Digital Camera News and Reviews

Samsung ST30

Samsung has announced that they will release an entry level compact camera in March that will feature a metal body. The camera is called Samsung ST30 and comes with over 10 megapixels and 3x optical zoom.

Some key features for the Samsung ST30:
-10.1 megapixel image snesor
-3x optical zoom lens (28-84mm)
-Digital image stabilization
-4x digital zoom
-Smart Auto focus
-Metal body

The Samsung ST30 camera will be on the market in March 2011 and cost about $100.

Press release:
Samsung Creates the ST30, the Ultra-Portable Camera for Great Shots Everywhere

Samsung innovation creates slim line and ultra-compact design to suit every occasion

SEOUL, Korea – January 19, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the new ultra compact camera, the ST30. The latest launch reinforces Samsung’s position as a global leader in design-led innovation to meet the needs of customers. The attractive and ultra compact model incorporates leading technology benefits, to capture great images wherever you go.

The ST30’s tiny size and compact design means it’s the perfect camera to drop into your handbag, or tuck away in your jeans pocket. With the ST30’s compact size, about the size of an average mobile phone, it’s the ideal camera to use when heading out to the latest party or to catch-up with friends. The ST30 features a unique design finished with a high quality metal body and whatever the color of your party outfit, the ST30 has a color to match it.

The ST30 provides great value by bringing together an attractive design with a set of market-leading features, providing great images on the move. The ultra compact model really packs a punch, with Smart Auto focus, an internal battery charging system, a 28mm lens and 3x power optical zoom, all contained within the camera’s fun-sized body. The additional image stabilization provides real value to your camera experience, preventing even the tiniest shake, resulting in sharp images no matter what your environment. The lens capabilities mean users can get more fun party moments in the frame while delivering a deeper perspective and the advanced 10.1-megapixel sensor provides sharp, crisp detail to make your images stand out from the crowd. The Smart Auto focus means the camera automatically captures the perfect shot, so you never miss an important moment during any social gathering.

“We know that not everyone wants a typically sized compact camera, and the ST30’s ultra compact body means you can make the camera experience a part of every aspect of your life, with a color to match every mood,” said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “The ST30’s tiny size means it is the ultimate in portability and can fit in small bags and be taken anywhere. It is further evidence of our commitment to be at the forefront of creating cameras which are not only fashionable and fun but deliver a high level of usability and image quality.”

Technology to prevent camera shakes
Whether you’re trying to get to the dance floor or capturing friends on the move, the ST30’s Digital Image Stabilization system stops even the tiniest tremble and enables user to take clear and sharp photos every time.

The perfect portrait at your fingertips through advanced face detection technology
The ST30 helps assure perfect images are captured, with innovative face detection technology, Red-eye fix and even next generation technology that detects facial blinking, so whether it’s bright disco lights or sunshine you can ensure eyes are open and ready for the perfect shot. The ST30 also evens out skin tones, erases blemishes and removes dark circles, so you can control the quality of your appearance in any situation.

Image Sensor 1/3″ CCD
10 Megapixel
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 on시)
– 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 28mm Wide 3x Zoom Lens
Image Stabilization DIS Digital Image Stabilization
Dimensions 82.0×51.9×16.9mm
Additional features • Smart Auto
• Perfect Portrait System
• (Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, Beauty Shot, Self Portrait)
• Smart Album
• Function Description
• Photo Style Selector

Pricing and Availability $99.99 – Available in March

Samsung ST6500

Samsung has announced a new digital compact camera with a little different design. The camera is called Samsung ST6500 and has a curved design that is supposed to give you a better grip. The camera also comes with plenty of megapixels, touchscreen and wideangle zoom lens starting at 26mm.

Some key features for the Samsung ST6500:
-16 megapixel image sensor
-5x optical zoom lens (26-130mm)
-5x digital zoom
-3″ LCD touchscreen
-Optical and digital image stabilization

The Samsung ST6500 will be out on the market in March 2011 and cost about $230.

Press release:
Samsung Continues to Lead the Way in Design Innovation With the Stylish New ST6500

Create perfect images through stylish and elegant design

SEOUL, Korea – January 19, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced the latest addition to its design-led camera portfolio, the ST6500, reinforcing the company’s position as a global leader in digital imaging innovation and a pioneer of stylish design and ergonomic usability. The launch follows the success of Samsung’s recent cameras such as the ST5000 which showcased a fluid and sleek design approach.

