Samsung said the new flagship of the NV range has a world class 28mm Schneider Kreuznach Wide Angle Lens incorporated into its sleek body design and uses an intuitive Smart Touch 2.0 User Interface.

"Smart Touch makes it easier to navigate the camera's comprehensive set of features and with the ‘Matrix Menu’ users can now change functions even faster," an official Samsung statement said.

"Incorporating Smart Touch within a touch screen gives the user fast access to creative settings as well as intuitive control of images, for example, a simple X on the screen signifies delete."

According to Samsung, the 14.7 megapixel NV100HD enables users to record high definition videos and super sharp movie-quality recordings.

The camera’s High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) delivers "crystal-clear images and movies" via a single cable for ease of use.

HD Ready 720p resolution video can be recorded at up to 30 frames per second and can be viewed easily on the 3-inch hVGA LCD screen.

"This screen has been specifically designed with 460K pixels to provide more detail and sharper images to view," Samsung said.

"The NV100HD also includes Dual Image Stabilisation – by integrating Optical and Digital Image Stabilisation the user obtains vastly improved image quality and outstanding shots without the blur, even in low light conditions."

Other features include:
* A highly sensitive ISO 3,200
* Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System, with Face Detection,  auto focus and auto exposure
* Blink Detection Mode to take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected
* Smile Mode to take a picture automatically when smiles are detected
* Beauty Shot Mode, where facial skin is retouched for a brighter and smoother skin tone.
* Rechargeable battery system
* Two-year warranty.

The NV100HD is priced at £229 and will be available from leading high street and online retailers from August 2008.