Canon IXUS 240 HS
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS
Nikon D800
Samsung DV300F
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Nikon Coolpix P510
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
Nikon Coolpix S9300
Samsung HZ30W & HZ35W
Samsung have just unveiled the world’s slimmest cameras with 15x zoom and 24mm equivalent wide angle - one of the two even features built-in GPS and a 3” AMOLED screen. The new compacts are called the Samsung HZ30W and HZ35W, with the latter being the GPS/AMOLED model. The HZ30W has no GPS unit and makes do with a more traditional 3” LCD screen. The two cameras are otherwise identical: both sport 12-megapixel sensors, 24-360mm equivalent Schneider-Kreuznach lenses and 720p HD video recording capabilities. Both the Samsung HZ30W and the Samsung HZ35W offer semi-automatic and full manual exposure control, optical image stabilisation and HDMI ports. The HZ30W and HZ35W are called WB600 and WB650 in Europe and will be available from March 2010, priced at £249.99 and £299.99 respectively.
Samsung Press Release
SAMSUNG ADDS 15X OPTICAL ZOOM HIGH END COMPACT CAMERAS TO HZ-SERIES
HZ35W Offers GPS Technology with Visual Map-View and 3.0” AMOLED Screen
Ridgefield Park, NJ (January 18, 2010) – Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced the addition of two new models to its HZ-Series of high zoom, point-and-shoot digital cameras. The 12-megapixel HZ35W and HZ30W offer the same wide-angle 24mm Schneider lenses as their predecessors, the HZ15W and HZ10W, but extend the telephoto capability of the range from a 10x optical zoom to an impressive 15x optical zoom. In addition, the HZ35W comes equipped with a super clear and sharp 3.0” AMOLED display and built-in GPS technology for the automatic geo-tagging of images from anywhere in the world.
“These cameras represent what consumers can expect from Samsung,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “From their powerful optics to the exceptional combination of features which make snapping perfect pictures every time effortless, Samsung’s new HZ-Series goes above and beyond what’s expected from a point-and-shoot and raises the bar even higher for this class of high zoom compacts.”
12 Megapixel CCD, 24mm Wide-Angle Lens with 15x Optical Zoom
The HZ35W’s and the HZ30W’s optical performance is unmatched among its competition in the compact high-zoom category. Both offer a 24mm ultra wide angle lens, and 15x optical zoom. With such wide-angle and telephoto capabilities, users will have access to a wider shooting range from a shorter distance making it possible to capture beautiful landscapes, entire wedding parties, and skyscrapers from a greater distance. The cameras’ high-performance Schneider KREUZNACH lenses are also paired with Dual Image Stabilization (IS), which allows users to capture crystal-clear images using both Optical and Digital Image stabilizers. The Optical IS intelligently compensates for hand trembling by shifting the lens in the opposite direction. When Optical IS isn’t quite enough, the Digital IS automatically takes over to ensure virtually blur-free images.
Advanced Display
The HZ35W features a 3.0” AMOLED display which offers significant benefits compared to traditional LCD screens. The impressive screen enhances the experience for end-users with a much brighter and sharper display, which can easily be viewed outdoors and even in direct sunlight. The AMOLED screen offers improved battery life, a higher contrast ratio, more vibrant colors, and the ability to display images that can be reviewed at any angle, while fully maintaining the same color gamut. The HZ30W features a large, 3.0” TFT LCD.
GPS Technology & Geo-tagging Capability
The HZ35W utilizes built-in GPS technology to pinpoint and store the exact location that the shots were taken. With the HZ35W, users can geo-tag digital images, recording the longitude and latitude of where in the world the photo was taken. The camera will display the name of the city, state, and country on its AMOLED screen. Thanks to its visual map-view feature, users can even check the photos’ location on a map without having to upload the images to the Internet.
HD Video Recording
The HZ35W and the HZ30W both put high-definition video recording in the palm of users’ hands thanks to the ability to record video at a resolution of 720p / 30fps. Samsung also incorporates H.264 compression and offers consumers true HDMI connectivity, which allows the camera to be connected directly to an HDTV without the need for a cradle. Additionally, to further simplify users’ ability to record the best video possible, the cameras offer Samsung’s advanced scene recognition technology, Smart Auto (Still & Movie). Smart Auto has been upgraded from the HZ15W and HZ10W, as it can now be used with video as well as with still images. Similar to the way the technology analyzes the composition of an image to select the best scene mode when capturing digital stills, the technology will do the same for video, automatically choosing between one of four pre-programmed settings and selecting the setting that will yield the best footage with proper exposure and color balance.
