Samsung today unveiled a trio of compact digital cameras with several significans innovations. The TL225 and 220 are the first cameras with DualView—LCD monitors on the front of the camera as well as on the back. Both 12MP cameras offer a 1.5-inch LCD monitor next to the lens, allowing subjects to primp themselves for their self-portraits. The back LCD monitors offer Smart Gesture User Interface, which lets users operate the camera by tapping on the touch-sensitive screen. In fact, there are no other controls on the back of the cameras.
Both the TL225 and TL220 offer both optical and ISO-boost digital image stabilization, Smart Touch Autofocus (user touches the screen and the camera focuses on that part of the image), Smart Face Recognition (the camera can recognize up to 20 faces, and the Perfect Portrait System, which combines face detection, self-portrait mode, smile shot, blink detection, and beauty shot (which smooths out skin imperfections) and 720p HD video. The difference between the two cameras is that the TL225’s back LCD measures 3.5 inches (and has 1,152K resolution), while the TL220 has a 3-inch screen and the price—$350 and $300, respectively. Both cameras will be available in September.
Samsung also unveiled the CL65, which they’re touting as a camera for the social networking world with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.0 connetivity, the ability to upload photos directly to photo sharing sites and email, 720p HD video, and the same special features as the TL225 and TL220. The lens is an internal-zoom 5x optical zoom, and resolution is 12MP. The CL65 also has the same 3.5-inch, 1,152K resolution monitor as the TL225, and will be available in September for $400.
Adorama is accepting pre-orders for the TL225 and TL220 cameras now. Credit cards will not be charged until the cameras actually are shipped to customers.
For details, read the Samsung press releases:
SAMSUNG UNVEILS TL225 AND TL220 DIGITAL COMPACT CAMERAS FEATURING DUAL LCD SCREENS ON FRONT AND BACK
Samsung DualView Cameras Help Consumers Take the Perfect Self-Portrait on the Move
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – August 13, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., today announced the Samsung DualView Cameras, the TL225 and TL220. These 12.2 mega-pixel, innovative compact digital cameras feature Dual LCD screens, with one LCD on the front of the camera, and a second one on the back of the camera, to give consumers the ability to truly step out from behind the camera and put themselves in the picture.
Delivering an unrivalled user experience, the 1.5” LCD located on the front of the Samsung DualView Cameras now allows consumers to take first-rate photos whether they are behind the camera or in front of it. Samsung’s new TL225 also features a 3.5” wide touch-screen back LCD. At 1,152K resolution, the TL225’s LCD delivers almost four times more resolution than traditional cameras and also comes complete with haptic vibration feedback for ease of use. 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, producing clear, clean images with balanced resolution from the center of the image to the edges.
“These cameras are the very first of their kind,” said Sang Jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “The use of digital imaging technologies has evolved and we are offering functionality and capabilities that no other digital camera manufacturer has yet addressed. It has become more common for the photographer to switch roles and become the subject of his or her photo, especially given the rise in popularity of self-portraits or profile pictures for use with today’s popular social networking sites. The Dual LCD on the TL225 and TL220 allows consumers to become part of the picture in a way that they simply were unable to do so before. These cameras will be must-haves for those individuals that use popular social networking Web sites and for families that want to get everyone, including the photographer, in the picture.”
Showcasing further innovations, Samsung’s Smart Gesture User Interface (UI) with built-in Gravity sensor means that once the camera is on, a simple tap on the front LCD activates it and the camera is automatically set to Self Portrait mode with smile detection. This means that if users want to take a self portrait, they only need to tap and smile, and the picture will be taken automatically without pressing the shutter button. Teamed with innovative Samsung technologies such as Smile Shot, Smart Face Recognition and Smart Auto, users are given the ability to take the perfect image with ease.
Additionally, just by tilting the camera in a certain direction, users can go directly to a different mode or view their saved images. A simple touch or hand gesture is all it takes to access the cameras’ full range of key features. For example, with Samsung’s Smart Auto feature, the worry of photos being washed out, too dark, or out of focus is also now a thing of the past. Smart Auto, which is able to recognize 16 different potential scenes, analyzes key elements of your composition and subject, and then selects the appropriate scene settings in response.
