Today Samsung blitzed the digital camera market with the introduction of two wide-angle compacts that come strapped with a quality assortment of advanced features. The new Samsung TL320 and Samsung HZ15W appear to be ideal for intermediate photographers looking for an ultra-portable compact to toss in their pocket, in addition to tech-savvy consumers who value innovative style. Aside from a Schneider wide-angle lens and boosted resolution, the Samsung TL320 features one of the greatest vintage-inspired architectural enhancements we've seen on a camera to date. The Samsung HZ15W is an update to the Samsung HZ10W, which debuted at CES earlier this year, and sports a megapixel increase and wide-angle lens as well.
Fill ‘er Up
 Let's set aside the Samsung TL320's 24-mm wide-angle lens and high-resolution AMOLED LCD for a moment to discuss an architectural triumph we just can't seem to curb our excitement over. The Samsung TL320 is equipped with a pair of retro inspired analog gauges, much like the kind you'd find mounted above the headlight of a 1959 Triumph Bonneville or embedded within the dashboard of '65 Mustang. However, the TL320's gauges don't measure fuel consumption or top speed, but rather battery life and memory card capacity. We applaud Samsung for implementing such a classy instrument panel on their top TL model, but we hope the gauges perform adequately and provide a accurate readings. We'll let you know as soon as we get our hands on the new Steve McQueen camera.
The 12.2-megapixel Samsung TL320 also goes down in history as the first camera to sport a 3-inch AMOLED LCD screen with HVGA resolution, a technology migrated from Samsung's AMOLED television lineup. The 460,000 pixel AMOLED LCD promises green-friendly power consumption, a brighter display, darker blacks and more vibrant colors. The Samsung TL320 also possesses the ability to remain visible in direct sunlight and at any angle while maintaining a uniform color gamut. The camera is devoid of a viewfinder, so we will be relying on the new AMOLED screen's superpowers to guide us through blazing afternoon shoots.
720P video is also offered on the Samsung TL320 though HDMI compatibility is only offered via the use of a cradle, while the new Canon PowerShot SD890 IS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T900 have built-in mini HDMI terminals. The Samsung TL320 has a 24mm wide-angle lens with a 5x optical zoom and rocks both Optical and Digital Image Stabilization, which can be used in conjunction as a Dual Image Stabilization system. In addition to a Smart Auto mode, the camera has an Advanced Picture Mode, which allows shooters to adjust white balance temperature in 100K increments, a feature we had great success with on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Lumix DMC-G1. Smart Album Mode will be available on the Samsung TL320, in addition to old standbys like Smile Shot and Blink Detection. The Samsung TL320 is set to ship in May for $380 and will be available in Silver or Black.
There's a new HZ in town
 As if the Samsung HZ10W wasn't enough, Samsung went ahead and created a step-up Super Zoom model that boasts one of the most advanced lenses within the consumer realm. The new 12-megapixel Samsung HZ15W is equipped with a 24mm wide-angle Schneider lens with a generous 10x optical zoom, an impressive feat considering the Samsung HZ15W's compact size.
Like the TL320, the Samsung HZ15W has Dual Image Stabilization and 720P HD video recording capability, though it does not require the use of a cradle because it has a built-in HDMI terminal. Though it's not a flashy new AMOLED, the Samsung HZ15W has a 3-inch ultra-clear LCD screen that reportedly provides a clear display, even in direct sunlight.
We're not too crazy about the Samsung HZ15W's zoom tab, and we'd rather see a shutter button toggle in its place. Aside from full manual control, the Samsung HZ15W has Smart Album, Face Detection, Smile Shot and Smart Auto. The Samsung HZ15W should be ready to ship in March for $330 and will be available in Black.
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