We really thought today was going to be the day when Samsung would unveil the NX, an electronic viewfinder, interchangealbe-lens compact camera based on the APS sensor and short flangeback mount, which they announced back at PMA. They said we should expect it this summer, but apparently today was not the day for that. The cameras they did introduce, the SL720 (above) and SL502 (right), are pocket-sized point-and-shoot digital cameras with low prices (expect both to sell for well under $200) that are both respectably rich in features.
Both models deliver 12.2 megapixel images. The SL720 also offers a 5x zoom that starts at a wider 28mm (equivalent), a 3-inch LCD screen, and records videos up to 720p (HD) resolution and dual image stabilization (a combination of optical shift and ISO boost). It is similar to the currently-available SL620, but with face recognition and HD Video added. Both cameras have smart auto exposure (the camera chooses the best scene mode based on lighting), and smart face recognition of up to 20 faces (giving priority to user-selected “favorite” faces). The SL502 has a 5x zoom lens that starts at 35mm (equivalent), a 2.7-inch LCD, and records standard VGA videos.
For details, read the Samsung press release:
SAMSUNG ADDS TWO NEW CAMERAS TO ITS POPULAR SL-SERIES
5x Optical Zoom and Extensive Features Highlight New SL720 and SL502
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – July 14, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America Inc. today extended its SL-Series of easy-to-use, compact digital cameras with the introduction of the new SL720 and SL502. Offering 12.2 mega-pixels, 5x optical zooms and eye-catching style, the new SL720 and SL502 add additional depth to Samsung’s popular SL-Series which now comprises eight individual models.
“These are two of the most full-featured compact digital cameras on the market,” said Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of audio/video and digital imaging marketing, Samsung Electronics America. “Typically, consumers may feel like they have to sacrifice functionality in order to find a digital camera priced within their means, but that’s not the case with the new SL720 and SL502. Samsung is giving consumers the ability to experience the latest and most advanced digital imaging technology, helping them step up to a more robust, feature-packed camera which will help take their photography to a whole new level.”
With the SL720, users have access to a 28mm wide angle lens, while the SL502 offers a standard 35mm lens. The SL720 and SL502 offer powerful 5x optical zooms and are each paired with image stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand movements. The SL720 offers Dual Image Stabilization, which combines both optical and digital stabilization technology. The SL502 features Digital Image Stabilization. Users can also frame their shots and review their images on the cameras’ large LCD screens. The SL720 features a 3.0 inch LCD and the SL502 features a 2.7 inch LCD.
The SL720 and SL502 incorporate a host of intuitive and smart features which simplify how users take and view their photos. Both cameras include Samsung’s Smart Auto shooting mode, an advanced setting which automatically chooses from one of the cameras’ 11 scene modes, to produce the best possible image. When finished taking photos, the SL720 and SL502 feature Smart Album, a useful tool that allows users to easily search for a specific image they have saved on their memory card. Smart Album automatically organizes the user’s digital images and gives them the ability to narrow their search 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 SL720 and SL502 are also the first cameras in Samsung’s SL-Series to feature Face Recognition technology. Samsung’s Face Recognition technology automatically stores up to 20 preferred faces to the cameras’ internal memory. While taking a portrait, the SL720 and SL502 will automatically recognize if one of the user’s 20 preferred faces is in the frame and identify them as a priority for focus and exposure. Users can also save time sorting through their photos and instead search for photos that contain a specific face. Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System can also be found on the new SL720 and SL502, which includes Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection and Samsung’s Beauty Shot.
The new SL720 and SL502 offer consumers advanced video recording options. With the SL720, users can record 720p, high-definition video which can be played on an HDTV through an optional HDMI cradle sold separately. The camera also utilizes H.264 compression, an advanced codec that allows users to record video for longer periods of time. The SL502 features high-quality MJPEG video recording at a resolution of 640×480. For added versatility, both the SL720’s and SL502’s 5x optical zooms can be used while recording video.
Specifications:
SL720
Mega-Pixels: 12.2 mega-pixels
Optical Zoom: 5x Optical Zoom
28mm Wide-Angle Lens
LCD Size: 3-inch LCD (230K)
Lens: Samsung
Movie Mode: 720p HD / H.264 Format
(Optional HDMI Cradle)
Size: 96.3mm × 59.5mm × 23.9mm
Special Features:
• 5x Optical Zoom
• 28mm Wide-Angle Lens
• 720p HD Video
• Smart Auto
• Smart Album
• Smart Face Recognition (up to 20 faces)
• Perfect Portrait System: Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection / Photo Style Selector
• Dual Image Stabilization : Optical IS + Digital IS
Estimated Selling Price: $229.99
Availability: August 2009
SL502
Mega-Pixels: 12.2 mega-pixels
Optical Zoom: 5x Optical Zoom
35mm Lens
LCD Size: 2.7 inch LCD (230K)
Lens: Samsung
Movie Mode: 640×480 / MJPEG
Size: 97mm x 59mm x 24.5mm
Special Features
• 5x Optical Zoom
• Smart Auto
• Smart Album
• Smart Face Recognition (up to 20 faces)
• Perfect Portrait System: Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection / Photo Style Selector
Estimated Selling Price: $149.99
Availability: August 2009
