Interesting new development in compact digicams.

[AngryCorgi]

Have a look here, at the Samsung WB100:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0902/09022303samsungtl320hz15.asp

While I am not a fan of Samsung digicams, I thought this press release was interesting for two reasons.

First, check out those crazy analog meters on the top! The battery level and memory card status are now linked to two analog dials on the top of the camera. That is just wacky, but I think its really neat.

Second, they have incorporated an AMOLED screen, which (I think) is a first for a compact digicam.

Finally, look at the ring around the optics on the front of the camera. It reads "24mm UltraWide". Since when does anyone consider a 24mm lens' FOV to be in the "UltraWide" category? Maybe I missed it and someone else has termed this FL as such, but this seems like an extra sprinkle of marketing hype to me. I know Sigma used to put its spin on reality with the old 24/2.8 "SuperWide" lens (one of which I own right now!), but this is the first I have seen of this sketchy categorization in a pocket-cam.

I dig those analog meters though. :D

[Swaffs]

Love the analogue guages!

I'd like to see the OLED back screen (in the flesh of course)

[Jon]

In 35 mm format 24 mm focal length was the start of the UWA range. It's only really on the APS-C crop that it's not wide, and equivalent focal lengths are all converted to the 35 mm format.

[AngryCorgi]

In 35 mm format 24 mm focal length was the start of the UWA range. It's only really on the APS-C crop that it's not wide, and equivalent focal lengths are all converted to the 35 mm format.

I guess I've spent way too much time using Canon's Camera Museum site. They list the 24/1.4 and 24/2.8 as "wide angle" while the 20/2.8 gets the nod for "ultra wide". Their description for the 24/2.8:

"Highly popular wide-angle lens featuring a large aperture."

Then again, when looking at their current marketing page for the same lens, they turn right around and say:

"24mm lenses are the entry into ultra-wide angle photography and this lens is the ideal starting point."

Color me confused! :confused:

[JeffreyG]

24mm is about the border between ultra wide and wide. In any case, this 'equivalent' AOV is sorely lacking from 99.9% of small digicameras. Since 99% of the general public want 'more zoom' I'm actually heartened to see this feature that is geared to more serious photographers added to the camera.

Or maybe they just did it because 120mm / 24mm equates to 'more zoom' than 120mm / 36mm. But there I go getting all cynical again.

[Jim G]

That's mad.. I really like the oldschool look to the battery indicator - not sure about the memory, though, for that I'd like an actual mb/gb readout.

[DDCSD]

Dooooood...... I'd pay to have those gauges installed on my MkIIN! :)