Last update 29 January’10 – Review and Sample Photos @ RegHardware
Samsung TL225 / ST550 announced on August 13, 2009 is a dual image stabilized 12 megapixel compact digital camera that features dual LCD screens – 1.5 inch Front LCDSelf Portrait plus a 3.5 inch touch screen LCD on the back, 27mm Schneider-KREUZNACH wide angle lens, 4.6X optical zoom, tilt gesture controls, HD video capture, and high ISO of 3200.
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Review Index – (updated 29 January’10)
RegHardware
“While the photographic performance of this little innovator left me cold, I have to admit that the inclusion of a dual LCD screen does make taking self-portraits an all-together new and more creative experience. For this reason alone, I’d recommend this camera to any serious self-snapper and commend Samsung on introducing what will, no doubt, become a standard feature on many compact cameras.”
Rating: 
PCAuthority.au
“Still-image quality is a touch below the results from most Canons and Nikons, though. There’s no doubt the ST550 is a camera designed with considerable flair, but it’s overburdened with menu options, modes and trinkets that do nothing to make better photos.”
Rating:
TrustedReviews
“The Samsung TL225 / ST500 is a fairly typical 12MP ultra-compact, distinguished only by its touch-screen control and by its unusual front-mounted second monitor. This feature has its uses, and the camera is capable of taking good shots in most social situations, but the high price makes it poor value for money.”
Rating:
MacWorld
The reviewer notes the touchscreen and design of this camera is pretty cool, in fact, almost perfect. If Samsung can solve the battery life and photo quality problems the successors to this camera are going to be very popular. It’s a fun camera but less than stellar image quality and crummy battery life was a let down.
Rating: 
CNET.au
Just about everyone we know and yes that includes us the self portrait screen is a little to gimmicky, but hey, it’s Samsung big statement. This compact looks good, a huge 3.5 inch LCD touchscreen, and decent picture capability. Our only concern is the oversize 12.2 megapixel sensor and low attery life.
Rating: 
TrustedReviews
For an all-around compact camera the TL225 is excellent and especially for the holidays. It’s built well plus the handling and overall design are all top notch. As far as performance the TL550 will match everything else on the market. Photo quality is very good however the reviewer noted it had a few problems with dynamic range and low light noise. Price wise, when compared to the competition the camera is a bargain.
Rating: 
PhotographyBay
The reviewer really liked the TL225. He agreed the camera won’t appeal to everyone, but it would appeal to those who don’t take their camera too seriously. Actually, it’s more of a “people camera.” If the idea of taking your own photo at arm’s length appeals to you then this is your camera. With a myriad of compact cameras that qualify as boring and ordinary the TL225 is not part of this group.
Cameras.uk
This camera is loaded with features. It not only takes good quality pictures it arrives with a touch screen LCD and in addition one on the front of the camera for taking self portraits.
Rating:
DigitalCameraInfo
They thought it delivered good photos and has a decent zoom and overall the camera was easy to use. The LCD was excellent mainly because it was bright and had enough resolution to view fine details. Its menu system was pretty good and the reviewer had no problems setting cameras adjustments. For a simple straightforward camera that deliver good performance the TL225 fits the bill. Plus with the front LCD screen it provides a new unique way to take some creative images.
CNET Asia
“From our perspective this cameras target market is women. Almost every time we pulled it out the ladies noticed it and loved the LCD on the front of the camera and thought it was pretty cool to be able to take self portraits. If we set the photo quality and battery life on the shelf this is actually one the year’s most innovative cameras.”
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Steve’s Digicams
“Talk about a sweet spot – Samsung has sure found it with this camera. For photos of yourself the DualView feature all but nails this to perfection. Add in the Smart Auto and things like unsharp and goofy exposures are things of the past. I only struggled with a couple of things; it locked-up occasionally and some of the people shots took on the dreaded red-eyed demon look. Hey, it may not be the cheapest 12 megapixel camera on the block but if you take into account its cool features it’s a lot of bang for the buck.”
Wired
“What we liked: Front LCD is very cool for creating pictures of yourself. Big wide angle all the way out to 27mm. What we did not like: Okay photo quality, particularly in low light. Nasty shutter lag causes missed images. Touchscreen is a little poky — it seemed pretty fragile and seemed like it could get damaged really easily.”
Rating: 
DigitalCameraReview
“It may be a little on the expensive side which will undoubtedly turn off some consumers. But take our word for it, you should check this camera out. We really enjoyed taking pictures with it and did not find anything too terribly wrong with the camera. This is a cool camera and it works precisely as its marketed and it’s worth trying out.”
