Samsung introduces slim, stylish ST96 for high-performance capturing

Samsung Electronics Co, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, recently announced the launch of the ST96 - a sleek, slim and stylish compact camera, which incorporates high performance and fun features to enable everyone to take creative and colourful shots, even in low light conditions.

Building on the success of Samsung's existing ST series models, the ST96, with its 14 Megapixel BSI (Back Side Illuminated), CMOS sensor and Dual Capture function, helps photographers of all levels create great images to treasure and share, all of which can be viewed in their brilliance on the camera's 2.7 TFT LCD screen.

Perfect for the style-savvy user, the ST96's sleek and stylish soft-edged design makes for comfortable handling while holding and shooting. However, looks can be deceiving and the ST96 is packed with premium functions which deliver outstanding results and high-performance capabilities.

Thanks to the camera's powerful sensor, ST96 users can capture vibrant and clear images when indoors or in the evening - even without using a flash. Dramatically reducing image noise, the CMOS sensor enhances shooting potential so that beautiful low light shots and recordings are possible with a simple click of a button.

The ST96 also ensures users have the best of both worlds, through its innovative Dual Capture feature. Users can take 10 Megapixel snaps simultaneously within the video content they are already recording, and with the option of up to six images per video, the opportunity to take a winning shot will never pass you by again.

The ST96 features a 26mm wide lens with 5x optical zoom plus Live, 3D and Action Panorama shot functions to cover any new surroundings or a party to remember, in depth and brilliance. Furthermore, when speed is of the essence, the camera's high-speed shooting of eight shots at three, five or 10 frames per second offers incredible quality in real-time, delivering a permanent record of those fast-moving moments in both videos and stills. As such, you can now capture moving subjects, such as the swing of a professional golfer, and enjoy watching it back in slow motion.

In addition, the ST96 boasts full HD video recording with incredible depth of colour, and videos retain their intense quality when shown on HDTVs or monitors, so users can share their movies with friends and family in the same brilliant detail.

With the ST96, Samsung has ensured creativity and fun go hand in hand. The Creative Movie Maker function puts users in the director's chair, making it easy to tell stories in a more dynamic and creative way. Instead of transferring images to a PC, in just four simple steps it is possible to create a customised slide show, complete with effects and music making telling your own story really effortless with the ST96.

Mark Geldenhuys, Business Leader for Digital Imaging at Samsung Electronics South Africa, says: “We understand that today's consumers increasingly want high performance within a compact and sleek device. The unique features of the ST96 ensures that our customers are guaranteed high quality images in any setting, including low-light environments - putting brilliant full HD movie and image capturing at their fingertips. We aim to open up a world of creative possibilities to consumers, and the ST96 allows users to record their lives in high definition and clarity.”

With its Action Panorama shot feature, the ST96 helps convey a sense of dynamism to images. Whether vertical or horizontal, 2D or 3D, breathtaking scenery or an unforgettable holiday moment with friends, the multitude of options are guaranteed to fulfil your photographic needs.

Action Panorama, for example, tracks a moving person or object with a static background to record movement within one, still photo, while the Live Panorama function allows the easy capturing of large groups simply by holding down the shutter button and sweeping the camera across the scene, allowing the user to preview the whole scene they've just captured via the LCD. The 3D Panorama function meanwhile works to bring photos to life even further, using one lens and one sensor to create a 3D image, which you can share with friends and family on a 3D TV to give them a true taste of your amazing experiences.

Customising your shots and getting creative is easy with the ST96's groundbreaking Smart Filter 3.0. Using an assortment of effects and colour options, users can create images with that extra something to ensure they stand out.

New special effects include: Cartoonise to add comical effects to portraits, oil paint and water colour for an artistic feel, and Cross Filter, to give extra sparkle and radiance to your images. For Full HD movies, the Colour Palette adds an ultra-vivid vibe to truly maximise your creativity.

The ST96 ensures that the fun doesn't end there, with the innovative Magic Frame feature providing the perfect way to express personality and mood. Users can adapt images with a variety of fun frames by simply selecting their subject, fitting it within the on-screen template and shooting. Just like magic, the chosen frame appears, with options including Wall Art, Old Film, Ripple, Full Moon, Old Record, Magazine, Holiday, Classic TV and many more.

Capturing blur-free photos has never been easier with the Samsung ST96's Dual Image Stabilisation. The innovative feature makes professional images easy, by eliminating the blur caused by shaking, leaving users with consistently crisp and clear images, even in low light conditions.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) provides an abundance of colours, which give an outstanding richness to the ST96's images, opening up the colour spectrum for the most vibrant results.

Additionally, the Smart Auto 2.0 feature with Smart Flash identifies and automatically selects the most appropriate of its 16 photo and four movie modes, to help achieve standout results. So, even when users are caught-up in the moment, the ST96 makes sure they can capture every special moment of their journey.

To see the specifications, please click here, http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/consumer/photography/cameras/style/EC-ST96ZZDPBHK/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail&tab=specification

Note to editors:
This product will be available locally at most leading retailers at a recommended retail price of R2 249 from November 2011.