Samsung SL630 12.2MP digicam prizes simplicity

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Samsung's new super-zoomers weren't the only digital cameras the company outed; they've also slotted in a new mainstream model into their SL-series, the Samsung SL630.  A 12.2-megapixel camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens and 5x optical zoom, the SL630 has dual image stabilization and measures 0.8-inches thick.

It'll also shoot video, though only at 640 x 480 30 fps.  Really this is one for the entry-level market, with a bevy of Auto modes that the SL630 can automatically select between.  There's also a Perfect Portrait System which whips together Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection, Red Eye Fix and Beauty Shot; all you have to do is supply the subject.

The preview screen is a 2.7-inch LCD with 230k pixels.  No word on pricing from Samsung, but the SL630 is set to arrive in March 2010.

Press Release:

SAMSUNG EXPANDS POPULAR SL-SERIES OF DIGITAL CAMERAS WITH THE SL630

The New Addition Comes Equipped with Dual Image Stabilization and Smart Auto

Ridgefield Park, NJ (January 18, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award winning innovator in consumer electronics, today extended its popular SL-Series of digital cameras with the introduction of the SL630. This 12.2 megapixel point-and-shoot offers unprecedented value for the casual shooter with a versatile 28mm wide-angle, 5x optical zoom lens, Dual Image Stabilization, and Samsung's full range of smart features packed in a slim, compact frame.

"Samsung is elevating the stature of its SL-Series with models such as the new SL630," said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. "With Samsung's SL-Series, consumers can now enjoy features such as wider-angle lenses with longer zooms, as well as technologies such as Smart Auto, which brings incredible value to the consumer while at the same time, giving them the ability to take their creativity to new levels and take great photos."

Impressive Optics

The Samsung SL630 offers an exceptional 28mm wide-angle Samsung lens which provides consumers with a 5x optical zoom (28mm-140mm / 35mm equivalent), giving users the ability to capture more of a desired scene from farther away.

Consumers will benefit from Samsung's Dual Image Stabilization (IS) technology, which gives them the ability to capture crystal-clear images by combining both Optical and Digital Image stabilizers to produce sharp images. The Optical IS intelligently compensates for hand trembling by shifting the lens in the opposite direction. When Optical IS isn't quite enough, the Digital IS automatically takes over to ensure virtually blur-free images.

Smart Automatic Controls and Video Recording

Samsung's SL630 comes fully equipped with an array of automatic controls, including Samsung's advanced scene recognition technology known as Smart Auto. Designed to simplify the way consumers take a photograph, Smart Auto analyzes key elements of the composition of the image such as color, brightness, motion, and subject, and then selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible.

The SL630 also features useful auto focusing options such as object tracking. Samsung's object tracking enables users to select any object or area within the frame and automatically program the camera to lock and keep its focus on the subject even if it's moving within the frame. In addition, the SL630 offers Samsung's Perfect Portrait System – a series of automatic technologies which take the guess work out of shooting beautiful portraits. Key features of the Perfect Portrait System include Face Detection, Samsung's Smile Shot and Blink Detection technologies, Red Eye Fix mode, and Beauty Shot.

Samsung also offers standard definition video recording in the new SL630. At a resolution of 640x480 and recording at 30 frames-per-second, consumers can switch from taking 12.2 megapixel digital stills to recording movies.