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Samsung's NV20 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Samsung: Three new NV-series digicams
By
(Monday, July 30, 2007 - 14:52 EDT)

Secausus NJ-based Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Inc. has today unveiled three new NV-series digital camera models in cooperation with its Korean parent company Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.

The Samsung NV8, NV15 and NV20 are very closely related designs, with the most significant difference between the three being the choice of imager. All of the new NV digicams share the same body design, in all cases featuring a Schneider-Kreuznach Varioplan branded 3x optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 34 - 102mm, and a minimum macro focusing distance of just 1.6 inches. Maximum aperture across the zoom range varies from f/2.8 at wide angle to f/5.1 at telephoto. Images are both framed and reviewed on a 2.5" LCD display with 230,000 pixel resolution, as the cameras forego any form of optical viewfinder. Regardless of the imager chosen, ISO sensitivity in the three new cameras ranges from a minimum of ISO 100 equivalent to a maximum of ISO 3200, and shutter speeds vary from 1/1500 second to a max. of 15 seconds. Images are stored in 20MB of built-in memory or on SD / MMC / SDHC / MMC Plus cards, with a limit of 2GB capacity for all except the SDHC type - this being guaranteed to a maximum of 8GB. Connectivity options include both NTSC / PAL video and USB 2.0 (speed unspecified) computer connectivity. Power comes from a proprietary SLB-0837 Lithium Ion battery, and all three cameras include a Samsung Master software package.

As for the differences between the three cameras, the Samsung NV8 starts the lineup with a resolution of 8.1 megapixels from a 1/1.76" CCD image sensor. Pricing and availability for this model on the US market have yet to be determined. Stepping up the line to the $299 Samsung NV15, resolution is boosted to 10.1 megapixels from the same 4:3 aspect image sensor size, and a 16:9 wide-aspect image mode is also added in place of one of the NV8's lower-res modes. Finally, for a further $100 premium at $399, the Samsung NV20 offers 12.1 megapixel resolution from an almost identically sized 1/1.72" CCD imager, and adds the ability to "scan" business cards thanks to the addition of a "Biz" scene mode and bundled "Samsung Biz Reader" software. The Samsung NV15 and NV20 are both slated to ship from Fall 2007.

Samsung NV20
Samsung's NV20 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerSamsung
Model NumberNV20
Dimensions3.8 x 2.4 x 0.7"
96.5 x 60.0 x 18.6mm
Planned Price$399.00
Planned Availability Fall 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/1.72" CCD
12.40 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
4000 x 2666 (10.7 megapixels)
4000 x 2250 (9.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens TypeSchneider-Kreuznach Varioplan Zoom
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length7.3 - 21.9mm (actual)
34 - 102mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 (wide) - f/5.1 (tele) - ???
Focusing SystemTTL Multi / Center / Face Recognition AF
Focusing RangeNormal: 33" - infinity (80 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.6" - 33" (4 cm - 80 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed15 - 1/1500 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti, Spot, Center-weighted, Face recognition
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent_H, Fluorescent_L, Tungsten, Custom, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red-eye Fix
Range: TBD
Creative
Scene ModesNight, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Biz, Close-up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Caf�, Food, Self-Shot
Digital Zoom1.0x - 5.0x
S elf TimerYes, 2/10/2+10 seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatAVI (MPEG-4) with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Built-in, MMC Plus
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary SLB-0837
Product Bundle
SoftwareSamsung Master, Samsung Biz Reader
Battery / Charger1 x proprietary SLB-0837 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory20.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlYes, Optional
More Photos
Samsung's NV20 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's NV20 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's NV20 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's NV20 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's NV20 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Samsung NV15
Samsung's NV15 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerSamsung
Model NumberNV15
Dimensions3.8 x 2.4 x 0.7"
96.5 x 60.0 x 18.6mm
Planned Price$299.00
Planned Availability Fall 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/1.76" CCD
10.30 megapixels (total)
10.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3648 x 2056 (7.5 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens TypeSchneider-Kreuznach Varioplan Zoom
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length7.3 - 21.9mm (actual)
34 - 102mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 (wide) - f/5.1 (tele) - ???
Focusing SystemTTL Multi / Center / Face Recognition AF
Focusing RangeNormal: 33" - infinity (80 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.6" - 33" (4 cm - 80 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed15 - 1/1500 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti, Spot, Center-weighted, Face recognition
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent_H, Fluorescent_L, Tungsten, Custom, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red-eye Fix
Range: TBD
Creative
Scene ModesNight, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Caf�, Food, Self-Shot
Digital Zoom1.0x - 5.0x
Self Tim erYes, 2/10/2+10 seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatAVI (MPEG-4) with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Built-in, MMC Plus
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary SLB-0837
Product Bundle
SoftwareSamsung Master
Battery / Charger1 x proprietary SLB-0837 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory20.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlYes, Optional
More Photos
Samsung's NV15 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's NV15 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's NV15 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's NV15 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's NV15 digital camera. Courtesy of Samsung, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Samsung NV8
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerSamsung
Model NumberNV8
Dimensions3.8 x 2.4 x 0.7"
96.5 x 60.0 x 18.6mm
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/1.76" CCD
8.20 megapixels (total)
8.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
3264 x 2176 (7.1 megapixels)
3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)
3264 x 1836 (6.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD2.5", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens TypeSchneider-Kreuznach Varioplan Zoom
3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length7.3 - 21.9mm (actual)
34 - 102mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 (wide) - f/5.1 (tele) - ???
Focusing SystemTTL Multi / Center / Face Recognition AF
Focusing RangeNormal: 33" - infinity (80 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.6" - 33" (4 cm - 80 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed15 - 1/1500 second
Exposure ModesProgram
Metering ModesMulti, Spot, Center-weighted, Face recognition
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent_H, Flu orescent_L, Tungsten, Custom, Manual
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red-eye Fix
Range: TBD
Creative
Scene ModesNight, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Caf�, Food, Self-Shot
Digital Zoom1.0x - 5.0x
Self TimerYes, 2/10/2+10 seconds
Time LapseNo
Movie FormatAVI (MPEG-4) with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Built-in, MMC Plus
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary SLB-0837
Product Bundle
SoftwareSamsung Master
Battery / Charger1 x proprietary SLB-0837 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory20.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlYes, Optional
 

