Samsung Appeals to Enthusiasts with Unveiling of TL500
Samsung has unveiled the TL500, a compact camera with a 1/1.7” CCD sensor and f/1.8 lens, features clearly intended to appeal to enthusiast and serious amateur type photographers. There’s a lot to like here, so let’s just do a quick run through of features that merit your attention:

• 10 megapixel 1/1.7″ CCD sensor
• f/1.8 lens at 24mm (24 – 72mm 35mm equiv.)
• Hot shoe for external flash
• 3″ AMOLED 614K tilt/swivel display
• Max ISO 3200
• RAW support
• Did we mention f/1.8?

These basic specifications are very much competitive with cameras like the Canon PowerShot G11, and the PowerShot S90, not to mention Panasonic’s LX3. One key similarity amongst all of these cameras: the wisdom to shift to slightly larger sensors (see the diagram to the right – the lighter blue square represents the average compact sensor), while keeping megapixels relatively low (they could be lower still– pixels this small will still succumb to diffraction issues as the aperture gets smaller). Any trend towards bigger sensors is one we certainly embrace, but we can’t help but to also be to attracted to the idea of an f/1.8 lens with a wide open range of f/2.4 at longer focal lengths. The Schneider KREUZNACH optics are pretty modest in overall reach, topping out at 72mm, which gives the G11 an edge in versatility (28mm-140mm), but they are still in a range that I suspect would satisfy most enthusiasts.

A noticeable miss with the TL500, not including HD Video to its list of impressive specifications, especially given the estimated pricing, currently pegged at $450. Still, I’m pretty excited about this offering from Samsung, the styling looks good, camera layout looks practical, I even see an attempt at a camera grip. Factor in the sensible sensor, and very attractive lens specs. and you can be sure we’ll be reviewing this one as soon as possible.

The Samsung TL500 will ship this Spring.

Additional Media

Specifications

Press Release

Samsung Launches The TL500 – A High-End Compact With An Ultra-Wide And Bright F/1.8 Lens

Fast Operating Speed and Ultra-Sensitive 1/1.7” CCD Will Impress Enthusiast Photographers

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, proudly introduces the 10 mega-pixel TL500, a high-end compact digital camera designed specifically for today’s advanced and enthusiast photographers. The new flagship of the company’s compact digital camera family, the new TL500 incorporates a full-range of advanced features, including a high-performance imaging sensor and one of the brightest lenses ever featured on a compact camera – a 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH, f/1.8. The TL500 will be on display during PMA 2010, February 21‑23, in the Samsung booth, #2227, in the Anaheim Convention Center.

“With the TL500, Samsung further differentiates its lineup from the competition and achieves yet another milestone in the industry,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With ultra-wide angle capability and unparalleled speed, the TL500’s lens offers a new level of versatility allowing the user to be more creative and take better pictures.”

High-Quality Optics and Images
The Samsung TL500 is sure to turn heads thanks to its ultra-wide, f/1.8 Schneider lens – one of the brightest ever featured on a compact digital camera. The impressive f/1.8 lens offers photographers a wider range of aperture steps and shallow depth-of-field, giving them the ability to blur out the background of their images while maintaining focus on their subjects. The ultra-fast, f/1.8 lens also allows users to take better photos in low-light environments as more light is passed through to the new high-performance 1/1.7” CCD sensor. Larger than the sensors typically found in compact digital cameras, the TL500’s 1/1.7” CCD offers unrivaled sensitivity (max ISO 3200/full-resolution). Together with Samsung’s re‑engineered and fast, DRIMeIII imaging processor, the TL500 captures high-quality images, regardless of the lighting environment.

The high-end Schneider lens offers a 24mm, ultra-wide focal length and 3x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL500’s 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as beautiful landscapes and large groups of friends or family. For blur‑free images, the TL500’s lens is also paired with Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology.

