Samsung fleshes out new digicam line with TL9, SL310W and SL201

While there's no doubt that the well-endowed TL34HD was Sammy's pride and joy here today, the firm still has three others to round out its 2H 2008 digicam family. The TL9 point-and-shoot features a 10-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD monitor and an SVGA movie mode, while the SL201 gets a 10.2-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom and most of the same fringe benefits. Holding it down in the rear is the 13.6-megapixel SL310W, which packs a 28mm wide-angle lens, 3.6x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD and lots more of the standard fare. Look for these to land this September for $279.95, $169.95 and $229.95 in order of mention. Full release waiting after the cut.

Gallery: Samsung fleshes out new digicam line with TL9, SL310W and SL201

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SAMSUNG UNVEILS 2008 SECOND-HALF DIGITAL CAMERA LINE UP

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., July 16, 2008 – Samsung today unveiled its 2008 second-half digital camera line up with the launch of four new models – the TL34HD, TL9, SL310W and SL201. Joining the company's growing array of advanced digital imaging solutions, these four new digital cameras bring new technologies to the industry and will be on retail shelves nationwide in time for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

TL34HD
Boasting an impressive resolution of 14.7 megapixels and renowned Schneider lens yielding a 28mm wide-angle focal length with 3.6x optical zoom, the TL34HD promises sharp, clear and detailed images with every shot. The most advanced point-and-shoot digital camera in Samsung's history, the TL34HD builds upon the success of its predecessor, the NV24HD, with the ability to capture high-definition video at a resolution of 720P along with Dual Image Stabilization.

Featuring an all-metal build, the TL34HD is pocket-sized with dimensions of 3.68" x 2.34" x 0.80". Available in all-black, or silver with a red accent adding to the camera's elegance, the TL34HD takes camera design to a new level. Although compact, a large three inch touch-screen hVGA LCD dominates the back of the camera and is sure to turn heads no matter where the TL34HD may be used.

The TL34HD also pioneers Samsung's next generation Smart Touch 2.0 user interface, which further simplifies the way users navigate through the camera's comprehensive feature set. By incorporating touch-screen technology, users can now select and control various camera functions by interacting with the TL34HD's large three-inch touch screen LCD. Not only does this enhance the experience for the shooter and the operation of the Smart Touch interface, but it also provides for a much sleeker and attractive design.

TL9
Samsung's TL9 is an ultra compact, 10.0 megapixel digital camera highlighted by a large 2.7 inch LCD, internal 5x optical zoom as well as Dual Image Stabilization. The latest digital camera in Samsung's digital camera arsenal to feature MP3 and PMP capability, the TL9 sets itself apart from the crowd as a multimedia powerhouse.

The TL9 is encased in a silver, metal body, measuring 3.74" x 2.36" x 0.84", and incorporates a unique design element which graces the top of the camera's body - dual analog gauges. The small gauges, located next to the power button, display remaining battery life and memory capacity in a way that's easy for the shooter to access while on the go. Thanks to the enhanced sensitivity of the TL9's CCD sensor, which features a maximum ISO of 1600, and the camera's Dual Image Stabilization, users can rest assured that they'll be able to capture images in low-light situations, especially when the use of a flash is not desired.

Shooters can also benefit from a comprehensive suite of automatic controls designed to help them capture better images, specifically portraits and group shots of family and friends. The TL9's Face Detection technology makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap, as it detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Furthermore, Smile Shot automatically triggers the TL9 to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects' faces, and Blink Detection will prevent a photo from being taken if the camera recognizes that a subject's eyes are closed – a useful feature as it's often difficult to distinguish closed eyes when composing a shot on an LCD screen.

SL310W
Ideal for the step-up shooter, the SL310W is highlighted by features commonly found on higher-end, more expensive digital cameras, including an impressive resolution of 13.6 megapixels, Dual Image Stabilization, 2.7 inch LCD, and a 3.6x, 28mm wide-angle optical zoom lens which significantly improves the user's ability to photograph more of a desired scene.