Original Source Press Release:

Samsung Launches Next Generation of Award Winning NV Digital Cameras

NV8, NV15 and NV20 Join Samsung’s Prominent NV Series

Secaucus, NJ (July 30, 2007) – Samsung Camera today introduced three new models to its revolutionary NV series of advanced point & shoot digital cameras – the eight mega pixel NV8, 10 mega pixel NV15 and 12 mega pixel NV20. All three new cameras feature the sleek, elegant design and innovative Smart Touch interface that have become the hallmarks of the NV Series, and set the camera family apart from competitive offerings in the market.

For outstanding image quality, the NV8, NV15 and NV20 feature premium Schneider optics with a 3x optical zoom. On the back of the cameras’ brushed black, stainless steel bodies, lies Samsung’s Smart Touch user interface. Smart Touch enables easy navigation of the cameras’ comprehensive feature sets by simply sliding a finger across the control buttons positioned around the cameras’ 2.5” LCD screens.

“The NV8, NV15 and NV20 represent the next generation of Samsung’s award-winning NV series of digital cameras,” said Stewart Henderson, Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. “This is not your typical family of point-and-shoot digital cameras. At Samsung, we take great pride in the NV series because of the firsts that it brings to market, including our revolutionary Smart Touch interface, as well as the WOW factor that makes the cameras stand out from the crowd. Packed to the brim with advanced, innovative features, the NV8, NV15 and NV20 are targeted towards the experienced digital camera owner looking for a step up model that breaks free of the ‘me-too’ look and feel that many manufacturers often follow,” concluded Mr. Henderson.

The NV8, NV15 and NV20 can also shoot at ISO 3200, and boast an improved Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) feature as well as Samsung’s new Auto Contrast Balance (ACB) and Image Noise Reduction modes. ACB automatically adjusts the brightness of subjects composed in harsh lighting, such as those that are back-lit, and the Image Noise Reduction helps limit the amount of noise in captured images, especially those shot at higher ISO settings. No matter what lighting environment shooters find themselves in, they can rest assured that the NV8, NV15 and NV20 will deliver uncompromising results.

All three new cameras feature Samsung’s Face Detection technology, which makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap. Samsung’s Face Detection feature detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Additionally, with 14 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Café, Food, and Self-Shot, shooters can effortlessly adjust the camera and capture the best image possible in any setting. All images can be saved to each of the cameras’ 20MB of internal memory or to an external SDHC/SD card with a guaranteed maximum of 8GB.

The NV8, NV15 and NV20 also include a high-resolution movie mode, with the ability to record at VGA resolution (640x480) at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of the cameras’ movie stabilizers and 3x optical zooms while recording video and with Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.

NV20: $399 MSRP - available Fall 2007
NV15: $299 MSRP - available Fall 2007
NV8: US availability and pricing TBD

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.

For full specifications and hi-res images visit the Samsung Camera website at: www.samsungcamerausa.com

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