CNET
“This is an awesome little camera however, It’s not for everyone. It’s added abilities are nice and the secondary front LCD is definitely more for those who would rather be in front of the camera than behind it. Also, the touch-screen interface might drive some people insane regardless of how responsive it is. The camera is a standout in design and features and actually solves a real problem instead of just being a gimmick.”
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GoodGearGuide
“Despite its reasonably good image quality, the Samsung ST550 could still use some refinement. The menu system needs to be more user-friendly and the battery life and charging options need vast improvement. We’re also not convinced that the majority of people who want to take self-portraits will need a second screen, but we applaud the innovation.”
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WDC
“The abundance portrait and facial recognition technologies, image stabilization, 3.5in wide touchscreen rear LCD, super macro mode and clever subject tracking auto focus make this a real ‘people camera’. It looks the part, by and large plays the part too and can only get a big thumbs up.”
Rating: 
PCMag (Editor’s Choice)
“With solid image quality, an incredibly sharp and responsive touch-screen LCD, and an innovative front-mounted display for self-portraits, the Samsung DualView TL225 delivers a stellar shooting experience, so it’s our latest Editors’ Choice point-and-shoot camera.”
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CNET.uk
“The Samsung ST550’s twin displays are what most people will pick up on, but it’s the haptic touchscreen interface that’s the real star. The camera’s motion-detection capability is also very impressive. Its pictures are pretty ordinary, but the camera itself is a stunningly successful technical exercise.”
Rating:
Video Review @ ComputerTv
HardwareZone
“If you’re looking for a simple gadget with nifty little features, then the Samsung ST550 / TL225 with its hefty price tag will go well with your purchase for the holidays. If imaging quality is of utmost importance with no compromises, there are others to consider. However, you would be doing yourself a disservice should you choose to not even have a hands-on trial of the Samsung ST550 and its nifty features. Who knows, you might just get convinced! “
Rating:
DPExpert
“This camera is loaded with the essential gimmicks – face detection and recognition, smile and blink automation of shutter firing and so on, but it also permits a reasonable degree of user control. Samsung divides customers into six categories, one of which is Style. The ST before the 550 tells us that this little camera is for the style conscious. The high gloss finish on the front panel looks the goods, at least until it is smeared with finger prints. CSI will love it! An interesting camera, well thought out, worth consideration by any tourist.”
Owner Feedback
AMAZING LITTLE CAMERA!!!!
Update to my Update: Amazon would not allow me to post the link of the detailed review of this product on this review page, however they did allow me to post the link (to the review) in the comment section (comments are located to the right of the screen at the very end of my review, click on comments and I have the link to the review pasted, 10th post down)…
Fun Camera, but Overpriced….
I purchased this camera 2 weeks ago for use for an upcoming trip to use along side my Nikon D90. The feature set and touch screen interface drew me to this camera, although upon using this camera, its not quite worth the cash.
Sample Photos
[Sample Photos @ RegHardware]
[Sample Photos @ TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos @ Cameras.uk]
[ISO Performance Samples @ TrustedReviews]
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraInfo]
[ISO Comparison Photos @ CNET Asia]
[Sample Photos @ Steve's Digicams]
[Sample Photos @ DigitalCameraReview]
[ISO Performance Samples @ CNET]
[ISO Performance Samples @ WDC]
[Sample Image Quality @ CNET.uk]
[Sample ISO Performance Photos @ HardwareZone]
Press Release
13th August 2009: Samsung Digital Imaging, leaders in innovation and technology, today announced the arrival of the ultra slim and stylish ST550 and ST500 compact cameras which boast yet another ‘world first’: front and back LCD display technology.
Delivering an unrivalled user experience, the hidden 1.5” LCD located on the front of the camera allows consumers to take accurate portraits using the front image as a guide – whether it’s a group shot with friends or a snap of yourself on holiday. There is no need to even press the shutter button – just a big smile will trigger the cameras to take the picture.
On the reverse, the Samsung ST550 features the world’s highest resolution 3.5” wide touch screen LCD* , almost four times the size of many other cameras, complete with haptic feedback for ease of use.
Complementing this, the 12.2 mega pixel cameras also use the perfect combination of a 27mm wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens with 4.6x optical zoom. This gives the photographer a wider shooting range from a shorter distance, producing clear, clean images with even resolution from the centre of the picture right to the edges.
“These cameras are the very first of their kind,” said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing, Samsung Digital Imaging Division.
