Panasonic has outed pricing information for its 2011 camera range, including the much-anticipated LUMIX GF2. The Micro Four Thirds camera will drop in the US later this month – in a choice of black, silver, red or white – with a body-only price of $499.95. Alternatively, it’ll be offered with the 14-42mm lens at $599.95, or with the 14mm pancake Prime lens at $699.95.
The GF2 is compatible with Panasonic’s 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm/F12, which be $249.95 on its own. Meanwhile there’s also pricing for the full camcorder and point-and-shoot digital camera ranges announced at CES 2011, which you can find in the press releases below.
Press Release:
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR NEW LUMIX GF2, THE COMPANY’S SMALLEST AND LIGHTEST DIGITAL INTERCHANGABLE LENS SYSTEM CAMERA WITH FLASH
Panasonic LUMIX GF2 Digital Camera Available in Mid- February 2011
SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for the LUMIX GF2 – the latest addition to the company’s compact system camera (CSC) lineup. The LUMIX DMC-GF2 will be available in mid-February 2011 and will come in black, silver, red, and white models. The LUMIX GF2 (body-only) will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $499.95.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF2 is Panasonic’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens system camera – complete with a built-in flash. The LUMIX GF2 is compatible with lenses from the Micro Four Thirds standard, meaning the system is small and compact, while not compromising ease of operation or image quality. The LUMIX GF2 is also compatible with Panasonic’s new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12, so users can take their own 3D photos anywhere.
The LUMIX GF2K (14-42mm) lens will have an SRP of $599.95 while the GF2C (14mm) lens will have an SRP of $699.95. Also available is Panasonic’s new 3D interchangeable lens, the LUMIX G 12.5mm/F12, which will have an SRP of $249.95.
For more information on the Panasonic LUMIX GF2 and all its accessories, please visit: www.panasonic.com/lumix.
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR 2011 LINE OF CAMCORDERS, INCLUDING 3D-CAPABLE, FULL HD MODELS
SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for its 2011 line of full-High Definition (HD) 3MOS models, the HDC-TM900, HDC-HS900 and HDC-SD800; as well as its Full-High Definition 1MOS models, the HDC-TM90, HDC-SD90, HDC-TM80, HDC-HS80, HDC-SD80, HDC-SD40 and HDC-TM40; and the standard definition models, HDC-H100, HDC-T70 and HDC-S70. All 13 models, in addition to a new optional 3D conversion lens (VW-CLT1), will be available in March 2011.
The Panasonic Full-HD camcorders will be available for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $1,399.95 for the HDC-HS900; $1099.99 for the HDC-TM900 and $849.99 for the HDC-SD800. The new Full-HD camcorders feature 1920 x 1080 resolution with 1080/60p recording to create crisp, detailed videos, and can also shoot 3D videos when used with Panasonic’s optional 3D conversion lens (VW-CLT1). The 3D conversion lens has an SRP of $349.99 and can capture vivid 3D imagery, which can be played back on a Panasonic VIERA 3D TV* or AVCHD-compatible player/recorder. The HDC-TM900 and HDC-HS900 both feature a manual ring for increased creativity, a 20x zoom and an intuitive 3.5” touch-screen LCD. All three models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM900 has 32GB** of internal memory and the HDC-HS900 has a hard disk drive that holds up to 220GB.
Panasonic’s Full-HD camcorders with a 1MOS sensor will have SRPs of $599.99 for the HDC-TM90 and HDC-HS80; $549.99 for the HDC-SD90; $499.99 for the HDC-TM80; $449.95 for the HDC-SD80; $399.99 for the HDC-TM40 and $349.99 for the HDC-SD40. These camcorders have 1920 x 1080 resolution with wide-angle lenses. The HDC-TM90 and HDC-SD90 are capable of shooting Full-HD video with 1080/60p recording and can also record 3D video with the optional 3D conversion lens. The HDC-TM80 and HDC-HS80 both feature exceptional zooming power with a 42x Intelligent Zoom. The HDC-TM40 and HDC-SD40 are Panasonic’s lightest Full-HD camcorders, weighing approximately 0.39lbs. All seven models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the HDC-TM90, HDC-TM80 and HDC-TM50 also have 16GB of internal memory, and the HDC-HS80 has a 120GB hard disk drive.
