There's auto face-detection of up to 16 faces, to do something similar with the exposure settings, and "Shadow Adjustment Technology" which sounds intriguing. Basically, it does absolutely everything for you, photographically, except depress the shutter.

It can shoot VGA video at 30fps, and has a high-speed photo mode at 9fps. It's out in the UK at first, in September in silver, black and green for around $485. [TFTS]

Besides that unique design feature, it also has a 2.7 inch LCD, internal 5x optical zoom as well as Dual Image Stabilization. Sure, the gauges are kind of gimmicky, but hey—it's easy to access when your on the go and it reels in the geeks. Samsung’s TL9 will be available in September for around $280. A press release outlining the entire series:

SAMSUNG UNVEILS 2008 SECOND-HALF DIGITAL CAMERA LINE UP

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., July 16, 2008 – Samsung today unveiled its 2008 second-half digital camera line up with the launch of four new models – the TL34HD, TL9, SL310W and SL201. Joining the company's growing array of advanced digital imaging solutions, these four new digital cameras bring new technologies to the industry and will be on retail shelves nationwide in time for the upcoming holiday shopping season.

TL34HD
Boasting an impressive resolution of 14.7 megapixels and renowned Schneider lens yielding a 28mm wide-angle focal length with 3.6x optical zoom, the TL34HD promises sharp, clear and detailed images with every shot. The most advanced point-and-shoot digital camera in Samsung's history, the TL34HD builds upon the success of its predecessor, the NV24HD, with the ability to capture high-definition video at a resolution of 720P along with Dual Image Stabilization.

Featuring an all-metal build, the TL34HD is pocket-sized with dimensions of 3.68" x 2.34" x 0.80". Available in all-black, or silver with a red accent adding to the camera's elegance, the TL34HD takes camera design to a new level. Although compact, a large three inch touch-screen hVGA LCD dominates the back of the camera and is sure to turn heads no matter where the TL34HD may be used.

The TL34HD also pioneers Samsung's next generation Smart Touch 2.0 user interface, which further simplifies the way users navigate through the camera's comprehensive feature set. By incorporating touch-screen technology, users can now select and control various camera functions by interacting with the TL34HD's large three-inch touch screen LCD. Not only does this enhance the experience for the shooter and the operation of the Smart Touch interface, but it also provides for a much sleeker and attractive design.

TL9
Samsung's TL9 is an ultra compact, 10.0 megapixel digital camera highlighted by a large 2.7 inch LCD, internal 5x optical zoom as well as Dual Image Stabilization. The latest digital camera in Samsung's digital camera arsenal to feature MP3 and PMP capability, the TL9 sets itself apart from the crowd as a multimedia powerhouse.

The TL9 is encased in a silver, metal body, measuring 3.74" x 2.36" x 0.84", and incorporates a unique design element which graces the top of the camera's body - dual analog gauges. The small gauges, located next to the power button, display remaining battery life and memory capacity in a way that's easy for the shooter to access while on the go. Thanks to the enhanced sensitivity of the TL9's CCD sensor, which features a maximum ISO of 1600, and the camera's Dual Image Stabilization, users can rest assured that they'll be able to capture images in low-light situations, especially when the use of a flash is not desired.

Shooters can also benefit from a comprehensive suite of automatic controls designed to help them capture better images, specifically portraits and group shots of family and friends. The TL9's Face Detection technology makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap, as it detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Furthermore, Smile Shot automatically triggers the TL9 to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects' faces, and Blink Detection will prevent a photo from being taken if the camera recognizes 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.

SL310W
Ideal for the step-up shooter, the SL310W is highlighted by features commonly found on higher-end, more expensive digital cameras, including an impressive resolution of 13.6 megapixels, Dual Image Stabilization, 2.7 inch LCD, and a 3.6x, 28mm wide-angle optical zoom lens which significantly improves the user's ability to photograph more of a desired scene.

Unlike a standard 35mm lens which is commonly found on compact digital cameras, the SL310W's 28mm wide-angle lens gives consumers the ability to expand their creativity and take even more moving and emotional images. Ideal for a variety of scenarios, users can easily leverage the increased viewing angle of the SL310W's wide-angle lens, especially when shooting landscapes or groups of family or friends.

The SL310W offers a number of user-friendly features, including 11 scene modes, auto red eye fix and MPEG-4 video recording. The camera also features Self Portrait, Face Detection, Blink Detection, and Smile Shot technology, all which help enhance the digital imaging experience for the shooter.

