Pre-PMA 2009: Samsung has announced the TL320 and HZ15W premium image-stabilized compact cameras (WB100 and WB550 in Europe). The TL320 has a 3.0” hVGA active matrix organic LED screen. It also offers a 24-120mm lens and full manual control. The OLED display is designed to perform better than conventional LCDs under extreme lighting. The HZ15W which, along with the recently announced HZ10W, is the world’s first 10x zoom compact to start at 24mm equiv. Both new cameras can record (and pause and re-record) HD videos. Samsung has revised several specifications since this story was first posted. Screen and lens specifications have been revised.

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• Press Release
• Images & Specifications: TL320 / WB100
• Images & Specifications: HZ15 / WB550

Press Release:

Samsung Announces World First Technology in their New Digital Compact Cameras

23rd February 2009, 13:00 GMT – Samsung Digital Imaging, leaders in innovation and digital technology, is breaking new ground by including world-first technology in the advanced WB550 and WB100 compact cameras.

The WB100 model, with a 5x optical zoom and 24mm ultra wide lens, breaks ground in the compact camera category by featuring the world's first 3.0” hVGA AMOLED screen. The organic LED screen out performs conventional TFT LCD screens with better contrast and a brighter screen that really helps when shooting in both bright sunlight and dark conditions.  The 460k pixel packed screen also shows fantastic detail when framing the shot and in playback. 

The new WB550 also includes a world first 10x optical zoom and 24mm ultra wide angle Schneider lens (previously found only in the camera’s predecessor, the WB500) and cements Samsung’s position as an innovator in the new and important High-zoom category - compact cameras equipped with the sort of advanced zoom lens technology traditionally seen only in SLR cameras.  This new technology gives people even greater control and helps them take better, professional standard photos; enhancing the entire photography experience, from shooting to sharing images with friends and family.

HD Movie Experience
The 12 mega pixel WB550 and WB100 also include HD movie capture so people can ‘Pause and Re-record’ high definition videos and super sharp movie-quality recordings in one movie clip - a Samsung patented function. The cameras also include ‘Smart Auto’ (Scene Recognition) technology: 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro and Macro Colour, to help people take the perfect shot regardless of the conditions.

Dual Image Stabilisation
The WB550 and WB100 integrate Optical and Digital Image Stabilisation into a Dual Image Stabilisation function, providing outstanding quality photos without blur from handshake - even in low light conditions.

Full Manual Control
For the more advanced user who prefers to have more control over camera settings, the WB100 offers aperture priority, shutter priority, as well as full manual shooting modes. Samsung also includes its unique Advanced Picture Mode in the WB100. With Advanced Picture Mode, users can fine tune color tones in their saved images by adjusting the color temperature from 2,800-10,000K, in 100K increments, or by manually configuring the camera’s color space shift. 

Face Detection
Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System is included within both the ultra-compact cameras alongside a host of other advanced features; “Face Detection” locates the subject’s face within the frame and automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits; in “Blink Detection Mode” the cameras take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so friends and family are always captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected and, in "Beauty Shot" mode, facial skin is retouched for a brighter and smoother skin tone.

Frame Guide
The Frame Guide setting on the new WB550 and WB100 means you no longer need rely on the technological capabilities of strangers for perfect holiday snaps. When you use the setting, the camera take a ghost picture of your desired shot and displays a template when you pass the camera over to someone else - ensuring they take the picture you want them to take, with you perfectly placed in it.

Smart Album
The two advanced compact cameras also feature a new ‘Smart Album’ Digital Contents Management system; a contents management program within the camera that makes it quick and easy to store and manage your photo collection. The clever navigation program automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, colour or themes.  

"Samsung is really strengthening our High Zoom and advanced compact range with the launch of the WB550 and WB100, providing world-first technology, unique and innovative features and advanced solutions for photographers of all levels" said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing, Samsung Digital Imaging Division.

Samsung TL320 (WB100) Images & specifications

Samsung HZ15 (WB550) Images & specifications