According to Samsung, the company designed its S-series to be easy-to-use for those who aren't photography experts. However, Samsung didn't cut corners with its latest additions to the line and made sure to include solid features. For instance, the flagship camera for the S-series, the S1050, has a 10-megapixel sensor and 5X optical zoom (features Samsung also included on its high-end NV11 camera). The S1050 also features high ISO sensitivity at 1600, which Samsung claims will produce clearer images in low light and at high speeds.
The point-and-shoot camera includes its fair share of built-in editing capabilities, such as color tone adjustment, along with trimming and rotating options. Samsung provides additional flexibility by giving you the option to use garden-variety AA batteries or a rechargeable Ni-MH battery. The Samsung S1050 is also rather compact at an inch thick and will be available in either black or silver when it's released in the spring. The camera will set you back about $350.
Samsung also introduced the S850 into the mix, which features an 8-megapixel sensor, but still maintains 5X optical zooming capabilities. The camera also offers the same ISO sensitivity as the S1050 at 1600. The S850 includes the continuous shooting function that's offered by Samsung's L700, which allows you to shoot a burst of images of a subject, but with slightly different exposures so you can choose the clearest photo. This setting seems like it would come in handy when taking action shots. However, until we get our hands on the S850, we can't vouch for the image quality.
The Samsung S850 looks a little plain with a simple basic black casing, and unlike the S1050, it does not come in any other colors. However, the camera's more humble style is reflected in its affordable price tag of $250. The S850 will be released in the spring of 2007.
Rounding out the S-series additions are the S730 and the S630, which have 7-megapixel and 6-megapixel sensors, respectively. While these cameras do have less megapixels than their S-series siblings, it's important to note that more megapixels doesn’t automatically equal better pictures. Both cameras include 3X optical zoom and mechanical image stabilization.
The S730 and S630 play up their style as they will be released in several tones including silver, black, pink, red and gold. Both cameras feature 2.5-inch LCD displays and some in-camera editing, including a red-eye corrector and color tone adjustment. The Samsung S730 and S630 will be available this spring and will retail for $200 and $180 respectively.
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