The SL310W also offers Function Description and a Photo Help Guide. Function Description automatically provides a brief and easy to understand description of each setting when scrolling through the camera's menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. The camera's Photo Help Guide is another intuitive component incorporated into the digital camera. Photo Help Guide offers the end-user a guided tour of how to take better images as well as easy-to-follow tips instructing them how to obtain excellent results.

SL201
The Samsung SL201 is an ultra-slim, compact point-and-shoot digital camera featuring a resolution of 10.2 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens and large 2.7-inch intelligent LCD which will automatically brighten or dim based on available lighting.
For added versatility, the new SL201 features Face Detection, Self Portrait, and Digital Image Stabilization technology. Face Detection makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap as it automatically detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Self Portrait mode is a unique function that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. When in Self Portrait mode, the SL201 automatically detects the user's face, adjusts focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame. Samsung's improved Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) helps the user capture blur-free images.

With 11 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Children, Landscape, Text, Close Up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, and Beach & Snow, shooters can effortlessly adjust the camera to capture the most superb image possible in any setting. Additionally, the SL201 features Function Description and a Photo Help Guide. Function Description provides a brief and easy-to-understand description of each setting when scrolling through the camera's menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. The Photo Help Guide is another intuitive component incorporated into the digital camera. It offers the end-user a guided tour of how to take better images as well as easy-to-follow tips instructing them how to obtain excellent results.

Samsung’s TL34HD, TL9, SL310W and the SL201 will be available in September priced at around $330, $280, $230 and $170 respectively.

SAMSUNG LAUNCHES ITS SECOND POINT-AND-SHOOT DIGITAL CAMERA FEATURING HIGH-DEFINITION VIDEO CAPABILITY

New TL34HD Stands Out With Broad Range of Impressive Features and Resolution

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J., July 16, 2008 – Samsung today introduced the new TL34HD, a powerful, sleek and compact digital camera featuring high-definition video capability. TL34HD boasts an impressive resolution of 14.7 megapixels and renowned Schneider lens yielding a 28mm wide-angle focal length with 3.6x optical zoom. The most advanced point‑and-shoot digital camera in Samsung’s history, the TL34HD builds upon the success of its predecessor, the NV24HD, taking many of the camera’s advanced features to a whole new level.

Featuring an all-metal build, the TL34HD is pocket-sized with dimensions of 3.68” x 2.34” x 0.80”. Available in all-black, or silver with a red accent adding to the camera’s elegance, the TL34HD takes camera design to a new level. Although compact, a large three‑inch touch-screen hVGA LCD dominates the back of the camera and is sure to turn heads no matter where the TL34HD may be used.

The TL34HD gives shooters the ability to record video in 720p high-definition resolution, at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of a movie stabilizer and optical zoom while recording video, as well as Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, which allows the user to pause and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files. Additionally, the TL34HD utilizes H.264 compression, a codec for high‑definition video that has become an industry standard and which yields three times the recording length than of MPEG4.

To enjoy the TL34HD’s high-definition video on an HDTV television, consumers simply dock the camera into a proprietary Samsung HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) cradle (sold separately). For added versatility, when the HDMI CEC cradle is connected to a high-definition Samsung digital television, end‑users can navigate the TL34HD’s menu using their TV’s remote control. The HDMI CEC cradle also gives shooters the ability to display their images in high-definition clarity, further enhancing the digital imaging experience. The TL34HD is also DLNA Compatible™ allowing users to maximize the way they view and share their digital content over their wireless home network.

“The TL34HD is truly a remarkable digital camera,” said Tony Sorice, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Digital Imaging, at Samsung Electronics America. “From its physical features and design, to the revolutionary technology embedded within, consumers will be impressed by how the TL34HD can enhance their own individual digital imaging experience.”

The TL34HD also pioneers Samsung’s next generation Smart Touch 2.0 user interface. With the Smart Touch 2.0 interface found on the TL34HD, Samsung further simplifies the way users navigate through the camera’s comprehensive feature set by incorporating touch-screen LCD technology. The Smart Touch interface has now been re‑engineered to be selectable options within the TL34HD’s large three-inch touch‑screen hVGA LCD. Not only does this enhance the experience for the shooter and the operation of the Smart Touch interface, but it also provides for a much sleeker and attractive design.

