Last update 03 August’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ Gizmodo
Samsung SL820 announced on February 17, 2009 is a dual image stabilized 12 megapixel compact digital camera that features 5x optical zoom, 28 mm wide angle lens, HD movie recording, 3 inch LCD, ISO range from 80 to 3200, and camera dimensions are (WxHxD) 3.72” x 2.32” x 0.89”.
Review Index – (updated 03 August’09)
PCMag
“Outside the lab, the SL820 also did well; I was very impressed with outdoor shots. The dynamic range of colors looked great, whether I was shooting black and silver cars parked in a city parking lot or bright orange cones in the street. I did encounter a minor usability issue, though. For close up shots, the camera doesn’t automatically switch into Macro mode in the Auto setting. But images did look terrific once I manually switched to Macro.”
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InfoSync
“The Samsung SL820 gave us a decent overall showing, though there were certain portions of the compact’s performance where it appeared to be tap-dancing by the skin of its teeth. We noticed a few color gradation abnormalities, in addition to a striking inability to handle heavy contrasts, despite the use of SL820’s Backlight Compensation feature.”
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Owner Feedback
“I purchased this camera basically based on the review in Engadget of point and shoot cameras. I was replacing a broken Canon TX1 that I had used primarily for 720P video shooting.Video recording was very important.Size was also very important and we were looking at the Canon SD780 IS. My main camera is a Canon Rebel XTi.”
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“I recommend this camera. I was thinking about getting a Flip Mino HD or a Creative Labs Vado. Frankly, I don’t see why you would buy a cheap HD camera when you can get this much better camera for not much more. If you need something a little smaller the Canon SD780. But overall, I think the Samsung offers more features in a bigger package for about the same price.”
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“I’ve been using this camera for about a week now and I’m very happy with it. The camera feels great in your hand, the colors are spot on, HD video is fantastic and the image quality (video and still shots) is awesome. I’m also impressed with battery life with this camera. I highly recommend this camera to anyone. Thanks Samsung!
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tab:Sample Photos]
Sample Photos
[Coming soon...]
Press Release
February 17, 2009 – Samsung, leaders in innovation and digital imaging, today announced the release of the 5x optical zoom, 28mm Wide Angle Samsung SL820; a compact camera which combines innovative technology and user-friendly features to deliver optimum image quality in a streamlined, stylish package.
HD Movie Experience
The 12 megapixel Samsung SL820 includes HD movie capture so you can ‘Pause and Re-record’ high definition videos and super sharp movie-quality recordings in one movie clip – a Samsung patented function.
Smart Auto (Scene Recognition)
The Samsung SL820 features a 3.0” (230K) TFT LCD screen and Samsung’s new “Smart Auto” (Scene Recognition) technology which has 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro, 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 portraits, outdoor or macro shots you’ve taken.
Smart Album
The Samsung SL820 includes Samsung’s unique “Smart Album” Digital Contents Management system; a program built into the camera that significantly reduces the time it takes to find your favourite photos – so it’s quicker and easier 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 – so you’ll never have an excuse for losing a photo again.
Face Detection
Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System is also included in the Samsung SL820; “Face Detection” locates the subject’s face within the frame and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits; in “Blink Detection Mode” the camera takes 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. Samsung’s Self Portrait is also included within the Samsung SL820 – a beep sounds when faces are positioned centrally so you don’t have to be behind the camera to take the perfect shot.
Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology combines Digital and Optical image stabilisation to ensure outstanding photos without blur – even in low light conditions. Couple this with a highly sensitive ISO 3200 that offers a faster response to light, you can capture great low light shots without needing any flash.
Frame Guide
The Samsung SL820 features Samsung’s new Frame guide feature so you no longer need rely on the technological capabilities of strangers for 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.
The Samsung SL820 is available in a range of colours including silver, black, and red and will retail at £229 (TBC) from leading high street and online retailers from April 2009.