Samsung UK Press Release
Samsung adds 15x optical zoom, high end compact cameras to WB-series
WB650 offers GPS Technology with Visual Map-View and 3.0” AMOLED Screen
London, UK – January 19, 2010 – Samsung, a market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, today announced the addition of two new models to its WB-series of high zoom, point-and-shoot digital cameras, with the introduction of the WB650 and WB600. The 12.2 mega-pixel WB650 and WB600 offer the same wide-angle 24mm Schneider lenses as their predecessors, the WB550 and WB500, but extend the telephoto capability of the range from a 10x optical zoom to an impressive 15x optical zoom. In addition, the WB650 even comes equipped with a super sharp 3.0” AMOLED display and built-in GPS technology for the automatic geo-tagging of images from anywhere in the world.
Continuing to provide consumers with high end solutions within the high-zoom category, the WB650/WB600 both carry a huge 24mm ultra wide angle + 15X super optical zoom. In addition, the WB series are equipped with a world-first 15X super-zoom lens, within a 30mm thick compact camera body. With such wide-angle and telephoto capabilities, users will have access to a wider shooting range from a shorter distance, making it possible to capture beautiful landscapes, entire wedding parties, and skyscrapers from an increased distance. The cameras’ high-performance Schneider KREUZNACH lenses are also paired with Dual Image Stabilisation (IS), which allows users to capture crystal-clear images by both Optical and Digital Image stabilisers. The Optical IS intelligently compensates for hand trembling by shifting the lens in the opposite direction. When Optical IS isn’t quite enough, the Digital IS automatically takes over to ensure virtually blur-free images.
The WB650 features an exceptional 3.0” AMOLED display which offers significant benefits compared to traditional LCD screens. The impressive screen enhances the experience for consumers with a much brighter and sharper display, which can easily be viewed outdoors and even in direct sunlight. The AMOLED screen offers improved battery life, a higher contrast ratio, more vibrant colours, and the ability to display images that can be reviewed at any angle while fully maintaining the same colour resolution. The WB600 features a large, 3.0” TFT LCD.
The WB650 also comes with built-in GPS technology to pinpoint and store the exact location that the shots were taken. With the WB650, users can geo-tag digital images, recording the longitude and latitude of where in the world the photo was taken. The camera will display the name of the city and country on its AMOLED screen. Thanks to its visual map-view feature, users can even check the photos’ location on a map without having to upload the images to the Internet.
Not only do both cameras deliver truly exceptional stills shots. The WB650 and the WB600 both put high-definition video recording in the palm of your hand thanks to the ability to record video at a resolution of 720p / 30fps. Samsung also incorporates H.264 compression and offers consumers true HDMI connectivity, which allows the camera to be connected directly to an HDTV without the need for a cradle. Additionally, to further simplify users’ ability to record the best video possible, the cameras offer Samsung’s advanced scene recognition technology, Smart Auto (Still & Movie). Smart Auto has been upgraded from the WB550 and WB500, as it can now be used with video as well as with still images. Similar to the way the technology analyses the composition of an image to select the best scene mode when capturing digital stills, the technology will do the same for video, automatically choosing between one of four pre-programmed settings and selecting the setting that will yield the best footage with proper exposure and colour balance.
“These cameras represent what consumers can expect from Samsung,” said Steve Mitchell, Marketing General Manager, Samsung Digital Imaging. “From their powerful optics to the exceptional combination of features which make snapping perfect pictures every time effortless, Samsung’s new WB-Series goes above and beyond what’s expected from a point-and-shoot and raises the bar even higher for this class of high zoom compacts.”
Canon IXUS 240 HS Review
Canon PowerShot SX240 HS Review
Nikon D800 Review
Samsung DV300F Review
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review
Nikon Coolpix P510
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
Fujifilm X-Pro1
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V
#1 compact flash
I tried to find more specs on this camera but they didn’t appear to be up on the Samsung site yet. But based on what I’m seeing in the photos attached, this could be the ultimate new pocket superzoom. If the LCD is 3 inches, then the whole body length should be approxiamtely 4.5-inches - about the same length as an iPhone. If it’s about an inch thick, that will make it a tight fit, but a fit nonetheless for a pants pocket. It’s been quite a while since i used a Samsung point-and-shoot. But I think I need to get one of these for review. A 24mm wide-angle 15x zoom that fits in pocket?
