V50 and V40 Packed with Power and Features in Stylish Chassis

SECAUCUS, N.J., (February 12, 2004) – Samsung Camera will be packing quite a punch at this year’s PMA as it is set to introduce its newest Digimax cameras, the successors to the company's popular flagship digital camera lineup. Following the success of the Samsung Digimax V4 and V3 models (unveiled at PMA in March, 2003) the new V50 and V40 propel the Digimax lineup to new heights, with new capabilities and features.

"The V50 and V40 represent the next generation of the highly successful V series line introduced at last year's PMA show," said Ken Gerb, Senior Vice President Sales for Samsung Camera. "With features like MPEG-4 video compression, a 4cm (wide) macro feature, a 2-inch swivel LCD and compatibility with multiple external memory formats, these cameras are ideal for virtually every application. Of course, they also offer all of the signature features of our existing V series line, such as Schneider optics, compatibility with 9 different power sources and a host of manual controls".

Samsung's ever-increasing array of creative, functional and stylish products has taken the technology markets by storm, with innovations and product enhancements that have garnered rave reviews. From the company's cellular phone products to the array of flat panel displays used by corporate and personal computer users across the world, Samsung has remained committed to providing the customer with the best technology possible. Samsung Camera's Digimax camera line is no exception to the company's goal of global product excellence.

The V50 and V40 models combine a number of "world's first" features into a stylish, user-friendly and affordable package. Following in the footsteps of the popular V4 and V3 the V50 and V40 both offer quality construction, world-class Schneider optics, a plethora of customization modes and other features to create one of the foremost digital cameras in its class.

Samsung has also designed a series of top quality conversion lenses for the V50 and V40 models, further expanding the cameras' already impressive range of features. Consumers will be able to choose from among three wide angle and telephoto lenses. All three will be sold separately as optional accessories for the V50 and V40 cameras.

Digimax V50
The new Digimax V50 packs a new 5.3 megapixel (total pixels) sensor in a stylish aluminum enclosure that's easy to use and to hold. With its high-quality f/2.8-4.9 Schneider 7.7mm-23.1mm lens (equivalent to a 38-113mm lens in 35mm film) the camera provides an enormous array of features in one sleek package. A " Macro" mode captures images as close as 4 cm, while the 5x digital zoom extends the range of the Schneider lens into the super-telephoto range.

A 2.0-inch TFT LCD screen provides a large focusing area and is also home to the camera's wider range of creative controls. The intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) allows users to easily navigate the camera's menu of features and capabilities. Photographers have a full range of custom choices including a variety of exposure modes, three ISO settings, five flash settings, and more. The V50 utilizes a combination mechanical and electronic shutter to capture images at up to 1/2000 of a second.

The Digimax V50 can capture still in single, continuous or AEB mode, at sizes up to 2592 x 1944 dpi and store them as TIFF, JPEG (DCF) or DPOF format. The camera can also capture movies in MPEG-4 format at a resolution of up to 640x480 at 30 frames per second.

AEB shooting provides a choice of presets custom designed for some typical—and also some difficult to master—shooting environments. The Digimax V50 includes preprogrammed settings in an Easy mode, Program mode, Movie mode and Scene modes including: Children, Landscape, Close-up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Firework, Beach & Snow, and Portrait.

Taking advantage of the small form-factor of SD/MMC storage cards and Memory Stick DUO, the Digimax V50 is able to save images onto either of the card slots, without sacrificing size for the storage media. SD is quickly becoming the preferred storage media for compact digital cameras thanks to formats ability to pack a large amount of data into a small space.

The V50 transfers images via its built-in USB 2.0 connection, and comes with software for both the Windows and the Macintosh platforms. The Digimax V50 can also be connected to NTSC or PAL external monitors for image and movie playback via the included connectors.

With a retail price of $379.99, the Digimax V50 is competitively priced, and is the perfect choice for photographers of all skill and experience levels.

Digimax V40
The new Digimax V40 is ideal for the amateur to advanced amateur photographer looking for a solid camera with a full range of high-end features. With its 4.1 megapixel sensor, the V40 captures stunning images thanks to its 5.8mm to 17.4mm f/2.8-4.9 lens (comparable to 38mm-114mm in 35mm film format). Built in 4x digital zoom extends the range of the V40 even further.

Like the V50, the Digimax V40 offers a full range of creative shooting choices and customizable modes. From the flash modes to the special effects, to the choice of white balance settings, the V40 allows the advanced photographer to produce the best image possible either through manual controls or via the camera's automatic settings.

Like its big sibling, the Digimax V40 also offers AEB scene modes for mastery of difficult but common shooting situations, and can capture still images or movies (at 640x480) to the SD/MMC or Memory Stick Duo slot. Both cameras support up to 1GB of data storage with the Memory Stick Duo Cards. Like the V50, the V40 also uses a High-Speed USB 2.0 connector for fast image transfer from camera to PC or Mac.

The V50 and V40 also serve as document scanners, automatically compensating for image distortion that typically occurs when photos of business cards and/or documents are captured. These cameras automatically correct the "bow" effect that normally occurs, creating a perfect electronic replica of business cards, documents and other flat objects which can then be uploaded to a computer, PDA, cell phone or other device. Both also offer Pictbridge technology, allowing users to connect the camera directly to a printer via USB cable and output images right from the camera's internal memory or the Memory Stick Duo card. A related feature that comes in handy is the ability to edit, crop and rotate images right on the camera before sending them to a computer or printer for distribution or output.

Ideal for either the casual snap shooter or the advanced photographer, the V50 and V40 both offer fully automatic and manual controls. From point and shoot to shutter priority to aperture priority all the way to full manual, these products have it all. With nine different power sources to choose from (AA Alkaline, Ni-Mg, Ni-Zn, AALithium, CR?V3, Ni-MH, Ni-Cd, Li-Ion and Li-Ion dedicated) V50 and V40 owners can rest assured that they'll never run out of juice.

Priced at just $329.99 the Digimax V40 provides solid performance, excellent image quality and technological advances all in one easy to use and affordable package, making it one of the best choices for photographers today.

Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Inc., Secaucus, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd., Sungnam Kyungki-Do, Korea. Samsung is the world's 11th largest company. Samsung Opto-Electronics markets a full line of auto focus cameras, zoom and digital cameras for the amateur as well as the professional under the Samsung band name. CCTV monitors and lenses, motorized zoom lenses, binoculars, observation and security systems, and video presenters are other products in the family of photographic and optical equipment.

Visit the Samsung Camera Web site at: www.samsungcamerausa.com

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