Samsung DualView TL220 Camera Offers a Front-Facing LCD

For our video reviews, I use one of two cameras. For quick and dirty vids on the road, I whip out my Kodak Zi6. But if I want a higher quality video, I opt for my Canon EOS T1i since I can change lenses and use better optics. Both cameras shoot 720p video in 30fps — the Zi6 can actually do 60fps — but both also present me with a huge challenge.  When I’m on camera, I can’t see what the camera can see. That causes various retakes unless I have an assistant stand behind the camera. It’s simply not good.

Now I don’t want to buy another camera, but if I were in the market, I’d be taking a close look at the new Samsung DualView TL220. This 12.2 megapixel point-and-shoot is also capable of recording high-definition video at 720p and 30fps. So why would I consider it if doesn’t add anything in terms of video quality? A dual LCD is the answer.

The entire backside of the camera is a touchscreen with haptic feedback, but it’s the LCD in the front that caught my eye. Alongside of the camera lens is a 1.5″ LCD that shows what the camera sees. That would help my particular situation immensely. Self-portraits for everyone else would be a bit easier, too.

Samsung’s DualView TL220 offers a 22.5mm f/4.9 lens with image stabilization and a 5x digital zoom. I personally look for cameras with some type of optical zoom over, or in addition to a digital zoom, but at $299.99 with that front LCD, I could possibly overlook that deficiency. The TL220 does offers a 4.6x optical zoom, making this an even better deal at $299.99.

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