Event Coverage

Samsung Unveils New Super Zoom Camera and Compact HD Camcorder

By Seow Tein Hee - 27 Aug 2009

Samsung Unveils New Super Zoom Camera and Compact HD Camcorder

Samsung's New Digital Imaging Products

Just a week ago, at the earlier Samsung regional event where the Samsung ST550 / 500 and the Samsung ST1000 were revealed, we were wondering if there's more to come. Back in Singapore, Samsung held another launch event to once again introduce its dual LCD and Wi-Fi / Bluetooth enabled Samsung cameras. But what caught our attention were two other upcoming products that were first made available for viewing at this event.

Firstly, we spotted the new super zoom camera, named the Samsung WB5000. Some of the more captivating features of the WB5000 includes:

  • 24x optical zoom
  • RAW imaging file format
  • 26mm wide-angle Schneider-KREUZNACH lens

On display at the Samsung flagship store was the engineering unit, and as such, we can't comment much on its imaging capability yet. But based on our initial impressions, the WB5000 gives a sturdy feel with its solid build. Gripping the WB5000 isn't too hard either, giving you the steady grip akin to a DSLR without the bulk of it. Though categorized under the super zoom group, the WB5000 is also lined up as a prosumer-friendly device with its full manual mode. According to a Samsung spokesperson, the WB5000 will be available by the end of 2009. An exact timeframe wasn't revealed to us, but it shouldn't be for long.

Samsung's latest super zoom camera sports a form factor that is reminiscent of most other prosumer cameras out there.

The WB5000 is capable of a 24x optical zoom ratio, and comes with high definition movie recording and is able to capture images under the RAW file format that's widely adopted by the DSLR range.

The jog dial located at the top of the WB5000 is pretty standard, with more flexibility given to the photographer by adding a full manual mode and two user-defined modes for situational use.

A dedicated Movie Recording button sits at the rear of the device amongst its usual Auto Exposure Lock button and the five-way navigational pad that is also a scroll wheel.

Samsung's new camcorders also made its debut at the launch, and what caught our eye was the Samsung HMX-U10. Much like the Creative Vado and Flip Mino, the U10 will be capable of HD video recording at a resolution of up to 1920 x 1080 pixels. The device is also able to snap still images at up to 10-megapixel in resolution with its 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor within. The attraction of the U10 lies in its compact nature, weighing in at a mere 95g and fits in your palm nicely with its 56 x 103 x 15.5mm dimension. For the Samsung HMX-U10, it will be available in silver, red or black by the month of September, with a tagged pricing of S$329.

HD recording is all the rage, and the new ultra compact Samsung HMX-U10 is trying to catch onto that trend with its 1080p video recording capability.

The user interface is pretty simple with a 2-inch LCD that sits atop three other physical buttons and a touch-sensitive navigational panel below.

The U10 comes with two output ports - USB2.0 for data transfer and power charging, plus an AV output to display your videos on a larger Samsung TV.

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