Samsung Malaysia Launches A Slew Of Digital Cameras

This afternoon, Samsung Malaysia launched a whole army (OK, small army!) of its latest digital cameras, with particular focus on two models:

1. ST 2View dual LCD camera series, specifically the ST500 and ST550.
2. ST “always connected” series, specifically the ST1000.

The press release (see below) also contains information on the other new Samsung digicams as well as the suggested retail pricing and availability.  Here’s some brief information about the ST500 and ST550:

• dual LCD screened cameras – one in the front to take self-portrait shots and timer shots, one at the back.
• 12.2 megapixel, 27mm wide angle, 4.6x optical zoom.
• touchscreen, high resolution screens (ST550).
• capable of recording high definition 720pixel video using the H264 codec; HDMI port.
• smart gesture user interface – swipe to browse pictures, draw an “X” to delete pictures, tilt the camera for slideshow.
• touch anywhere on screen to focus.

The ST1000 is a “connected” camera, to help us become more “socially connected” and to share our life experiences on the go.  Features:

• Bluetooth for picture transfer to another BT compatible device.
• WiFi to connect to hotspots to instantly upload your photos.
• geotagging using the built-in GPS to tag your pictures with the location where it was taken.
• DLNA – Digital Living Network Alliance – wirelessly connect to other DLNA certified devices such as monitors to display photos.

Pricing and availability

The ST500/550 will retail at RM 999 and RM 1,249 respectively, available at the end of September.  The ST550 is available in orange, gold and purple, while the ST500 is available in silver, red and blue.

The ST1000 will cost RM 1,499 and is available from early October.  It is available in silver, black, red and blue.

Drop me a comment if you’d like a product fact sheet for the ST500/550 and the ST1000.

Here are some pictures I took at the event.  Sorry, it was super crowded and I didn’t feel like fighting with everyone for a shot, so there aren’t many shots!

Press release:

SAMSUNG LEADS THE WAY IN DIGITAL CAMERA EVOLUTION WITH SAMSUNG 2View SMART CAMERAS

Company also unveils new compact cameras designed to deliver richer and more exciting digital imaging experiences in comprehensive second-half year lineup

Kuala Lumpur, 8 September 2009 – Samsung Malaysia Electronics Sdn Bhd (SME) today announced its range of ten new digital cameras for the Malaysian market in the second half of 2009. The company also reinforced its position as the leading innovator in the digital camera market, setting a new benchmark with the introduction of 2View digital smart cameras, which incorporate dual LCD touch-sensitive screens for an entirely fun way of taking pictures.

“Samsung has once again raised the bar in digital imaging by bringing an entirely new perspective to the experience of photo-taking with 2View smart cameras,” said Mr. Yoon Ki Heung, Managing Director, SME. The ST550 and ST500 make up the flagship Samsung 2View range.

“Samsung is committed to leveraging our technological and design leadership to create new categories, markets and demand, constantly monitoring consumers’ evolving needs to develop innovative products that enhance their digital lifestyles,” continued Mr. Yoon. “We listened to the needs of our customers, and introduced this innovative feature to address this new trend where the photographer is also the subject of his photograph.”

With subscription and usage of social networking sites and file sharing services on the uptake, another recent consumer trend is the sharing of photo and video content on such sites. One from Samsung’s latest lineup includes the ST1000 digital camera with its incredible connectivity through Wi-Fi, built-in geo-tagging and Bluetooth 2.0, providing consumers the perfect device for such a purpose.

Samsung’s range of point-and-shoot digital cameras announced today includes:

• 2View ST550/ST500: The 2View ST550 and ST500 are the latest Samsung compact digital cameras which feature dual LCD touch-sensitive screens. With one 1.5 inch LCD screen on the front of the camera, and a second one on the back of the camera, Samsung now gives consumers the ability to truly step out from behind the camera and put themselves in the picture. A 12.2 mega-pixel CCD and 27mm wide-angle Schneider-KREUZNACH lens with 4.6x optical zoom gives a wider shooting range from a shorter distance for more expressive images. Haptic feedback for the two screens and innovative technologies such as Smart Gesture User Interface and Smart Auto make it easy for consumers to operate the camera. The 2View ST550/ST500 will be available from end September in Malaysia at a recommended retail price of RM1,249 and RM999 respectively.