Versatile Display Enhances the Viewing Experience
Composing and reviewing images on the TL500’s three-inch, swiveling AMOLED screen is a pleasure. The rotating AMOLED display will allow photographers to precisely frame their images the way they want and shoot from just about any angle, including overhead or low‑to‑the-ground shots. Compared to the traditional TFT-LCD found on most digital cameras, the TL500’s AMOLED provides users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The TL500’s AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Multiple Shooting Options
The TL500 supports RAW and gives enthusiasts full control over their images thanks to its shutter‑priority, aperture‑priority and full Manual shooting modes. When using these settings, shooters can experiment with features such as slower shutter speeds and depth‑of‑field; however, for those who prefer ease-of-use over manual controls, the TL500 also offers Samsung’s Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology. Applicable for video recording (640×480 / 30fps / H.264) and taking digital stills, this intelligent feature analyzes the scene and then automatically selects the appropriate settings for the best results po
ssible. Using this mode requires minimal effort and does not sacrifice image quality for simple operation.

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

About Samsung Digital Imaging
Samsung Digital Imaging Co. Ltd. is a leader in photo imaging technology, digital cameras and optical devices. The company offers a range of high-performance digital compact and DSLR cameras, introducing cutting-edge features to meet consumer needs. Samsung began developing film cameras in 1979 and has led the growth of the digital imaging market through its advanced technology and innovation. For more information, please visit www.samsungimaging.com

About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, digital consumer electronics and home appliance products, including HDTVs, home theater systems, MP3 players, digital imaging products, refrigerators and washing machines. A recognized innovation leader in consumer electronics design and technology, Samsung is the HDTV market leader in the U.S. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.

Our in depth review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-Fz35 is now up! The FZ35 is a 12 megapixel, 18x zoom offering that aims to continue the success of Panasonic’s well regarded line of superzoom digital cameras. Get our final analysis on the affordable and versatile Panasonic FZ35 right here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 In Depth Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 (outside the U.S. known as the FZ38) is the latest entry in a line of well regarded super-zooms from Panasonic. Offering 12.1 megapixels and an 18x zoom lens, the FZ35 promises detailed images from its versatile lens, while also providing consumers with plenty of creative options from a wealth of in-camera shooting modes and creative filters and adjustments, to the ability to shoot HD movies at 720p. Even better it does all of this in a fairly compact and light design that seems ideal for beginning photographers, or users just looking for a camera that can handle a multitude of different shooting situations.

Not disturbing the successful formula of the FZ28 too much, the FZ35 keeps the same 18x zoom (27-486mm), but does bump the resolution to 12 megapixels from 10. Other changes include a change from Mega O.I.S. to Power O.I.S. which other than a word change adds double the stopping power of the FZ28’s image stabilization, in addition to:

• Choice between AVCHD format or Motion JPEG format for HD recording.
• Stereo microphones.
• HDMI out.
• Dedicated record button.
• Faster quick AF mode.
• Face detection (as in recognizes particular faces).
• My Color Mode allows for live creative changes.
• High Dynamic mode for enhanced dynamic range with 3 optional settings.

So as you can see, not a lot of significant external changes, instead the FZ35 enhances the creative capabilities of the camera, while also adding some improvements to resolution, AF speed, image stabilization, and HD recording. Are the changes enough for the FZ35 to keep Panasonic at the top of the superzoom class? Keep reading our review of the Panasonic FZ35 to find out.

Availability

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 Get the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 and support this site at the same time, by making your purchase through the following links at B&H Photo. Your purchases there help us continue to provide you with more great content. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 at B&H Photo: $309 and free shipping

Competition

The most likely competitor, or at least the most frequently mentioned one, is Canon’s SX20 IS, which offers a 20x zoom and 12 megapixels. The second most likely competitor would be Sony’s HX1 with its 9.1 megapixel sensor and 20x zoom lens. Recently a number of superzooms, or rather ultra-zooms have been released including the Nikon P100 and Olympus’ SP-800UZ, offering a 26x zoom and a whopping 30x zoom respectively. The point is, this a rapidly growing and evolving field with product cycles frequently lasting well under a year, so direct comparisons are frequently made unfair by mismatching new with just slight less new products. That said all of the previously mentioned products are based on tiny compact camera sensors that are pushed to their limits and beyond by the focal lengths that also happen to make the same products so appealing to consumers. In large part, overall image quality will be very close, so choosing boils down to particular feature sets and  cost considerations. Here’s how the FZ35 competes with the Sony Cybershot Hx1 and Canon PowerShot SX20 IS:

