Samsung's newest mega-zoom camera was unleashed today. The Samsung WB5000 features an extra long, 24x zoom lens. The lens can pull back to a 26mm equivalent, or extend to a 35mm equivalent of a 624mm lens (like the Nikon Coolpix P90), and Samsung claims the 24x zoom capability makes this the most powerful lens ever offered on a Samsung compact digital camera. The Samsung WB5000 uses a 12.5-megapixel sensor to record images in both JPEG and RAW (DNG1.1) formats. The camera can also record HD video at 720p resolution, recording video files in the more advanced H.264 format.
Of course, to shoot images at the maximum focal distance, the Samsung WB5000 will require some serious stabilization, and Samsung's newest will feature Dual Image Stabilization, coming from both optical stabilization on board and digital stabilization in the processor. For serious enthusiasts, the Samsung WB5000 will feature a full Manual mode, as well as Shutter priority and Aperture priority modes. Novice shooters will benefit from Samsung's Smart Auto mode, which chooses from among 11 different scene modes to pick the best shooting options.
Around back, buyers will find a 3-inch LCD screen as well as an electronic viewfinder. The camera comes with some nice shooting features for a point-and-shoot device. In addition to the face detection and smile shot features that are becoming more and more prevalent on today's point-and-shoots, the Samsung WB5000 also comes with a face recognition feature. You can program up to 20 faces into the camera's memory, and if the camera catches any of those folks in its sights, it will give them priority and make sure they're in focus. The camera also uses Samsung's so-called Beauty Shot mode, which uses face detection to retouch the facial skin to appear brighter and give the impression of a smoother skin tone.
Once you've taken your shots for the day, the Samsung WB5000 will help you organize and search through your album on the camera's display. The WB5000's Smart Album organizes images and searches based on the date or week they were taken, the image's color tone, portrait settings, file types and more. Using the camera's face recognition, you can even search for pictures with a specific person in the shot.
Specific pricing and availability for the Samsung WB5000 mega-zoom camera has yet to be announced. Rumors peg this camera to be available in stores later this month or early next month at a price between $500 and $600, which sounds about right to us.
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