• ST1000: The ST1000 features built-in geo-tagging, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi connectivity and DLNA compatibility for quick and easy sharing of photos and videos wirelessly while on-the-move. Encased in a sleek compact frame, the ST1000 is a great way to keep your network of friends and family in the know.  The ST1000 will be available in early October at a recommended retail price of RM1,499.

• PL51: The PL51 features a 10.2 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, Digital Imaging Stabilization (DIS) and a 2.7” 230K Intelligent LCD screen. The PL51 incorporates Samsung’s smart technologies such as Smart Auto for scene selection, Smart Album for easy management of files, Beauty Shot, Frame Guide, Face Detection and Self-Portrait. Users can also record MJPEG movies via the Movie Mode. The PL51 will be available from 15 September 2009 at a recommended retail price of RM549.

• PL55: The PL55 features a 12.2 megapixel, 5x optical zoom, Digital Imaging Stabilization (DIS) and a 2.7” 230K Intelligent LCD screen. The PL55 incorporates Samsung’s smart technologies such as Smart Auto for scene selection, Smart Album for easy management of files, Beauty Shot, Frame Guide, Face Detection and Self-Portrait. The PL55 will be available from 15 September 2009 at a recommended retail price of RM599.

• PL70: The PL70‘s Smart Auto shooting mode automatically chooses from one of the cameras’ 11 scene modes to produce the best possible image, while the Smart Album feature allows users to easily search for a specific image they have saved on their memory card based on specific criteria such as the date or week the image was taken, the overall color tone, portraits or specific file types, including photos, videos, or voice memos. The PL70’s advanced Face Recognition technology automatically stores up to 10 preferred faces to the cameras’ internal memory, identifying them as a priority for focus and exposure. The PL70 will be available from 15 September 2009 with a recommended retail price of RM799.

• ES17: The ES17 is an affordable yet full-feature camera that boasts a 12.2 mega-pixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, Digital Imaging Stabilization (DIS) and a 2.5 inch 230K Intelligent LCD screen. The ES17 also incorporates Samsung’s smart technologies such as Smart Auto for scene selection, Smart Album for easy management of files, Beauty Shot, Frame Guide, Face Detection and Self-Portrait. Users can also record MJPEG movies via the Movie Mode. It uses AA batteries. The ES17 will be available from 15 September 2009 at a recommended retail price of RM399.

• ES60: Using lithium ion battery, the workhorse ES60 digital camera features a 12.2 mega-pixel CCD, 3x optical zoom, Digital Imaging Stabilization (DIS) and a 2.5” 230K Intelligent LCD screen. It also incorporates Samsung’s smart technologies such as Smart Auto for scene selection, Smart Album for easy management of files, Beauty Shot, Frame Guide, Face Detection and Self-Portrait. Users can also record MJPEG movies via the Movie Mode. The ES60 will be available from 15 September 2009 at a recommended retail price of RM499.

• WB5000 – 12.5-megapixel WB5000 is outfitted with the most powerful lens ever offered on a Samsung compact digital camera. The WB5000’s high-performance Schneider-KREUZNACH lens offers an impressive 24x optical zoom with a 26mm wide-angle focal length (35mm film equivalent focal range of 26mm-624mm), which can be used for shooting high-quality digital still images as well as recording 720p HD video in H.264 format. It is available from October 2009.

• WB1000 - 12-megapixel WB1000 packs an ultra‑wide angle 24mm Schneider lens and 5x optical zoom. With an impressive three inch AMOLED screen, the largest on a digital camera, the WB1000 displays images that can be reviewed at any angle, while fully maintaining the same color gamut. In addition, the camera offers advanced high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity. It is available from October 2009.

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