- Brand Name: Samsung
- Model: EC-TL500ZBPBUS
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 10 MP
- Optical Sensor Technology: CCD
- Optical zoom: 3 x
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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
Take panoramic pictures from virtually any angle using the Samsung TL500 10-Megapixel Rotating LCD Digital Camera. The 24mm wide-angle F1.8 lens let you capture family gatherings or sweeping scenery, while 1/1.7-inch CCD sensors yield high-quality images even in low lighting. The Smart Range feature reduces both bright and dark spots. The camera is equipped with a 3-inch AMOLED display that swivels so you can see your shot clearly from almost any angle.
Wide-Angle Lens for Panoramic Shots
The Samsung TL500 offers a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and remarkable depth of field through a wider range of aperture stops. With the 24mm, wide-angle Schneider Kreuznach lens and 3x optical zoom, you can take wide-view shots that capture your whole family or expansive vistas.
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 Features a 24mm wide-angle lens for capturing panoramic views. View larger. |
 3-inch AMOLED display swivels for perfectly framed pictures from any angle. View larger. |
 Multiple mode settings offer more control and options for capturing that perfect shot. View larger. |
The Samsung TL500 offers a maximum aperture of f/1.8 and remarkable depth of field through a wider range of aperture stops. With the 24mm, wide-angle Schneider Kreuznach lens and 3x optical zoom, you can take wide-view shots that capture your whole family or expansive vistas.
Dual image stabilization offers the mechanical precision and digital technology of both optical and digital image stabilization, so your pictures will be clear no matter where you position the camera.
Reduced Image Noise in Low Light with CCD Sensors
The Samsung TL500 is equipped with CCD sensors for reduced image noise in low lighting. The 1/1.7-inch sensors offer exceptional sensitivity, with a maximum ISO of 3,200 at full resolution, to deliver high-quality, low-noise images regardless of lighting conditions.
With the Smart Range feature, bright spots aren't saturated, and dark spots aren't too dark. The function captures and displays a clear image in the same frame, providing an optimal view.
AMOLED Swivel Screen Lets You View from Any Angle
The 3-inch AMOLED display swivels so that you can capture photos from any angle and still see what you're shooting. The display is evenly lit--no sidelighting or backlighting--so it's still easy to see from extreme angles. In addition, its 10,000:1 contrast ratio provides clearer images in true colors. AMOLED displays express sharp pictures with rich color, even in bright sunlight, and have a response rate 3,000 times faster than LCD.
Multiple Camera Settings Give You More Control
Adjust the settings of the Samsung TL500 on the fly with dual dials featuring common options like aperture, shutter speed, white balance, and color temperature.
Three manual mode settings give you more options when shooting. Use the Aperture Priority mode to decide what to keep in focus. Switch to Shutter Priority to capture fast-action shots, or Full Manual Control for the most creative freedom.
The Samsung TL500 is also designed to let you edit uncompressed RAW image files right in the camera, and adjust exposure, color, contrast, or resolution with no loss of information.
Advanced Effects for Your Photos with Smart Filter
The Samsung TL500 contains Smart Filter, a collection of seven lens effects that give your still shots an artistic edge. These include a miniature filter, which miniaturizes everything in your picture; a vignetting filter, which delivers a striking compositional contrast; and a fish-eye filter, which zooms in to give your subject a cool, distorted look.
Smart Auto 2.0 Creates the Perfect Shot
With the Samsung TL500's Smart Auto feature, you can capture the picture you have in mind. This scene-recognition technology automatically chooses from among 16 different settings, ranging from landscape to portrait, and adjusts camera settings so that you get a perfect shot.
Product and Warranty Information
The Samsung TL500 is equipped with a 24mm Schneider wide-angle lens with 3x optical zoom and a rotating 3-inch VGA AMOLED screen. It offers 1 GB internal memory, and accepts external SD and SDHC cards up to 8 GB. The camera weighs 0.78 pounds.
The Samsung TL500 is backed by a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
Camera, AC adapter/USB cable, rechargeable battery, strap, user manual CD-ROM, and quick start manual.
Product Description
10 Mp Digital Camera with 3X Schneider Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens And 3" Amoled Rotating Screen (Black)
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
97 of 103 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I actually have a great deal to say about this camera. I've written pages and pages prepping for this little review.
Instead, I'm going to wing it....
First, know this... I take these reviews seriously.
