The Samsung HZ10W is a new 10 megapixel digital camera with a 10x, 24mm wide-angle zoom lens. Offering both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization, the HZ10W (also known as the WB500) has manual controls and can also capture 720p high-definition video. The Samsung HZ10W / WB500 will be available in black or silver in January 2009 for $299.99 / £229.

Samsung USA Press Release

SAMSUNG INTRODUCES 24MM ULTRA-WIDE ANGLE MEGA-ZOOM

New HZ10W Offers HD Video and Addresses Need for Wider Focal Length and Longer Zoom

LAS VEGAS, N.V., January 7, 2009 – Samsung’s new HZ10W is a compact, 10.2 mega pixel digital camera that takes wide-angle to a new level. Featuring an ultra-wide angle 24mm Schneider lens, the HZ10W goes beyond the 28mm wide angle focal length offered by other manufacturers while adding a powerful 10x optical zoom with telephoto capabilities of 240mm (35mm film equivalent). 

Opportunities to enhance one’s creativity thrive thanks to the wider focal length offered by the HZ10W’s ultra-wide angle, 24mm lens. With the ability to fit more of a desired scene into the shot, users no longer have to worry about asking a group of people to stand closer together to make sure everyone is in the photo. Users can also capture even more impressive landscape images, communicating the full beauty of a mountain range or even cityscape, as they see it, without having to decide what to exclude when pressing the shutter button.

The HZ10W’s 240mm (35mm film equivalent) telephoto zoom also allows users to be more creative and flexible when they shoot, adding peace of mind knowing that they can rely on the camera to help them capture the image they want, at any distance. Such a long zoom is ideal for sporting events, especially when far away from the action, or travel, when unable to determine what shooting scenario you may find yourself in. For added stability and blur-free images, especially when using the HZ10W at its maximum zoom, Samsung has incorporated both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. The shooter has the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand shake, ideal for well lit environments, or choosing Dual Image Stabilization and combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. Dual Image Stabilization is ideal for low-light environments where the use of a flash is not desired as it activates both forms of stabilization simultaneously.

For shooters who wish to be in more control when it comes to taking digital images, the HZ10W offers a host of manual controls. Users can manually configure shutter speed, from 16 ~ 1/1,500 seconds, as well as adjust focus and aperture settings. Users can also dial in exposure in 1/3EV steps at a maximum of ±2EV and select a desired ISO value with options of 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, and even 3200 at a reduced resolution of three mega-pixels.

The HZ10W also incorporates Samsung’s proprietary Smart Album program. Smart Album is useful tool which allows users to search through the various files they have saved on their memory card for a specific image. Smart Album automatically organizes the user’s digital images and gives them the ability to narrow their search based on the date or month the image was taken, the file type, whether it’s a photo, video, or voice memo, and the overall color tone.

“The mega-zoom HZ10W is one of the most feature-rich digital cameras in Samsung’s wide ranging family of digital imaging products,” said Tony Sorice, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Digital Imaging, at Samsung Electronics America. “The camera addresses demands in the marketplace, not only for longer zooms, but for wider focal lengths as well. Such powerful optics, combined with other advanced features like the ability to record HD video, will undoubtedly make the HZ10W an attractive model for anyone in the market for a new digital camera.”

The HZ10W gives shooters the ability to capture video in 720p high-definition at 30 frames-per-second (fps). Thanks to H.264 compression, users can record video for longer periods of time, allowing them to better utilize the remaining memory capacity on their SD or SDHC memory card. Shooters can utilize Optical Image Stabilization and the camera’s 10x optical zoom while recording video, as well as Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, which allows the user to pause and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.

Designed to help capture better images, specifically portraits and group shots of family and friends, the HZ10W’s Face Detection technology detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Smile Shot automatically triggers the HZ10W to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will automatically fire three consecutive shots if the camera detects that a subject’s eyes are closed – a useful feature as it’s often difficult to distinguish closed eyes when composing a shot on an LCD screen. Another unique, automatic functionality of the HZ10W is Beauty Shot, which will automatically brighten and even out skin tones as well as remove blemishes. The HZ10W’s comprehensive suite of automatic controls also includes 13 scene modes, which give users the ability to effortlessly adjust the camera and capture the best image possible in any situation.

