Samsung: Two new S-series digicams By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, January 9, 2007 - 21:13 EST)The Samsung S630 and S730 are closely related models, sharing basically identical bodies and differing mainly in sensor resolution.
The S630 offers a sensor resolution of six megapixels, and the S730 boosts this to seven megapixels. Preliminary specifications suggest that the S730, despite its higher resolution from the same sensor size, may offer a higher maximum ISO sensitivity of ISO 1000- versus ISO 800 on the S630 - but this spec is marked as "to be determined" and hence may change before release. Both the Samsung S630 and S730 have understated, attractive compact body with softly curved side edges, and mostly smooth panels , save for a slight protrusion around the lens, and a gently angled handgrip on the right hand end (as seen from the rear). The lens is a Samsung SHD-branded 3x optical zoom with a fairly standard 35 - 105mm equivalent zoom range, and a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at wide angle, or a not so bright f/4.9 at telephoto.
A 2.5" LCD display with a higher-than-average resolution of 230,000 pixels takes up a fair amount of real estate on the back of the camera, and serves as the only method of framing images. The Samsung S730 and S630 include the company's "Advanced Shake Reduction" function which attempts to combat camera shake in software - not to be mistaken for a true mechanical image stabilizer. They also offer nine scene modes should help make the camera approachable for beginners. Images are stored on SD / MMC cards, or in 20MB of built in memory, and power comes from two standard AA batteries - either alkaline disposables (bundled) or NiMH rechargeables.
The Samsung S630 ships this Spring priced at $179.99, alongside the launch of the S730 at a price of $199.99.
Samsung S630
General
Camera Type
Compact
Manufacturer
Samsung
Model Number
S630
Dimensions
3.9 x 2.4 x 1.0" 99.8 x 62.0 x 25.0mm
Planned Price
$179.99
Planned Availability
2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type
1/2.5" CCD 6.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio
4:3, Other
Image Dimensions
TBD x TBD 3072 x 1728 (5.3 megapixels) 2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels) 2.6 megapixels 2.1 megapixels
AVI (Motion JPEG) with audio 640x480 and 320x240 Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium
SD/MMC, Built-in, SDHC
File System
Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format
JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
Video
Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer
USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
Other
DC input
Power
Battery Type
Alkaline disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor
2 x AA
Product Bundle
Software
Digimax Master, drivers
Battery / Charger
2 x AA alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory
20.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant
Yes
PictBridge Compliant
Yes
Internal Microphone
Yes
Internal Speaker
Yes
More Photos
Original Source Press Release:
Samsung Launches “Next Generation” Models of its Most Popular Cameras with the S630 and S730
Las Vegas, NV (January 7, 2007) -- Samsung Camera is pleased to announce the release of the 6 mega-pixel S630 and the 7 mega-pixel S730. These two user-friendly point-and-shoot digital cameras represent the next generation models of Samsung’s most popular point-and-shoot digital still camera products. Both powerful, compact cameras combine Samsung’s advanced image processing technology and quality optics with a straightforward, uncluttered user interface and stylish ergonomic design.
The S630 and S730 simplify the picture-taking process to let photographers capture images without worrying about adjusting multiple settings. Samsung’s ASR image stabilization system helps to reduce camera shake and image blur during longer exposures and in situations where holding the camera steady is impossible or a tripod is unavailable. When taking pictures outdoors, the S630 and S730 automatically detect environmental light conditions through the CCD and adjust the brightness of the LCD display for optimal image viewing.
Thoughtful features like red-eye reduction allow users to focus on getting the images they want without having to worry about tedious exposure adjustments or editing. The conveniently located mode dial provides instant access to the camera’s most commonly used settings, such as Auto, Program, Manual, Movie, Scene, ASR, Night Scene and Portrait. Individual dedicated modes for common-yet-difficult shooting situations including Close-Up (to capture all of the detail at a subject at a close focal range), Sunset (to take advantage of soft, waning light), and Backlight (to compensate for a dark subject lit from behind) are included.
Both models feature a built-in microphone, which allows a 10-second voice memo to be attached to any still image. Slide Show automatically scrolls through photos and displays them on a bright and vivid 2.5” TFT LCD screen. The cameras’ Movie mode lets users capture video in one of two resolutions, 320x240 and 640x480 at 15 frames per second in AVI (MJPEG) format. Just as in still-picture mode, the ASR image stabilization system can be engaged to compensate for unwanted camera movement and subject blur in movie mode.
For maximum versatility, the S630 and S730 can be powered by optional high-energy rechargeable Ni-MH batteries as well as available-everywhere AA alkaline cells, which is a surefire boon for travelers and other power users.
All of these features are contained in a sleek silver housing that measures a mere 3.9 inches (width) by 2.5 inches (height) by 1 inch (depth). The included USB 2.0 cable and CD-ROM containing Samsung’s Digimax Master software (compatible with Windows 98/2000/ME/XP and Macintosh OS X 9.2 through 10.4) will get even beginning photographers up and shooting right out of the box.
The S630 and S730 each contain 20 megabytes of internal memory, and can accept Secure Digital (SD) flash memory cards up to 4 gigabytes. The Samsung S630 and S730 will be available in the spring of 2007.
Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Inc., Secaucus, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd., Sungnam Kyungki-Do, Korea. Samsung Opto-Electronics markets a full line of auto focus cameras, zoom and digital cameras for the amateur as well as the professional under the Samsung brand name.
Samsung: Two new S-series digicams