Besides serving as the portal to access the Smart Touch 2.0 user interface, the TL34HD’s three-inch hVGA LCD screen can be used to compose one’s shots and review images in stunning resolution with 460K pixels. To help cut down on glare and enhance viewing outdoors and in direct sunlight, Samsung has also designed the TL34HD’s hVGA LCD screen with a drastically improved anti-reflection coating.

Adding to the camera’s already impressive feature set, Samsung gives shooters the ability to capture more of a desired scene and fit it into the frame by including a high-quality 28mm wide-angle Schneider lens. Unlike a standard 35mm lens which is commonly found on compact digital cameras, the TL34HD’s 28mm wide-angle lens gives consumers the ability to expand their creativity and take even more moving and emotional images. Ideal for a variety of scenarios, users can easily leverage the increased viewing angle of the TL34HD’s wide-angle lens, especially when shooting landscapes or groups of family or friends.

Users can also utilize the 3.6x optical zoom for close up shots and the camera’s Dual Image Stabilization to reduce blur. Dual Image Stabilization combines both Samsung’s improved Optical Image Stabilization and Digital Image Stabilization which work simultaneously to provide blur-free images no matter how shaky the user’s hand may be. Along with the camera’s new DRIM Engine image processor, which yields outstanding image quality, enhanced sensitivity with the ability to shoot at ISO 4800 (at three mega-pixels), and blazing speed, the TL34HD redefines the advanced digital point-and-shoot category.

The new TL34HD also features an embedded contents management program called Digital Contents Management (DCM). DCM is a useful tool that significantly reduces the time to find a photo. The program automatically organizes photos based on the date that they were taken, their contents, color, and themes. Users can search through their images by month or by using a timeline. Based upon the theme of the image they’re looking for, users can also search by whether it’s a portrait, couple, or group photo and can even search for those images that are either city or landscape shots. Additionally, the DCM program also automatically sorts images based upon color tones as well as whether it’s a photo, video, or voice/memo note.

Shooters can also benefit from a comprehensive suite of automatic controls designed to help them capture better images, specifically portraits and group shots of family and friends. The TL34HD’s Face Detection technology makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap, as it detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Furthermore, Smile Shot automatically triggers the TL34HD to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will prevent a photo from being taken if the camera recognizes 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. The TL34HD also offers 13 scene modes to choose from, allowing shooters the ability to effortlessly adjust the camera and capture the best image possible in any setting.

The TL34HD also puts an end to inadvertently lost images with a new feature called the Recycle Bin - a unique functionality that allows consumers to retrieve images which were deleted by mistake. When the Recycle Bin function is in use, the TL34HD automatically creates a “trash” folder on the memory card which stores any image deleted from the camera. This special feature allows users to shoot, delete and restore images without the fear that they will be lost forever.

Like many people, I have a digital camera and a cameraphone—but I find myself taking most of my shots with my phone just because it is so convenient. This is true despite the fact that the 2-megapixel camera on the iPhone blows goats (and it won't be getting any better next time around). So, my question to you is, what device do you use to take most of your photographs?

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

[Impress]

As well as a 4x zoom, the MINOCTAR lens is multi-coated with a 42mm fixed focal length, allowing for macro shots as close as 24 inches. There's a two-inch TFT color screen, built-in flash and, as well as an internal memory of 16MB, there's a slot for an SD memory card up to 2GB. Running on two AA batteries, the DC6033 WP will be available for $299. [Aving USA]

Available in March for $379. But with a lens and sensor likely smaller than the S100FS above, I'm doubting its better quality. Also, the 360 degree facial detection detects faces no matter where they're looking, which is nice, but not that useful unless you really enjoy taking pictures of people who don't want to be photographed.

FUJIFILM UNLEASHES LATEST F-SERIES POWERHOUSE
FinePix F100fd Packs 12MP Super CCD, ISO Equivalency Speeds Up To 12800
and Face Detection Technology 3.0

Valhalla, N.Y., January 24, 2008 - Following the long line of award-winning F-Series models, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc., today announced its latest and greatest, the FinePix F100fd digital camera.

Combining a 12-MegaPixel, 8th Generation Super CCD with a powerful Fujinon 5.0x wide angle optical zoom lens and a 2.7" high-resolution 230,000 pixel wide angle view LCD, the FinePix F100fd is among Fujifilm's finest compact digital cameras. As with previous F-Series models such as the FinePix F31, F40fd and F50fd, the F100fd is a powerful, feature-packed compact digital camera aimed at consumers looking for something well above the average model. It offers the most advanced technologies available, including Wide Dynamic Range, Dual Image Stabilization, Face Detection 3.0 Technology with an Automatic Red Eye Removal function and ISO settings of up to an unprecedented ISO 12800 - so missing great shots is not an option.