Panasonic’s standard definition cameras will have SRPs of $349.99 for the SDR-H100; $269.99 for the SDR-T70 and $249.99 for the SDR-S70. These camcorders pack advanced features including a 33mm wide-angle*** and a powerful Enhanced Optical Zoom of 78x. Like the HD camcorder models, all three models can record to SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Cards, while the SDR-H100 has an 80GB hard disk drive and the SDR-T70 has 4GB of built-in memory.
For more information on all Panasonic camcorder models, please visit www.panasonic.com/dvc.
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR LUMIX POINT-AND-SHOOT MODELS INTRODUCED AT 2011 CES
SECAUCUS, NJ (February 1, 2011) – Panasonic today announces pricing for the eight LUMIX digital camera models the company introduced last month at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show, which includes the LUMIX DMC-PF7, LUMIX DMC-FP5, the LUMIX DMC-FH27, LUMIX DMC-FH25, LUMIX DMC-FH5, LUMIX DMC-FH2, LUMIX DMC-S3, and the LUMIX DMC-S1. All eight digital camera models, available in March 2011, feature Optical Image Stabilization, High Definition video recording capabilities and Panasonic’s iA mode, which makes them extremely easy-to-use to help take high-quality photos.
Panasonic’s ultra-slim LUMIX and fashionable FP-Series will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $229.99 for the LUMIX FP7 and $199.99 for the LUMIX FP5. Both models maintain their slim profiles by incorporating an ultra-thin 4x optical zoom lens with folded optics. The LUMIX FP7 features a new 3.5-inch 16:9 touch-screen LCD.
The Panasonic LUMIX FH-Series are sleek and stylish digital cameras that feature a 28mm-wide-angle lenses. The LUMIX FH27 has a 3-inch touch-screen LCD with an SRP of $229.99 while the LUMIX FH25 has an SRP of $199.99. Both the LUMIX FH27 and LUMIX FH25 also feature an 8x optical zoom. The 16.1-megapixel LUMIX FH5 (SRP: $149.99) and the 14.1-megapixel LUMIX FH2 (SRP $139.99) feature a 4x optical zoom with a new retractable lens.
Finally, the company’s entry-level digital camera models, the LUMIX S-Series, are extremely easy to use, making them ideal for consumers wanting an extremely intuitive experience. The 14.1-megapixel LUMIX S3 has an SRP of $129.99 and the 12.1-megapixel LUMIX S1 has an SRP of $119.99. Both models have a 28mm* wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens.
Renesas has outed its latest high-resolution cameraphone CMOS sensor SoC, capable of processing 16-megapixel image capture and Full HD video recording on a smartphone or mobile device. The Renesas CE150 supports image stabilization, smile detection and object tracking, as well as 15fps shooting of 13-megapixel stills.
The company expects the CE150 to go into mass production in March, with manufacturer samples already available now. No word on which manufacturers might be signing up, but hopefully they’ll do the sensible thing and pair the Renesas sensor – and the high-res CMOS it will work with – with some decent optics as well.
Update: We originally reported the CE150 as a CMOS, whereas it’s in fact an ARM-based SoC for use as a camera engine. Thanks to James for the clarification!
Ricoh isn’t a name that I think of when it comes to digital cameras; they are a copier company to me. Ricoh does offer some interesting digital cameras though and the company has expanded its line today with the unveiling of the new CX5 digital camera.
The CX5 has a wide-angle lens and a 10.7x optical zoom that is equivalent to 28-300mm. The camera also has a fast autofocus speed thanks to the new hybrid AF system that Ricoh uses. The autofocus times are as low as 0.2 seconds for wide angle and telephoto shots. That is about half the time that the previous generation CX4 needed to focus.
