Samsung zooms in with 9 shooters

	The Digimax Pro 815 bags four world's first including a 15x optical zoom and 3.5-inch LCD.

Samsung today unveiled for the first time in Singapore a total of nine consumer digital cameras including the Digimax Pro 815 which bags four world's first within its SLR lookalike body.

In a media speech by Mr Kim Jeong-Wook, managing director, Electronics Business Division for Samsung Asia, he believes the move to consolidate the distribution and marketing of their cameras will "allow us to leverage on the marketing, supply chain and brand strengths curently enjoyed by our other businesses in audio-visual, computer and telecommunications products". Referring to a 2005 GFK report, Samsung's digital camera business is anticipated to increase 21.4 percent annually over five years (2003 to 2007).

According to Samsung, this extensive range of cameras cater to everyone, from lifestyle consumers to semi-professionals to professionals. Several features have been introduced such as the Safety Flash (SF) technology that claims to deliver clearer images and more natural pictures under dim light conditions.

Journalists also had their hands full with the 8-megapixel Digimax Pro 815 which bags four world's first--a 15x optical zoom lens, 3.5-inch LCD on the back, colored LCD panel on the top of the unit and a 1,900mAh Lithium-ion high-capacity battery. Its 15x zoom capability clearly redefines the notion of being up close and personal.

However, the Digimax i50 with its MP3 playback features, was not one of the main models showcased today. The i50 looks and feels exactly like the Digimax i5, but allows users to enjoy the sound of music while capturing pictures on-the-go. For movie enthusiasts, the i50 supports MPEG-4 VGA video shooting and has a 3x optical zoom lens. Its built-in Time Trimming feature also lets consumers edit movie files without connecting to a PC.

Currently, only the Digimax i5 is available in stores at a retail price of S$599 (US$441.02). Read our first take on this flagship 5-megapixel ultracompact model designed for the young and trendy.