interpolating the SAMSUNG WB2000 / TL350

10-3-20 20:19 work in progress
how do we do that? Simple we take the predecessor the WB1000 /TL320 and look what seems the same.
There is the same slim body (slightly modernized), the same lens, the same dual image stabilisation with advanced digital stabilisation, the same shooting modes, similar advanced manual and picture controls, dual analog gauges, proprietary usb/video cable...

So what is new?

• nicer body design with connectors behind a hinged door
• the usual zoom ring instead of the buttons on the back
• an updated processor who has to handle the new cmos
• the cmos sensor
• 1080p and slow motion movies
• a full size HDMI port
• a little higher res AMOLED screen
• higher shooting speed from 1. something to 10 pictures per second

WB1000 / TL320 Info, Test and Review

Digital Versus
Trusted Reviews
--------
SAMSUNG review and blog websites
Segadget 22 entries some interesting videos
5 SAMSUNG reviews with lots of pictures (might be a "copy" from Segadget)
infomercial

---------
Geek-Trend introduces you the Samsung WB1000
Samsung TL320 or WB1000 brief video tour

How the SAMSUNG works inside ;-)
Smartman protect shake from date
When you close your eyes Smartman appear
It's hard to be beautiful!!
How to hide picture of hot girl

Having Fun with Shutter Speed
AMOLED(WB1000) vs TFT LCD(IXUS 990IS)

movie mode
with stabilisation

without stabilisation
on the airplane

on youtube 1 and 2

Take a peek in the manual of the WB1000 to understand what the TL350 / WB2000 will be capable of. If you prefer it in Spanish.
You can also look at the WB650 manual since it is a 2010 camera what comes also pretty close at most functions. Want to see the AMOLED in action?

No external charger needed, charge in the car, at the computer, at every power plug via USB cable



I tried to find videos which show the effectivity (or not) of the image stabilisation, if the lens has trouble with barrel distortion in wide angle etc.


screen shot from this video, I added the red lines so it is easier to compare how straight the silver poles are. Looks good to me.

here is a moving shopping cart


The barrel distortion seems to be much less than with the HX5, also the little wobbles from the cart seem ok.



Here are 2 videos shot from a small aircraft.
http://www.vimeo.com/5603072
http://www.vimeo.com/5487884

SAMSUNG WB2000 on the web

updated 10-3-16 4:00

Silver is a bugger to get in the original color. The first one should come close.





the AMOLED screen in all it´s glory.

and here you see the much talked about hidden second scroll wheel

LINKS:

• http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/21/samsung-tl500-and-tl350-hands-on/
• http://www.photographybay.com/2010/03/12/samsung-tl350-hands-on/
• http://www.digitalcamerainfo.com/content/Samsung-TL350-First-Impression-Digital-Camera-Review-21549.htm
• http://www.techradar.com/news/photography-video-capture/cameras/hands-on-samsung-wb2000-review-672446

PRESS RELEASE:

SAMSUNG ANNOUNCES THE HIGH-SPEED TL350 WITH FULL HD
VIDEO

TL350’s New Dual Capture Mode Allows Users To Take
10 Mega-Pixel Stills While Simultaneously Recording Full-HD Video

Anaheim, CA (February 20, 2010) – Samsung Electronics
America, Inc., a market leader and award‑winning innovator in consumer electronics, today unveiled the TL350 - a high-speed, 10 mega‑pixel compact camera with 1080P, full-HD video recording. With a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) and a burst mode capable of capturing 10 full-size digital stills per second, the TL350 takes high-speed imaging to a new level for today’s consumer. Additionally, the TL350 enhances the digital imaging experience with Samsung’s Advanced Panorama Shot with Object Tracking as well as an innovative Dual Capture mode, which allows users to simultaneously take 10 mega-pixel still images while recording full-HD videos.

“The TL350 is representative of Samsung’s strategy to lead the digital imaging industry through product innovation,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “Consumers have expressed frustration with having to choose between shooting video or taking digital stills with their camera. With the TL350, Samsung has addressed this unmet consumer need,
and now gives consumers the ability to do both simultaneously.”

High-Speed Digital Stills and Video

The TL350 allows users to capture high-quality images no matter how fast the action may be. Its advanced CMOS sensor and re-engineered DRIMeIII processor yield impressive low‑light performance and most notably, speed, giving users the ability to capture up to 10 pictures-per-second (pps) at the resolution of 10 mega-pixels. Additionally, the TL350 features a 1,000 fps (138x78), high-speed video recording mode which today’s creative consumer can use to reveal details of a fast moving event in super‑slow motion. Whether it’s used to capture an everyday moment in an astonishing new light or to analyze a golf swing, the capabilities of the TL350’s super-slow motion playback are endless.