The CX5 has a 10MP image sensor and has a super-zoom mode that is like 600mm zoom. I would assume that super-zoom mode is a digital zoom. The rear LCD is 3-inches wide and the camera has a plethora of automatic modes and scene selections for making easy photos. The large rear LCD is also very high resolution with 920K dots. Pricing and availability are unknown.
Panasonic‘s rugged TS3 and Full HD ZS10 and ZS8 digicams aren’t the only new models from the company today; there’s also the ultracompact Panasonic LUMIX FX78. Built around a 24mm ultra-wide angle Leica lens with a 5x optical zoom and a 12.1-megapixel sensor, the FX78 is controlled via a 3.5-inch touchscreen display and supports Panasonic’s 3D Photo mode.
Despite only having a single lens, 3D Photo creates 3D stills by taking 20 consecutive photos and overlaying the two best to create an image that can then be played on a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV. There’s also Full HD video recording and optical image stabilization.
Various in-camera editing and retouching options round out the main specs; more details in the press release below. The Panasonic LUMIX FX78 will go on sale in March 2011 in black, gold and white; pricing will be confirmed closer to the time.
Press Release:
PANASONIC INTRODUCES STYLISH AND ULTRA-COMPACT LUMIX FX78 DIGITAL CAMERA WITH FULL-HD VIDEO CAPABILITIES
The LUMIX FX78 Features a F2.5 Super-Bright 24mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Leica Lens for Superb Photo and Video Quality and a Large 3.5-inch Smart Touch LCD for Intuitive Operation
SECAUCUS, NJ (January 25, 2011) – Panasonic today expands its LUMIX FX-Series of stylish and compact digital cameras, with the LUMIX FX78, which features a new Smart Touch operation on the large 3.5-inch 16:9 aspect LCD, allowing for intuitive touch operation, including Touch AF, Touch Zoom, Touch Shutter, and Touch Playback. The LUMIX FX78 also incorporates a new LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMARIT, 24mm ultra-wide angle lens that has a 5x optical zoom with F2.5 aperture. The 24mm wide-angle lens offers approximately 213% larger viewing space when compared to a traditional 35mm camera. This high-performing lens has been designed to fit the slim body while still offering exceptional photo and video quality. With its wide and bright lens, the LUMIX FX78 excels when shooting dynamic landscapes and in low-lit situations.
The LUMIX FX78’s Smart Touch Screen allows for the Auto Focus (AF) to be set by simply touching the subject on the LCD and a touch can even release the shutter. Once locked on the subject, the LUMIX FX78 tracks the subject with the AF tracking function even if it moves. With the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, the FX78 automatically switches to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched. For example, a touch on a human face switches to the portrait mode, and a touch on the background or a landscape changes to the Scenery mode, while a touch on the subject close in the foreground changes to Macro mode. All menu settings are now available with touch control. The touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting, but also in playback, allowing the user to drag the images across the screen with a finger and browse the collection of photos as though flipping the pages of the book.
“With its super-bright and wide-angle lens, the LUMIX FX78 is a high-performing digital camera that excels in image quality, producing exceptional full-HD videos and still photos,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the new touch-screen operation, the FX78 is intuitive to use and allows the user to take a photo, track a subject and even touch-up a face with just the touch of the finger.”
The LUMIX FX78 also features the Panasonic 3D Photo mode, which produces a realistic 3D photo by taking 20 consecutive photos and overlaying the two best to create a 3D image that can then be played on a Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV. The format of 3D images is compatible with MPO, and can also be played back on other MPO-compatible equipment such as a televisions, digital photo frames and printers. Panasonic also adds the LUMIX Image Uploader, for seamless and instant sharing via Facebook (for digital photos) or YouTube (for videos). Users can checkmark the photo or video files they want to share, connect the camera to a PC with the included USB cable or by inserting the SD Memory Card directly into the PC’s SD Card slot, and then the uploading automatically launches with an easy-to-follow menu option.