Samsung’s innovative Smart Face Recognition technology will memorize up to 20 faces and adjust the focus and exposure to the most high-ranked faces on the camera. It also allows users to sort images by registered faces and scroll through to find images of people in their Smart Album instead of viewing every single photo.
Alongside professional-grade photos, the TL225 and TL220 record 720p HD video at 30 frames?per-second in H.264 format, providing twice as much recording capacity as MPEG4 format, and four times more than using MJPEG format, all in the palm of your hand. HDMI connectivity means that your HD videos can be enjoyed on any HDTV or HD Monitor.
Samsung DualView Cameras: TL225 and TL220 SPECIFICATIONS
Dual LCD Displays
Samsung DualView Cameras provide the easiest way to take the perfect self-portrait every time with Dual LCDs. On the front of the cameras is a 1.5” LCD that shows you what the picture will look like, so you can now be a subject of the picture, as well as the photographer. Key features of the Dual LCDs include:
· When the camera is turned on, activate the front LCD by tapping the screen. It will automatically be set in Self-Portrait mode, ensuring that the user will always be framed exactly the way they want. You can also turn on the front LCD with a simple selection through the intuitive interface. When in Self-Portrait mode, the camera will also engage its smile detection technology, automatically taking a photo when it recognizes a smile.
· In Child Mode, the front LCD plays a fun animation to capture a child’s attention while taking their photo.
· Shutter Info ensures you take a photo of your subject while they’re smiling. When using Shutter Info, the front LCD will display a “smiley face” when the photographer has the shutter button pushed halfway down, giving the subject a signal that you’re ready to take the photo.
· Function Info helps you keep track of what flash and macro value you’re currently using, as the front LCD provides a visual readout of key camera settings.
· When taking a group photo using the Self-Timer, the front LCD will show a preview of the shot as well as a visual countdown timer so that everyone knows exactly when the photo will be snapped.
Smart Gesture User Interface (UI)
When it comes to smart, user-friendly features, the TL225 and TL220 lead the way. Take for example the cameras’ innovative Smart Gesture UI with built-in Gravity sensor, which lets you quickly access and use key features with either a simple tilt or a hand gesture. To turn on the front LCD, simply tap the screen to activate the display automatically and immediately.
Using other advanced features is just as simple. With the Smart Gesture UI you can quickly scroll through your photos by slightly tilting the device in either direction or by selecting the appropriate photos for a slide show. You can also easily delete photos from your library using the Smart Gesture UI by marking an “X” on the screen using your finger, or you can simply save your favorite photos into a separate folder. Additionally, if you want to rotate an image, you can draw a circle (O) on the screen, and if you want to see the next image in your library you can drag it on to the screen with a sweep of your finger or by simply tilting the device.
3.5” Wide Touch-Screen Back LCD
With 1,152K resolution, the 3.5” wide touch-screen LCD located on the back of the TL225 offers some of the sharpest images of any camera available today, delivering almost four times more resolution than traditional displays. Unlike other digital cameras, the LCD touch-screen uses Samsung’s unique haptic technology, providing users with a slight vibration and audible beep whenever they select an option within the touch-screen display.
12.2 Mega-Pixel CCD, 27mm Wide-Angle Lens with 4.6x Optical Zoom
Samsung DualView Cameras come fully equipped with a true color-filtered 12.2 mega-pixel CCD and boast a powerful 4.6x optical zoom, providing sharp and detailed images. Whether you’re indoors or out, shooting a landscape or friends around a table, the 27mm-wide angle lens plus 4.6x optical zoom gives you a wider shooting range from a shorter distance, delivering greater flexibility than traditional 35mm lenses. Capture images of beautiful landscapes, entire wedding parties, and skyscrapers without having to back up to get the shot. The precisely cut, high?quality 27mm optical lens from Schneider-KREUZNACH delivers clear, clean images with balanced resolution from the center to the edges. Each lens surface is multi-coated to minimize ghosting or flaring for a great shot every time.
Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS)
Samsung’s Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS) technology allows you to capture crystal?clear, blur-free images. The TL225’s and TL220’s true Dual IS combines both Optical and Digital Image stabilizers to produce sharp images without the confusion commonly found in other cameras. The Optical IS intelligently compensates for hand trembling by shifting the lens in the opposite direction. When Optical IS isn’t quite enough, the Digital IS automatically takes over to ensure blur-free images.
