If you thought that the tap of the compact digital camera pipe got closed, think again. Samsung just turned it on, but only a drop fell out. That is the new ST45, Samsung's latest ultraslim digital compact camera. Given the 16mm thickness, you might find it hard to believe that its chassis covers a 12-megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch LCD screen, but no optical image stabilization.

I could not find its focal range, only the minimum and maximum aperture - F3 & F5.6 - which are quite standard, maybe a little faster than common, on the wide end. The ISO goes all the way up to 3200, just like all of the other digital cameras - and just like all of those, don't expect too remaining details or sometimes recognizable subjects (downside of having a tiny little sensor).

"Samsung is delighted to strengthen its range of compact cameras with the launch of the sophisticated ST45. Our cameras set the benchmark for quality and innovation and with the launch of the ST45 all photographers will enjoy taking high quality images" said Steve Mitchell, General Manager Marketing, Samsung Digital Imaging Division.

If they say so, but honestly, adding more and more features like Smart Scene Recognition, Digital Image Stabilization, Frame Guide, Face Detection and such, they'll only target the beginner, not "all photographers." However, the Frame Guide feature is somewhat interesting. The camera takes a temporary ghost picture (one that will not store) that will be displayed semi-transparent on the screen as someone else takes your picture in a holiday - that way you're certain even a stranger will know exactly what's in your mind with the composition of the shot.

The ST45 will be available in Red, Black, Blue and Grey, starting with the end of September 2009. No MSRP available yet.


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