Samsung TL500 and TL350 hit PMA 2010

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Samsung have announced two new cameras in their TL-series, the TL500 with a 10-megapixel sensor, F/1.8 ultra-wide lens and 3-inch swivelling, rotating AMOLED preview screen, and the TL350 with a 10.2-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom and 3-inch fixed AMOLED display.  Both cameras – fresh to PMA 2010 this week – pair optical and digital image stabilization, and the TL350 can shoot 1080p HD video and output it via HDMI.

The TL350 also supports panorama shooting, 10fps 10-megapixel rapid shots, up to 1,000fps high-speed movie capture and will grab RAW images as well as JPEGs.  It'll also recognize up to 20 faces in a single shot, together with various combinations of smiling, blinking, and other intelligent auto modes, and has integrated software for video editing on a PC so you don't need to carry a CD around with you.

As for the TL500, that has a 3x optical zoom and can record 640 x 480 30fps H.264 video.  It uses Schneider Kreuznach optics and has a comprehensive manual mode.  It will go on sale in Spring 2010, priced at $449.99, while the TL350 will be $349.99.

Press Release:

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES THE TL500 – A HIGH-END COMPACT WITH AN ULTRA WIDE AND BRIGHT F/1.8 LENS

Fast Operating Speed and Ultra-Sensitive 1/1.7" CCD Will Impress Enthusiast Photographers

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, proudly introduces the 10 mega-pixel TL500, a high-end compact digital camera designed specifically for today's advanced and enthusiast photographers. The new flagship of the company's compact digital camera family, the new TL500 incorporates a full-range of advanced features, including a high-performance imaging sensor and one of the brightest lenses ever featured on a compact camera – a 24mm ultra wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH, f/1.8. The TL500 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21 23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

"With the TL500, Samsung further differentiates its lineup from the competition and achieves yet another milestone in the industry," said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. "With ultra-wide angle capability and unparalleled speed, the TL500's lens offers a new level of versatility allowing the user to be more creative and take better pictures."

High-Quality Optics and Images

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 high-end Schneider lens offers a 24mm, ultra-wide focal length and 3x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL500's 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as beautiful landscapes and large groups of friends or family. For blur free images, the TL500's lens is also paired with Samsung's Dual Image Stabilization technology.

Versatile Display Enhances the Viewing Experience

Composing and reviewing images on the TL500's three-inch, swiveling AMOLED screen is a pleasure. The rotating AMOLED display will allow photographers to precisely frame their images the way they want and shoot from just about any angle, including overhead or low to the-ground shots. Compared to the traditional TFT-LCD found on most digital cameras, the TL500's AMOLED provides users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The TL500's AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Multiple Shooting Options

The TL500 supports RAW and gives enthusiasts full control over their images thanks to its shutter priority, aperture priority and full Manual shooting modes. When using these settings, shooters can experiment with features such as slower shutter speeds and depth of field; however, for those who prefer ease-of-use over manual controls, the TL500 also offers Samsung's Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology. Applicable for video recording (640x480 / 30fps / H.264) and taking digital stills, this intelligent feature analyzes the scene and then automatically selects the appropriate settings for the best results possible. Using this mode requires minimal effort and does not sacrifice image quality for simple operation.

Press Release:

SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES THE HIGH-SPEED TL350 WITH FULL HD VIDEO

TL350's New Dual Capture Mode Allows Users To Take 10 Mega-Pixel Stills While Simultaneously Recording Full-HD Video

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award winning innovator in consumer electronics, today unveiled the TL350 – a high-speed, 10 mega pixel compact camera with 1080P, full-HD video recording. With a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) and a burst mode capable of capturing 10 full-size digital stills per second, the TL350 takes high-speed imaging to a new level for today's consumer. Additionally, the TL350 enhances the digital imaging experience with Samsung's Advanced Panorama Shot with Object Tracking as well as an innovative Dual Capture mode, which allows users to simultaneously take 10 mega-pixel still images while recording full-HD videos. The TL350 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21-23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

"The TL350 is representative of Samsung's strategy to lead the digital imaging industry through product innovation," said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. "Consumers have expressed frustration with having to choose between shooting video or taking digital stills with their camera. With the TL350, Samsung has addressed this unmet consumer need, and now gives consumers the ability to do both simultaneously."

High-Speed Digital Stills and Video

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.

Impressive Optics and Display

In addition to its impressive speed, the TL350 also features a high-performance 24mm ultra wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens complete with a generous 5x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL350's 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as large groups of friends or family, while the 5x optical zoom will allow them to get in close when shooting from a distance. Samsung's Advanced Panorama shot with Object Tracking will further enhance the camera's wide-angle capabilities, ideal for the better capture of scenes such as vast landscapes. For blur free images, the TL350's lens is also paired with Samsung's Dual Image Stabilization technology.

The TL350 is equipped with a three-inch AMOLED screen providing users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Features for the Advanced and Novice Shooter

The TL350 will appeal to both novice and more experienced users thanks to the combination of Smart and Manual controls. The camera's intuitive Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology will take the guess work out of taking a perfect photo or video every time; however, for those users who want to have more control over image capture, the TL350 supports RAW and offers Manual control. When set to Manual, consumers can experiment with features such as slower shutter speeds, depth-of-field and even focus.