Samsung ST500 and ST550 offer front and rear LCD screens
Ever wished your point and shoot camera would let you see the framing of a self-portrait? Well, thanks to Samsung, now you can.
Go on any social network and you’ll see them: the obvious self-portrait shot in a mirror, or via an outstretched arm, and you will also inevitably see poorly framed shots, cut off faces, blurry shots and any other number of horrific photography faux pas. Â The majority of these problems are caused by people having no clue how the image is framed while they are looking at the front of the camera. Â Thanks to Samsung, this will no longer be an issue for the folks who pick up the new ST500 or ST550.
Both of the new cameras have a 1.5-inch hidden LCD screen on the front that will allow you to see just what you are taking a picture of. Â There is even no need to push a button to snap the photo, it can be triggered by a big smile. Â On the rear of the cameras you will find a 3.5-inch touch screen LCD that will let you do all of the normal functions of the camera.
As is the normal nowadays, both cameras are capable of shooting HD video at 720p at 30 frames per second.  They also both feature 27-124mm equivalent zoom lens.
The only difference between these two, which leads to the difference in price, is that the ST-550 is capable of HDMI connectivity via an optional adapter.
ST-500
- 12.2 megapixels
- 4.6x optical zoom
- Dual Image Stabilization technology
- Available in silver, red and blue colors
- Suggested retail price of $299.99
ST-550
- 12.2 megapixels
- 4.6x optical zoom
- Dual Image Stabilization technology
- Available in black, gold, orange and purple colors
- Suggested retail price of $349.99
So far these are only announced for the UK, but it won’t be surprising if they make their way over to the U.S.A. Â While these are certainly not professional cameras by any means, they seem a perfect fit for the social networking generation that is currently getting to the age where they can afford to buy their own cameras.
You have to give Samsung some props though for their recent innovations in cameras. Â With these two models offering the forward looking LCD screens, and the recently announced ST1000 offering up Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS, the company sure seems to be wanting to lead the way in new features.
