Samsung rolls out HZ35W and HZ30W

BY: Allison Johnson, DigitalCameraReview.com Editor

Samsung announces two more high zoom digital cameras in the wake of CES. The HZ35W and HZ30W both offer a 15x optical zoom range and a 24mm wide angle lens. The distinction between models is the HZ35W's built-in GPS with Geo-tagging capability and 3.0 inch AMOLED display. Both cameras record 720p HD video and feature full manual control.

Samsung HZ35W
The 12 megapixel HZ35W aims to extend the zoom range of previous Samsung HZ series cameras from 10x up to 15x. Like the HZ30W, it retains a Schneider-Kreuznach branded 24mm wide angle lens. On-board GPS and geo-tagging means that the camera will automatically record the location in which a shot is taken. The camera will display a visual map for the user, and when images are reviewed on the camera's 3.0 inch AMOLED monitor, the city, state, and country in which the photo was taken will be displayed.

The camera measures a little more than an inch in depth - 1.1 inches according to Samsung's measurements. The introduction of the slim HZ35W puts one more GPS-capable camera in a growing market. The 2010 Consumer Electronics Show brought us several new GPS cams as well as a hybrid GPS concept from Casio. The GPS camera seems to be on its way.

Samsung HZ30W
For those not interested in the geo-tagging functions of the HZ35W, the HZ30W will offer the same 12 megapixel sensor, 15x optical zoom range, and wide angle 24mm Schneider-Kreuznach lens. It also gives up the AMOLED technology in favor of a traditional 3.0 inch LCD.

Like the HZ35W, it offers dual image stabilization including optical stabilization, full manual control, and Smart Filter effects including Vignetting, Fisheye, and Miniature.

Pricing and availability
No pricing information has been announced yet, but the HZ35W and HZ30W are expected to become availabe in March 2010.