Unlike a standard 35mm lens which is commonly found on compact digital cameras, the SL310W's 28mm wide-angle lens gives consumers the ability to expand their creativity and take even more moving and emotional images. Ideal for a variety of scenarios, users can easily leverage the increased viewing angle of the SL310W's wide-angle lens, especially when shooting landscapes or groups of family or friends.

The SL310W offers a number of user-friendly features, including 11 scene modes, auto red eye fix and MPEG-4 video recording. The camera also features Self Portrait, Face Detection, Blink Detection, and Smile Shot technology, all which help enhance the digital imaging experience for the shooter.

The SL310W also offers Function Description and a Photo Help Guide. Function Description automatically provides a brief and easy to understand description of each setting when scrolling through the camera's menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. The camera's Photo Help Guide is another intuitive component incorporated into the digital camera. Photo Help Guide offers the end-user a guided tour of how to take better images as well as easy-to-follow tips instructing them how to obtain excellent results.

SL201
The Samsung SL201 is an ultra-slim, compact point-and-shoot digital camera featuring a resolution of 10.2 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens and large 2.7-inch intelligent LCD which will automatically brighten or dim based on available lighting.
For added versatility, the new SL201 features Face Detection, Self Portrait, and Digital Image Stabilization technology. Face Detection makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap as it automatically detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Self Portrait mode is a unique function that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. When in Self Portrait mode, the SL201 automatically detects the user's face, adjusts focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame. Samsung's improved Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) helps the user capture blur-free images.

With 11 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Children, Landscape, Text, Close Up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, and Beach & Snow, shooters can effortlessly adjust the camera to capture the most superb image possible in any setting. Additionally, the SL201 features Function Description and a Photo Help Guide. Function Description provides a brief and easy-to-understand description of each setting when scrolling through the camera's menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. The Photo Help Guide is another intuitive component incorporated into the digital camera. It offers the end-user a guided tour of how to take better images as well as easy-to-follow tips instructing them how to obtain excellent results.

Specifications

TL9
Mega-Pixels	10.0
Optical Zoom	5x
LCD Size	2.7" Intelligent LCD
Shutter Speed	2 ~ 1/2,000 sec. (Night : 15 ~ 1/2,000 sec.)
ISO	Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Movie Mode	SVGA @ 20fps & VGA @ 30fps
Memory Card	SD/SDHC (Up to 8GB)
Special Features	- Multimedia Capability - MP3/PMP with SRS Sound Effect - DCM Support (Digital Contents Management) - Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital) - Face Detection AF & AE - Smile Shot, Blink Detection - Recycle Bin

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
The Samsung TL9 will be available in September 2008 at an MSRP of $279.95

Specifications

Mega-Pixels	13.6
Optical Zoom	3.6x 28 mm Wide
LCD Size	2.7" Intelligent LCD
Shutter Speed	Auto: 1 ~ 1/1,500 sec. Manual: 8 ~ 1/1,500 sec.
ISO	Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Movie Mode	MPEG-4
Memory Card	SD/SDHC (up to 8GB)
Special Features	- 13.6MP - 28mm Wide-Angle Lens - Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital) - 11 Scene Modes - Self Portrait, Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection - Auto Red Eye Fix - MPEG-4 Movie Recording - Movie Editing and Zoom During Movie - Function Description, Photo Help Guide - Li-ion Battery

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
The Samsung SL310W will be available in September 2008 at an MSRP of $229.95.

Specifications

SL201
Megapixels	10.2
Optical Zoom	3.0
LCD Size	2.7" Intelligent LCD
Shutter Speed	Auto: 1 ~ 1/1,500 sec. Manual: 8 ~ 1/1,500 sec.
ISO	Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Memory Card	SD/SDHC (up to 8GB)
Special Features	- 11 Scene Modes - Face Detection AF & AE - Auto Red Eye Fix - Multi Slide Show - Function Description, Photo Help Guide - Self Portrait Mode - Digital Image Stabilization - Li-ion Battery - Slim Design

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
The Samsung SL201 will be available in September 2008 at an MSRP of $169.95.

