Samsung PL90 Digicam Has Pop-Out USB & Face-Tracking Portrait Mode

It's obviously the season for digital cameras with integrated USB plugs, since Samsung has just outed a new point-and-shoot of their own.  The Samsung PL90 is a 12.2-megapixel digicam with a 4x optical zoom and VGA-quality 30fps video recording mode, and has a pop-out USB plug for offloading shots together with recharging the camera.

Otherwise the features are pretty standard for a point-and-shoot, with the PL90 getting Samsung's Smart Auto mode that takes care of shooting modes itself.  There's also a portrait mode; rather than a front-facing LCD display, like on some of Samsung's more expensive models, the PL90 uses face-tracking to monitor where the subject is in terms of the overall frame, beeping when they're perfectly positioned.

That, smile and blink detection, and automatic red-eye fix round out the main functionality, and there's a 2.7-inchh 230k pixel LCD preview display on the back.  Expect the Samsung PL90 to drop in September 2010, priced at $149.99.

Press Release:

SAMSUNG'S LATEST ALL-IN-ONE CAMERA OFFERS THE ABILITY TO CAPTURE AND CONNECT ON-THE-GO

The PL90 is Designed With a Built-In USB Connector, Eliminating the Need for Wires and Cords

Ridgefield Park, NJ (August 4, 2010) – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the 12.2 mega-pixel PL90 digital camera featuring a built-in USB connector, enabling consumers to capture images and connect to a computer on the move without the need for additional wires or cords.

The PL90's integrated USB connector allows content to be shared with friends and family quickly and easily, with the camera's plug and play capabilities, including the Auto-install intelli-studio software, and instant access to any computer via the USB. In addition, users will never have to worry about running out of power with the PL90, as the USB connector also allows consumers to charge the battery without a separate power cord.

"We want consumers to enjoy the entire photographic experience through the PL90, with the ability to capture, connect, and share pictures instantly and even charge on the move," said Sangjin Park, President of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "In this fast paced world, we understand that our customers need to have these capabilities at their fingertips, and the PL90 puts this power in their hands. The PL90 is further evidence of the continued innovation behind Samsung cameras."

Smart Features

The PL90 features Samsung's new Smart Auto (Still & Movie) technology which enables consumers to capture the perfect picture in virtually any conditions. The intelligent Smart Auto function automatically adjusts the camera's mode to instantly match the shooting environment. Whether the shot is being taken during the day or at night, in portrait or landscape, simply activating the capture button will ensure a beautiful and perfectly tailored image.

The innovative PL90 also features Samsung's Perfect Portrait System which includes several modes to help users take better photos. With the Self Portrait function, users can step out from the behind the camera and know they will be in focus because the camera tracks the subject's face and alerts the user with an audible noise when the subject is in frame. The Face Detection feature automatically detects and recognizes up to twelve different faces simultaneously, ensuring that the faces will be in clear focus, even when the subjects are part of a group photograph. The innovative Beauty Shot function allows users to adjust brightness and face tone, while also reducing flaws on all faces in a photo. The PL90 also incorporates Smile and Blink Detection features which automatically snaps a photo when the subjects are smiling and intelligently detects if the subject's eyes were closed in the shot.

In addition, the PL90 features the intelligent and advanced Smart Album feature. Smart Album enables users to quickly locate pictures without trawling through every individual photograph by automatically managing content on the camera so users can search for images based on the date, time or even color.