"The FinePix F100fd demonstrates how consumers can ultimately benefit from Fujifilm's investment in professional photography," said David Troy, senior product manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. "The features packed in to this camera like ISO ranges and wide dynamic ranges are unprecedented for a compact consumer model - they first appeared in our Professional line. Combine these advances with our new Face Detection 3.0's faster, 360 degree detection ranges and Dual Image Stabilization and you have the ultimate consumer digital photography experience."

Wide Dynamic Range
Dynamic Range, or the gradations of light that exist between bright and dark in any setting, can be easily detected by the human eye, but not by most cameras. Fujifilm expanded dynamic range capture functionality on the professional imaging side with its FinePix S3 Pro digital camera. The technology, now perfected in the FinePix S5 Pro camera, has been brought to the consumer in the FinePix F100fd. Through a combination of advances in Fujifilm's new Super CCD HR VIII and RP (Real Photo) Processor III, this wide dynamic range dramatically broadens tonal capability and guarantees exceptional rendition of photos with both bright highlights and dark shadows. This expansion of sensitivity captures greater detail, and subtle nuances of brightness and tonality that bring the photo closer to what the human eye actually sees.

Faster Face Detection 3.0
The FinePix F100fd is also equipped with Fujifilm's proprietary Face Detection 3.0 Technology featuring Automatic Red Eye Removal. As with the original version of Face Detection, it can detect up to 10 human faces in a scene in as little as .036 seconds, automatically correcting focus, exposure, and white balance, regardless of where subjects are located within the frame. Now, however, the FinePix F100fd is able to identify faces at much more extreme camera angles than before. The camera can register faces with up to 90O movement in either direction for profiles, and up to 360O. After the shot is taken, it instantly corrects red eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file...automatically

The FinePix F100fd features Fujifilm's Dual Image Stabilization mode which combines a mechanically stabilized Super CCD sensor with high ISO sensitivities for total anti-blur protection. The combination of these technologies reduces the "blur" effect from the photographer's hand-shake and subject movement even further to provide the highest quality digital pictures yet, with sharp, clean and clear results. Thanks to the 8th generation FinePix Super CCD-HR chip and the RP Processor III, the Finepix F100fd can utilize ISO settings of up to ISO 3200 at full resolution and an amazing ISO 12800 at reduced resolution1, capturing stunning images even in low light while preserving the natural color and clarity of the shot.

In addition to these advances, the FinePix F100fd possesses a number of other impressive features:
Dual Image Stabilization: Combine mechanical image stabilization with the effects produced with higher ISO.
Continuous Shooting: Top/Final 3 at 1.7 frames per second at full resolution and Top/Final 12 at 5 frames per second at 3-MegaPixels.
High Speed Playback: No waiting for high resolution images to load during play back. The FinePix F100fd can display images at full resolution at 10 frames per second.
Portrait Enhancer Mode: Mimicking a professional photo studio setting, by using Face Detection and preset camera settings, Portrait Enhancer minimizes fine lines and small skin blemishes for smooth, natural looking portraits.
Dual Shot Mode: In this selectable mode, the FinePix F100fd quickly shoots two images in rapid succession - one with the flash and one without - and saves both. This convenient function lets users perform a comparison at their convenience and select the most pleasing image.
Special Scene: The FinePix F100fd has 16 pre-programmed scenes, including a special underwater scene mode for use with a special underwater casing. Also, a Blog mode that automatically reduces the size of copied images for easy posting to a blog, Web page or email attachment.
Micro Thumbnail: A playback feature that allows for viewing an index-style print on the LCD. The FinePix F100fd will show up to 100 images in micro form, then the control buttons are used to select specific images. An innovative wheel navigation dial makes it easy to quickly find a single image by being able to jump to particular segments of images in the time sequence.
IrSimple™: Infrared communication via IrSimple™ technology for fast, easy wireless image transfer to a compatible device.
xD / SD / SD-HC Compatible slot: The FinePix F100fd features a "xD/SD Compatible slot" which accepts not only Fujifilm's traditional xD-Picture Cards but also Secure Digital (SD) and SD-High Capacity/SD-HC cards too.

