Samsung Galaxy Camera Review
Samsung Galaxy Camera Review
If you’ve found yourself in the market for a new point-and-shoot camera with (almost) all the capabilities of your favorite Android device, then the Samsung Galaxy Camera is for you. As a premiere Android powered point-and-shoot camera with the capabilities of instant social media sharing, this “smart camera” is amazing.
It boasts a 16-megapixel sensor, a 21x optical zoom, 3G/4G connectivity, WiFi, GPS, a 4.8-inch touchscreen display, all powered by a Quad Core CPU running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Specs
- 16.3 megapixels
- 1/2.3 inch type CMOS sensor (6.2 x 4.6 mm)
- F2.5-5.9 4.1-86.1mm lens (23-483mm equivalent in 35mm format)
- ISO 100-3200
- Continuous shooting at 4 fps
- Android 4.1 Jellybean
- WiFi + 3G/4G connectivity
- 4.8-inch HD touchscreen
Camera
Although this camera is powered by Android, it’s far from a smartphone camera. With options to shoot in Auto, Smart or Expert Mode, the Samsung Galaxy camera gives every photographer the ability to capture great photos regardless of skill set. Auto is the easiest of settings, as it does all the work for you, while Smart shooting gives you the option to use one of 15 presets. These presets range to give you optimum exposure for shooting various subjects like waterfalls to night scenes.
Other interesting Smart Modes include Best Face, which takes a quick burst of five images and then lets you select the best facial expressions of the people pictured, before merging them all into one photo. This can be great for group shots where you can guarantee not everyone will be smiling at the same time. Panorama mode stitches together a series of images, and Continuous shoots 20 photos in five seconds for fast-moving subjects.
In Expert mode, users have Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority, and Manual options, which are controlled using the virtual lens barrel on the screen. (I’m still tinkering around with Expert mode, I’ll have to give you an update on my experience mastering these settings later.)
Video & Voice Control
With Full HD 1080p and 720p video recording at 30 fps, the Samsung Galaxy Camera has all the video options you would expect on a high-end Android device. The photo stabilization feature ensures that you have a clear, crisp view at all times. Sound quality is pretty good as well, however I would’ve loved to see an audio input option for external microphone use.
The Galaxy Camera does more than take great pictures. It also listens very, very well. By tuning in closely to what you are saying, the Galaxy Camera is able to execute your command. From zoom in or out, set the timer – it’ll even snap the photo when you’re ready. You can even instruct the camera to rotate, delete and even share the photos online.
Photo Quality
Apps and Sharing
What makes the Samsung Galaxy Camera stand out amongst all those other compact cameras on the market is the fact that because it’s a connected device you can share your photographic endeavors instantly, and because it’s powered by Android it’s therefore capable of running many of the apps in the Google Play store.
It’s great for using pre-loaded apps like Facebook, Twitter and Photo Wizard for on-the-go image editing and Video Editor, which lets you delete and rearrange video scenes, add music and insert text. Of course, if you were to download any app for the complete camera experience – it would have to be the every photographer’s favorite app – Instagram. Not only does the camera allow you to instantly share via social media, but you can also share among friends on the spot with Share Shot. Share Shot and the magic of Wi-Fi Direct allows you to share your pictures with up to 5 other Wi-Fi direct devices within range.
Overall, the camera is a great addition for any journalist, blogger or anyone that loves to take great photos and share them quickly and easily.
Available in white or black, the Samsung Galaxy Camera starts at $486 (online) for the 3G version.
