Samsung TL9 Review

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TL9 Overview

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TL9 Overview
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Samsung TL9
Resolution:	10.20 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.33 inch (6.1mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	5.00x zoom (38-190mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	LCD
Extended ISO:	80 - 3200
Shutter:	1/1500 - 16 sec
Max Aperture:	3.7
Dimensions:	3.7 x 2.4 x 0.7 in. (95 x 60 x 19 mm)
Weight:	4.9 oz (139 g)
MSRP:	$280
Availability:	09/2008
Manufacturer:	Samsung
Full specs:	Samsung TL9 specifications

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10.20 Megapixels	5.00x zoom	1/2.33 inch size sensor

Few specifications are currently (July, 2008) available on the Samsung TL9, which features a ten megapixel CCD image sensor behind a Samsung-branded 5x optical zoom lens. The TL9's lens has actual focal lengths of 6.8 - 34mm The CCD size and hence the 35mm-equivalent focal lengths are currently unknown. Maximum aperture varies from F3.7 to F4.9 across the zoom range. There's no optical viewfinder, with images being framed on a fairly large 2.7" LCD display. The TL9's ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 3200, while shutter speeds from 1/2000 to 15 seconds are possible.

The Samsung TL9 includes a face detection function capable of detecting nine faces simultaneously, and also has both smile and blink detection functions, which can be used to prevent capture of a photo until nobody is blinking and everyone's smiling. The Samsung TL9 has 13 scene modes aimed at keeping things approachable for beginner photographers while still offering a degree of control over images. The TL9 also includes Samsung's "Dual Image Stabilization" function, which combines both a true mechanical stabilization function, plus the ability to combat blur using the camera's firmware, automatically raising the camera's ISO sensitivity as needed.

The Samsung TL9 has the ability to record movies MPEG-4 compression (which offers better compression / quality than the Motion JPEG format favored by most digicams). The TL39's movies are recorded at up to a maximum resolution of 800x592 pixels with reduced framerate of 20 frames per second, and at 640x480 pixels with the full maximum frame rate of 30 fps. The TL9 does support optical zoom while recording of videos, but it isn't yet clear whether audio is disabled during zooming. A rather uncommon feature is the ability to pause recording during a movie, then continue recording of the same file.

The Samsung TL9 stores its images on SD or SDHC cards, and can also function as a portable media player with both MP3 and video playback capability. Videos must be converted from MPEG, AVI, MOV, WMV or ASF format using the supplied Digimax Converter software, and the TL9 has both a headphone port and built-in speaker with SRS 3D technology included. The most eyecatching feature, though, has to be the two analog gauges on the camera's top panel. The needles in these rotary gauges indicate the camera's currently remaining battery and flash card capacity, and are the kind of design feature you'll either love or hate.

Samsung has added an optional "Recycle Bin" function on the TL9, which functions much like that on a desktop PC - files aren't really deleted initially, but rather are moved to the recycle bin from where they can then be either deleted, or restored. Another fairly unusual feature of the Samsung TL9 is what the company is calling "Digital Contents Management". In playback mode, this tool organizes photos by their capture date (by month, or on a timeline), theme (portrait, couple, group photo, city or landscape), color tone, or file type (photo, video or voice memo).

The Samsung TL9 ships from September 2008 priced at US$280, and will be available with either a silver or black body.