HD Video Recording
Besides the ability to take high-quality digital still images, Samsung DualView Cameras also offer impressive 720P HD video recording at 30 frames per second. The TL225 and TL220 use the H.264 format which allows you to record twice as much content as MPEG4, and four times more than MJPEG, the format typically used in other digital cameras. The TL225 also offers HDMI connectivity (adapter sold separately) so that you can enjoy your HD video, as well as digital still images, on an HDTV or HD monitor.
Smart Auto
Samsung’s Smart Auto feature ensures that users never have to worry about their photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. Smart Auto analyzes key elements of your composition such as color, brightness, motion and subject and then selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible.
Smart Album
With Samsung’s convenient Smart Album feature, you can quickly scroll through your entire library of images and organize them in the way that’s best for you. This unique feature allows you to organize photos by Favorite (if tagged as a “favorite” photo), Face (someone you’ve taken many photos of), Timeline (date photos were taken), Week, Color, and Content (photos, videos, voice-note).
Perfect Portrait System
Picture-perfect moments at their best
Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System takes the guess work out of shooting beautiful portraits. Key features of this system are Samsung’s Smile Shot and Blink Detection technologies which automatically detect when your subjects are smiling and if their eyes are closed, allowing you to capture them looking their best. Another advanced feature is the Red-eye Fix mode. This in?camera feature automatically fixes the typical red-eye associated with the use of the flash, before the photo is produced, a significant time saver as you don’t have to spend time afterwards removing red-eyes from your photos.
Smart Touch Shooting and Auto-Focus
Sometimes the focal point of your picture is not always in the center of the frame. In cases like this, the TL225’s and TL220’s Smart Touch Auto Focus feature allows you to focus on a different part of the shot by simply touching the desired area. That means your subject, no matter where in the frame it may be, will always be in focus. Once you’ve selected the focal point, you can simply leave your finger on the screen for two seconds or push the shutter button to take the picture.
Smart Face Recognition
The TL225 and TL220 feature Samsung’s advanced Face Recognition technology which automatically stores up to 20 preferred faces to the cameras’ internal memory. While taking a portrait, the TL225 and TL220 will automatically recognize if one of the user’s 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 by searching only for those that contain a specific face.
Beauty Shot
Samsung’s Beauty Shot feature lets you remove all the imperfections on your subject’s face such as wrinkles, blemishes, and moles. Simply select one of two editing options to even out skin tone and complexion.
Photo Style Selector and Highlight Feature
Samsung DualView Cameras are designed to help you enhance your creativity when it comes to digital imaging. Samsung’s Photo Style Selector allows you to transform your photos from simple memories to works of art. Choose from a wide selection of artistic treatments ranging from classic black and white to something more vivid, giving you full control over the color tones of your image. Additionally, with Samsung’s unique highlight feature, you can focus on one area of your photo and blur everything around it, turning a normal photo into something much more complex.
SAMSUNG INTRODUCES THE CONNECTED DIGITAL CAMERA – CL65
Capture and Share Precious Moments On-the-Go with Built-In Wireless Connectivity
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – August 13, 2009 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., today unveiled the CL65, featuring built-in geo-tagging, Bluetooth 2.0, DLNA compatibility, and Wi-Fi* connectivity. With the new CL65, users can make a true visual connection with their family and friends by quickly and easily sharing photo memories and moments while on-the-move.
Packed full of innovation and encased in a sleek compact frame, the CL65 offers the unprecedented combination of geo-tagging, Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi, and DLNA compatibility. The geo-tagging capability allows users to keep track of where they’ve traveled, while DLNA compatibility and Wi-Fi connectivity enable users to send and share pictures almost as quickly as they take them. The CL65 is a great way to keep your network of friends and family in the know.
Thanks to the built-in geo-tagging capability, the CL65 displays the city on the camera’s LCD screen, providing users with a display of the location where they’re taking a photo, as well as a reference for when they are reviewing and managing images. With the embedded PC software package ‘intelli-studio’, users can also easily view, edit and manage their pictures right on the camera before uploading them to popular photo-sharing sites, such as Picasa™.
