Samsung ST550

14 August 2009, Samsung Digital Imaging Co. Ltd. announced the arrival of the Samsung ST550 and Samsung ST500, the latest in compact camera innovation. The new models set themselves apart from the pack with the innovative inclusion of Dual LCD screens on front and back; allowing consumers to truly put themselves in the picture.

Delivering a unique experience, the 1.5” LCD located on the front of the camera now allows consumers to take first rate photos whether they are behind the camera or in front of it. Opening up a whole new world of possibilities, the Dual LCD allows users to easily take photos that were difficult before – from either side of the lens. Set-up a self-portrait and use the front LCD screen to make sure you’re lined up perfectly in the photo.
For consumers excited about the dual screen fun, but who don’t require such a high spec camera, the Samsung ST500 is also being launched. With vivid viewing capabilities on a 3” Wide Touch Screen the Samsung ST500 is a top drawer option in a smaller, more affordable package.

Samsung’s innovative Smart Face Recognition technology will adjust the focus and exposure on up to 20 faces in a frame and allows users to quickly search for people in the album instead of viewing every photo. The ST550 and ST500 also record HD video in 1280×720p resolution at 30 frames per second in H.264 format – providing twice as much recording capacity as an MPEG4 and four times more than a MJPG. The ST550 also comes equipped with an HDMI connection which means your HD videos can be watched directly on your HD TV or HD Monitor.

Samsung ST550 Specification:
# Max resolution 4000 x 3000
# Low resolution 3984 x 2656, 3840 x 2160, 3264 x 2448, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 768
# Image ratio w:h 16:9, 4:3, 3:2
# Effective pixels 12.2 million
# Sensor photo detectors 12.4 million
# Sensor size 1/2.33 " (6.13 x 4.60 mm, 0.28 cm²)
# Pixel density 43 MP/cm²
# Sensor type CCD
# Sensor manufacturer
# ISO rating Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
# Zoom wide (W) 27 mm
# Zoom tele (T) 124.2 mm (4.6 x)
# Digital zoom Yes, 5x
# Image stabilization Yes, Optical
# Auto Focus TTL auto focus (Center AF, Multi AF, Face recognition AF, Face Detection, Smart Face Recognition, One Touch Shooting)
# Manual Focus No
# Normal focus range 80 cm
# Macro focus range 5 cm
# White balance override 5 positions plus custom
# Aperture range F3.5 - F5.9
# Min shutter 8 sec
# Max shutter 1/2000 sec
# Built-in Flash Yes
# Flash range 3.4 m
# External flash No
# Flash modes Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash off, Red eye fix
# Exposure compensation +/- 2EV (1/3EV steps)
# Metering Multi, Spot, Center Weighted, Face Detection AE
# Aperture priority No
# Shutter priority No
# Focal length multiplier
# Lens thread
# Continuous Drive Yes
# Movie Clips Yes, 1280 x 720 @ 30/15 fps, 640 x 480 @ 30/15 fps, 320 x 240 @ 60/30 fps
# Remote control No
# Self-timer Yes, 10 sec, 2 sec, Double, Motion Timer
# Timelapse recording Unknown
# Orientation sensor Yes
# Storage types MicroSD/ MicroSDHC, internal
# Storage included 55 MB
# Uncompressed format No
# LCD 3.5 "
# LCD Dots 1,152,000
# Live View No
# USB USB 2.0 (480Mbit/sec)
# HDMI Yes
# Wireless No
# Environmentally sealed No
# Battery Rechargeable SLB-07A Li-ion battery
# Weight (inc. batteries) 187 g (6.6 oz)
# Dimensions 100 x 60 x 19 mm (3.9 x 2.4 x 0.7 in)

Ref: www.dpreview.com; www.gizmodo.com.au