Impressive Optics and Display

In addition to its impressive speed, the TL350 also features a high-performance 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens complete with a generous 5x optical zoom. Much wider than traditional compact cameras, the TL350’s 24mm ultra-wide angle lens allows photographers to capture more of a desired scene, such as large groups of friends or family, while the 5x optical zoom will allow them to get in close when shooting from a distance. Samsung’s
Advanced Panorama shot with Object Tracking will further enhance the camera’s wide-angle capabilities, ideal for the better capture of scenes such as vast landscapes. For blur‑free images, the TL350’s lens is also paired with Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology.
The TL350 is equipped with a three-inch AMOLED screen providing users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate, vivid colors, even when viewed from an angle or in direct sunlight. The AMOLED display is also more efficient when it comes to power consumption, allowing photographers to maximize battery life and shoot longer on a single charge.

Features for the Advanced and Novice Shooter

The TL350 will appeal to both novice and more experienced users thanks to the combination of Smart and Manual controls. The camera’s intuitive Smart Auto 2.0 (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology will take the guess work out of taking a perfect photo or video every time; however, for those users who want to have more control over image capture, the TL350 supports RAW and offers Manual control. When set to Manual, consumers can experiment
with features such as slower shutter speeds, depth-of-field and even focus.

Specifications:

Video Resolution / Frames-Per-Second
Aspect Ratio	Speed	Max. Resolution
WIDE (16:9)	30 fps	1920x1080
	60 fps	1280x720
	240 fps	608x342
	420 fps	316x178
	1000 fps	138x78
STD (4:3)	60 fps	640x480
	240 fps	320x240

TL350
Mega-Pixels	10.2 mega-pixels
Optical Zoom	5x optical zoom / Schneider lens
LCD Size	3.0” VGA AMOLED
Lens	Schneider KREUZNACH
Movie Mode	1080P HD Resolution With HDMI Connectivity
Size	3.91 x 2.32 x 0.85 inches
Special Features	- 24mm Ultra-Wide-Angle Schneider Lens - 5x Optical Zoom - 3.0” VGA AMOLED (614K dots) - Full-size Dual Capture Feature - Advanced Panorama Shot with Object Tracking - High speed CMOS sensor - 10fps continuous still shot at 10M pixel - High-Definition 1080p Video With HDMI Connectivity - High speed Movie recording at up to 1,000fps - Dual Image Stabilization (Optical + Digital) - RAW Support - Full Manual Control - Advanced Picture Mode (manually adjust color tones) - Smart Auto 2.0: Still & Movie - Smart Album - Smart Face Recognition (up to 20 faces) - Perfect Portrait System: Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection/Red-eye Fix - Photo Style Selector - Built-in software for playback, management, and editing on a PC (no CD-Rom installation required)
Availability	May 2010
Pricing	$349.99 €349.99

SAMSUNG WB2000 / TL350 or SONY HX5V

updated 10-03-16 1:16
Life is full of tough choices...
The decision of SONY not to include advanced controls in the HX5 will drive several potential customers to other brands and got me thinking too.
Now what are the alternatives if you want to have full control but also want full HD video?

Well, that is simple, there is just one, the SAMSUNG WB2000 or for the USA the TL350.

A 2000 model in 2010?
It seems 2010 is not only the year of the exiting cameras but also the year of crazy model names what jump over several numbers and do not make too much sense like SONY H1 - H5 but HX1 and HX5 are two totally different cameras. Panasonic skips several numbers and renames the TZ for America.

Let´s get back to SAMSUNG. They often come out with interesting cameras but the mess it up with mediocre quality and stupid design and handling choices.
On the first look the TL350 looks quite interesting but there is virtually no info out about this camera. The camera at the PMA 2010 was just a concept camera, no actual shooting was possible. So up until now there is not even a pre production model out.