The camera is available in black or silver, with silver trim, measures 4.13”W x 2.4”H x 1.4” D, and features a large 2.7 inch (230K pixels) LCD screen.

Samsung UK Press Release

Samsung Announces the World’s First 24mm Ultra Wide Angle and 10 x Optical Zoom Digital Compact

7th January 2009 – Samsung Digital Imaging, leaders in innovation and digital technology, is breaking new ground with the launch of the world’s first 10x optical zoom and 24mm ultra wide lens digital camera.

The launch of the WB500 sees Samsung entering a new and important High-zoom category - compact cameras equipped with the sort of advanced zoom lens technology traditionally only seen in SLR sized products.  This technology gives people even greater control and helps them take better, professional standard photos; enhancing the entire photography experience, from taking great pictures to sharing images with friends and family.

HD Movie Experience & Smart Scene Recognition
The 10 mega pixel WB500 includes HD movie capture so people can ‘Pause and Re-record’ high definition videos and super sharp movie-quality recordings, and also introduces Samsung’s new “Smart Scene Recognition” technology.  “Smart Scene Recognition” has 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro and Macro Colour, helping people take the perfect shot regardless of the conditions.  You can also use these settings when sorting through your photos - making it quick and easy to find all the portrait, outdoor or macro images you’ve taken.

Dual Image Stabilisation
The WB500 integrates Optical and Digital Image Stabilisation into a Dual Image Stabilisation function, providing vastly improved image quality and outstanding photos without blur - even in low light conditions.

Face Detection
A highly sensitive ISO 3200 and Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System is included within the ultra-compact WB500, alongside a host of other advanced features; “Face Detection” locates the subject’s face within the frame and automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits; in “Blink Detection Mode” the camera will take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so friends and family are always captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected and, in “Beauty Shot” mode, facial skin is retouched for a brighter and smoother skin tone.

Angle/Composition Guide
The Angle/Composition Guide setting on the new WB500 means you no longer need rely on the technological capabilities of strangers for those perfect holiday snaps.  When you use the setting, the camera takes a ghost picture of your desired shot and displays a template when you pass the camera over to someone else - ensuring they take the picture you want them to take with you in it.

Digital Contents Management
The WB500 features a new Digital Contents Management system (DCM); a contents management program within the camera itself that significantly reduces the time it takes to find a photo - meaning it’s quick and easy to store and manage your photo collection. The clever navigation program automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, colour or themes.

“Samsung is delighted to strengthen the range of compact cameras with the launch of the WB500 which provides a world first in its 24mm Ultra Wide angle 10x Optical zoom lens, unique and innovative features and advanced solutions for photographers of all levels” said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing, Samsung Digital Imaging Division.

The WB500, priced at £229 (TBC), will be available from leading high street and online retailers from January 2009. All Samsung Cameras include a two year warranty. Customers requiring further information should call 0845 726 7864 or visit samsungcamera.co.uk

Samsung HZ10W / WB500 Specifications
HZ10W
Mega-Pixels 10.2 mega-pixels
Optical Zoom 10x optical zoom / Schneider lens
LCD Size 2.7” TFT-LCD (230k pixels)
ISO Schneider Lens f = 4.2 ~ 42mm (35mm equivalent : 24~240mm)
Movie Mode 720P HD Resolution @ 30fps / H.264 Compression
Size 105mm W x 61.4mm H x 36.5mm D
Special Features - 24mm Wide-Angle Schneider Lens
- 10x Optical Zoom
- High-Definition 720p Video
- Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital)
- Face Detection / Smile Shot / Blink Detection
Self Portrait / Beauty Shot / Red-eye Fix
- Smart Album
- Function Description, Photo Style Selector
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

The Samsung HZ10W will be available in January 2009 at an MSRP of $299.99.

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.

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