Samsung CL80 and TL240 match style with connectivity

Samsung announces today the CL80 and TL240, products of a unique design process each equipped with a 7x Schneider-Kreuznach lens. The CL80 features integrated Wi-Fi connectivity, and with touch panels upwards of 3.5 inches, the two cameras represent interesting developments in technology and style.

Samsung CL80

The trail of press releases from Samsung began on Sunday night with the realization of the NX concept in the NX10. Now, alongside a release of more DualView digital cameras, Samsung announces two slim touch screen cameras designed to wow the tech and style savvy set. The CL80 features a massive touch screen and WiFi connectivity, while the TL240 features a slightly less massive touch screen with haptic feedback.

Both cameras have been produced through hydroforming, a process that creates a smooth, seamless structure and is utilized by high-end sports car makers. Samsung touts the CL80 and TL240 as the first products in the consumer electronics realm to use this method of production.

The 14.2 megapixel CL80 and TL240 feature 7x optical zoom lenses with dual image stabilization. Each camera is equipped with Smart Auto 2.0 scene recognition technology and will record 720p HD video at 30 fps. The touch screen on each camera utilizes the Smart Gesture interface previously seen on the Samsung TL22. In addition to all of the usual touch screen actions like focus lock and image scrolling, photos can be manipulated with other touch gestures - i.e. an image can be deleted by drawing an X across the screen.

Samsung CL80
In addition to connectivity at WiFi spots, the CL80 will allow users to share files via Bluetooth 2.0 and DLNA connections. A QWERTY keyboard on the camera's 3.7 inch AMOLED touch screen can be utilized to type messages and e-mail address for photo sharing. Bluetooth connections can be used to transmit photos to compatible cell phones at a reduced resolution.

Samsung TL240
The TL240 offers up a 3.5 inch touch screen LCD. It shares the same physical dimensions as the CL80, measuring 0.77 inches thick. It combines the Smart Gesture interface with haptic feedback. Soft features abound, including face recognition, panorama shot, Smart Filter effects, and portrait effects such as red-eye fix. These features are all available on the CL80 as well.

Both cameras have been produced through hydroforming, a process that creates a smooth, seamless structure and is utilized by high-end sports car makers. Samsung touts the CL80 and TL240 as the first products in the consumer electronics realm to use this method of production.

Pricing and availability
Samsung states that the CL80 will be released sometime in the spring of 2010. Look for the TL240 in February, though there's no word yet what either camera will cost.