Samsung recently blasted out four new budget-friendly compacts that bring a modicum of advanced features to the table, though collective architecture remains cornered within the rectangular box design across all four models. We're not saying there's anything wrong with the old rectangle standby, but it seems quite antiquated based on what Canon and Fujifilm have up their sleeves for 2009. The Samsung SL820 dabbles with HD video capability and a Samsung patent that we'll explain in a minute. The Samsung SL620 and Samsung SL202 focus on consumer-oriented features while the Samsung SL30 represents the company's base budget offering for '09.
Commander-in-chief
 The new 12-megapixel Samsung SL820 is a breed apart from other 720P capable compacts, and that's due to an exclusive Samsung patent that allows shooters to pause and re-record HD video within one clip. The constraints of this newfangled technology are a bit hazy, but it sounds like we'll be able to freeze a video clip midway during the recording process and start over without having to begin another clip. We'll have more details on this new feature when we get our hands on an SL820 at PMA.
The camera has a generous 3-inch LCD and a 28mm wide, 5x optical zoom lens, which are nice features to have in an ultra-portable chassis. The SL820 also has a Smart Scene Recognition function that automatically applies a Scene mode that pertains to a particular shooting environment. Auto Scene modes are fairly commonplace in 2009, and the camera is equipped with a Perfect Portrait System that combines Face Detection, Smile Mode, Blink Detection and Beauty Shot. The SL820 has Dual Image Stabilization that combines Optical and Digital systems and a max ISO of 3200.
One feature we'd like to check out is the new Frame Guide mode, which takes a "ghost picture" of a desired shooting scenario so strangers will be able to align the frame correctly. The camera is set to ship in April for $280 and will be available in Red, Black and Silver.
Middle Men
 Many of the aforementioned features have trickled down to the mid-level SL-series models, including Face Detection, Blink Detection and Frame Guide. The 12-megapixel Samsung SL620 and 10-megapixel Samsung SL202 also feature Smart Auto mode and a new Smart Album mode, which organizes images by date, content, color or themes in order to expedite the image review process.
 The Samsung SL620 has a 3-inch LCD and 5x optical zoom while the SL202 sports a 2.7-inch LCD and has a 3x optical zoom. Aside from megapixels and a few hardware differentiations, both models are relatively the same. The Samsung SL620 will retail for $200 and comes in Pink, Silver, Black and Dark Grey while the Samsung SL202 has a $150 price tag and comes in Candy Pink, Black and Silver. Both compacts will ship in March.
Rookie
 For a hundred bucks, Samsung offers the SL30, geared toward technophobes and super-budget consumers. The 10-megapixel Samsung SL30 has a basic 2.5-inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The SL30 also has Face Detection, Beauty Shot and records MJPEG video at VGA (640 x 480) resolution. To appease shooters who crave an instant power solution, the Samsung SL30 runs on two AA batteries. The Samsung SL30 will retail for $100 and ship in March. Color options consist of Candy Pink, White, Silver and Dark Grey.
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