Samsung TL500

Anaheim, CA—Samsung Electronics America took the wraps off of four new models here at the PMA 2010 Convention and Trade Show, held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Included in the introductions are the 10 megapixel TL500, a high-end compact targeted at photo enthusiasts; the high-speed TL350 with Full HD video capture; and the 12MP SL605 and waterproof AQ100 for outdoor shooters. All four will reach retail in spring 2010.

TL500. The new flagship of Samsung’s compact camera family, the TL500 boasts a 24mm ultra-wide-angle Schneider-Kreuznach f/1.8 lens with 3x optical zoom. One of the brightest featured on a compact digital camera, this lens provides a wider range of aperture steps, better low-light performance and shallow depth of field, giving users the ability to blur out the background while maintaining focus on their subjects. The TL500’s 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor is larger than those typically found in compacts and offers sensitivities to ISO 3200 at full-resolution.

Other TL500 features include: dual image stabilization; a 3.0-inch swiveling AMOLED screen said to have lower power consumption and a higher contrast ratio for more accurate colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight; support for RAW; shutterpriority, aperturepriority and full manual shooting modes; and Samsung’s smart auto 2.0 (still & movie) scene recognition technology, which automatically analyzes the scene and selects the appropriate settings. $449.99.

TL350. With a new dual capture mode, the TL350 takes 10 megapixel stills while simultaneously recording Full HD 1080p video. The high-speed camera is engineered for a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (138x78) with slow-motion playback and a burst mode capable of capturing 10 full-size digital stills per second. Other features include: a 24mm ultrawide-angle Schneider-Kreuznach lens with 5x optical zoom; dual image stabilization; a 3.0-inch AMOLED screen; RAW support; manual controls; advanced panorama shot; object tracking; and smart auto 2.0. $349.99.

AQ100. This slim (0.78” thick) 12 megapixel model was developed for use in up to 10 feet of water, and thanks to its low-light performance, Samsung says it’s capable of taking bright images at that depth. Its aqua mode will optimize settings for the best underwater photos. The AQ100 also features a 5x optical inner-zoom lens with digital image stabilization; a 2.7-inch LCD; 720p HD video recording, above or below the water; and smart auto (still & movie) scene recognition. $199.99.

SL605. Built for durability, the SL605 sports an anti-scratch mask to safeguard it from unwanted scratches during everyday use and a rubberized surface on the bottom, buttons and areas surrounding the 2.7-inch LCD for protection from dust and dirt. It also features: an internal 27mm wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens; standard-definition VGA video recording; smart auto scene recognition; and a smart night mode designed to allow consumers to capture properly exposed images when shooting at night. $129.99. Booth 2227. samsung.com