Incorporating a newly developed 12.1-megapixel Hi-Speed CCD sensor, the DMC-LUMIX FX78 is compatible with high-speed, large-capacity signal processing required for 1920 x 1080 full-HD video recording in AVCHD and high speed continuous shooting. The AVCHD format almost doubles the recording time in HD quality, when compared with the conventional Motion JPEG. The LUMIX FX78 also boasts Dolby Dolby® Digital Creator to record high quality audio.
The advanced image processing LSI, the Venus Engine FHD, assures high picture quality in both photo and movie recording. It also incorporates the Intelligent Resolution technology to perform the optimum signal processing to give the entire image outstandingly natural clearness with fine details. The LUMIX FX78’s 5x optical zoom is available when shooting video. Thanks to the Intelligent Resolution technology, the Intelligent Zoom is available with the LUMIX FX78 which extends the zoom ratio by approximately 1.3x maintaining the picture quality and extending it to a 6.5x zoom equivalent. The Sonic Speed AF, which gains approximately 33% higher speed compared with its predecessor DMC-FX75, has a quick shutter release time lag as short as approximately 0.005 second.
The LUMIX FX78 is not only a high-performing digital camera when it concerns image quality, but it also includes a host of entertaining features that brings photography to a new level of fun with features such as Art Retouch and Beauty Retouch. The Art Retouch function lets the user change the original photo in brightness and color saturation. The Beauty Retouch mode allows users to digitally touch-up faces by applying different effects, such as skin texture, lifting up the face and whitening of teeth. In addition, the Make-up mode gives the user the option to change the face’s complexion, lips, cheeks or eye-shadow coloring.
Panasonic’s iA Mode, a suite of technologies that engage automatically, has evolved for more powerful image stabilization while video recording and taking still photos with Active Mode which boosts MEGA OIS to excel in suppressing blur when recording videos at wide angle while walking. Other features of iA include: Motion Deblur, MEGA OIS, Face Recognition, Face Detection, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Intelligent Exposure. With iA, taking beautiful photos is possible for users at any level. In addition, the Intelligent Resolution technology is always activated in the iA mode, which helps produce even clearer photos by precisely performing signal processing pixel by pixel to help ensure clear and sharp images.
The LUMIX FX78 will be available in March 2011 in black, gold and white models and pricing will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping date. For more on these Panasonic LUMIX models, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
Panasonic announced a bevy of new compact P&S digital cameras today, including an update to last year’s rugged TS2, not surprisingly dubbed the TS3, which improves some of its outdoorsy-ness. But what has me most excited is that Panasonic has chosen to bump the TS3’s resolution down to 12.1 MP, compared to the TS2’s 14 MP sensor, which should obviously improve the camera’s low-light performance. And hopefully it’s a sign that the MP wars might finally be coming to an end.
But back to what the TS3 does best. In addition to snapping photos that 12.1 MP sensor is also able to capture full 1920×1080 HD videos in the worst of conditions. It’s now waterproof down to 40 feet, 7 more than the TS2, able to survive a drop from around 6.6 feet, can survive and keep snapping away to temperatures as cold as 14ºF and on top of all that since the housing is completely sealed it’s even dustproof. And since it’s designed to accompany those who are particularly adventurous there’s also built-in GPS for geo-tagging your shots, as well as a compass, altimeter and barometer.
Not surprisingly in this day and age the TS3 even has a 3D photo mode, which gets around the fact there’s only a single fixed lens by rapidly snapping 20 consecutive photos, overlaying the 2 best shots to create a 3D photo that can be enjoyed on your Panasonic VIERA 3D HDTV. The images are also MPO, or Multi-Picture Object, compatible, which means they can be viewed on any hardware that supports that open format. The Lumix TS3 will be available sometime in March of this year, with pricing still to be announced. Though you can probably expect it to fall somewhere below $300 like the currently available TS2.
Continued digging through the latest iOS SDK has thrown up some more potential details about the iPad 2′s expected dual cameras, and it’s bad news if you wanted to use your Apple slate as an unwieldy replacement for your point-and-shoot. According to 9 to 5 Mac‘s discovery, the iPad 2′s rear camera is listed at a mere 1-megapixel resolution, something that prompts them to suggest it’s actually the same unit as on the fourth-gen iPod touch.
