The compact digital camera launching frenzy continued at the International Consumer Show 2007 with Kodak and Samsung as main stars.

Although one might ask if there's a need for so many models which are set apart by a handful of features, Samsung has announced not less than 7 (seven models) of compact point and shoot cameras.

Most of them boast the latest technologies in digital cameras, such as high ISO sensitivities to minimize camera blur in dim light conditions (which also introduces of noise; this is called by many "Image Stabilization") and face detection.

Let's take them one at a time and study their features more closely.

The more advanced cameras announced by the Korean producers are the S series ones, namely the S1050, S850, S730 and S630.

The S1050 and S850 feature 5x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom and boast 3 inch and 2 inch respectively TFT LCDs.

The flagship model features a 10MP sensor, while the S850 has 2MP less. More advanced users will appreciate features like aperture priority, shutter priority and manual.

Both of them incorporate ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction) technology (this is achieved through software, not hardware) and the Wise Shot function which enables users to take two continuous pictures with ASR On and flash On, and then choose the better of the two pictures.

The S1050 also boasts the E (Friendly Effect Key) button which lets photographers adjust the color tone of the pictures taken and give interesting effects such as screen splits and photo frames to them and the intelligent LCD technology, which automatically adjusts the brightness of the LCD according to outdoor illumination.

The S630/S730 feature 6 mega pixels (S630) and 7 mega pixels (S730), optical 3x zoom and 2.5" TFT LCD. They also sport ASR (Advanced Shake Reduction) function and ISO1000 support and the E button.


The L73 incorporates a 7MP sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens and has a slim (20.3mm) aluminum body with L-shaped Smart Touch pressure sensitive buttons that make activate the PUI (Physical User Interface).

With the Wise Shot function, the L73 enables the user to take two continuous pictures with ASR On and flash On and then choose the better of the two pictures. The camera also supports Face Recognition Technology that automatically adjusts AF (Auto Focus) & AE (Auto Exposure) and Motion Timer, which allows the L73 to take a self timed picture triggered when the subject has stopped moving.

The L73 records clips with MPEG-4 SVGA quality and at 20fps.


Another model from Samsung is the L700, which is somehow similar to the L73, but without the pressure sensitive buttons and the Motion Timer.

The L700 offers 7 mega-pixel image resolution, a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5" LCD display. The Samsung L700 can record MPEG-4 video in VGA (640x480) at 30fps, for smoother video and a bigger view of the movie on LCD and TV screens.





As with all Samsung digital still cameras, the L700 features a built-in image editing function allowing users to edit a variety of images without the use of a PC. The Trimming function can be used to cut an undesired part of an image and save only the required part.

The last model announced by Samsung is the i70, with 7.2 megapixel sensor 3x optical zoom and a large 3.0" LCD.

This camera features an innovative sliding cover which, when opened, reveals the intuitive 9-button User Interface and has an eye-catching body design and special surface finish.

Other features include Portable Media Player and an MP3 player. The I(Intelligent)-movie capability supports TV quality MPEG-4 (720x480) at 15fps, combining with image stabilization (high ISO setting) and in camera editing.

Compared to Samsung, Kodak "only" released three cameras, but compensated with four digital picture frames.

The Kodak EasyshareV1003 and Kodak EasyshareV803 sport 10MP and 8MP respectively sensors and have a 3x Kodak Retinar Aspheric lens.

Both models have a large 2.5 inch (6.4 cm) LCD and allow users to employ ISO sensitivities of up to 1600.

Other features include Kodak Perfect Touch, 22 scene modes, including simple on-camera stitching for dynamic panorama shots, a high ISO anti-blur mode and advanced video mode to record VGA video (640 x 480) with sound at 30 fps.

The V1003 and V803 will come in pink bliss, red shimmer, cosmic blue, mystic purple, golden dream, white glaze, silver essence, slate gray or java black and will retail for $249.95 beginning in March and for $199.95 beginning in February respectively.

Also announced at CES is the new Kodak Easyshare C653 Zoom Digital Camera with 6-megapixel resolution and 3X optical zoom. The camera features a 2.4-inch indoor/outdoor color display and the digital image stabilization using the anti-blur mode.

The C653 Camera is available for US $129.95.

The four new Kodak Easyshare Digital Picture Frames are available in 10-inch and 8-inch Wi-Fi and 8-inch and 7-inch standard versions and sport optional interchangeable faceplates.

They support JPEG picture, most video types (MPEG 1 and 4, MOV, AVI) and MP3 music using all the popular memory card formats (CF, SD, MMC, xD and MS). As sources, users can also employ any digital still camera, home PC, Jump Drive and Flash Drive via USB 2.0.

Kodak Easyshare EX1011 Digital Picture Frame has a 10-inch (diagonal) 800 x 480 high resolution digital display in 16:9 aspect ratio with wireless access of pictures, videos and music from your home PC or online at Kodak Gallery over a standard wireless home network. The frame has 128 MB of built-in memory for storing pictures and videos, built-in stereo speakers and headphone jack for music.

The EX1011 will retail for US $279.95 beginning in March.

Kodak Easyshare EX811 Digital Picture Frame has an 8-inch (diagonal) 800 x 480 high resolution digital display in 16:9 aspect ratio, wireless access, and all other features identical to the EX1011 Frame.

The EX811 will retail for US $229.95 beginning in March.

Kodak Easyshare SV811 Digital Picture Frame has the same features as the EX811 Frame, with the exception of wireless access. The SV811 will retail for US $179.95 beginning in March.

Kodak Easyshare SV710 Digital Picture Frame has a 7-inch (diagonal) 480 x 234 resolution analog display in 16:9 aspect ratio. The SV710 will retail for US $129.95 beginning in March.