We reviewed the Canon PowerShot S90 quite recently here at Neutralday.com, and I must admit I was quite fond of it. Part of it was image quality relative to other compacts, the other part of it being its compact, take me anywhere size. Now, I sort of take it for granted that small size means compromised ergonomics, but in my opinion other than the dreadful dial around the d-pad, the S90 was pretty easy to use. Offering an opposing take on the S90 is DCResource with their review of the S90:

My enthusiasm waned quickly once my review unit arrived. Not because of the picture quality or feature set, but because the usability and ergonomics are so poor. It’s like Canon designed the camera without thinking that people’s hands would actually be touching (witness the free scrolling dial, pop-up flash, and identical power/ring func buttons).

-DCResource

I really don’t think it was all that frustrating, but we’re offering all sides here…

Availability

The Canon S90 is in stock and coming down in price a bit at Amazon and B&H Photo.

• Canon PowerShot S90 Digital Camera at B&H Photo: $399
• Canon PowerShot S90 Digital Camera at Amazon: $399

Canon PowerShot S90 Digital Camera Review

The Canon PowerShot S90 is the latest iteration in Canon’s well regarded S series that aims to lure photographers in with its carry everywhere compact size and enthusiast oriented feature set. Offering full manual shooting options, RAW+JPEG shooting, an f/2 wide angle lens, and low-noise oriented 10 megapixel sensor, the S90 is a low compromise solution for photographers looking for an everyday point and shoot camera, while offering very good image quality, all packaged in a slick and compact form factor. To find out if the S90 will meet your enthusiast needs, please continue reading our Canon PowerShot S90 digital camera review.

Availability

The Canon PowerShot S90 is available and in stock now at B&H Photo. You can get great prices, service, and selection and support this site at the same time by shopping at B&H Photo through the links below. Thanks for your continuing support!

Canon PowerShot S90 Digital Camera Price: $ 399.95 at B&H Photo

Competitors

There are several indirect and potential competitors, but the most obvious alternative to the S90 has to be the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. Both are spec’d very closely with 10 megapixel sensors, similar ISO ranges, RAW shooting options, and similar LCD displays. Notable differences include the LX3’s ability to shoot 720p video and the S90’s longer lens reach (105mm vs. 60mm). I’ve compiled a table to compare some of the two cameras key specifications.

Highlights

A quick look at some of the S90’s feature highlights.

The S90 is tuned for low light photography. The f/2 lens, 10 megapixel sensor, and DIGIC IV processing are leading contributors.	At 28mm the S90 provides an f/2 aperture, but that narrows to f/4.9 when you get to 105mm.
The S90 offers a 3.8x zoom. Here fully extended at the 105mm maximum length.	One of the more innovative aspects to the S90 is this control ring.
It can be turned to control a number of different camera settings, giving the S90 an analog feel.	The S90 makes it easy to change the control ring's function with this dedicated button.
The S90 is a camera for enthusiasts, so naturally it offers RAW and RAW+JPEG shooting.	The S90 has an ISO range of up to 3200, but it does offer a Low Light option with an ISO up to 12,800-though at reduced resolution.
Small and compact, the S90 checks in at just under an inch thick, making it easy to carry around in pants or jacket pockets.

I’ve always been a reluctant fan of the G Series from Canon. I can’t help but to admire their tank-like build and pro sensibilities, but the paradox of having such big camera (for a compact) with such a small sensor has always been confounding to me. I’m still confounded with the latest entry, the Powershot G11, but I’m enjoying it too much to really care.

Availability

The Canon PowerShot G11 is available and in stock now at B&H Photo. You can get great prices, service, and selection and support this site at the same time by shopping at B&H Photo through the links below. Thanks for your continuing support!

