Samsung Announces ST6500 Digital Camera

Today, Samsung release a whole slew of new cameras, like this one, the new ST6500, a 16-megapixel compact point and shoot. Interesting to the design is that the body is curved around the lens at a small angle, said to make for a more ergonomic feel in the hand.

To allow for good closeups, this Samsung has a 5x optical zoom, though we are unsure of aperture equivalents (important for low-light situations). However, it is mentioned that there is a wide zoom, 26mm wide, which will be very nice for its HD video. The camera shoots in 720p HD and comes with a lot of the “latest” movie features, hopefully fast-frame, slo-mo and time-lapse.

We’ll have to wait until March to play around with it and see the movie mode. Price is set at $229.

Press Release

SEOUL, Korea – January 19, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced the latest addition to its design-led camera portfolio, the ST6500, reinforcing the company’s position as a global leader in digital imaging innovation and a pioneer of stylish design and ergonomic usability. The launch follows the success of Samsung’s recent cameras such as the ST5000 which showcased a fluid and sleek design approach.

The ST6500 incorporates the latest angled design, with the camera’s body curved around the lens and angled at 7 degrees to make for a more ergonomic fit in the hand, an innovative step away from the conventionally designed models available in the market. The overall design helps ensure that creative images are perfectly captured, as the camera fits effortlessly in the user’s hand, giving increased usability and complementing the high-quality finish with a smooth, fluid curve. The high-performing, stylish design means the ST6500 is the camera that lets you make a style statement at the latest party or social event.

The ST6500 also comes equipped with a high-quality 16-megapixel sensor, to guarantee crisp and clear images, alongside the powerful 5x zoom lens set within the camera’s slim, stylish and light body. The ST6500 also reaches new levels of interaction with the consumer, through a new Smart Touch 3.0 User Interface which works with the wide 3.0” multi-purpose LCD touch screen, so users can quickly access, manage and use key features to capture their creative moments. To help confirm the latest group shot of friends and those important social gatherings are captured perfectly every time, the intelligent Smart Auto feature automatically adjusts the camera’s settings to prepare you to capture the perfect image.

“Today’s launch further establishes Samsung’s position of leadership, setting the benchmark for the latest high performing camera designs,” said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “It is an important landmark for Samsung, reinforcing our position as a leading innovator in the digital camera market and showing our belief in design-led innovation. The ST6500 offers not only luxurious design and the best imaging technology, but also demonstrates our commitment to our customers, by producing user-driven innovation in the form of ergonomic style and easy-to-use functions. The ST6500 is a unique offering to the market, and a welcome change for an industry that is dominated by straight lines.”

Pioneering HD movie recording

Alongside its 5x optical zoom, the ST6500 also features a 26mm wide angle lens; enabling users to capture wide and deep perspective images. The camera also boasts the latest 720p HD Movie settings with additional voice recording, along with HD Shooting and HD Playback, so you never miss any of the action. These smart features not only provide the best quality images but ensure style driven photographers discover the fun of photo and video capturing. The slim and sleek design is also available in a variety of colors to meet every customer’s style requirements and individual tastes.

Maximizing creativity through smart technology

The ST6500 ensures consumers can create unique photos with the built-in image editing and creative shooting tool suite. The camera also includes the Magic Frame capability, made up of 12 predefined templates with multiple background properties to create fun, stylish and unique images formatted as postcards and posters. The advanced Smart Filter 2.0 allows enhanced video filtering features, with several professional color options, so users can create truly innovative videos. Since standard videos in ordinary colors tend to be uninspiring, the ST6500 ensures that the Smart feature set maximizes your creativity and ensures you discover the fun of shooting.

Specifications

ST6500
Image Sensor 1/2.33″ (Approx. 7.76mm) CCD

16 Megapixel

Zoom Still Image mode:
– Extra Zoom: Crop Zoom 1.0X~2.0X (Extra Zoom on시)
– Digital Zoom: 1.0X ~ 5.0X
: Optical Zoom(X5) –> Extra Zoom(X2) or Digital Zoom(X5)
Play mode: 1.0X ~ 14.4X (depends on image size)
Lens Samsung Lens f = f4.7∼23.5mm (f26∼130m 35mm film equiv.)
Image Stabilization OIS and DIS (Optical and Digital Image Stabilization)
Dimensions 102.3 x 56.5 x 19.3
Additional features – Smart Touch 3.0 UI
– Sound Alive
– Smart Auto (Still/Movie)
– Smart Filter 2.0
– Perfect Portrait System
Pricing and availability $229

Available in March

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.