As you’ll probably remember, the fourth-gen iPod touch has a 0.7-megapixel camera on the back that’s used for 720p HD video recording or 960 x 720 stills. The iPad 2′s front-facing camera, meanwhile, is VGA resolution and also does stills and video, just like on the iPhone 4.
That could put a dampener on two of the three apps seemingly coming with the second-gen slate, PhotoBooth and the regular Camera app, which were spotted in iOS 4.3 Beta 2 earlier this week. Obviously Apple is going to have to work hard to fit everything it wants to inside the iPad 2′s slinky casing, but we’d hoped for a few more megapixels along the way.
A new set of icons in iOS 4.3 Beta 2 have seemingly confirmed that the second-gen iPad will have a front-facing camera. Icons for FaceTime, the Camera app and PhotoBooth have all been spotted in a preview graphic for iPad wallpaper selection, with the three new images recognizable from the iPhone and OS X.
The Camera app is straightforward, offering a simple way to use the iPad 2′s camera to take snapshots and, presumably, record video clips. It’s unclear at this stage – though rumored to be the case – whether the iPad 2 will have a rear camera for photography as well.
As for FaceTime, that will allow for video calls over WiFi with iPhone, iPod touch and Mac users from the second-generation slate. Finally, PhotoBooth has various filters to modify pictures and video; the new beta makes mention of Thermal Camera, Mirror, X-Ray, Kaleidoscope, Light Tunnel, Squeeze, Twirl and Stretch. Previous digging suggested the iPad 2 would also have a proximity sensor.
Samsung‘s ST30 and ST6500 aren’t the company’s only new digicams today; there’s also the mid-range ST95, ST90 and ST65 on offer. Set to arrive in February, the cameras are under 17mm thick, with 16-megapixels on offer in the ST95 and 14-megapixels in the ST90 and ST65.
The Samsung ST95 also gets a 3-inch touchscreen, but all three models support 720p HD video recording (with the ST95 also throwing in H.264 support). A 5x optical zoom is standard across the range, as is smart auto and smart filter.
Samsung expects the ST95 to be priced at $199.99 when it arrives next month, while the ST90 will be $149.99. Finally, the Samsung ST65 will be a mere $129.99.
Press Release:
Samsung Delivers Stylish Design and Enhanced Performance Through the New ST95, ST90 and ST65
Slim-line design and high-quality performance for those passionate about photography
SEOUL, Korea – January 19, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the ST95, ST90 and ST65, the latest additions to its ultra-slim, stylish design range, delivering the perfect balance between style and functionality. The latest launches reinforce Samsung’s ambition to produce high performing, fashionable and portable models for all customers, which still maintain a premium and high quality feature set to guarantee great images.
The ST95, ST90 and ST65 boast impressive performance features within their ultra-slim line design. With each device measuring 16.5mm (ST90) or 17mm (ST95 and ST65), the new cameras ensure users have the most sleek and stylish compact cameras on the market to match their personal style. The compact design of each model has been specifically developed to improve the overall usability and function of the cameras. The ST95, ST90 and ST65 also offer a variety of fashion leading color options. All three cameras can effortlessly slip into any jacket pocket for added portability, so it’s ready to go whenever you need to capture that perfect picture.
The compact models incorporate leading features to maximize performance in any situation, delivering high image quality. These features include a 26mm wide lens on the ST95 and ST90, and a 27mm wide lens on the ST65 plus a 5x optical zoom lens, to ensure users can capture every detail within the frame while delivering a deeper image perspective. The camera range also boasts 16 megapixels for the ST95 and 14 megapixels for the ST90 and ST65, delivering sharp, crisp and highly detailed photographs in any environment. Whether the user wants to capture the perfect shot of friends or the latest scenic setting from their hotel window, the intelligent Smart Auto system chooses from 16 different landscape and portrait modes (15 modes on the ST65) to automatically select the appropriate settings allowing you to capture the perfect image.