If you look at my other reviews you'll see that I do NOT hand out 5-star reviews like candy.
This camera just WALKS away with top credits, in my book. I've handled / owned a lot of cameras.
Ladies and gentleman, this is one high-quality piece of gear.
Since you've probably already familiarized yourself with all the dry numbers, specs, etc, I thought it would be of more value to a perspective buyer to get more of a "FEELING" about this particular piece of hardware. If you're taking the time to do all this research, you are probably one who knows how intimately one can "bond" with a piece of gear like this. It becomes rather instinctive, like driving a car.
Here's my guess... If you're looking at this particular camera, then you are probably hunting HARD for a worthy alternative to an SLR. You want something capable, that is going to give you SERIOUS control, SLR-like quality results, without having to drag along a big burly camera making you look like a tourist everywhere you go.
So I'm guessing you've found the standard top-of-the-line point and shoot offerings: Canon's G11, S90, and Panasonic's LX3 (or 5)
ALL OF THEM, WONDERFUL cameras.
My opinion: Samsung TL500 / EX1 bests them all. Broadly. And that is saying a LOT.
Fit and Finish: absolutely top notch.
Weight / handling: terrific.
aesthetics: I'm very utilitarian, so this is usually something I ignore, but in this case, I find the TL500 to be just a GOOD looking machine.
The only specific feature I really want to talk about is the articulated screen...
I consider a SIDE-MOUNTED, fully articulating screen to be the MOST important feature in any digital camera, and the screen
on this particular camera is hands-down the finest I've very seen on ANY camera. Just superb. If it had lips, I would kiss it.
(if you've never used articulated screen before, you're in for a treat, let me tell ya...)
PROS: all of the above, and a whole lot more.
CONS: Only one that impacts my shooting thus far: NO dedicated custom mode button. I like (and make use of) "custom" modes. I like to programm at least 2 modes as custom, generally I like to jump in and out of "macro" mode a lot; and I like to set a custom mode for high-shutter speed shooting if I want to catch some action real quick, which I generally seldom do. I like tripod / monopod / long shutter / low ISO work, even in bright light.
Easy enough to work around, of course. It's just something I'm fond of, and make use of regularly.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Nobody has yet managed to produce "the perfect camera" so you will find plenty of things to nit-pick about with ANY camera purchase.
I hope this somewhat emotional over-view of the TL500 was of a bit more use than dancing around about the lens and image quality.
Best of luck with your purchase decision.
Whatever you chose, remember, the only camera that MATTERS is the one you have with you when you need it.
-Berk
Instead, I'm going to wing it....
First, know this... I take these reviews seriously.
If you look at my other reviews you'll see that I do NOT hand out 5-star reviews like candy.
This camera just WALKS away with top credits, in my book. I've handled / owned a lot of cameras.
Ladies and gentleman, this is one high-quality piece of gear.
Since you've probably already familiarized yourself with all the dry numbers, specs, etc, I thought it would be of more value to a perspective buyer to get more of a "FEELING" about this particular piece of hardware. If you're taking the time to do all this research, you are probably one who knows how intimately one can "bond" with a piece of gear like this. It becomes rather instinctive, like driving a car.
Here's my guess... If you're looking at this particular camera, then you are probably hunting HARD for a worthy alternative to an SLR. You want something capable, that is going to give you SERIOUS control, SLR-like quality results, without having to drag along a big burly camera making you look like a tourist everywhere you go.
So I'm guessing you've found the standard top-of-the-line point and shoot offerings: Canon's G11, S90, and Panasonic's LX3 (or 5)
ALL OF THEM, WONDERFUL cameras.
My opinion: Samsung TL500 / EX1 bests them all. Broadly. And that is saying a LOT.
Fit and Finish: absolutely top notch.
Weight / handling: terrific.
aesthetics: I'm very utilitarian, so this is usually something I ignore, but in this case, I find the TL500 to be just a GOOD looking machine.
The only specific feature I really want to talk about is the articulated screen...
I consider a SIDE-MOUNTED, fully articulating screen to be the MOST important feature in any digital camera, and the screen
on this particular camera is hands-down the finest I've very seen on ANY camera. Just superb. If it had lips, I would kiss it.
(if you've never used articulated screen before, you're in for a treat, let me tell ya...)
PROS: all of the above, and a whole lot more.
