⚡ Get All Content for 20% Off ⚡

New Digital Cameras Offer Fresh Perspectives Samsung's latest models are packed with professional features at price points perfect for business owners.

By Scott Steinberg

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

New Digital Cameras Offer Fresh Perspectives

Smartphones with dual cameras such as Apple's iPhone 4 and Sprint's HTC EVO 4G are tremendously popular lately. But while these cellular handsets sport one lens that faces frontward and the other back, enabling mobile videoconferencing, they're still in the minority, and most offer only middling photographic resolutions. Thankfully for entrepreneurs who need a new headshot, product images for press kits or a steady stream of pictures to fuel their social media strategy, digital cameras are also adding new perspectives. See Samsung's new ST100 ($349.99) and ST600 ($329.99), both launching in September, which offer twin LCD displays that promise to greatly aid in capturing the perfect shot.

Both models offer 14.2 megapixel photographic resolutions, letting you capture images suitable for use on the web, in print or blown up to larger poster sizes for deployment at events and speaking engagements. Equipped with so-called DualView technology, while neither allows for voice or video calling, the pair does boast 1.8-inch front-facing LCD screens which make it simpler to frame shots as well. As a result, snapping pictures or taping 720p high-definition videos (especially self portraits, group shots or video blogs and diaries) should prove that much more effortless. Because you can see what's happening and your position in the picture while either camera is actively trained upon you, it takes much of the guesswork out of playing shutterbug.

Offered in a sleek form factor, a range of colors and a variety of metallic finishes, the devices also look the part of professional shooters. They act the part almost as well, boasting 5X optical zoom, image stabilization technology and automatic brightness, color and scene mode adjustment. From self-timers to features that prompt photo subjects to simultaneously jump at a set time, expect a number of catchy built-in extras as well. Touch- and motion-sensing capabilities further make it possible to operate the devices just by tilting them or running your finger across their screens. Between face recognition capabilities, slide show options and a rear-mounted 3.5-inch LCD, both offer a full range of standard photographic options out of the box as well.

While it may not seem as cost-effective, convenient or sexy to be snapping photos with a standalone device vs. your mobile handset, practicality still demands that dedicated digital cameras be used for professional photo shoots. And given the inherent technical limitations and general lack of adjustable image controls found on the majority of smartphones, it's easy to justify the investment. Although the ST100 is slightly more expensive, note that it does sport an internal optical zoom that eliminates the need for an outward-bulging lens. Despite the fact that neither choice is liable to floor professional photographers, both models can still quickly empower business owners, resourceful community managers and hard-charging publicists to become amateur paparazzi overnight.

Scott Steinberg

Futurist and Trends Expert

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Remote Side Hustle a 43-Year-Old Musician Works on for 1 Hour a Day Earns Nearly $3,000 a Month: 'All From the Comfort of Home'

Sam Ziegler wanted to supplement his income as a professional drummer — then his tech skills and desire to help people came together.

Leadership

Former Interrogator Shares 5 Behaviors Liars Exhibit and How to Handle Them

Five deceptive behaviors to look for and how to respond to those behaviors when you encounter them.

Business News

AI Is Impacting Jobs. Here Are the Gigs Affected the Most, According to an Analysis of 5 Million Upwork Postings

The researcher said in the report that freelance jobs were analyzed first because that market will likely see AI's immediate impact.

Marketing

Ever Wonder Why Certain Websites Rank Higher Than Yours? This SEO Expert Reveals The Secret to Dominating Search Results

It's often the smart use of SEO, now supercharged with AI, particularly in keyword optimization.

Business Ideas

55 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.