The Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park: Samsung WB1000 (TL32)

Following is a collection of pictures that a Samsung WB1000 (TL320) user took at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

The Amboseli National Park cannot be expressed in one sentence. It is where Hemingway wrote ‘The Snow of Kilimanjaro”. It is the biggest habitat for elephants among Kenyan national parks. It offers a spectacular view of the 5895m Kilimanjaro. Kenya is one of the favorites for nature documentary programs such as the National Geography. This trip was also to look around the place as a potential site for nature documentary program.

Samsung WB1000(TL320) │ 1/180s │ f4.0 │ ISO 80 │ 4.3mm

The Amboseli National Park finds itself at 4 hour distance from Nairobi. Currently, there are four gates that lead into the park. Admission fee for foreigners is $60. Expensive! For me, good accommodation is important. A night or so at a cheap campsite can be romantic, but high-end accommodation is much more convenient for a frequent traveler like me.

Samsung WB1000(TL320) │ 1/1000s │ f4.0 │ ISO 100 │ 4.3mm

Amboseli is a basin with no obstacle from one end of the horizon to the other. Sun rise and sun set offer breath-taking views. However, I wasn’t able to capture the scene this time. Desertification is underway in Amboseli. Global warming is the biggest reason, but the surge in the number of elephants and dirt caused by tourist cars causing death of nearby trees are other interesting rumored reasons.

Elephant family finally in sight!

Samsung WB1000(TL320) │ 1/250s │ f5.7 │ ISO 100 │ 14.2mm

This group consists of about 40 elephants. Sometimes, the herd gets as large as 100 elephants. From time to time, the elephants will come across cars driving by. As the leader of the group, the big female elephant makes sure that the surrounding is safe until every member of the herd crosses the road. Elephants are quite similar to humans in many ways. I am saddened at the sight of elephant sculls lying around due to death caused by drought.

Samsung WB1000(TL320) │ 1/180s │ f5.1 │ ISO 80 │ 6.3mm

The permanent snow reveals itself. It is unfortunate that much of the snow has melted, but the mountain is nevertheless beautiful. This picture was taken at Mode S, which automatically selected Landscape Mode. I really like the wide-angle zoom lens.

Samsung WB1000(TL320) │ 1/250s │ f5.8 │ ISO 80 │ 18.9mm

This picture was taken at A Mode. I’m not quite sure where the focus was. The automatic landscape mode in S Mode seems to do a better job. The mountain is hidden behind the clouds. At a better condition, this scene surely would have captivated the hearts of many photographers.

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/2010/08/06/the-kilimanjaro-from-amboseli-national-park/

Samsung TL350 Hands-On

Following is a review of Samsung WB2000 (TL320) digital camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6D_H-oUH54&feature=grec_index&videos=kKr8kXAVM1E

Samburu National Park: Samsung WB1000/TL320

Following is a collection of user's images taken by Samsung WB1000/TL320 digital camera.

Samburu National Park is the most popular of the many national parks that you can find in Kenya. Celebrating the launch of the new lodge, people in the travel industry were invited for a three day promotion event. Here are a few pictures from the event.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/500sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

Samburu is a dry region all year round. It did rain quite a bit when I was there, but wasn’t enough to quench the dryness.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/250sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

In Samburu, there is a spring called ‘Buffalo Springs’ that never runs dry. The water is very clean that you can directly drink off it. It also serves as an important source of water for the wild life.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/180sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

The water from the spring flows to form a small river. The water here is also crystal clear and transparent. Although in the midst of the desert, the water is freezing cold.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/250sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

The travel agency is finally here to pick us up. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary van that you often see on the road, but the ceiling is wide open, providing a better view of the animals. From time to time, the van breaks down and stops on the middle of the road.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1000sㅣf/7.5ㅣISO 100ㅣ21.5mm]

This is Mount Kenya, located on the southern hemisphere, covered with snow all year round. Its highest peak is 5,199 meters. It is one of the highest mountains in Africa and the highest volcanic mountain. Professional ice wall climbing skills are required to climb the mountain.

Semi-desert with scorching heat and permanent snow located not too distant from each other – the uniqueness of Kenya is more than enough to attract the footsteps of many tourists from around the world.

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/samburu-national-park/#ixzz0uK0eUI6y

Maasai Mara National Reserve - Samsung WB1000 (TL320)

Followings are some images taken with Samsung WB1000 (TL320) camera.

