Samsung announces HZ25W ultrazoom

Samsung has announced the HZ25W, a 12.5 megapixel ultrazoom with a 24x Schneider-Kreuznach optical zoom lens. The lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal range of from 26mm to 624mm. The HZ25W also features 720p HD video in H.264 format.

The HZ25W's 24x optical zoom, 26mm wide angle lens is supported by Samsung's Dual Image Stabilization, which combines both optical and digital image stabilization to help reduce blur and is particularly important when using a long telephoto lens at its maximum zoom. The camera provides aperture and shutter priority modes as well as a full manual exposure mode for users looking to exercise more control over camera settings. It also allows users to customize white balance settings, use manual focusing and shoot in RAW format.

The HZ25W can record 720p HD video using H.264 compression and can use its optical zoom while shooting the video.

Users can frame their images with the HZ25W's 3.0 inch, 230,000 dot LCD or 0.24 inch, 230,000 dot electronic viewfinder.

The HZ25W contains a Smart Auto setting, which analyzes the current shooting environment and automatically chooses from one of 11 scene modes to produce the best possible image. It also utilizes Samsung's Perfect Portrait System, which includes face detection, face recognition of up to 20 faces, smile shot, blink detection and Samsung's beauty shot, which smoothes the image.

After taking pictures, users can organize them in camera with Samsung's Smart Album feature, which automatically sorts the digital images and allows users to search through them using certain designated criteria.

"Photographers of all skill levels are going to be drawn to the HZ25W's features," said Reid Sullivan, senior vice president of audio/video and digital imaging marketing at Samsung Electronics America. "The versatility of the lens gives any user, whether you're a soccer mom on the sidelines or an enthusiast looking to create a stunning image, the ability to be prepared for just about any shooting scenario. Serious shooters will gravitate toward the HZ25W's aperture and shutter priority modes as well as full manual control and RAW support. For the entry-level shooter, Samsung's Smart Auto takes simplicity to a new level, ensuring a great shot every time without having to be concerned about camera settings."

The HZ25W will be available for purchase in October 2009 at a list price of $399.99. Additional information can be found on Samsung's website.