Since pretty much every major name in the industry is gearing up for this year's PMA, we're literally being invaded by a tidal wave of compact digital cameras, each of them targeting mostly the mainstream segment and amateur photographers. And that's exactly the case with the latest announcement from Samsung, which has just rolled out no less than four new devices in its SL series, the SL820, SL620, SL202 and SL30 models.

The first two new models from Samsung, the SL820 and SL620, feature a 12.2-megapixel sensor, accompanied by three-inch LCD screens and 5x optical zooms. Besides these common features, the SL820 comes equipped with a 28mm wide angle lens, while the SL620 sports a 35mm lens.

Aside from being able to shoot high-quality photos, the two cameras can record video clips. From this point of view, special attention should be paid to the SL820 model, which can record clips at 720p resolution (using H.264 compression). Since this model also sports an HDMI interface, users will be able to easily view the clips on their HDTV. Furthermore, the SL620 can record video, but we're only talking about MPEG-4 video recording at a resolution of 640x480.

Another interesting feature worth mentioning is the Dual Image Stabilization system (Optical and Digital Image Stabilization), which will help reduce blur caused by hand movements. In order to help users increase the quality of the photos, the new cameras from Samsung will sport a Smart Auto mode, which, when selected, will automatically choose one of the cameras' 11 scene modes, determining which best suits the environment the user may be shooting in. Other automatic features found on the SL820 and SL620 include Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot.

The SL820 is scheduled to arrive in May for around $279.99, while the SL620 will hit the shelves in March, for around $199.99. The SL202 and SL30 are even more mainstream. Hence, they both come equipped with 10-megapixel sensors, plus a Samsung lens with a 3x optical zoom, as well as Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blurry images.

The SL202 features a stylish, compact design with brushed metal finish, and allows users to record MJPEG video at VGA resolution with a frame rate of 30fps. It also has some of the most advanced automatic shooting features, including here Smart Auto mode and Smart Album program. Other automatic controls found on the SL202 include Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, and Beauty Shot.

Last, but certainly not least, the SL30 offers users MJPEG, VGA video recording, Face Detection, which detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure, as well as Beauty Shot, which automatically enhances subjects' skin tones. Photos and videos can be reviewed on the camera's 2.5 inch LCD screen.

Both of these new cameras will become available in March and will sell for $149.99 (the SL202) and $99.99 (the SL30, respectively).



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