4:54 am - Wednesday, January 20, 2010
#2 Mark Lockwood-Sykes
The prices quoted here must apply to some other camera!!
10:04 pm - Tuesday, January 26, 2010
#3 Maarty
I am waiting for detailed review from photographybolg. I was ready to buy panasonic dmc TZ7 but I see real competitor. As I said, I am waiting on camera review...
11:48 am - Wednesday, January 27, 2010
#4 Jason
Mark those prices lead to the Samsung ES17 you are correct.
Play.com is saying a release of 1st March at £209 for the WB600 and £249 for the WB650.
Amazon is saying the 15th March with WB600 at £249 and the WB650 at £299
I suspect, although don't quote me on this, that the Play date was a rough guess given the March release date and Amazon is probably accurate.
4:29 am - Tuesday, February 23, 2010
#5 Shreddi
just bought at Costco for 269.oo. Came with case. Seems very nice so far. Haven't really used much. For the price and size don't know what could be better.
1:31 am - Friday, March 26, 2010
#6 Jason
Nice one Shreddi.
I've just ordered the WB600 from ukcamerastore.co.uk who have stock right now.
Was tempted by the WB650, but not all that fussed by GPS and bought a spare battery on ebay from Hong Kong for a few quid.
10:22 am - Friday, March 26, 2010
#7 Maarty
SHREDDI AND JASON
Guys, please provide us with your feedback for this camera. I am waiting for review, but I have not found relevant info's about this camera.
Many Thanks,
11:38 am - Friday, March 26, 2010
#8 Az
Just bought one today at Costco. I didn't even know about them but was lookinh for a nice camera and a guy helped me pick this one. LOVE IT! Takes the best videos and pics. only $ 269.00. Hey guys from U.K.: they are much cheaper here in the states. You would not be disappointed. I'm happy
10:36 pm - Wednesday, March 31, 2010
#9 Patrick
Does anyone know if the Samsung HZ30W can zoom while recording? Does it cut off the audio? Optical or Digital?
7:47 am - Monday, April 5, 2010
#10 Jason
I'm very happy with my purchase wb600.
You can zoom whilst recording and it's silent zooming doesn't make a noise. It's only optical zoom on movies but you get an additional digital 5 times zoom taking pictures. No real point in using the digital zoom on movies. You may as well just use a zoom on your playback device such as vlc player as all it does is enlarge the pixels.
9:25 am - Monday, April 5, 2010
#11 loz
Jason can please you post a video to show the lack of zoom noise on the WB600. Other videos of WB650 i've seen show a lost of zoom noise eg:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPDH7I1RL6k
I was very interested in the WB650 but put off by the zoom noise. If the WB600 is much better maybe thats an option for me. Thanks.
9:55 am - Wednesday, April 7, 2010
#12 Jason
Hey Loz. I've just done a quick test and played back on the PC. There is no zoom noise at all, in fact Patrick is correct that it cuts the audio off whilst zooming, and then starts again once you cease zooming. So if you are commentating whilst filming make sure you don't talk if you use the zoom. But depending on your intended use you may want audio whilst zooming. Personally I'm using mine for youtube videos and I don't have a camera man (just me) so I'll be using a tripod with no need for zoom & audio simultaneously.
12:35 pm - Wednesday, April 7, 2010
#13 loz
Hi Jason, thanks for getting back so quick. There should be a menu option called under menu/movie/voice. This should be set to 'on' rather than 'zoom mute' to record sound while zooming. Can you set this to 'on' and tell me what the recorded zoom noise is like compared to the WB650?
1:39 pm - Wednesday, April 7, 2010
#14 Jason
Hey Loz, yeah I found the setting you mentioned. It is the same noise on the video link you sent. I think these are identical models except for the GPS and AMOLED screen in the wb650.
3:21 pm - Wednesday, April 7, 2010
#15 loz
Hi Jason. Thanks for you help and info. Shame about the video zoom noise. It puts a black mark of this camera for me. I'm currently tryning to decide between WB650,TZ10 & HX5V. Thanks again.
