoom
- High-Definition 720p Video With HDMI Connectivity
- Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital)
- Smart Auto / Smart Album
- Face Detection / Smile Shot / Blink Detection
Self Portrait / Beauty Shot / Red-eye Fix
- Function Description, Photo Style Selector
- Frame Guide
- Recycle Bin

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

The Samsung HZ15W will be available in March 2009 at an MSRP of $329.99

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.

Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), based in Ridgefield Park, NJ, is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. The company markets a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics, information systems, and home appliance products, as well as oversees all of Samsung’s North American operations including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. As a result of its commitment to innovation and unique design, the company was ranked #6 in the Electronics Industry segment in Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired Companies 2008,” and named as one of Fast Company’s “Fast 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2008.” Among popular BusinessWeek rankings, the company ranked #26 in the publication’s “Most Innovative Companies of 2008″ and #21 in the “100 Best Global Brands” for 2007. Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd. is also a top patent holder, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2007. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.

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