Samsung literally dives in with the tough crowd with the AQ100, a rugged compact that can take the hits, dips and drops with the rest of the bunch, and the SL605, a semi-rugged cam that can still take the hits, but won’t survive a dunk in the kiddie pool.
Both cams are slim 12MP compacts with a 5x optical zoom and 2.7-inch displays, but with different bodies. The AQ100 fits its F3.6-4.8 5x zoom lens entirely inside the body to avoid leaks, with a shell that can survive a dive down to 10 feet of water. It’s the higher-end of the two, with the ability to capture 720p HD movies at 30fps.
The SL605 has an F3.5-5.9 lens that extends out from the body and is built with dust, dirt and sand protection and an anti-scratch external finish, but isn’t waterproof. Being the cheaper of the two cams, the SL605 is limited to VGA (640 x 480) video recording.
Both cams are auto-friendly point-and-shoot compacts though, with in-cam tech that helps you shoot without the fuss. Samsung packs ‘em with Samsung’s face, smile, and blink detection and Smart Auto mode that analyzes the scene and tweaks the settings to help you get a quick, easy shot off.
The AQ100 and its full line of protection will cost you $200, while the SL605 is significantly cheaper at $130 if all you want to do is sit poolside. Both cams are due out this spring.
Tags: Digital Cameras, Rugged, Samsung
