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Samsung's new entry-level S760 and S860 cameras offer face detection, digital image stabilization, and an "E" button for in-camera creative image manipulation.

Samsung has announced two new entry-level cameras in its S-series line, the S760 and S860, offering resolutions of 7.2 and 8.1 megapixels, respectively. Both models offer digital image stabilization, face detection technology (which, in this case, not only attempts to identify and set focus and exposure for faces in the frame, but only allows a photo to be taken if the subject is centered), and a 3× optical zoom. Both cameras also feature an "E" button, that offers instant access to creative image manipulations, from adjusting brightness and contrast to fixing red-eye and converting to sepia or negative without using a computer.

"Samsung brings a fresh perspective to the world of entry-level digital cameras with its S-Series," said Samsung Opto-Electronics America's VP of marketing Stewart Henderson, in a statement. "The S-Series offers the entry-level photographer much more than just family of bare-bones digital cameras, and that's especially true with the new S760 and S860. Building on previous S-Series models, the S760 and 860 combine a number of advanced and fun features, all which are non-intimidating, easy to use and which encourage the end-user to experiment with all that the cameras have to offer."

Both models also offer a Function Description feature, which offers a short, easy-to-understand description when scrolling through the camera's menus, helping users determine which settings are appropriate for their picture-taking needs. The cameras also offer 11 preset scene modes, and cam shoot QVGA video at 30 frames per second in AVi (MPEG) format. The cameras can be powered by AA batteries, making it easy to keep them going if you're away from a wall socket.

Both the S760 and S860 should be available in January; expect to see the S760 for about $169, and the S860 for about $179.