We've seen cameras that sport rotatable LCDs and cameras with built-in projectors. Now, it's time to see the dual LCD camera. No, I'm not talking about a secondary monochrome display like in the dSLR camera, but a secondary display in itself.

Today, Samsung Electronics America Inc., announced two new digital compact cameras, the TL225 and TL220, also known as ST500 and ST550. Both digital cams sport a 12.2-megapixel imaging sensor that peeks through a 4.6x optical zoom that is even image stabilized, starting at 27mm (FF35 equivalent). Either one can capture video in 720p video resolution in H.264 format.

"These cameras are the very first of their kind," said Sang Jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The secondary display's function, the one on the front of the camera, near the lens, was stated to be funny animations that would capture children's attention and sit still for a picture. The display is 1.5" in size and also allows the photographer to join the picture.

"The use of digital imaging technologies has evolved and we are offering functionality and capabilities that no other digital camera manufacturer has yet addressed. It has become more common for the photographer to switch roles and become the subject of his or her photo, especially given the rise in popularity of self-portraits or profile pictures for use with today's popular social networking sites. The Dual LCD on the TL225 and TL220 allows consumers to become part of the picture in a way that they simply were unable to do so before. These cameras will be must-haves for those individuals that use popular social networking Web sites and for families that want to get everyone, including the photographer, in the picture."

The TL225 features a 3.5-inch touch-screen LCD with a 1,152K resolution, providing about four times more resolution than traditional cameras. Also, it comes complete with haptic vibration feedback for ease of use. The TL220 sports a 3-inch LCD. Pricing and availability say $299.90 and $349.99, and September.


We are just a few, but there are many of you, Softpedia users, out there. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to create an email address for you to help us a little in finding gadgets we missed. Interesting links are bound to be posted with recognition going mainly to those who submit. The address is