Watch out Panasonic and Canon: Samsung has announced a serious challenger to the Lumix DMC-LX3 and PowerShot S90. The new Samsung TL500 features an ultra-fast F1.8-2.4, 24 - 72 mm lens and a larger-than-average CCD, plus a rotating 3-inch AMOLED display, image stabilization, manual controls, and support for the RAW image format. About the only downside I can see is that it lacks an HD movie mode.
I don't have too much information about the TL500 right now (will try to gather some at PMA), but here's what I can tell you:
Samsung TL500 [specs to come]
* 1/1.7", 10.0 Megapixel CCD (which Samsung advertises as high sensitivity)
* F1.8-2.4, 3X optical zoom Schneider-Kreuznach lens, equivalent to 24 - 72 mm
* Image stabilization (not sure if it's lens or sensor shift)
* 3-inch AMOLED display that flips to the side and rotates (no word no resolution); AMOLED displays offer better contrast and color, deeper blacks, and a wider viewing angle than traditional LCDs
* Full manual controls, with support for the RAW image format
* Smart Auto mode selects a scene mode for you, for both stills and movies
* Hot shoe for external flash
* Front wheel control for adjusting manual settings
* Records movies at 640 x 480 (30 fps) using the H.264 codec
* Ships this Spring for $449