The ST6500 incorporates the latest angled design, with the camera’s body curved around the lens and angled at 7 degrees to make for a more ergonomic fit in the hand, an innovative step away from the conventionally designed models available in the market. The overall design helps ensure that creative images are perfectly captured, as the camera fits effortlessly in the user’s hand, giving increased usability and complementing the high-quality finish with a smooth, fluid curve. The high-performing, stylish design means the ST6500 is the camera that lets you make a style statement at the latest party or social event.

The ST6500 also comes equipped with a high-quality 16-megapixel sensor, to guarantee crisp and clear images, alongside the powerful 5x zoom lens set within the camera’s slim, stylish and light body. The ST6500 also reaches new levels of interaction with the consumer, through a new Smart Touch 3.0 User Interface which works with the wide 3.0” multi-purpose LCD touch screen, so users can quickly access, manage and use key features to capture their creative moments. To help confirm the latest group shot of friends and those important social gatherings are captured perfectly every time, the intelligent Smart Auto feature automatically adjusts the camera’s settings to prepare you to capture the perfect image.

“Today’s launch further establishes Samsung’s position of leadership, setting the benchmark for the latest high performing camera designs,” said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “It is an important landmark for Samsung, reinforcing our position as a leading innovator in the digital camera market and showing our belief in design-led innovation. The ST6500 offers not only luxurious design and the best imaging technology, but also demonstrates our commitment to our customers, by producing user-driven innovation in the form of ergonomic style and easy-to-use functions. The ST6500 is a unique offering to the market, and a welcome change for an industry that is dominated by straight lines.”

Pioneering HD movie recording
Alongside its 5x optical zoom, the ST6500 also features a 26mm wide angle lens; enabling users to capture wide and deep perspective images. The camera also boasts the latest 720p HD Movie settings with additional voice recording, along with HD Shooting and HD Playback, so you never miss any of the action. These smart features not only provide the best quality images but ensure style driven photographers discover the fun of photo and video capturing. The slim and sleek design is also available in a variety of colors to meet every customer’s style requirements and individual tastes.

Maximizing creativity through smart technology
The ST6500 ensures consumers can create unique photos with the built-in image editing and creative shooting tool suite. The camera also includes the Magic Frame capability, made up of 12 predefined templates with multiple background properties to create fun, stylish and unique images formatted as postcards and posters. The advanced Smart Filter 2.0 allows enhanced video filtering features, with several professional color options, so users can create truly innovative videos. Since standard videos in ordinary colors tend to be uninspiring, the ST6500 ensures that the Smart feature set maximizes your creativity and ensures you discover the fun of shooting.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Casio EX-Z800

Photography Blog has tested a cheap compact camera from Casio called Casio EX-Z800. Even though it comes with a low price tag it has some nice features such as over 14 megapixels, image stabilization and the ability to record HD movies.

Some key features for the Casio EX-Z800:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-4x optical zoom lens (27-108m)
-Image stabilization
-2.7″ LCD screen
-720p HD movies

Photography Blog ends up giving the Casio camera a “Recommended” rating with an overall score of 4 out of 5 possible stars. The Z800 scores highest on value for your money, a little lower on design and lowest on image quality, features and ease of use. The camera has several good aspects and you get a lot for the buck, but the image quality could have been better. Let us hope Casio works on this with their next camera in this line.
Read the full review of the Casio EX-Z800 digital camera here.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99

Photography Blog has reviewed a slim compact camera with a large touchscreen made by Sony. The camera, called Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99, has over 14 megapixels and a wideangle zoom lens starting at 25mm.

Some key features for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99:
-14.1 megapixel image sensor
-3″ touchscreen LCD
-4x optical zoom (25-100mm)
-4x digital zoom
-Optical image stabilization
-ISO sensitivity 80-3200
-HD movie recording
-Uses Memory Stick Duo, SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards

Photography Blog ends up giving the DSC-T99 an “Above Average” rating with a total score of 3.5 stars out of 5. The Sony camera scores highest on value for your money, design and ease of use while it scores lower on features and image quality. The price is good for this camera, but if you spend a little more you can get cameras with more features and better image quality.
Read the full review of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T99 digital camera here.