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Samsung has introduced two new point-and-shoots, the TL34HD and TL9. The 14.7-megapixel TL34HD features a 3.6x Schneider zoom lens with a 28mm wide angle (35mm equivalent), and a 3-inch, 460,000-dot touchscreen LCD. That model replaces Samsung's NV24HD, and implements a new version of the Smart Touch interface that distinguished the NV series. Smart Touch 2.0 employs two sets of pressure-sensitive buttons located along the edges of the LCD to provide access to controls. Running a finger over a row of buttons lets you activate and navigate menus, or adjust settings with virtual sliders. The TL34HD also has an improved image processing engine. The 10-megapixel TL9 offers a 2.7-inch LCD, an internal 5x zoom lens, and the ability to play MP3s and videos. It has a 2.5mm headphone port, as well as an external speaker with SRS 3D acoustic technology. Both cameras offer a Dual Image Stabilization mode that combines optical and digital image stabilization.
Among the notable features that the cameras share are 13 automatic scene modes, face-detection autofocus and autoexposure, and a new Recycle Bin function that restores deleted photos. The two TL models also offer Smile Shot and Blink Detection modes, which respectively automatically snap a photo when someone smiles and alert the photographer when someone blinks. The TL34HD offers a shutter speed range of 1/1500 to 15 seconds and a light-sensitivity range of ISO 80 to ISO 3200, or ISO 4800 at a reduced 3-megapixel resolution. The TL9 has a shutter speed range of 1/2000 to 15 seconds and a light-sensitivity range of ISO 80 to ISO 1600. It also distinguishes itself with an unusual feature: two analog gauges that display remaining memory and battery life.
While both new cameras can capture 640x480 video with sound at a smooth 30fps, the TL34HD also offers a 720p, 30fps high-definition mode that saves footage in the H.264 format, and the TL9 has an MPEG-4 video mode that shoots 800x592-pixel MPEG-4 footage at 20fps. The cameras allow video capture to be paused and resumed during a single clip, and enable the optical zoom to function during video capture. Samsung sells an HDMI Consumer Electronics Control cradle that is compatible with the TL34HD for displaying hi-def video on an HDTV. When it's connected to a Samsung HDTV, users can navigate the TL34HD's menus with the TV's remote.
The $329.95 TL34HD and the $279.95 TL9 will be available in September 2008.
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