Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Samsung Releases SL820 and SL620 SL-Series Digicams

Samsung Electronics America extended its popular SL-Series with the introduction of new models, comprising two 12.2 mega-pixel and two 10 mega-pixel digital cameras. Stylish and advanced, the new SL-Series models elevate the stature of the user-friendly family of digital cameras, allowing consumers to experience higher-end features and performance at more affordable price points.


Samsung’s new 12.2 mega-pixel SL820 and SL620 offer users large three inch LCD screens and powerful 5x optical zooms. With the SL820, users have access to a 28mm wide?angle lens, while the SL620 offers a standard 35mm lens. Both the SL820 and SL620 are paired with Optical and Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand movements. Shooters have the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization, ideal for well?lit environments, or choosing Dual Image Stabilization and combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

A first for Samsung’s SL-Series, the new SL820 offers consumers high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity, allowing the camera to be connected to an HDTV through a cradle for reviewing footage and photos. The camera also utilizes H.264 compression, an advanced codec that allows users to record video for longer periods of time. The SL620 offers users advanced MPEG-4 video recording at a resolution of 640×480. For added versatility, with both the SL820 and SL620, consumers can use the cameras’ 5x optical zooms and Optical Image Stabilization while recording video.

The new SL820 and SL620 offer an array of automatic controls, including Samsung’s Smart Auto mode. When selected, Smart Auto will automatically choose from one of the cameras’ 11 scene modes, determining which best suits the environment the user may be shooting in. For example, if the user is taking a photo of a mountain range, Smart Auto will automatically select the Landscape scene mode. If the user then proceeds to take photo of an individual, Smart Auto will switch to the Portrait scene mode - no manual interaction is required.

In addition to Smart Auto, the SL820 and SL620 also feature Samsung’s proprietary Smart Album program. In addition to Smart Auto, the SL202 features Samsung’s Smart Album program. Smart Album is useful tool which 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. Users can quickly sort by the date or week the image was taken, the overall color tone, as well as whether they’re searching for portraits or specific file types, including photos, videos, or voice memos.

Other automatic features found on the SL820 and SL620 include Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot. Designed to help capture better portraits and group shots of family and friends, Face Detection technology detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Smile Shot automatically triggers the SL820 and SL620 to take a photo only when a smile is detected on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will automatically fire two consecutive shots if a subject’s eyes are closed. Beauty Shot is a unique functionality which will automatically brighten and even out skin tones as well as remove blemishes.

The SL820 and SL620 will be available in May 2009 at an MSRP of $279.99 and $199.99

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