Now let´s see what are the differences between the two contenders

• a bright 3" AMOLED with great viewing angle and nearly 3 times the resolution of the HX5 screen, it uses less power and is more resistant.
  there is no way to change anything here, SAMSUNG wins 5
• 1080p, 720 p 60, 240 fps at 608 x 342 and up to 1000 fps at a tiny unusable resolution compared to 1080i. The 1080i does not look good in players who do not deinterlace the video. Splash Lite does a great job here and converts into 1080p very nice. The high speed mode is interesting but mostly limited to 720p 60 fps and 608 x 342 240 fps but after that is is just to low res for my taste.
  could be done with a firmware update but SONY does not add features to P&S later, SAMSUNG wins 5
• the possibility to snap a picture while shooting a video (no info if the video is interrupted, but I think it will as with the Canon), not possible with the HX5
  could be done with a firmware update but SONY does not add features to P&S later, SAMSUNG wins 5
• full manual mode with with RAW to the HX5 pseudo manual mode with two ND filters to choose from. I do not know if Samsung has a real multi blade aperture build in or also uses ND filters
  could be done with a firmware update (Canon added a very limited RAW later to the SX1) but SONY does not add features to P&S later, SAMSUNG wins 10
• full control over contrast, sharpness and saturation on a sliding scale where the HX5 has nothing
  you can do these tweaks easy in post processing, SAMSUNG wins in convenience 2.
• you can choose the quality of the compression in 3 steps, have a more modern snappier menu system also with a skin smoting beauty shot function.
  could be done with a firmware update but SONY does not add features to P&S later, SAMSUNG wins 2
• time lapse photography, which lets you mount the camera on a tripod and set the time interval between shots, number of shots to be taken, and the starting time.
  If you ever seen the Galactic Center of Milky Way Rises over Texas Star Party from William Castleman on Vimeo you know it it a gorgeous feature to have.
  could be done with a firmware update but SONY does not add features to P&S later, SAMSUNG wins 2
• Picture Effects: sketch (which turns the image into a line drawing), anti-fog, soft, vivid, forest, retro, cool, calm, black and white, and negative, plus the option to tweak red, green and blue levels individually (some Sony camera owners would love to have the last function)
  could be done with a firmware update but SONY does not add features to P&S later, SAMSUNG wins 2
• a real full size HDMI port behind a sturdy hinged flap, HX5 a HDMI SONY dongle and an unprotected connector.
  there is no way to change anything here , SAMSUNG wins 3
• a slim 22 mm - 0.8" to 29 mm - 1 3/16" (TX7 18 mm)
  there is no way to change anything here , SAMSUNG wins 5
• 5x zoom with a fast wide angle and a slow tele 2.8-5.8 HX5 10x 3.5-5.5
  there is no way to change anything here, SONY wins 7
• take 6 pictures and the camera combines them to a panorama (I presume), HX5 intelligent sweep panorama
  The sweep panorama is a good feature but the result is often sadly a very basic quality what is not as good as a picture shot in the same resolution. It is screen and small print only.
  For a quality panorama (with a 28 mm lens) you still need to take 6 shots for 180 - and 12 shots for a 360 degree panorama. So if Samsung takes 6 pictures than this looks more like a different more HQ approach, but so far this is just a speculation. If my presumption is true, Samsung wins in quality here. No rating until I know more.
• optical and digital shake reduction , HX5 optical shake reduction and the very powerful active mode what should be the best image stabilisation on the market today
  according to Tom the Active mode is very good, SONY wins in video mode 5
• NO GPS NO compass
  you need to add a gadget for around $50 to get that function, SONY wins 10
• NO HDR mode
  could be done with a firmware update but Samsung does not add features to P&S later. If you shoot HDR seldom it is quite easy to do this manual with 3 shots in exposure bracketing and combine in a more powerful software where you decide how it will look. SONY wins 2
• NO Hand Held Twilight
  could be done with a firmware update but Samsung does not add features to P&S later, so you will need a tripod here to simulate this feature with not moving objects. SONY wins 5
• NO Anti - Motion Blur
  could be done with a firmware update but Samsung does not add features to P&S later, so you will need to crank the ISO up to 1600 or 3200 here to simulate this feature with moving objects and use a noise reduction software later. SONY wins 3

I created a rating what is important to me an how important it is. 10 points = essential, 5 to 8 = important, 2 to 4 = nice to have
So the SAMSUNG collects 41 points and the SONY collects 32 points.
Now, do you own rating.

So is the SAMSUNG TL350 / WB2000 the better camera?
Depends, if you want full manual control, RAW, a very good screen, a very slim camera, want to take a picture while in video mode, want to control contrast, sharpness and saturation in the camera, slow motion video, maybe the better panorama mode but we need more info about that, a covered full size HDMI port
or
want more than 5x zoom, HDR, HHT, AMB, GPS, sweep panorama, the most effective anti shake mode

The lens and the (now updated) design was already used in the TL320 or WB1000, so just find the reviews like the one from TR and you get an idea about the lens and the handling.
"The Schneider Kreuznach lens is exceptionally good, with superb corner-to-corner sharpness, good contrast and no barrel distortion even at the 24mm wide angle end."
The most info I found so far are here and here and if you think that TL320 is just like a miniDSLR then you might be from Korea

So if you torn between the SONY HX5V and the SAMSUNG TL350 / WB2000, welcome to the club.

Oh and if SAMSUNG would have been clever, they would have put these features in Samsung HZ35W with the 15x lens plus GPS and would have made a HX5 killer.