Canon PowerShot G11 Digital Camera Price: $ 449.95 at B&H Photo and FREE SHIPPING

Notes

Now, I mentioned the G11 is big, and by big I mean the G11 isn’t going in a shirt pocket, and would likely be uncomfortable in regular pants pockets. Instead, the G11 probably works best in cargo pants pockets, or a jacket pocket. It’s not a light camera, it’s got some heft to it, but for real enthusiasts, semi-pros and professionals, it will feel balanced and familiar. Build quality is high for a compact, and ergonomics aren’t too bad at all. There’s a nice grip area up front, and button placement forms a spot for the thumb to rest on the rear. On the top deck are dials for ISO, exposure compensation, shooting mode dial, the on/off switch, and the lens zoom lever. It sounds crowded, but it isn’t, and it makes for easy camera adjustments out in the field.

The G11 has a flip out 2.8 inch, 461K LCD that works great, seems sturdy, and offers pretty good clarity outside. It helps out in unusual compositions, as well as with tripod work, when the tripod is too high or to low to get a good viewing angle. In addition to the LCD, the G11 also has a viewfinder, but it’s incredibly small, and sort of like looking out an airplane window from across the aisle.

Image quality has been impressive so far. Like the S90, the G11 has a 10 megapixel 1/1.7″ CCD sensor. This marks a rare time when a successor offers less resolution than its predecessor, but the bump down from 14 megapixels to 10 appears to be a wise move. Canon claims that the sensor change was to satisfy photographer’s desires for cleaner images and improved low light performance, and the G11 delivers. It’s a rare thing to be comfortable using ISO 800 on a compact, but that’s the way it is with the G11. ISO settings extend to 3200 (even further in a lower resolution low-light mode) but after ISO 1600, I’d be very hesitant to use anything close to full size. Resolution is pretty good, but like all compacts, the G11 struggles to fully resolve very fine details.

We’ll have more in an upcoming review, but for the curious, I’m finding zero differences between the S90 and G11 in the IQ dept. The difference boils down to usage and form factor. Out in the field, in front of a waterfall, the G11 would be my choice, it’s easier to set up, and use in that type of context. For everyday use, the S90 offers all the IQ of the G11, but in a much more convenient size. It’s a lot easier to put an S90 in your pocket than the G11, but a good many photographers are still going to feel more at home with the G11.

ISO Samples

Use the image below to familiarize yourself with the crop locations. Shot at f/7.1. Click each thumbnail for a full size view of each crop. The un-edited images can be found here

Crop 1

ISO 100	ISO 200
ISO 400	ISO 800
ISO 1600	ISO 3200

Crop 2

ISO 100	ISO 200
ISO 400	ISO 800
ISO 1600	ISO 3200

Image Samples

Click each thumbnail for a larger view. The unedited originals are found here.

Exposure: 0.4 | Aperture: f/7.1 | Focal Length: 6.1 mm | ISO Speed: 80 | Exposure Bias: -1 EV

Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125) | Aperture: f/3.5 | Focal Length: 13.8 mm | ISO Speed: 400 | Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Exposure: 4 | Aperture: f/7.1 | Focal Length: 10.8 mm | ISO Speed: 80 | Exposure Bias: +2 EV

Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30) | Aperture: f/4.0 | Focal Length: 21.5 mm | ISO Speed: 800 | Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60) | Aperture: f/4.0 | Focal Length: 21.5 mm | ISO Speed: 400 | Exposure Bias: +1 EV

I’ve been playing with Canon’s PowerShot S90 for the past couple of days, and I’m liking what I’m seeing thus far. The S90 is a small digital compact camera, with a 10 megapixel, 1/1.7-inch type CCD sensor. On the back you’ve got a large 3 inch, 461K LCD display, and on the front a 28-105mm lens (4x zoom). Interestingly, the “lens bezel” is actually an interactive control ring, that you can setup to manipulate ISO, shooting mode, exposure compensation, focal length, and even white balance. It’s supposed to give an “analog” feel to the S90, and in a way it does, and regardless, I really like its functionality.

Build quality is above average. It’s a well made little camera with a pretty nice finish, but it is noticeably without any sort of grip surface or texture, just a bit of a bump on the back. How small is it? Perhaps shirt pocket-able, certainly pants pockets would be fine I’d think. Overall it’s a simple affair in all black minus any real flashy elements, it’s a handsome and to the point design.