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, digital consumer electronics and home appliance products, including HDTVs, home theater systems, MP3 players, digital imaging products, refrigerators and washing machines. A recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology, Samsung is the HDTV market leader in the U.S. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
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[SuperSexyErik @ Jul 16th 2008 4:23AM]

my revolutionary new iPhone 3g takes pictures too.

it's amazing

[Paul Dullford @ Jul 16th 2008 8:16AM]

Not 10 megapixels, though. I can point out major fail points in the iPhone's camera that prevent it from being significantly useful. No photo editing capabilities (not even cropping), video recording, flash, advanced settings (W/B, manual focus etc.), optical or digital zoom, and so on. Besides, with such a small camera, the image sensor just wouldn't be good enough to function nicely. 2 megapixels "resolution" is formidable, but eventually it is the quality of the image sensor that determines the quality of the image.

[alex @ Jul 16th 2008 4:26AM]

Where's the lens?

ohhhh.. you mean that view finder looking thing IS the lens?

It looks so flat and bland with that big flat bland space in the front middle.

[alex @ Jul 16th 2008 4:29AM]

Sorry, but doesn't your phone cam have a pinhole camera? May be ok for a snapshot for facebook, but not for any serious pics.

[Ricky @ Jul 16th 2008 4:41AM]

the word "fleshes" in the headline stood out to me.. am i the only one?

[Gordon Page @ Jul 16th 2008 5:07AM]

What resolution will the mpeg4 (video) be on these cameras? specifically the SL310W?

[Melay @ Jul 16th 2008 5:44AM]

anyone noticed the SWEET analog gauges?

[Nico @ Jul 16th 2008 10:58AM]

yes, in fact i only would buy it for that

[Tony C @ Jul 16th 2008 12:01PM]

I was surprised it took so long for someone to comment on them! They look like a teeny tiny car dash cluster!! LOL

[Metkis @ Jul 16th 2008 5:13PM]

They look awesome... this is my next buy after my NV3 gives up working.

[Blofels @ Jul 16th 2008 5:47AM]

is the mega-pix count on these compacts comparable to those on a Nikon or Canon SLR ?
....is the image quality going to be a lot better on a Nikon with a 10megapix count (simply because the lens is better) vs. this little Samsung with a 10megapix count? Or roughly the same ??

[neofolklore @ Jul 16th 2008 9:23AM]

At ISO 400 in proper light conditions at normal focus (ie nothing more in focus than the other) AND AFTER YOU RESIZE IT BACK DOWN TO VGA Resolution 640X480 FOR MYSPACE AND FACEBOOK, they'll look the same.

the advantage of the SLR's is that they have interchangeable lenses that allow you to change the aperture and f-stops and stuff, letting you put some things in focus and other things out of focus. They use ALOT MORE Optical Zoom over digital zoom.

5x optical zoom is ideal for point and shoot digital cameras, you'll appreciate that over 3x.

Also, outside of ISO 400 and proper light conditions, the SLR's will handle noise better, as in, they'll have less of it.

[m16 @ Jul 16th 2008 7:11AM]

"Samsung Lens"....yay...er not

[albi @ Jul 16th 2008 8:51AM]

ugly.....

[Brandon - GravityDesignStudios.com @ Jul 16th 2008 2:04PM]

It's nice to see the 5x optical zoom. My biggest complaint with the small cameras is the lack of zoom which generally seems to be the difference of getting a great composition or not. Most of the smaller cams on the market have 3x.

I'm not sold on the digital zoom quality.

[paper_wastage @ Jul 16th 2008 9:46PM]

i really dislike the TL9 design of in-body lens zooming

yes, u gain the compact body and non-extrusive lens, probably saving battery(retracting/pushing out lens)....but i bet it probably starts at 38mm, like the casio exilim v7/8(seeing that the TL9 doesnt have any gloating about 28mm while the other two cameras do)

once u go to 28mm (like SL310W and SL201), u'll never want to go back above 28mm...

[matthew @ Jul 17th 2008 1:34PM]

The other thing about SLR's is the sensor size isn't as small... point and shoot cameras have a APS-C sized sensor and SLR's have one that's about twice the size... so there's not really a comparison... a 10 mega pixel SLR would be equivalent to a 14 mega pixel point and shoot... but samsung generally make pretty good camera's... they're NV11 was pretty sweet!!