Samsung cameras at Photokina
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Photokina report
The 'sleeping giant' is Samsung's name in the photo industry. And sleeping doesn't seem too far off we discovered, after visiting the Samsung booth. As for floor space, Samsung had sufficient room to show many of its new products, and it is rather striking that Samsung has nothing, or almost nothing, to declare as for cameras. All of the products but one prototype, the Samsung HZ1, were introduced at the CES and PMA (January 2008). Samsung seems to omit profiling the company as an innovative and serious camera manufacturer at the world's largest and most important imaging event, apart from a few camera models introduced in July.

Samsung HZ1 digital camera
Samsung's prototype camera showcased during the Photokina is the world's first compact camera featuring 10x optical wide angle zoom with a focal length starting at 24mm. The 10x optical zoom delivers a range of 24-240mm. The Samsung HZ1 is the first digital camera in the world with a 10x optical zoom including an ultra wide angle lens of 24mm. Additionally, this 10 megapixel camera offers HD filming possibility. The pictures are reproduced on a 2.7 inch LCD monitor. The Samsung HZ1 camera is expected to become available in December 2008.

Cooperation of Samsung and Pentax
For now, the cooperation of Hoya Corporation Pentax Imaging Systems Division and Samsung does not seem too successful when it comes to digital SLR cameras. Although Samsung made it quite clear during various press events that they certainly are willing to participate in creating an entry level model DSLR, it is Hoya Pentax that introduces the Pentax K-m and a number of new lenses during the Photokina.

Samsung at Photokina 2008
This was a most surprising presentation of Samsung at the Photokina 2008 and we are curious about Samsung's future products. Perhaps next year's CES and PMA will offer hope for a clear Samsung camera line? See the full Samsung photo gallery at LetsGoDigital.