Using Bluetooth 2.0 technology, users can wirelessly beam their favorite images to other compatible devices. Using a Wi-Fi connection, users can now email photos directly from their camera and upload them to popular social networking sites. The CL65 also offers DLNA connectivity, allowing users to wirelessly connect to other DLNA compatible devices within their networked home, such as an HDTV, to view and share their images.
The CL65 sports a 3.5” wide touch-screen LCD. With a resolution of 1,152K, almost four times more than traditional cameras, the CL65’s advanced display provides users with an enhanced viewing experience. The CL65 also incorporates Samsung’s Smart Gesture User Interface. With a simple tilt, users can now easily access key features such as Smart Auto, movie, and program mode.
The CL65 comes with a 12.2 megapixel CCD and a high-quality, 35mm Schneider?KREUZNACH lens. Offering a powerful internal 5x optical zoom, the CL65’s lens produces clean and clear images with balanced resolution from the center of images to the edges. Alongside professional?grade photos, the CL65 records 720p HD video at 30 frames-per-second in H.264 format, giving twice as much recording capacity as MPEG4 format, and four times more than MJPEG format, all in the palm of your hand. HDMI connectivity means that your HD videos can be enjoyed on any HDTV or HD Monitor.
Additionally, the camera’s touch-screen user interface provides users with Samsung’s innovative and intuitive One Touch Auto Focus system. This puts complete command of the camera’s focusing system right in the hands of the photographer, allowing the user to pinpoint the exact area to lock focus on by simply touching the location on the LCD screen. Users can also automatically trigger the camera to then take the image by continuing to hold the location with their fingertip.
“The CL65 is all about spreading the joy everywhere from anywhere,” said Sang Jin Park, CEO, Samsung Digital Imaging Co. Ltd. “Never before has a manufacturer provided such a range of technologies in a compact digital camera, giving consumers unprecedented flexibility when it comes to how, when, and where they share their digital images. Geo-tagging keeps track of where the photographer has been, allowing them to quickly and easily share content with their network, while Bluetooth 2.0 and Wi-Fi capabilities allow for the simplest of uploads without needing a computer. This new powerhouse point-and-shoot camera will raise the bar for innovation and set a new standard by which all other manufacturers will be measured.”
Wireless Connectivity
Geo-Tagging
The CL65 utilizes GPS technology to automatically geo-tag digital images, recording the latitude and longitude of where in the world each photo is taken. The location data is automatically embedded into each image’s EXIF file. Photo-sharing websites such as Picasa™ provide options for sharing one’s images on a map of the world and can utilize the information stored in the image’s EXIF file to pinpoint where the photo was taken.
The CL65 will display the name of the city on the camera’s LCD screen, providing users with a display of the location where they’re taking a photo, as well as a handy reference for when they are reviewing images on the camera’s LCD screen.
Bluetooth 2.0
Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity is also included, allowing users to share and transfer photos wirelessly and seamlessly. Using Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, you can beam your favorite digital images from the CL65 directly to compatible devices, such as mobile phones. When using Bluetooth 2.0, the CL65 will automatically resize the digital image to best fit the resolution of the host screen it will be displayed on.
Wi-Fi and DLNA
The CL65 is DLNA compliant (Digital Living Network Alliance), allowing the camera to wirelessly connect to other DLNA compliant devices, such as HDTVs. This gives the CL65 user the ability to move content from their camera to other consumer electronics devices throughout their home. To maximize speed and efficiency, all images transferred through Wi-Fi will be reduced to a resolution of two mega-pixels.
The CL65 makes it easy for users to upload or share their digital images with others right from their digital camera. Through Wi-Fi, users can send a digital image to any email address stored in your camera’s address book or by using the camera’s touch-screen QWERTY keypad. The CL65’s Wi-Fi connection also allows users to upload their images directly to popular websites such as Facebook®, Picasa™ and YouTube®.
Smart Gesture User Interface (UI)
When it comes to smart, user-friendly features, the CL65 leads the way. Take for example the camera’s innovative Smart Gesture UI with built-in Gravity sensor, which lets you quickly access and use key features with either a simple tap or a hand gesture.