The FinePix F100fd will debut in March 2008 at a retail price of $379.95.

8 megapixels
CCD
ISO 64 to 1600
2.7-inch monitor
SD and SDHC card support
24MB internal memory
Video resolution of 640 x 480
30fps
99.6 x 23.2 x 55 mm
135 grams

Available in orange, black and silver, the R7 will be out in the middle of next month. [Akihabara News]

Besides that and those 12.1 megapixels—which will now give you the ability to shoot an image that will still be sharp even if you blow it up to a size big enough to cover the deck of an aircraft carrier—there's not a whole lot more that's new and interesting about this flagship point-and-shooter from Casio. Heck, the company's not even telling us with the price is. You had 10,000 choices of me-too point-and-shoot cameras before, and now you have 10,001. Good luck. We'd rather have the babe in the red dress. – Charlie White

Casio Exilim [Digital Photography Review]

Of course, it has Panasonic's tricked-out optical image stabilization, and it's also touted to be able to shoot HD photos, that is, you can set the same resolution in the camera that a 1080p TV set can do, 1920x1080. The thing even makes an effort at shooting HD video, giving you the option of laying down 720p video, but unfortunately it's only at 15 frames per second. As usual, Panasonic was coy about pricing, but did mention we'd be seeing the FX100 shipping in July. – Charlie White

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX100 [LetsGoDigital]

We like the short shutter delay of these Leicas, but best of all are their tack-sharp VARIO-ELMARIT lenses, and this 3.6x zoom retracts all the way into the camera body for pocket-sized totage. It's all packaged up in a satiny-smooth form factor, subtle but rich.

You'll pay dearly for this elegance, though—the best price we could find for the C-Lux 2 is just under $500, a lot more expensive than many other comparably equipped 7-megapixel shooters. If that doesn't bother you, it ships in May. – Charlie White

Product Page [Leica Camera Inc., via Digital Cameras Plus]

Check out the gallery, and you might agree that it's a fine example of the breed. It'll be $399, available in May. – Charlie White

Press Release [Samsung]

This 770SW is one tough customer, but its compact size still allows for 2.5-inch color viewfinder. It's a 7.1-megapixel shooter with a 3x zoom, and feels incredibly solid. That viewscreen is tack-sharp, too. All this toughness isn't cheap, though—the camera will set you back $380. Neat stuff, and worth it. Take a look at the hands-on gallery for some close-up peeks. – Charlie White

Product Page [Olympus]

The A30 keeps that manual mode that we liked in the A20, along with 640x480 movies compressed in our fave codec, the DivX format instead of that antiquated motion JPEG of the Canon point-and-shoots.

Another factor to consider is that our buddy David Pogue of The New York Times gave high marks to the A30's predecessor, the Pentax Optio A20, calling it one of the best cameras for under $300. Pentax wasn't talking price or release date yet, but this one hits the numbers. – Charlie White

Pentax Optio A30 [LetsGoDigital]

Too bad there's no optical image stabilization on board, just Samsung's ASR (advanced shake reduction) which is just boosting up the ISO number for faster shutter speeds. Samsung didn't announce the price of L77 yet, but said it will be shipping in April. – Charlie White

Samsung Cameras unveils the L77 [DP Review]

It's geared toward casual users and not experts, with easy-to-use menus and an anti-shake DSP for keeping those pictures sharp even if you've got the heebie-jeebies. It will be available in silver, blue and pink next month for around $350. – Charlie White

Casio Introduces Stylish New 7.2 Megapixel Digital Camera [Digital Photography Review]

Beyond its waif-thin form factor, its most notable feature is its ability to shoot seven frames per second until you fill up the memory card, a power spec that's unusual for a point-and-shoot. Look for it in the regulation black and silver and then pink and purplish-blue for the whimsical. Take a look at those cool colors after the jump, which we're actually starting to like.

Heck, it's a point-and-shoot. Save the serious black and silver for that DSLR you've got your eye on. Anyway, It'll run around $451. – Charlie White

Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z1050 [Digital Photography Review]

Who would've thought, even a few months ago, that a 7.1-megapixel digital camera would soon be available for less than $150? The E30 even has 11MB of internal memory if you've run out of space on your SD card. The company will be showing this latest model at CES next week. – Charlie White

Pentax Optio E30 [Digital Photography Blog]

Pure Digital Point & Shoot Digital [PCMag]