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Samsung's SL502 digital camera. Photo provdied by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Samsung: Two new SL-series digital cameras
By
(Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - 09:00 EDT)

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has today announced two new SL-series digital camera models, the Samsung SL720 and Samsung SL502.

The new cameras are fairly closely related, with both sharing 12.2 megapixel resolution and 5x optical zoom lenses, but where the higher-spec Samsung SL720 opts for a 28 - 140mm wide zoom, the Samsung SL502 instead features a more standard 35 - 175mm zoom. The SL720 offers both optical and digital image stabilization, whereas the SL502 has only a digital stabilization mode. The Samsung SL502 also saves a little cost with a smaller 2.7" LCD display, versus the larger 3.0" display of the Samsung SL720. Both cameras mark a first for the SL series of cameras, in that they now offer not only face detection, but also face recognition. Up to twenty individuals' faces can be registered in either the SL720 or SL502, and the information used to prioritize those individuals when they're detected in a photo. It can also assist in finding photos containing the registered faces when in playback mode.

More details on either camera can be found in our Samsung SL720 preview and Samsung SL502 preview. The duo will ship from August 2009, with the Samsung SL502 priced at about $150, and the Samsung SL720 commanding a premium of $80 for a final price of about $230.

Samsung SL720
Samsung's SL720 digital camera. Photo provdied by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerSamsung
Model NumberSL720
Dimensions3.8 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.
(96 x 60 x 24 mm)
Planned Price$229.99
Planned Availability August 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type12.20 megapixels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.0", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens TypeSamsung lens
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes (Optical + Digital)
Focal Length5.0 - 25.0mm (actual)
28 - 140mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 (wide) / f/5.6 (tele) - ???
Creative
Scene Modes11 scene modes plus Smart Auto
Movie FormatH.264 with audio
Connectivity
Video Yes (HDMI connection via optional camera cradle)
Other
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
More Photos
Samsung's SL720 digital camera. Photo provdied by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's SL720 digital camera. Photo provdied by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Samsung SL502
Samsung's SL502 digital camera. Photo provdied by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerSamsung
Model NumberSL502
Dimensions3.8 x 2.3 x 1.0 in.
(97 x 59 x 25 mm)
Planned Price $149.99
Planned Availability August 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type 12.20 megapixels (effective)
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.7", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type Samsung lens
5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 6.3 - 31.5mm (actual)
35 - 175mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/5.5 (tele) - ???
Creative
Scene Modes 11 scene modes plus Smart Auto
Movie Format Motion JPEG with audio
Other
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
More Photos
Samsung's SL502 digital camera. Photo provdied by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Click for a bigger picture!
Samsung's SL502 digital camera. Photo provdied by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

Samsung Adds Two New Cameras To Its Popular SL-series

5x 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.

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices across 61 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

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