Samsung SL502 And SL720 12.2MP Digital Cameras
In addition to their new camcorders, Samsung have also unveiled a pair of point-and-shoot digital cameras in the shape of the SL720 and SL502. Each offering 12.2-megapixel resolution and 5x optical zoom, the cameras predominantly differ in their lenses; the SL720 has a 28mm wide-angle lens, while the SL502 has a standard 35mm lens.
There's also a significant difference in their video capture ability. The SL502 treats video as a casual add-on, capturing MJPEG footage at 640 x 480 resolution, while the SL720 grabs far more useful 720p HD clips in H.264 format. Both cameras have smart auto settings, facial recognition for up to 20 faces and "perfect portrait" which incorporates smile-shot and blink detection.
The SL720 adds dual optical and digital image stabilization, and has an optional HDMI cradle for easy connection to a TV or display. Both cameras will go on sale in August 2009, priced at $149.99 for the SL502 and $229.99 for the SL720.
Press Release:
SAMSUNG ADDS TWO NEW CAMERAS TO ITS POPULAR SL-SERIES5x 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 640x480. For added versatility, both the SL720's and SL502's 5x optical zooms can be used while recording video.