Maasai Mara is the unparalled animal kingdom in Kenya. Over the period of June to October, more than a million wildebeest cross the Mara River to reach Tanzania. These pictures were taken at early June, which is a bit early, but Maasai Mara promises spectacular view all year round.

For the night, I rented a tent that costs a little over $600. Those visiting here for the first time, the sound of hyena and lions crying are sure to steal their good night’s sleep. The tent is equipped with a classy shower room, bathroom and desk.

Now- driving time! Thomson’s Gazelle and zebras pass right by. A few animals that fell behind their herd. Deeply wounded male are left to die as they are no longer capable of hunting. However, female can mate with a new male to build a new family and herd.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1500sㅣf/3.6ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

Male lion, not bothered an inch by the sight of tourists lying idly on the grass as if the bushes were its home. In fact, male lions spend of their time sleeping. Thus, sleeping lions is a familiar sight.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1500sㅣf/5.6ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

This is Sand River where the wildebeest will cross. It’s full of water now, but the water diminishes in July and August and reveals the bottom of the river made of sand – thus the name “Sand River”.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1500sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

Mara River finds itself on the upper region of the Sand River. This is where the famous crossing of the wildebeest takes place. The river is fraught with alligators and hippos.

The hippos living in the Mara River are especially charming. Mostly nocturnal, they stay in the water during the day time to control their temperature and come out at night to much on grass. Spotting hippos biting wildebeest to death, people tend to think that hippos eat wildebeest, but this is not true. Hippos cannot digest carnivores of that size. It’s simply that they bite them to death because they are angry for having their territory invaded.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1000sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

Sausage tree.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1000sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 100ㅣ4.3mm]

FLY HIGH !

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/maasai-mara-national-reserve/#ixzz0tGiWD1RD

Mombasa, a Resort on the Indian Ocean - Samsung WB1000

Followings are images from a Samsung WB1000 (TL320) user.

Mombasa is the most popular resort among the Kenyans. With good public transportation and affordable price, Mobasa tops the national parks with poor road infrastructure and expensive price as a famous winter resort for not only Kenyans but also for Europeans. Mombasa is also a central port in Eastern Africa, playing a key role in import and export for near-by in-land countries.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1500sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

This region experienced countless battles in the past. This is where Europeans arrived on ships for colonial rule, and thus where slave trade took place. In fact, the coastal areas of Kenya centering on Mombasa continues to house many Germans and Italians and many locations also follow their name. Busy with tourists all year-round, make sure to book for hotels well in advance if you plan to stop by.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/180sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/2000sㅣf/7.2ㅣISO 200ㅣ4.3mm]

With hot temperature, this area is surrounded by coconut trees. You can sometimes hear a“thump”. According to the hotel manager, the coconuts are picked before they fall, but people are sometimes hit.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1000sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

I only spent four days here, but most come for about 15 days. Here, your day will typically consist of lying below a tree shade and just relaxing.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/500sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

The black outlines you see far away are beach boys who do everything – from selling souvenirs to providing tourist information and give information on marine sports at good price. Be careful though, you can often fall victim of rip-off.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1500sㅣf/5.6ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

Flood tide and ebb tide take place twice a day. Morning with ebb tide is the most spectacular.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1500sㅣf/7.2ㅣISO 200ㅣ4.3mm]

Beach with ebbing tide is full of things to enjoy – from crabs to small fish.

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/mombasa-a-resort-on-the-indian-ocean/#ixzz0rwFjTklt

The Swiss Traffic Culture Thinking of the Environment

Following is a user review of Samsung WB1000 digital camera.

This time the research was on what kind of efforts the Swiss make to be environment-friendly. Going around here and there people were seen in small cars in order to help protect the environment. All the parking systems are charged, and outside visitors must have a card to park. It seems that there are various inconveniences, but at least because of these reasons people use the public transportation more and enables the environment to stay green. Thinking that a little inconvenience makes a better world, from now on I shall try to make myself tolerate at least some discomfort.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/250sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/180sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 80ㅣ7.7mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/45sㅣf/5.1ㅣISO 80ㅣ10.7mm]

Also, on the roads in Swiss, there are electronic railways called ‘traps’. Since the traps and roads are connected with each other, it does look a bit complicated but it lets the people use the public transportation more effectively. The only thing is that because of the traps, it seems to be difficult to make a U-turn. However, the people there seemed not to complain and go around the long way and made U-turns. Nobody rushed nor got angry. It was nice to see people quite relaxed.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/2000sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 200ㅣ4.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1000sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 200ㅣ4.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/2000sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 200ㅣ4.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/250sㅣf/4.3ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

The other thing that was impressive was the cable cars. Looking at the beautiful scenery of Switzerland, I could have stayed on the cable forever. It was a time to experience the effort of the Swiss enjoying, loving and protecting the lovely nature at the salubrious Switzerland.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/350sㅣf/5.8ㅣISO 80ㅣ21.5mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/250sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/the-swiss-traffic-culture-thinking-of-the-environment/#ixzz0ph8R6Poc

Nostalgia For An Early Spring

Here is a sample image from a WB1000 (TL320) digital camera user.