“The use of digital imaging technologies has evolved and we are offering functionality and capabilities that no other digital camera manufacturer has yet addressed. These cameras will be must-haves for those individuals that use popular social networking websites and for families that want to get everyone, including the photographer, in the picture.”
Smart Gesture User Interface (UI)
Showcasing further innovations, a Smart Gesture User Interface (UI) with built-in orientation sensor, means a simple tap or hand gesture allows users to access key features quickly. A simple tap can also turn the front LCD on instantly, ready to take the perfect self portrait photo.
One touch shooting and Auto-Focus
Sometimes the focal point of your picture is not always in the centre of the frame. The ST550 and ST500’s One Touch Auto Focus feature allows you to focus on a different part of the shot by simply touching the desired area. Once you’ve selected the focal point, you can simply leave your finger on the screen for two seconds or push the shutter button to take the picture.
Smart Auto (Scene Recognition)
Take professional-looking photos with Samsung’s advanced Smart Auto feature so you never have to worry about your photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. Smart Auto analyses key elements of your composition such as colour, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically adjusts to take the perfect shot.
Smart Face Recognition
Samsung’s innovative Smart Face Recognition technology actually remembers faces it sees frequently and then prioritises them when focussing and exposing future shots. It can store up to 20 recognised faces in the cameras’ internal memory and allows users to search for their favourite faces in playback. This can be done quickly by using the ‘Face’ search in Smart Album, instead of viewing every single photo on the memory card.
In “Blink Detection Mode” the camera will take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so everyone is 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 to three different user defined levels for brighter and smoother skin tones.
HD Movie Recording
The ST500 and ST550 record HD video in 1280×720p resolution at 30 frames per second in H.264 format. This format allows more than twice as much recording capacity as the MP4 format, so gives you more room on your memory card for images and movies. The ST550 also features HDMI connectivity via an optional adapter, so you can see your HD video creations in glorious HD on an HD TV.
Dual Image Stabilization/Perfect Self Portrait & Perfect Self Timer
Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology combines advanced Digital and Optical image stabilization to ensure outstanding photos without blur – even in low light conditions. Couple this with the new front facing LCD screen and Samsung’s Perfect Self Portrait & Perfect Self Timer functions, and taking professional looking pictures of yourself and others is easy.
The ST500 is available in silver, red and blue colours and the ST550 is available in black, gold, orange and purple colours. All will be available from leading high street and online retailers from late August 2009.
Features
Dual LCD Displays
With the Dual LCD on front and back, ST550 and ST500 provide the easiest way to take the perfect self portrait, either by yourself or with friends or family, every time. On the front of the camera is a 1.5” LCD that shows you exactly what the picture will look like, so you can now be a subject of the picture, as well as the photographer.
- When you tap the front LCD, it turns on and automatically goes into Self-Portrait mode, ensuring that the user will always be framed exactly the way they want. You can also turn on the front LCD with a simple selection through the intuitive interface. As soon as you smile, the camera automatically takes the picture. But the Dual LCDs do more.
- In Children mode, the front LCD plays a fun animation to capture a child’s attention while taking their photo.
- Shutter Info ensures you take a photo of your subject while they’re smiling, the front LCD will display a “smiley face” when the shutter is pushed halfway thus signalling to the subject they should smile.
- Function Info helps you to know the features of every function, with the front LCD providing a visual readout of key camera settings, including whether or not the flash is engaged or if macro focus is in use.
- With Self-Timer, when taking a group photo using the self-timer, the front LCD will show a preview of the shot as well as a visual countdown timer so that everyone knows exactly when the photo will be snapped.
Smart Gesture UI
When it comes to smart, user-friendly features, the ST550 and ST500 are leading the way. Take for example its innovative Smart Gesture UI with built-in orientation sensor, which lets you quickly access and use the key features with either a simple tap or a hand gesture. To turn on the smaller LCD located on the front, simply tap the screen and activates automatically and immediately.
Using other advanced features is just as simple. With the Smart Gesture UI you can quickly scroll through your photos by slightly tilting the device in either direction or by selecting the appropriate photos for a slide show. You can also easily delete photos from your library using Gesture UI by marking a cross (X) on the screen using your finger or you can simply save your favourite photos into a separate folder.
If you want to rotate the images draw a circle (O) on the screen; if you want to see the next image you can drag it on to the screen with a sweep of your finger or by simply tilting the device.
