In the quiet after the storm of new camera announcements last week, Samsung has introduced the TL320.
Billed as the first digital camera to feature an AMOLED display with HVGA resolution, Samsung is turning a few heads in the final countdown to PMA.
Eye-catching display, high-definition video
The 12.2 megapixel TL320 ultracompact combines some of the trends we're seeing from other camera manufacturers this year – higher resolution sensors, HD movie recording – and throws an AMOLED, HVGA-resolution display into the mix.
AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays are noted for producing brighter images while consuming less power than traditional LCDs. Richer colors are produced with a greater bright-to-dark contrast ratio. Physically, the TL320's screen will measure 3.0 inches in size with a 460,000 dot HVGA resolution.
In addition to the unique display, Samsung is bringing 720p HD movie capture to the TL320. It's also outfitted with HDMI output connectivity. However, customers will need to purchase a cradle to sync up the camera with an HDTV to view videos and images in all their high-definition glory. The TL320 also boasts H.264 compression for longer periods of recording than MJPEG video offers.
Flexible shooting options
The TL320 will offer shooters flexibility with options of full manual shooting, shutter priority, and aperture priority. Equipped with a 24mm wide-angle Schneider lens, it will feature a 5x optical zoom range. Users will also be able to utilize digital and optical image stabilization independently or at the same time.
Other user-friendly features include smile shutter mode, Smart Album photo organization, and blink detection.
Samsung aims to give the user more color control with a feature called Advanced Picture Mode. Intended to offer more flexibilty than traditional white balance tuning, this mode allows the shooter to adjust the color temperature from 2,800-10,000 Kelvin, in increments of 100.
New tech, retro look
The technology of the TL320 may be a step forward, but the design is delightfully retro.
Two throwback analog gauges indicate battery life and memory storage space on the top of the camera. The clean, rounded body is finished in either black or silver brushed stainless steel.
Pricing and availability
Available this May, the Samsung TL320 will debut with a price of $379.99.
Samsung TL320 will feature AMOLED display, retro-chic design