WB1000(TL320) 2.0s l F7.2 l ISO 80 l 4.3mm

Old leaves are falling down even in springtime. Shadows and remains are lingered in the field where our memories used to push up on the wall of sorrows to get out. Endlessly, little wild birds run away dividing original boundaries of space, to find another excitation that last winter let behind. At the moment of loneliness, vulnerable sensations finally belong to god’s one, to something definitive, but yet useless… While this naturally means a kind of thoughtlessness, I may belong to the volition of my youthfulness.

But tight tides, disabled dissapearings or irreparable ignorance stay continuous. The time and its indifference bring out the ultimate promise in a life. Frustrations become less important than depressions. What I’ve searched on the road is finally understood by a low whisper from the sky. And then only a few words of consolation has been hold. Feels of lack, the slight sign of melancolia tells no more. Thus, I walk on the wall of these shiny days, like a falling bird in the early spring.

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/nostalgia-for-an-early-spring/#ixzz0oBWFC97A

The Camping Culture of Europe, Samsung WB1000 (TL320)

Here are images with nice story taken by a Samsung WB1000 (TL320) digital camera.

Personally, the most important things in life are food, clothing, and shelter. However, these are only the necessary conditions, not the sufficiency ones. As people go on with life, they are bound to want to escape from their normal-everyday lives from time to time. As for Europeans, they go camping with their families to promote harmony within, experience something new, and enjoy leisure. So when for most people, it’s about finding a place to stay when they go on a trip, the Europeans find a place to camp and enjoy the time with the nature in their own ways.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/60sㅣf/3.6ㅣISO 80ㅣ6.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/90sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

The camping sites in Europe are usually in places where there are green grass and a lot of trees. There, you can easily see people prepare a spot to settle, whether it’s in a tent or a camping car.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/1000sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm] [Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/90sㅣf/5.8ㅣISO 80ㅣ21.5mm]

They also eat there and spend time reading or playing cards. Inside the camping site, information about the places nearby the site is provided and there are also public bathrooms and facilities where people can wash. Of course each site seemed to vary quite a lot. However, what you can see at all the sites is ‘people enjoying Mother Nature’. A father and son playing table tennis near the site seemed to really enjoy themselves.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/125sㅣf/3.6ㅣISO 80ㅣ6.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/90sㅣf/4.3ㅣISO 200ㅣ9.0mm]

There was a cabin nearby which was small but quite graceful. The green trees and the cabin went well together like a picture.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/500sㅣf/5.1ㅣISO 80ㅣ6.3mm]

After taking more than enough rest, people sack their rucksacks and go to sightsee the outskirts of the city with friends and families.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/250sㅣf/5.1ㅣISO 80ㅣ6.3mm]

On the way back from the camping site, there were two women waiting for the bus. They were carrying rucksacks that seemed too heavy for a woman to be carrying alone but their faces were filled with energy. These women who said that they were moving onto another camping site must have been traveling manias. I thought to myself that I should have more fun on the rest of my trip like the Europeans; freely enjoying the beautiful nature.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/180sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/the-camping-culture-of-europe/#ixzz0iWHtt6JS

Hands On with Samsung's PMA Cameras

The PCmag posted an information about PMA 2010 for Samsung's digital cameras.
Over the past two months Samsung has launched 13 new compact point-and-shoot cameras. Other manufacturers can also claim large 2010 lineups, but none can boast as many glamorous features as Samsung, with individual models checking these boxes:front-facing LCDs, or touch-enabled OLED screens, Wi-Fi, DLNA, Bluetooth, GPS, plus 1080p video, slow motion 1,000fps video, waterproof, articulating displays and a bright f/1.8 lens.

Based on these buzzwords, Samsung is poised to become a serious player in the camera space. Below are a couple of stand-outs I think will really resonate with consumers.