I’m still feeling my way around the S90, but there’s quite a few things about the S90 that photographers/enthusiasts looking for a competent compact will like. There is of course the 28mm wide side on the lens with an f/2 aperture. You’ve got RAW+JPEG shooting if you need that. The sensor is a bit larger than most compacts and combined with DIGIC IV does a good job at handling noise. Then there’s some interesting creative features thrown in to like the “Nostalgic” filter which is smartly controlled in steps by turning the control ring. As a whole it makes for a compelling choice for those yearning for a talented compact camera.

Availability

The Canon PowerShot S90 is available and in stock now at B&H Photo. You can get great prices, service, and selection and support this site at the same time by shopping at B&H Photo through the links below. Thanks for your continuing support!

Canon PowerShot S90 Digital Camera Price: $ 429.95 at B&H Photo

ISO Samples

I’ve run the S90 through our normal ISO setup, and the results are pretty good, surprisingly good in fact. The shots were taken in RAW, then opened in Canon’s DPP, with noise sliders set to zero. DPP pushes the sharpness sky high, which actually enhances the noise in higher ISO shots, so to be fair and accurate I set the sharpness slider to zero for all shots. This makes the shots look softer than they actually look on or off camera at their default settings. To add to the interest, the S90 shots are paired with samples from the Canon PowerShot G11. Both cameras use the same sensor, and you’ll notice right away that both look exactly the same. The crops are 100% samples and have not been resized or edited in anyway. The take away: Both cameras can pull off ISO 1600 with some degree of detail loss and have the exact same ISO capability as far as I can see. Use the image below to orient yourself to the respective crop positions. Click each thumbnail to expand to the 100% view. In each case the S90 is on the left, the G11 on the right. The full size set can be found here.

ISO 100	ISO 200
ISO 400	ISO 800
ISO 1600	ISO 3200

ISO 100	ISO 200
ISO 400	ISO 800
ISO 1600	ISO 3200

Image Samples

A handful of sample images taken with the S90. The unedited originals are available here, and you can click each image for a larger view.

Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160) | Aperture: f/4.5 | Focal Length: 18.2 mm | ISO Speed: 100

Exposure: 0.013 sec (1/80) | Aperture: f/3.2 | Focal Length: 10.7 mm | ISO Speed: 100

Exposure: 0.01 sec (1/100) | Aperture: f/4.9 | Focal Length: 22.5 mm | ISO Speed: 100

Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250) | Aperture: f/4.9 | Focal Length: 22.5 mm | ISO Speed: 100

Exposure: 0.003 sec (1/400) | Aperture: f/5.6 | Focal Length: 6 mm | ISO Speed: 100

Exposure: 0.006 sec (1/160) | Aperture: f/5.6 | Focal Length: 22.5 mm | ISO Speed: 100

Exposure: 0.04 sec (1/25) | Aperture: f/2.0 | Focal Length: 6 mm | ISO Speed: 100

Get Your S90

You can get the  Canon PowerShot S90 now at B&H Photo. Help us continue bringing you quality content by making all of your purchases at B&H Photo through the following links.

Canon PowerShot S90 Digital Camera Price: $ 429.95 at B&H Photo Also available at Amazon: $429.95

The Nikon S640 is a 12.2 megapixel digital compact camera with a 5x zoom. Nikon touts the S640’s fast startup times and quick shutter release, but it also features an ISO 6400 setting and “Subject Tracking Autofocus”. Eric over at Photography Bay has just reviewed the Nikon S640, and it sounds like a pretty reliable performer, with solid image quality:

For the most part, I was pretty pleased with the S640 both indoors and out. I thought that the S640 gave a pretty good exposure evaluation of most scenes. Even when using flash, the S640 tried not to over power ambient light and provide a pretty balanced exposure.

-Photography Bay

Grab their full review of the Nikon S640 right here.

Availability

You can get the Nikon S640 at our favorite store for photography gear, B&H Photo and Amazon.

• Nikon CoolPix S640 Digital Camera (Black) at B&H Photo (free shipping on this one!)
• Nikon CoolPix S640 Digital Camera at Amazon