CONS: Only one that impacts my shooting thus far: NO dedicated custom mode button. I like (and make use of) "custom" modes. I like to programm at least 2 modes as custom, generally I like to jump in and out of "macro" mode a lot; and I like to set a custom mode for high-shutter speed shooting if I want to catch some action real quick, which I generally seldom do. I like tripod / monopod / long shutter / low ISO work, even in bright light.
Easy enough to work around, of course. It's just something I'm fond of, and make use of regularly.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Nobody has yet managed to produce "the perfect camera" so you will find plenty of things to nit-pick about with ANY camera purchase.
I hope this somewhat emotional over-view of the TL500 was of a bit more use than dancing around about the lens and image quality.
Best of luck with your purchase decision.
Whatever you chose, remember, the only camera that MATTERS is the one you have with you when you need it.
-Berk
109 of 117 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
So i've had this camera for about a week now, i've taken about 500 photos with it. I'm still learning the ins and outs of it.
My review echoes many of the above points.
Those of you expecting a DSLR image quality compact, keep looking. You'll look for years.
This is not a comparison to a DSLR, the samsung is a nice substitute as long as you keep in mind it does not and cannot take pics like a DSLR.
As long as you keep in mind the limitations listed below, you'll be happy.
I bought this camera as an alternative to carrying my dslr.
If you want
-decent shots at iso800 (3200 is not usable, 1600 maybe if you convert to black and white or artistic qualities of noise)
-hot shoe (i'm playing with radio triggers and my speedlight)
-nice screen
-midrange zoom, largest aperture in class
-nice build, great ergonomics...
-nice two dial system, like a dslr
-moderately portable point and shoot (won't fit in your jeans pocket-maybe a jacket or cargo pants)
-you can turn off the electronic shutter sound, so essentially limiting the noise it makes to a "click"...for whatever purpose that may serve you...
-non HD video
-you can flip and protect the screen when you store the camera.
this is an excellent choice....
Some cons which i think are significant to consider, but are not deal-breakers for me....However, please understand that i shoot a DSLR in RAW/NEF
-WB is not consistent from shot to shot...so this could be an issue if shooting .jpg
-If you shoot RAW so you can adjust WB, RAW takes a long time to write (although i'm using a class4 and class 6 SD card)
-typical P&S lag time from shoot to capture (again i shoot a dslr)....not quite fast enough to catch my child like my DSLR
-please don't think a 1.8 lens will have the same DOF on a P&S as DSLR...the larger the sensor, the shallower the DOF. You just won't get the shallow depth of field or bokeh that you would get with a f1.8 or f2.8 lens on a DSLR, except for when doing macro or having a very minimal distance from subject photos....
-To say that this 24-72mm f/1.8-2.4 is faster than a nikkor or canon 24-70 f/2.8 is only taking into account numbers and not the sensors of their respective cameras. Not an equal comparison.
-You can easily hand hold this camera for low shutter speeds, but you're limited to low light photography by the amount of noise above 800.
So far, what do i think this camera is great for?
I think this camera is great for food shots! I think this camera would be great for static images like food or other product shots and architecture.
Not that great for capturing a playing child, but then again, most P&S are not.
I'll addend my review as i spend more time and test it with off camera flash.
Update-July 3 and 4.
So this camera is pretty good for macro photography, provided you can get up close to your subject. The minimum focal distance is such that you have to be careful not to touch the subject with the lens...
It works with my Cactus triggers a.k.a "poverty wizards" and Nikon speedlight.
I use this case-I think it fits perfectly.
http://www.amazon.com/Tenba-638-681-Large-Camera-Pouch/dp/B0029B01UM/ref=cm_cr_wr_img
Update Aug 2.
So I've gotten a little more time with this camera. The low-light is pretty good. I especially like the wide angle.
One negative is battery life. It stinks. Maybe at best you can get 200 shots or so...It takes a long time to charge with the included adapter as well.
Update 08/07/10
White balance...maybe i'm just used to raw and fixing WB in post (I think the D90 wasn't that great with WB) but I think the WB on the TL500 tends to be too cool sometimes....or at least those are the pictures i remember thinking the WB was off. So what i've done since i don't shoot raw with this camera as it takes a long time to write to the SD card (maybe i need a card faster than class 6), i set the bracket to WB and shoot. It automatically takes three shots with one click of the button. One warmer and one cooler. It only brackets in A,P,S modes though.
