Samsung’s New Fixed-Lens DSLR

June 3, 2005: Samsung Camera has released details of a new 8-megapixel SLR-style digital camera with a 15x optical zoom lens covering a focal length range equivalent to 28-420mm in 35mm format.
The new Pro815 model “marks the pinnacle of Samsung Camera’s product range for 2005” and is targeted at serious enthusiasts. Sporting an 8.8 x 6.6 mm CCD sensor with 8.3 million photosites, the Pro815 can record still images in RAW, TIIF and JPEG formats, with the largest image size at 3264 x 2448 pixels. It can also capture VGA video clips with sound at 30 frames/second, with clip length limited only be memory capacity. The new model has TTL autofocusing and the lens will focus from 10 cm to infinity in normal mode and 10-50 cm in macro mode. A Telemacro setting focuses to 3 cm.
The Pro815’s Schneider-Kreuznach lens has four low-dispersion glass lenses that were manufactured to minimise chromatic aberration plus two aspherical elements for correcting spherical aberration and lateral colours for the entire zoom range from wide to tele. The camera also claims to have the world’s largest still camera monitor in its 3.5-inch TFT LCD. This display uses Transmissive with Micro Reflective (TMR) technology, which improves visibility in bright condition outdoors. It is partnered with a 0.44-inch electronic viewfinder. An innovative feature of the Pro815 is waist-level shooting, enabled by its top LCD, which displays a preview screen in real time. The same display can also be used as a status monitor.
A full range of user-adjustable controls is provided, including multi, centre-weighted and spot metering, P, A, S and M shooting modes, 10 scene pre-sets and auto, pre-set and full manual white balance control – including colour temperature adjustment. Three continuous shooting modes are provided, including a high-speed setting for 2.5 frames/second and an ultra-high-speed setting that captures 1-megapixel shots at 10 fps. A High speed mode enables sharp shooting of fast moving targets by boosting the ISO to 800 and employing noise reduction processing. Three rings surrounding the lens controls manual zoom, manual focusing and EV compensation, give users direct control of manual operations. A dual jog system, which is used to control aperture and shutter speed, delivers precise control. The camera supports Adobe RGB colour space and offers in-camera adjustments for contrast and saturation plus a range of digital effects (including B&W and Sepia). A histogram display is provided for checking and adjusting an exposure, along with a grid display for easier image composition.
The Pro815 also has a Review Shot mode that lets users set the optimal image composition while reviewing a shot they have just taken. The display can includes the technical details and users can display an image in the centre of the screen and place the icons and other screen information at its edges. The built-in flash allows users to shoot with the wide settings and supports output compensation across +/-2EV. Accessory flash units can also be added. Other optional add-ons include filters and a remote control.
No details of pricing or release dates have been revealed.