View Slideshow See all (8) slides

The Samsung TL350 is by far the flashiest new Samsung shooter. The top of the camera looks like a sports car–it has two analog meters to display the battery charge and memory card capacity. I downright love it.
The camera offers a plethora of high-definition video options including 1080p at 30 frames per second or 720p at 60 frames per second. It can also capture video at 608-by-342 resolution, slightly smaller than standard-definition, but at 240 frames per second. When played back at 30 fps, the result is slow-motion video. but play it back at 30 fps, the result is slow motion video. (Casio's new EX-FH100 and the older FC-100 also offer this feature.)

The user interface on the TL350 is terrific too. And it's displayed on a 3-inch OLED, which really shines. OLED screens typically have higher contrast, wider viewing angles, and show less motion blur than LCDs. The user interface is mostly unchanged from previous Samsung cameras, but there are additional animated transitions between the menu text and icons.

Spec-wise, the TL350 offers 10.2 megapixel captures, 5X optical zoom through a 24mm lens with an aperture of f/2.8-f/5.8. The camera will sell for $349.99.

The Samsung TL500 is for serious shooters; it's proof that Samsung isn't just about flashy OLEDs and sports-car meters. The big buzz with this camera is that it features a lens whose aperture is f/1.8 at its widest angle. The f-number indicates how large the lens aperture is; the larger the aperture, the more light can be let in. Having the option to let in more light is always desirable, as it gives you the option to use faster shutter speeds and use lower ISO sensitivities which produces better image quality.

This camera's 3-inch OLED is mounted on a swing-out arm, which comes in handy when you can't be at eye level with your subject. The user interface is identical to the TL350's.

The Samsung TL500 offers 10.2-megapixel captures, a 3X optical zoom on a 24-mm lens and will be priced at $449.99.

Read more at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2360214,00.asp

Samsung WB1000 - The romantic nightscape of Europe

Here are some pictures taken by a user with Samsung WB1000 (TL320) digital camera.

Paris, France

The early evening sky of Paris, France and the red car parked by Charles de Gaulle airport seemed to go so well together.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/2sㅣf/3.0ㅣISO 200ㅣ4.3mm]

July 29^th 2009. The picture I took on the way to the hotel from Charles de Gaulle airport of Paris, France in the car looking at the beautiful evening sky out of the window.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 0.700sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

The outdoor restaurant by Seine River. My friends and I came here for dinner and the view only got more and more beautiful as it darkened. Seine River was running right by our side and if we looked up a little the fully lit Eiffel Tower was to be seen. It was all so romantic. Looking around, I could see a couple every ten seconds and watching them whispering love to each other in this romantic place, I thought to myself that I would one day come here again with my love. We did nothing but just watch Seine River and the Eiffel Tower with our heads propped on our chins. Not knowing that time was passing by, we just couldn’t get enough of it.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/4sㅣf/3.6ㅣISO 200ㅣ6.3mm]

Prague, Czech

This is the picture that I took on the way to bridge Karluv Most, the place known to have the most beautiful night scene in Prague after visiting the new parts of Prague.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/2sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 80ㅣ4.3mm]

This place was the only light that came out of the dark alley. The place I had wanted to go because it somehow looked cozy and warm… But sadly I found it on the last day of my stay in Prague so I couldn’t go.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/3sㅣf/3.6ㅣISO 200ㅣ6.3mm]

From Prague, Czech to Wien, Austria

The sunset that I saw out of the window of the Euro Lines bus on the way from Prague, Czech to Wien, Austria was really beautiful.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/30sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 200ㅣ4.3mm]

Austria

- Wien

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/6sㅣf/3.0ㅣISO 200ㅣ4.3mm]

- Salzburg

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/10sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 800ㅣ4.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/15sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 800ㅣ4.3mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/8sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 800ㅣ7.7mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/8sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 800ㅣ4.3mm]

The big city Wien had a glamorous night look whereas Salzburg’s night was simple and sentimental, warm and sweet.

Munich, Germany

The night of Munich was full of the music from the streets. Thanks to the beautiful nightscape and the fabulous musicians, the night of Munich was a joy for my ears and eyes, and such a memory.

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/8sㅣf/4.0ㅣISO 800ㅣ7.7mm]

[Samsung WB1000(TL320) 1/8sㅣf/2.8ㅣISO 800ㅣ4.3mm]

Read more: http://www.samsungimaging.net/the-romantic-nightscape-of-europe/#ixzz0h89FGCyc