Another thing is i think it tends to overexpose, so i set the EV to -0.3.
I do like this camera a lot though. The lowlight ability really pleasantly surprises me and in the right setting ISO 1600 is usable.
9/7/10.
I played around with my cousin's panasonic LX3. Maybe I'm biased, but this camera feels like a tank compared to the LX3. Like the difference between a nikon d300 and nikon d40. I actually think that if i had the LX3 first, I'd like the layout and feel of the samsung more.
My review echoes many of the above points.
Those of you expecting a DSLR image quality compact, keep looking. You'll look for years.
This is not a comparison to a DSLR, the samsung is a nice substitute as long as you keep in mind it does not and cannot take pics like a DSLR.
As long as you keep in mind the limitations listed below, you'll be happy.
I bought this camera as an alternative to carrying my dslr.
If you want
-decent shots at iso800 (3200 is not usable, 1600 maybe if you convert to black and white or artistic qualities of noise)
-hot shoe (i'm playing with radio triggers and my speedlight)
-nice screen
-midrange zoom, largest aperture in class
-nice build, great ergonomics...
-nice two dial system, like a dslr
-moderately portable point and shoot (won't fit in your jeans pocket-maybe a jacket or cargo pants)
-you can turn off the electronic shutter sound, so essentially limiting the noise it makes to a "click"...for whatever purpose that may serve you...
-non HD video
-you can flip and protect the screen when you store the camera.
this is an excellent choice....
Some cons which i think are significant to consider, but are not deal-breakers for me....However, please understand that i shoot a DSLR in RAW/NEF
-WB is not consistent from shot to shot...so this could be an issue if shooting .jpg
-If you shoot RAW so you can adjust WB, RAW takes a long time to write (although i'm using a class4 and class 6 SD card)
-typical P&S lag time from shoot to capture (again i shoot a dslr)....not quite fast enough to catch my child like my DSLR
-please don't think a 1.8 lens will have the same DOF on a P&S as DSLR...the larger the sensor, the shallower the DOF. You just won't get the shallow depth of field or bokeh that you would get with a f1.8 or f2.8 lens on a DSLR, except for when doing macro or having a very minimal distance from subject photos....
-To say that this 24-72mm f/1.8-2.4 is faster than a nikkor or canon 24-70 f/2.8 is only taking into account numbers and not the sensors of their respective cameras. Not an equal comparison.
-You can easily hand hold this camera for low shutter speeds, but you're limited to low light photography by the amount of noise above 800.
So far, what do i think this camera is great for?
I think this camera is great for food shots! I think this camera would be great for static images like food or other product shots and architecture.
Not that great for capturing a playing child, but then again, most P&S are not.
I'll addend my review as i spend more time and test it with off camera flash.
Update-July 3 and 4.
So this camera is pretty good for macro photography, provided you can get up close to your subject. The minimum focal distance is such that you have to be careful not to touch the subject with the lens...
It works with my Cactus triggers a.k.a "poverty wizards" and Nikon speedlight.
I use this case-I think it fits perfectly.
http://www.amazon.com/Tenba-638-681-Large-Camera-Pouch/dp/B0029B01UM/ref=cm_cr_wr_img
Update Aug 2.
So I've gotten a little more time with this camera. The low-light is pretty good. I especially like the wide angle.
One negative is battery life. It stinks. Maybe at best you can get 200 shots or so...It takes a long time to charge with the included adapter as well.
Update 08/07/10
White balance...maybe i'm just used to raw and fixing WB in post (I think the D90 wasn't that great with WB) but I think the WB on the TL500 tends to be too cool sometimes....or at least those are the pictures i remember thinking the WB was off. So what i've done since i don't shoot raw with this camera as it takes a long time to write to the SD card (maybe i need a card faster than class 6), i set the bracket to WB and shoot. It automatically takes three shots with one click of the button. One warmer and one cooler. It only brackets in A,P,S modes though.
Another thing is i think it tends to overexpose, so i set the EV to -0.3.
I do like this camera a lot though. The lowlight ability really pleasantly surprises me and in the right setting ISO 1600 is usable.
9/7/10.
I played around with my cousin's panasonic LX3. Maybe I'm biased, but this camera feels like a tank compared to the LX3. Like the difference between a nikon d300 and nikon d40. I actually think that if i had the LX3 first, I'd like the layout and feel of the samsung more.
