Samsung Announces New Compact Ultra-Wide Angle Mega-Zoom WB550

Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. today announced the 12 mega-pixel WB550 - the company’s second high zoom. The WB550, a step-up model from the company’s flagship model, WB500 introduced at CES 2009, offers consumers one of the most powerful lenses on a compact high zoom camera, featuring a 24mm ultra-wide angle Schneider lens coupled with a generous 10x optical zoom. With impressive wide-angle and telephoto zoom capabilities as well as an appealing feature set, the WB550 is sure to stand out from the crowd and draw much attention from consumers in search of a compact and full featured digital camera.

Samsung WB550

Like the WB500, the WB550 puts high-definition video recording in the palm of users’ hands. Consumers have the ability to record high-definition video at a resolution of 720p and utilize the camera’s full 10x optical zoom. Samsung also incorporates H.264 compression, a codec for high-definition video that yields three to five times the recording length than that of MJPEG video. The WB550 also offers true HDMI connectivity, which allows the camera to be connected directly without using cradle to an HDTV to enjoy one’s photos and video in HD clarity.

Photographers of various skill levels are sure to find WB550’s advanced optics a great convenience and luxury. The ideal companion for the traveling photographer, sports enthusiast, busy parent, or social teenager, the WB550’s ultra-wide angle 24mm Schneider lens gives users the ability to capture more of a desired image or scene into a single shot, paving the way for greater creativity and flexibility while shooting. The camera’s 10x optical zoom is also key tool which allows users to capture images from a significant distance. The WB550’s 24mm-240mm focal length (35mm film equivalent) is essential for those consumers who are unaware of what their next shooting scenario may be.

For added stability and blur-free images, especially when using the WB550 at its maximum zoom, Samsung has incorporated both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization. The shooter has the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand shake, ideal for well lit environments, or choosing Dual Image Stabilization and combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization by activating them simultaneously. Dual Image Stabilization is ideal for low-light environments where the use of a flash is not desired.

The rear of the WB550 is dominated by a large, ultra-clear three-inch LCD screen, offering a resolution of 230,000 pixels. A high-performance display, the WB550 gives consumers the ability to easily frame their shots and review their images and video in any condition, even in direct sunlight.

The WB550 features a highly intuitive suite of automatic controls to help improve one’s ability to take great digital images. The camera’s advanced automatic shooting options include Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection and Beauty Shot:

■ Designed to help capture better images, specifically portraits and group shots of family and friends, the WB550’s Face Detection technology detects up to ten faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality.

■ Smile Shot automatically triggers the WB550 to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the faces of subjects.

■ Blink Detection will automatically fire three consecutive shots if the camera detects that a subject’s eyes are closed – a useful feature as it’s often difficult to distinguish closed eyes when composing a shot on an LCD screen.

■ Another unique functionality of the WB550 is Beauty Shot, which will automatically brighten and even out skin tones as well as remove blemishes.

“With the growing popularity and importance of digital photography, it’s necessary for Samsung to continue to develop newer, more advanced digital imaging solutions suited for a range of photographers,” said ChoongHyun Hwang, vice president of Strategic Marketing at Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the WB550, we’ve taken into account the need for a larger zoom and wide-angle lens, as well as the practicality of high-definition video recording, considering the prominence of HD in the lifestyle of today’s consumer. These distinct and valuable features, along with a host of user-friendly and technologically advanced shooting modes, truly position the WB550 in a league of its own.”

The WB550 is also highlighted by Samsung’s new Smart Auto feature, which takes ease of-use to a new level, underscoring what it means to be a premium digital camera. When engaged, Smart Auto will automatically select one of the WB550’s 11 scene modes, selecting the most appropriate mode for the environment the user may be shooting in. For example, the WB550’s Smart Auto feature will automatically set the camera to its Landscape scene mode if the user is taking an image of a mountain range, and then switch gears and automatically select the Portrait scene mode if the user proceeds to take an image of an individual. No manual interaction is required.

In addition to Smart Auto, the WB550 also incorporates Samsung’s proprietary Smart Album program. Smart Album allows users to search through the various files they have saved on their memory card for a specific image. Smart Album automatically organizes the user’s digital images and gives them the ability to narrow their search based on the date or week the image was taken, the file type, whether it’s a photo, video, or voice memo, and the overall color tone.

The WB550 is available in black or silver, with silver trim and measures 105mm x 61.4mm x 37.2 mm. The camera will be showcased at PMA09 Digital Imaging Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Specifications

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.