8:36 am - Thursday, April 8, 2010
#16 Alex
Hey loz, i am exactly in the same "trilima" , probably heading to Panasonic, because:
Samsung does NOT have 3:2 format (i always print 10X15 cm photos)
and Sony does NOT have full PASM, only P and M mode.
By the way one good review of wb650 is here http://www.segadget.com/entry/538
12:04 pm - Thursday, April 8, 2010
#17 Rob
Hi
I will look at the website alex has reviewed
I am yet to hear a proper review comment on owners of the samsung wb650
It looks better than the canon, sony and panasonic equivelent
Rob
12:47 am - Friday, April 23, 2010
#18 Paul
Has anyone tried to download the GPS files via a MAC yet? I'm having problems laoding them onto the SD card as the instructions are for PC. Any pointers appreciated.
Paul
1:09 pm - Friday, April 30, 2010
#19 ron p
has anyone been able to download the maps for the GPS? I ahve done so, but an error message states that there are no maps on the camera. The maps have to be downloaded to the memory card. Samsung after much cajoling says that indeed their map download is not working.
1:38 am - Friday, May 14, 2010
#20 Paul
Just tried it and it's definitely working okay - Just downloaded Italy and Greece. Have you registered your camera with Samsung Imaging? you need to key in the serial number etc. of your camera before it lets you download maps. You need to be signed in too. It's all a pain - Samsung should have just provided the maps with the camera on a DVD or something - I spent a full day messing around and looking at Forums. UK Samsung helpline did try, but were a bit out of their depth.
It's taken me ages but I've got the gps up and running okay now. You also need to set up the folders on your SD card correctly or it just doesn't work. Love the camera!
10:33 am - Friday, May 14, 2010
#21 jacob
I purchased this camera 2 days ago, and I am ready to return it back. This is hell of a capable camera. If you like controls, this camera gives few manual controls along with some neat point and shoot features. The No.1 problem with this camera is image quality. Image quality is bad regardless whether you are shooting at night, during the day, with flash, fine quality normal quality; it really does not matter. I suspect the noise is the result of poor or bad JPEG algorithm. My recommendation: Avoid buying this camera.
11:59 pm - Friday, May 14, 2010
#22 ronp
I still can't get the camera to recognize there are maps downloaded to the SD card. Any furhter suggestion? I get a diffeaent response each of four times I have contatcted tech support at Samsung from the files for United States are not finished to try again to they wwill be availabel in a few hours, but the files are always the same.
1:01 pm - Saturday, May 15, 2010
#23 Paul
This link from another forum sorted me out
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1001&message=35006544
However, the gps function seems to drop off a lot
8:19 am - Monday, May 17, 2010
#24 Richard
I bought the WB600 a month ago and it has totally lived up to my high standards. First of just a note, there is no difference between the wb600 and wb650 apart from GPS and Amoled display. And about the zoom when filming, it can zoom in a the full 15X oprical and you can set the camera to record sound whilst zooming or to switch it off. Yes it does make a noise when zooming with the sound recording on whilst zooming but it really isnt that bad and it shouldn't change your mind. The comment by Jacob is very unjustified as this camera has excellent image quality, it has a Schneider Kreuznach lens which are the best around for compacts. Jacob probably hasn't configured it very well. The comment from Alex is also incorrect, it does do 3:2 Ratio when shooting at 10 Mega-pixel. To be honest this camera all round is the perfect point and shoot camera around it beats all other camera's feature wise, zoom wise, looks wise and image quality wise. Not a bad price either to be fair. The different shooting functions are also ideal. Smart auto is really useful when you are in a hurry and just want a good picture quickly without using the Manual control, Also works together with video recording to get good lighting. The quality of higher ISO sensitivity levels is also way better in comparisons with other similar price range compacts. This means that if you don't want to use the flash in a darker area you can still get high quality images with virtually no noise. For me at ISO 800 the image quality is still excellent. One of the only bad points about this camera is the fact that at slower shutter speeds, the optical stabiliser doesn't work that well so you need a steady hand or just take several pics. Please feel free to ask any questions as I am already very accustomed to this camera. SO if in doubt just ask.
10:59 am - Wednesday, May 26, 2010
#25 ron p
Has anyone been able to download and have the camera recognize the Maps for US? I am told that Samsung has not gotten the US maps for use in the US and the techs didn't know when that would happen
5:53 pm - Wednesday, May 26, 2010
#26 Chris m
I purchased the WB650 specifically for the GPS as I enjoy taking photos abroad only to find when I return to the UK I cannot always recall where the picture was taken! Yes old age is setting in.