World’s Highest Resolution 3.5” Wide Touch Screen Rear LCD*
The 3.5” wide LCD touch screen located on the back of the ST550 displays the sharpest images of any camera available today, delivering almost four times more than many cameras. Unlike other digital cameras, the LCD touch screen uses Samsung’s unique Haptic technology. That means the camera responds with a slight vibration and beep whenever you select an option.
12.2 Megapixels CCD, 27mm Wide Angle lens with 4.6x Optical Zoom
Samsung’s ST550 and ST500 come fully equipped with a true colour-filtered 12.2 megapixel CCD and boast a powerful 4.6x Optical Zoom, guaranteeing some of the sharpest and most detailed images available and allow for the printing of poster-sized photos. Whether you’re indoors or out, shooting a landscape or friends around a table, the 27mm wide angle lens plus 4.6x optical zoom give you a wider shooting range from a shorter distance delivering greater flexibility than 35mm cameras. Capture images of beautiful landscapes, entire wedding parties and skyscrapers without having to back up to get the shot. The precisely cut 27mm optical lens from Schneider-KREUZNACH delivers clear, clean images with even resolution from the centre to the edges. Each lens surface is multi-coated to minimize ghosting or flaring for a great shot every time.
Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS)
Samsung’s Advanced Dual Image Stabilization (IS) feature allows you to capture crystal-clear, blur-free shots without using a flash or tripod. The ST550 and ST500’s true Dual IS combines both Optical and Digital Image stabilizers to produce sharp images without the confusion commonly found in other cameras. 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 blur-free images.
HD Movie Recording in the palm of your hand
The ST550 and ST500 are like having a compact HD video camera that also takes professional-grade photos. They record HD video in 1280×720p resolution at 30 frames per second. Their H.264 format also allows you to record twice as much as an MP4 and four times more than an MJPG (the format used in many other digital cameras), delivering much higher video and sound quality. With the ST550’s mini-HDMI connector, you can also now watch your HD videos with any HDTV or HD monitor.
Smart Auto: shoot like a pro
Take professional-looking photos with Samsung’s Smart Auto feature so you never have to worry about your photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. Smart Auto analyzes key elements of your composition such as colour, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically adjusts to take the perfect shot.
Smart Album
A 4GB memory card can store over 1,200 12-megapixel photos. That means a lot of photos to sort through, but with Samsung’s convenient Smart Album feature, you can quickly scroll through your entire library of images and organize them in the way that’s best for you. This unique feature allows you to organize photos by Favourite (if tagged as a “favourite” photo), Face (someone you’ve taken many photos of), Timeline (date photos were taken), Colour, Content (photos, videos, voice) and Week.
Perfect Portrait System
Picture-perfect moments at their best
The Perfect Portrait System takes the guess work out of shooting beautiful portraits. Key features of this system are the Smile Shot and Blink Detection technologies which automatically detect when your subjects are smiling and have their eyes open so you capture them looking their best. Another advanced feature is the Red-eye Fix mode. This in-camera feature automatically fixes the typical occurrences of red-eye before the photo is produce. That means you don’t have to spend time afterwards removing red-eyes from your photos.
One touch shooting and Auto-Focus
Sometimes the focal point of your picture is not always in the centre of the frame. In cases like this, the ST550 and ST500’s One Touch Auto Focus feature allows you to focus on a different part of the shot by simply touching the desired area. That means your subject will always be in focus. Once you’ve selected the focal point, you can simply leave your finger on the screen for two seconds or push the shutter button to take the picture.
Smart Face Recognition
The ST550 and ST500 feature advanced Face Recognition technology that automatically stores up to 20 preferred faces to the cameras’ internal memory. While taking a portrait, the ST550 and ST500 will automatically recognize if one of the user’s preferred faces is in the frame and identify them as a priority for focus and exposure. Users can also save time sorting through their photos and instead search for photos that contain a specific face.
Beauty Shot
Samsung’s Beauty Shot feature lets you remove all the imperfections on your subject’s face such as wrinkles, blemishes and moles, leaving skin flawless. Simply select one of the two editing options to even out skin tone and complexion.
Photo Style Selector: unleash your creativity
The ST550 and ST500 are designed to help you find your inner artist and shoot beautiful pictures. With Samsung’s unique highlight feature, you can focus on one area of your photo and blur everything around it, so turning a normal photo into something much more complex. Simply select one of the two editing options to even out skin tone and complexion.
Transform your photos from simple memories to works of art using the Photo Style Selector feature. Choose from a wide selection of artistic treatments ranging from classic black and white to something more colourful allowing you to take control of the colours to be a true artist.
