Samsung
just took the wraps off their new Digimax i6 and S series budget minded shooters. The six megapixel i6 (pictured)
features anti-shake technology, a 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD and something we haven't seen for awhile, an integrated
MP3 player all a swank 0.72-inch slim shell. They even go so far as to call this the "world's first PMP slim
camera" since it can also playback (unspecified) video files. Samsung is also launching their budget S-series
featuring 5, 6 or 8 megapixels with 3x optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD, MPEG-4 video recording, and PictBridge support. All
the new digicams are expected to hit the market in "early 2006." Pics of the S-600 and S-800 after the break.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris @ Jan 3rd 2006 11:05AM
Will this be able to compete with Sony T9?
The specs look promising.. if the anti-shake technology is same as optical stabilizer.
I was saving money for black Sony T9, but I will also keep my eyes on this thing..
Ryan @ Jan 3rd 2006 11:36AM
According to the press release, the Advanced Shake Reduction is an "algorithm", which implies it's not an optical stabiliser, but marketing babble for a high ISO mode (a la Casio). Guess we'll have to wait and see the full specs.
"The user can even take pictures whilst listening to music" - LOL, the joys of multitasking. Whatever next, checking emails whilst going to the toilet??
Ryan @ Jan 3rd 2006 11:38AM
Also, is it just me or do the S series seriously look like Nikons? To be fair they all look pretty smart.
Mike @ Jan 3rd 2006 11:38AM
I would bet that it'll be a better value than Sony.
I bought an older Digimax (the A430, I think) from WalMart for chump change ($128) over the summer... and while it doesn't have optical zoom, I was impressed with the ease of use and picture quality... especially for the price.
Similar quality offerings from competitors had 2x-3x optical zoom, but were in the $200-250 price range.
While I returned the Digimax in favor of an open box Olympus Stylus Verve (due to the fact that the Verve had 2x optical zoom and was only $15 more), I felt that my experience with the Samsung was a sign that they're going to become a true competitor in the digicam market.
If the i6 is priced right, I'd definitely consider an upgrade.
My prediction for 2006: Kodak and Samsung will make a noteworthy showing in the digicam market.