Using other advanced features is just as simple. With the Smart Gesture UI you can quickly scroll through your photos by slightly tilting the device in either direction or by selecting the appropriate photos for a slide show. You can also easily delete photos from your library using Smart Gesture UI by marking an “X” on the screen using your finger, or you can simply save your favorite photos into a separate folder. Additionally, if you want to rotate an image, you can draw a circle (O) on the screen, and if you want to see the next image in your library you can drag it on to the screen with a sweep of your finger or by simply tilting the device.
3.5” Wide Touch-Screen Back LCD
The 3.5” wide touch-screen LCD located on the back of the CL65 displays some of the sharpest images of any camera available today. This ultra-wide LCD offers a 1,152K resolution, almost four times more resolution than other traditional camera displays. Unlike other digital cameras, the LCD touch-screen uses Samsung’s unique haptic technology, providing users with a slight vibration and audible beep whenever they select an option within the touch-screen display.
Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS)
Samsung’s Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS) technology allows you to capture crystal?clear, blur-free images. The CL65’s true Dual IS combines both Optical and Digital Image stabilizers to produce sharp images without the confusion commonly found in other cameras. The Optical IS intelligently compensates for hand trembling by shifting the lens in the opposite direction. When Optical IS isn’t quite enough, the Digital IS automatically takes over to ensure blur-free images.
HD Video Recording
Besides the ability to take high-quality digital still images, the CL65 also offers impressive 720P HD video recording at 30 frames per second. The CL65 uses H.264, which allows you to record twice as much content as MPEG4 format, and four times more than MJPEG, the format typically used in other digital cameras. The CL65 also offers HDMI connectivity (adapter sold separately) so that you can enjoy your HD video, as well as digital still images, on an HDTV or HD monitor.
Smart Auto
Samsung’s Smart Auto feature ensures that users never have to worry about their photos being washed out, too dark, or out of focus. Smart Auto analyzes key elements of your composition such as color, brightness, motion, and subject and then automatically selects the appropriate scene mode which will produce the best results possible.
Smart Album
With Samsung’s convenient Smart Album feature, you can quickly scroll through your entire library of images and organize them in the way that’s best for you. This unique feature allows you to organize photos by Location (if geo-tagged), Favorite (if tagged as a “favorite” photo), Face (someone you’ve taken many photos of), Timeline (date photos were taken), Week, Color, and Content (photos, videos, voice-note).
Perfect Portrait System
Picture-perfect moments at their best
Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System takes the guess work out of shooting beautiful portraits. Key features of this system are Samsung’s Smile Shot and Blink Detection technologies which automatically detect when your subjects are smiling and if their eyes are closed, allowing you to capture them looking their best. Another advanced feature is the Red-eye Fix mode. This in?camera feature fixes the typical red-eye associated with the use of the flash, before the photo is produced, a significant time saver as you don’t have to spend time afterwards removing red-eyes from your photos.
Smart Touch Shooting and Auto-Focus
Sometimes the focal point of your picture is not always in the center of the frame. In cases like this, the CL65’s Smart Touch Auto Focus feature allows you to focus on a different part of the shot by simply touching the desired area. That means your subject, no matter where in the frame it may be, will always be in focus. Once you’ve selected the focal point, you can simply leave your finger on the screen for two seconds or push the shutter button to take the picture.
Smart Face Recognition
The CL65 features Samsung’s advanced Face Recognition technology which automatically stores up to 20 preferred faces to the camera’s internal memory. While taking a portrait, the CL65 will automatically recognize if one of the user’s 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 by searching only for those that contain a specific face.
Beauty Shot
Samsung’s Beauty Shot feature lets you remove all the imperfections on your subject’s face such as wrinkles, blemishes and moles. Simply select one of two editing options to even out skin tone and complexion.
Photo Style Selector and Highlight Feature
The CL65 is designed to help you enhance your creativity when it comes to digital imaging. Samsung’s Photo Style Selector allows you to transform your photos from simple memories to works of art. Choose from a wide selection of artistic treatments ranging from classic black and white to something more vivid, giving you full control over the color tones of your image. Additionally, with Samsung’s unique highlight feature, you can focus on one area of your photo and blur everything around it, turning a normal photo into something much more complex.
Availability: September 2009
Price: $399.99
