Samsung's Latest DualView Cameras Remind Us That One LCD Isn't Enough

Samsung did hold back a few announcements for this afternoon's CES press conference, including three brand new entries in the company's DualView series. The ST700, PL170, and PL120 continue the tradition of a small, front-mounted LCD. The top-of-the-line ST700 has a bigger front LCD and rear LCD, while all three cameras have a new Easy Self Shot feature, which lets you turn off the main LCD while you're shooting self-portraits.

For those looking for the highest quality DualView experience, the ST700 offers a 1.8-inch front LCD and 3.0-inch touch screen with Smart Access UI. The rest of the hardware got a bump up as well, with 16.1-megapixel sensor and 26mm 5x optical zoom lens. The PL170 and PL120 have a smaller 1.5-inch front LCD, but the same 26mm lens.

All three cameras are expected to hit store shelves in March. The ST700 will sell for an MSRP of $279.99. The PL170 and PL120 will retail for significantly less, at MSRP $$199.99 and $149.99, respectively. For more details on the differences between these three new cameras, check out the press release below.

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CES, Las Vegas – January 5, 2011 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of three new DualView compact cameras, reinforcing the company’s ownership of this area of the market and taking dual screen technology to the next level. The new ST700, PL170 and PL120 offer a unique combination of high image quality, fun and engaging special features, and complete usability, which together with Samsung’s innovative dual screen technology adds up to a premium compact camera package for easy to capture self portraits.

The ST700 represents the ultimate in dual screen innovation from Samsung. The new camera boasts a 1.8” front LCD screen, the largest ever incorporated into this style of camera, giving even more opportunities for portrait self-shooting, which has become the hallmark of the DualView camera. The impressive front screen is complemented by a new 3.0” touch screen with Smart Access UI on the back of the camera for seamless usability and clear, crisp image display. The ST700 doesn’t lose out on quality either. With a 16.1 Megapixel (MP) image sensor and a 26mm 5x optical zoom lens for innovative image capturing, the ST700 is the most advanced DualView camera to date, allowing you to be part of the perfect moment.

The PL170 and PL120 will bring the added value of dual screen technology to all camera users, letting every photographer get out from behind the lens and start self-shooting in style. In addition to the bright 1.5” front screens that allow you to perfectly frame your portrait, these two models also incorporate the Easy Self Shot feature from the ST700, which allows you to turn on only the front screen for added privacy.

Samsung first brought the DualView technology innovation to the market towards the end of 2009. Since then, additional models have strengthened Samsung’s presence in this field, while also rapidly expanding the company’s market share within compact cameras as a whole.

“We are very proud that our DualView technology has struck such a chord with our customers and we are determined to make sure that we continue to innovate with this unique technology,” said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “Last year we introduced dual screen technology on many more of our products such as the ST600 and ST100. In 2011, we will do the same, while also showcasing our innovation with the unprecedented ST700, simply the best dual screen camera we have ever made. We look forward to these products improving our customers’ lives in the same way that they have helped us to grow our market share over the past two years, and we will continue to innovate to make sure we have complete ownership of this area of the market.”