Samsung HZ1 - 10x zoom, 24 mm wide-angle

[S_p_i_d_e_r]

http://www.fotopolis.pl/obrazki/samsung_HZ1.jpg
courtesy of fotopolis.pl

Key features (as posted on fotopolis.pl):

CCD 10,2 Mpix 1/2,33"
24-240 mm lens (equiv.)
optical stabilisation
LCD 2,7" 230 kpix
720p movies (1280x720@30fps)
face, smile, closed eyes detection
WxHxD 105x61x36 mm


+ P/A/S/M full manual operation

http://www.quesabesde.com/camdig/noticias/Samsung_HZ1_23.jpg

What do you think about this new camera? Quite slim for a 10x zoom, isn't it? And it's a first 10x zoom camera featuring such a wide lens. But why no Schneider-Kreuznach lens? Why only 230 kpix LCD?

[bascom]

I haven't seen any official info for a USA release. Price? release date?

[S_p_i_d_e_r]

Price - unknown. Release date - November/December.

[Beowulff]

Interesting that CNet said:

"It's a superzoom, boasting a 10x Schneider Kreuznach optical zoom lens. It also has a decent wide-angle 24-240mm, equivalent to a 35mm camera. The slender frame and specifications pitch the HZ1 against Panasonic's TZ5."

And I'm guessing the loust positioning of the flash is gonna cause some grief for a few unwary snappers:

Image © Photographyblog.com (http://img.photographyblog.com/photokina_2008/samsung_hz1_06_large.jpg)

I'd be sticking with the (probably better quality) TZ5 if i were in the compact superzoom market. That 4mm less WA for the TZ5 wouldn't concern me at all.

It's all gonna hang on the HZ1's pricing methinks.

Cheers :)

[S_p_i_d_e_r]

Interesting that CNet said:
"[I]It's a superzoom, boasting a 10x Schneider Kreuznach optical zoom lens.

There is "Samsung SHD lens" written around the lens barrel, so I suppose if it was Schneider-Kreuznach one, they would have written it.


And I'm guessing the loust positioning of the flash is gonna cause some grief for a few unwary snappers.

Oh, yes. Even worse position than TZ5's :)