After two years of extensive market research, Samsung has rolled out a new line of premium digital cameras.  The NV (for New Vision) line now includes the NV3, NV7, and NV10 digital cameras.  With this new line, Samsung has attempted to reach a pretty broad audience.  The NV3 is a convergence device that acts like a camera and a personal media player.  The NV7 is a more advanced camera with optical image stabilization.  The NV10 is a slim, stylish 10 megapixel camera.

Samsung NV3

The NV3 is a 7.2 megapixel, 3x optical zoom ultra-slim (0.7 inches thick) camera with a 2.5 inch LCD.  The  camera has a stainless steel, black body and is pretty attractive overall.  Eleven scene modes and plenty of in-camera editing features provide a rich feature set for camera users.  As a media player, the camera can convert MPEG, AVI, MOV, WMV and ASF files to be played on the display.  For audio, the camera can handle MP3 and WAV files.  A super macro mode lets you get as close as 1 cm from your subject.

Look for the NV3 this fall at an MSRP of $349.

Samsung NV3 press release

 
Samsung NV3 (view large image)		  
Samsung NV3 (view large image)

Samsung NV7

The Samsung NV7 is a camera meant for more advanced users, those who are looking for manual modes, image stabilization, etc.  Samsung calls it a "slim bridge" camera has it packs in a 7x optical zoom Schneider lens into a body that is only 0.8 inches thick (I'm pretty sure that doesn't include the lens).  The NV7 captures images at 7.2 megapixels.  Samsung's Optical Picture Stabilization (OPS) system provides a CCD-shift mechanism to provide optical stabilization.  Instead of using the typical mode dials on the camera, Samsung is also rolling out a new user interface that lets users: "easily toggle through menu functions using a convenient touch pad located along the LCD".

With the usual scene modes and Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manul modes, the camera is capable of being handled by people with a wide range of expertise.  A super macro mode lets you focus on subjects as close a 5 cm.

Look for the Samsung NV7 in Fall 2006 for an MSRP of $449.

Samsung NV7 press release

 
Samsung NV7 (view large image)		  
Samsung NV7 (view large image)

Samsung NV10

For people looking for an ultra-slim camera, the NV10 sports a black, aluminum body that is only 0.7 inches thick.  For people looking for a 10 megapixel camera, the NV10 is capable of that too.  The NV10 also features the "Smart Touch" buttons as its user interface (like the NV7).  A 3x optical zoom Schneider lens and a 2.5 inch LCD round out the hardware.  To round out the features, there are your usual scene modes, and a movie mode that captures VGA resolution movies.

The NV10 will be available in the Fall of 2006 at an MSRP of $399.

Samsung NV10 press release

 
Samsung NV10 (view large image)		  
Samsung NV10 (view large image)