Photography

Hands-on: Samsung Galaxy Camera 2

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Gizmag goes hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
The 21x zoom lens on the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
Gizmag goes hands-on with the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
The camera interface on the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2
The size of the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 is clearly dictated by its 4.8-inch touchscreen
The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 has Wi-Fi, but unlike its predecessor there's no 3G/4G option
The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 runs Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) with the TouchWiz UI
The 1.6 GHz Quad-Core and 2 GB of RAM in the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 seemed to keep things running nice and slickly
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When the original Samsung Galaxy Camera was released, it was very different to anything else on the market. It boasted 3G/4G connectivity and ran Android, at a time when most cameras lacked Wi-Fi. So, while at CES 2014, we were keen to get out hands on its successor, the Galaxy Camera 2, and see how the latest smart compact compares.

The first thing you notice about the Galaxy Camera 2 is that it looks much better than the original. It will come in black or white, and uses the same sort of faux leather and metallic trim as the Note 3 (Samsung does like its pleather at the moment). This means it looks more like the mid-range camera it wants to be, rather than the bizarre love-child of phone and camera. It also feels pretty good in the hand, though as previously, it's bigger than we'd like for a compact, and its form has clearly been dictated by its 4.8-inch touchscreen.

In our brief thumbing session, the camera's 1.6 GHz Quad-Core and 2 GB of RAM seemed to keep things running nice and slickly. The camera runs Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) with the TouchWiz UI, so it has the new home screen style with more permanent widgets, and is generally less like stock Android. Obviously our few minutes with the camera weren't long enough to test the extended battery life.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 runs Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) with the TouchWiz UI

While we didn't get the chance to walk away with files from the Galaxy Camera 2 to look at in detail on our computers, we'd guess image quality is pretty much on a par with the original. To our disappointment, the camera still only has a 16-megapixel 1/2.3 inch (6.2 x 4.6 mm) sensor. Though bigger than those in most smartphones, it's only comparable with budget compact cameras, and as such so will be image quality.

Personally we'd have liked to see a bigger sensor, even it that was at the cost of the zoom – which arguably loses some usefulness with its maximum variable aperture reaching F5.9 at the zoom end anyway. However, maybe Samsung sees the 21x optical zoom as the distinguishing feature between this and its phones, and a draw for smartphone photographers who want something more.

The camera interface on the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2

There's also the fact Samsung has only announced a Wi-Fi version of the Galaxy Camera 2, while the first also came in 3G/4G variants. In our review, we found the ability to share images from anywhere was the most compelling feature of the original, so it would be a shame if a 3G/4G option wasn't there this time around. However, maybe most people just weren't willing to shell out for an additional data plan when they already had a smartphone in their pockets, and with NFC, pairing with smart devices for remote shooting and sharing of images is easier this time around.

Based on the few minutes we had with the Galaxy Camera 2, we're not convinced this is a compelling upgrade, or that Samsung is really taking the concept of a connected smart compact camera forward enough. It feels a bit like updates to the processor, RAM and storage are just there to keep the camera in line with Samsung phones, and the lack of a 3G/4G connectivity option feels like a step backwards. We'll know more when we get the chance to put the phone through its paces properly.

Source: Samsung

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4 comments
Adrien
re lack of 3G/4G. I don't see this as a minus at all. Until such time as it becomes a phone, you just don't want the hassle of managing more than 1 telco contract / data plan.
Who doesn't have a smartphone they can just tether it to anyway? When we recently got the latest iPad, I got wifi only for just this reason, I can't be arsed getting another connection, another SIM, paying pre-pay and the ongoing maintenance hassle of keeping it topped up. Or going on another telco contract.
MG127
what is the purpose of naming everyting "Galaxy" ? it makes no sense :/
Dawar Saify
I speak for everyone. Please make it a phone too, and with the latest processor, ram etc.
Alfmeister
Of course there is a trade off between image quality and zoom range. I want the superzoom way more than a bigger sensor. If image quality is paramount then I use my DSLR. But that entails carrying around a lot of heavy glass. Putting a big sensor on this camera would mean that it would need interchangeable lenses to reach telephoto and it would mean a really big lens so forget about putting it in your pocket. It would also increase the cost dramatically. Basically that camera already exists, the Galaxy NX. The improvements to the image processing software are yet to be seen and Samsung is promising much improved results. When I read reviews by actual users of the first generation Galaxy Camera the consensus is that it produces outstanding results, even from professional photographers. If I'm looking to make wall sized prints then I'll use my DSLR. For everything else though, the combination of a superzoom with image stabilization, a superb new interface and the ability to send my photos to both my tablet and my computer wirelessly is awesome. The fact that this is basically a non contract Android pocket computer is also overlooked. People with Smart phones can't seem to grasp that not all of us are phone junkies. This camera/Android computer is perfect for my needs. The only problem is actually getting one. It's been a long wait since the introduction on January 7th.