I have downloaded all the basic software and fine, but when downloading the country maps for GB and France - 3 tries - I was locked out by the 3 attempts rule. Have been in contact with Samsung in the UK and after 4 working days I am still awaiting a solution as to how I can download working zip files. Anyone any ideas
7:30 pm - Wednesday, May 26, 2010
#27 Ryan
Bought the camera at costco......any idea where to get the mini hdmi cable......didn't come with one? Can't find it anywhere......help!!!!!!!
2:35 am - Saturday, May 29, 2010
#28 Pat K
HELP!!!! Just bought the HZ35w/wb650 and have mixed feelings about it. I bought it because of the GREAT reviews at DP review and PC World. Am going on an Alaskan cruise in a few weeks and liked the 15x optical zoom on this camera, and the fact that it supposedly takes great stills and videos with good image quality. But I'm having mixed results in my TESTING TRIALS with the camera--some are ok, others are blurry. Have tried using the OIS, shooting in continuous still mode, and also setting the shutter speed faster while shooting moving objects in a river as what I specifically want to take pictures of in Alaska is whales breaching the water in the distance from the deck of the ship, as well as parts of glaciers breaking off and falling into the water. At this point if I can't figure out what the secret is to CONSISTENTLY getting CLEAR pictures I may have to return the camera and get a different camera. Can anyone help me? THANKS
1:58 am - Wednesday, June 30, 2010
#29 Pat K
RICHARD--Thanks for offering to help in your posting. HELP!!!! Just bought the HZ35w/wb650 and have mixed feelings about it. I bought it because of the GREAT reviews at DP review and PC World. Am going on an Alaskan cruise in a few weeks and liked the 15x optical zoom on this camera, and the fact that it supposedly takes great stills and videos with good image quality. But I'm having mixed results in my TESTING TRIALS with the camera--some are ok, others are blurry. Have tried using the OIS, shooting in continuous still mode, and also setting the shutter speed faster while shooting moving objects in a river as what I specifically want to take pictures of in Alaska is whales breaching the water in the distance from the deck of the ship, as well as parts of glaciers breaking off and falling into the water. At this point if I can't figure out what the secret is to CONSISTENTLY getting CLEAR pictures I may have to return the camera and get a different camera. Can anyone help me? THANKS
2:10 am - Wednesday, June 30, 2010
#30 Richard
Hey Pat, try using manual mode and using a faster shutter speed to take pictures of fast moving objects without blur. Also using a tripod is highly effective!
9:32 pm - Monday, July 5, 2010
#31 Richard
Hey everyone, I've received substantially many emails from people about this camera and I have made samsung a few grand by doing so by replying to all of them (apart from a few as I was on holiday last week). However I am going to stop now. I'm very sorry.
9:38 pm - Monday, July 5, 2010
#32 Paul
My problem is still the gps mode! It drops off and takes ages to 'kick-in'. By then you've taken the shot and missed the opportunity to GPS tag it - It's very frustrating! is there anyone else experiencing this problem?
I'm comparing it with my i-phone where it gps tags and image immediately.
For those asking about USA maps,it still seems to work okay (from UK).
Ryan, it doesn't come with a HDMI cable - suggest you try Comet (UK)
9:50 pm - Monday, July 5, 2010
#33 nigesh
I would like to buy this camera.Is it worth buying.If not suggest me some other in the same price range.
4:43 am - Friday, December 17, 2010
#34 MarkS
Question to:
#23Richard
What camera functions can I turn off in order to
speed up internal processing so that I can cut down on the wait period befor taking my next picture?
3:43 am - Sunday, February 19, 2012
#35 MarkS
Regarding Comment #24 Richard
I have a HZ30 camera..What camera functions can I turn off to speed up the processing wait-period that occurs between taking the next picture. Right now, the wait-period seems like 3 or more
seconds.
3:46 am - Sunday, February 19, 2012
#36 Jason
Mark S are you sure its the camera and not the speed of your memory card? Slower memory card speeds can cause the camera to take a while saving files. If you use a higher class/speed memory card it should save a lot quicker. I'm not familiar with the model but it will tell you in your manual how many shots you can take per second.
12:33 pm - Tuesday, February 21, 2012