Samsung HZ30W Review

12.00 Megapixels	15.00x zoom	size sensor

Following on from the seven new digital camera models the company announced at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung announced its long zoom HZ30W in mid-January 2010. Most specifications for the Samsung HZ30W have yet to be revealed, with only a brief outline of the HZ30W's features and functionality so far available.

What we do know is that the Samsung HZ30W is based around a twelve megapixel image sensor, and includes a 15x optical zoom lens that provides 35mm-equivalent focal lengths ranging from a generous 24mm wide angle to a whopping 360mm telephoto. Thankfully, the HZ30W also includes Samsung's Dual Image Stabilization function, which couples optical (lens-based) image stabilization with a software anti-blur system. Images are framed and reviewed on a 3.0-inch LCD display, rather than the AMOLED display used in the HZ35W alongside which it was announced.

The HZ30W includes face detection capability, used to provide both a smile shot function that triggers the camera's shutter when your subject is smiling, and a blink detection function that warns when your subject's eyes were closed. Face detection is also used for a skin-smoothing beauty shot function, and a red-eye fix function that aims to correct the common photographic defect after capture. As well as a Smart Auto and (one presumes) a Program mode, the HZ30W includes several modes offering more manual control over the look of images. These include Aperture-priority, Shutter-priority and a fully Manual mode The Samsung HZ30W doesn't include the built-in GPS receiver that features in the HZ35W design. It does retain the 720p high definition 30 frames-per-second H.264 video mode though.

Pricing for the Samsung HZ30W hadn't been disclosed at press time. Availability is slated for March 2010.

Follow Imaging Resource