“Today’s launch reinforces Samsung’s ability to balance our consumers’ needs for style and design while still maintaining high performing innovative features,” said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “We know that our customers are passionate about compact and sleek design and following the global success of the ST60 and ST70, we have upgraded and streamlined the optical performance within the slim-line outer body to meet these demanding requirements. The design has been carefully considered to ensure it meets the requirements and usability needs of our customers for the best camera experience.”
HD Movie Recording with enhanced Smart Touch 3.0 User Interface for advanced capturing
All three cameras include 720p HD Movie recording, and the ST95 also supports H.264 codec, providing up to 2-4 times longer recording capabilities compared to conventional models with MPEG-4 OR MJPEG. Capturing high quality video to share and enjoy with friends is a must-have function, and the latest ST range makes sure people can effortlessly capture and create through the HD shooting and HD playback movie functions. The ST95 also reaches new levels of interaction with the consumer, through newly developed Smart Touch 3.0 User Interface which works on the 3.0” wide multi-purpose LCD touch screen, so users can quickly access, manage and use key features like they would on a modern day Smart phone.
Smart Feature Technology for intuitive and easy to use capturing
To reach the high-performing standards required by today’s passionate camera users, the ST range also boasts Smart Filter and Smart Album functions. The Smart Filter delivers a high-performing artistic edge to both still shots and videos through the miniaturizing effect, compositional contrast with a Vignetting filter and the Fish-eye setting to provide a cool, unique and stylized finish. For all those photos of friends, birthday parties and celebrations with loved ones, the Smart Album automatically organizes photos by type, date and even by face recognition, so you can always find your best friend amongst your favorite photos for added ease of use.
Samsung has outed a pair of new digital cameras, the cellphone-sized 10.1-megapixel ST30 and the angular 16-megapixel ST6500. Both arriving in March, each has digital image stabilization, Face Detection and Smile Shot, while the ST6500 throws in optical image stabilization and 720p HD video recording.
The Samsung ST30 measures a mere 82.0 x 51.9 x 16.9 and has a 3x optical zoom; it also gets Perfect Portrait mode for brushing out any blemishes and making sure the frame is only snapped when the subject’s eyes are open. It’s expected to be priced at $99.99.
As for the Samsung ST6500, that has a 5x optical zoom and a 3-inch touchscreen, but the most obvious difference is the shape. Samsung has angled the casing at 7-degrees, which the company reckons makes for a more comfortable user experience. It’s expected to be priced at $229.
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.
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.
Sony Ericsson may not have bothered with NFC or a front-facing camera on the XPERIA Arc, but that doesn’t mean the upcoming Android 2.3 Gingerbread smartphone fails to bring something new to the table. The company has been talking more about the Exmor R 8.1-megapixel camera on the Arc, and more precisely why there’s more than just pure megapixels to differentiate it from rival handsets.
Video demo after the cut
The XPERIA Arc uses a back-illuminated sensor, which shifts the light sensors to the front of the chip rather than behind the photo diode interconnects. That makes for a more sensitive camera, better at low-light photography, to which Sony Ericsson have paired a wider aperture – f/2.4 in fact – lens to allow even more light through.
Meanwhile the UI has also been streamlined, to make it faster and reduce the amount of camera lag. The video of the Arc below is recorded by another Arc handset, so you can get an idea of its HD video capabilities too. More details on the smartphone in our hands-on report.
![ST6500_F_B_Global[1]](http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ST6500_F_B_Global1-150x100.jpg "ST6500_F_B_Global[1]")
![ST6500_FS_B_Global[1]](http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ST6500_FS_B_Global1-150x100.jpg "ST6500_FS_B_Global[1]")
![ST6500_BS_B_Global[1]](http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ST6500_BS_B_Global1-150x100.jpg "ST6500_BS_B_Global[1]")
![ST6500_B_B_Global[1]](http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/ST6500_B_B_Global1-150x100.jpg "ST6500_B_B_Global[1]")