73 of 78 people found the following review helpful
This camera is far and away the best point and shoot I have ever used. It takes beautiful pictures and has a great collection of controls so you don't spend a lot of time in menus. It is even better then the Canon G11 in adjusting exposure compensation because you don't have to move your hands to change the setting. It also has the best LCD on any camera I have ever used, including a number of DSLRs.
Anyone looking for an advanced pocketable camera would be wise to check this one out.
Having said that, there are four things you should know about this camera before you decide to get it:
1) Zoom range runs from 24mm-72mm.
2) The video is only 480p.
3) At this time (6/17/2010), the Mac software to support RAW file editing must be downloaded from Samsung's web site.
4) The camera is quite small, but it is larger then a typical P&S.
For my needs, these were not serious deficiencies. While I would obviously have preferred a longer zoom, most of my shots tend to be at the wider end. And while I would also have liked to have had HD video, I hardly use the video functions anyhow. YMMV.
Prior to owning this camera, my favorite small camera was the Panasonic LX3. The TL500 beats it in IQ, high ISO performance, controls and LCD.
If you are looking for a always there camera with the best possible still pictures in the zoom range of 24-72, this camera is the one to have.
Anyone looking for an advanced pocketable camera would be wise to check this one out.
Having said that, there are four things you should know about this camera before you decide to get it:
1) Zoom range runs from 24mm-72mm.
2) The video is only 480p.
3) At this time (6/17/2010), the Mac software to support RAW file editing must be downloaded from Samsung's web site.
4) The camera is quite small, but it is larger then a typical P&S.
For my needs, these were not serious deficiencies. While I would obviously have preferred a longer zoom, most of my shots tend to be at the wider end. And while I would also have liked to have had HD video, I hardly use the video functions anyhow. YMMV.
Prior to owning this camera, my favorite small camera was the Panasonic LX3. The TL500 beats it in IQ, high ISO performance, controls and LCD.
If you are looking for a always there camera with the best possible still pictures in the zoom range of 24-72, this camera is the one to have.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Camera
As owner of Cross Photography inc. I can tell you, you will not find a better
point and shoot camera than this one. Read more
point and shoot camera than this one. Read more
Published 14 days ago by mauricio perez-cross
5.0 out of 5 stars
PRO CAMERA?
The pictures are definitely up to par, with DSLRs. Sharpness, color and depth are first rate.
Macro photography is also one of the strong points of this camera. Read more
Macro photography is also one of the strong points of this camera. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Regilyn P. Luga
2.0 out of 5 stars
not so great !
Very well made camera..Slow focus.....Very slow to process at times......you do have a nice Hotshoe....Good luck finding a flash that works Tried 4....Its a waste!.... Read more
Published 16 months ago by H. Bowman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautifully designed and well executed camera
I must have read all of the available reviews on this camera and its closest competitors before purchasing it. Read more
Published 18 months ago by William J. Hawthorne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing...Simply Amazing.
My memories (pictures) are definitely in good hands with this camera.
The lens is fantastic. Everything comes in crystal clear. Read more
The lens is fantastic. Everything comes in crystal clear. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Malivon
5.0 out of 5 stars
The camera that turns night into day
This camera is just bliss for hand-held low-light and night photography. You see an image on the screen, take the photo, and 9 times out of 10 the photo is exactly the same as the... Read more
Published 22 months ago by A. Reader
1.0 out of 5 stars
Horrible Customer Service
I love this camera but I ABSOLUTELY HATE THE CUSTOMER SERVICE. The camera started producing a small area of red pixels above ISO 400 and also caught dust underneath the lens. Read more
Published 22 months ago by adventurePHOTOGRAPHER
1.0 out of 5 stars
Nice paperweight!!! Good for nothing else...
Samsung is a second rate vendor with subpar products and worse support. My TL-500 stopped working after a few hours of use. Read more
Published 22 months ago by dc-in-md
5.0 out of 5 stars
samsung tl500
Just received the camera. Amazon promised a 5/31 delivery. USPS delivered 5/28 in the AM. Way to go postal service. Read more
Published 24 months ago by mikem
4.0 out of 5 stars
Full of surprises.....
This is the first compact digital that I've ever been really satisfied with. And I've tried something like 6 different compacts at different times. Read more
Published on May 5, 2011 by Chris Cunningham
