Samsung Announces WB700 Ultra-Slim Camera with 18x Optical Zoom and 16MP CCD Sensor

Take a peek at the second camera announced in so many minutes by Samsung, the WB700 – a slightly less expensive image collector than the other (NX11) camera just announced at a total of right around $299.99 for the full package. This lovely little camera has a 24x zoom (made of 18x optical and 1.3x "Smart Zoom), this greatness accomplished with an ultra-wide Schneider KREUZNACH® lens. The WB700 features 720p high definition video (H.264 format) and a 16 Megapixel (MP) sensor. Double saweet!

This camera is the successor to Samsung's WB600 and WB650 models, this WB700 working with the company's latest advances in HD video tech as well as still images. This camera also features what they're calling Smart Filter 2.0 which consists of some artistic filters including soft focus, half-tone dot, cinema, and a few that've been around for a while like fish-eye, miniature, and sketch. Lastly, (before the full specs,) this cam features a new Zoom Noise Reduction that "actively cancels out the zoom noise" giving you clearness in sound as you zoom in and out during movie filming. Take a peek at the full press release below:

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, New Jersey – December 28, 2010 – 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.

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 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.

Image Sensor

1/2.33″ (approx 7.76mm) CCD,

16 Megapixel, 14MP(effective) Zoom

Still Image mode : 1.0X ~ 5.0X
Play mode : 1.0X ~ 13.5X (depends on image size)

Still Image mode:
 – Super resolution: 1.0X~1.5X after optical Zoom
 – Extra Zoom: Crop Zoom 1.0X~2.0X (Extra Zoom on)
 – Digital Zoom: 1.0X ~ 4.0X: Optical Zoom (X18) –> Super

Resolution (X1.5) –> Extra Zoom (X2) or Digital Zoom (X4)
Play mode : 1.0X ~ 12.5X (depends on image size)

Lens

Schneider-KREUZNACH f = 4.06 ~ 73.08mm (35mm film equivalent : 24~432 mm)

Image Stabilization

Dual OIS and DIS (Optical / Digital Image Stabilization)

Dimensions

99.5 x 59 x 21.7

Additional features

Full Manual Mode (A/S/M Support)

Movie Recording button

Support Raw file format

Built in HDMI Type D with Anynet+ (CEC) + 20Pin Connector

Flash Manual Adjustment(Timing, Light Quantity)

Smart Auto (Still/Movie)

Smart Filter 2.0

Perfect Portrait System

Built-in S/W (intellistudio) – supporting F/W Update

Pricing

$299.99

Availability (est.)

April