Samsung TL500

The TL500 is a very promising camera that looks like it will be a good pick for those who want a camera they can control, but who don't want to lug around an SLR. It has a great set of controls and features, including a full manual mode that is actually usable thanks to the dual control dials on the front and back. It also has what looks to be a great lens; f/1.8 lenses on point & shoot cameras are few and far between, and this should mean better low light images and more control over the depth of field in images.We'll know more when we get a review model in to test, but the signs point to it being a camera that shoots great photos.

However, the one thing that lets the camera down is the video. The TL500 is restricted to shooting standard definition video, while there are cheaper models available that can shoot much more attractive high definition video. This seems like a really poor choice by Samsung; adding HD video capture would have made it a much more attractive all around package. It isn't alone in this respect (the Canon S90 is also limited to SD video), but it seems like a poor choice for a high-end, do-it-all point & shoot to capture low resolution video.

The TL500 will be available in the spring and will be priced at $450.