Next up on our review agenda is the Android-powered Galaxy Camera by Samsung. We are not handling with the Wi-Fi only version but the cellular one powered by Verizon’s 4G LTE. We already gave the Wi-Fi only model a test spin back in October. Interestingly enough, I am currently in the market to improve my shooter. Currently using a Canon PowerShot 300 HS 12.1MP camera for most of my TGSB imagery. I’m looking into Sony’s NEX-line of shooters as a possible upgrade. But it’s good to have comparable camera as a middle-ground.
Samsung is definitely leading the charge of Android-powered point-and-shoot cameras but they are not the only players in this arena. Nikon has its CoolPix S800C, 16MP lens w/ 10 x optical zoom + running Android 2.3, and Polaroid has the iM1836, 18MP 10-300mm lens running Android 4.1. But our focus today is on Samsung’s Android shooting efforts.
Does Android have a place within digital cameras? Stick around, we’ll let you know.
Design
When I first opened the box of Samsung’s Android camera, I noticed its massive size. With the same-sized display as the Galaxy S III and the body to match, this camera will be hard to miss. Samsung crafted this shooter with a plastic body and faux rubber grip for easy single-handed operation. It’s not extremely lightweight, it does have some heft to it but the materials doesn’t have a cheap feeling to it though.
There are only a few buttons present on this Galaxy. You have the Power/Standby, shutter button, zoom ring, and a button that releases the pop-up flash. I personally like how Samsung made the zoom ring around the shutter button double as the volume rocker. Samsung placed all of its ports & cards in one area (except for the microUSB charging/transferring port on the side). Underneath the grip houses the 1650 mAh battery, SIM + microSD card slots, and microHDMI out port. Definitely making this package pocketable and easily accessible peripherals.
“While capturing images was fast, rendering them to save to the gallery wasn’t so much.”
Performance
Most of the internals match that of any recent Samsung Android smartphone: 1.4GHz quad-core Exynos processor, 4.8inch HD Super Clear LCD display w/ 1280 x 720 resolution. There were some specs that skimped like only having 1GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. But the main ingredient of this Android-powered camera is the 16MP f/2.8-f/5.9 sensor w/ 21x optical zoom giving a nice boost for range.
Offering the usual modes of Auto, Smart, Manual, & Aperture where you can have the options adjust shutter speed from 16-1/2000th of a second, exposure, and ISO 100-3200. I spent most of my time using Auto and Macro as they offered the most optimal images. While capturing images was fast, rendering them to save to the gallery wasn’t so much. I bet that extra GB of RAM would have helped out a lot with that.
The GC records video in 1080p HD at 30fps as well as record video in slow motion at 120fps. All video captured on the Galaxy Camera looked sharp fro the most part. All of these features yield for decent to good results depending on conditions.
“With Android at the helm, the possibilities are endless.”
Software/Battery Life
The engine inside of the shooter is Android 4.1 Jelly Bean w/ TouchWiz UX. No real surprises here but seeing the platform in something outside of a phone or tablet is a breathe of fresh air. Samsung made sure to put in an in-house photo & video editor, accessible straight from the Gallery. So being outside of the Camera app allows you to access everything you would normally do on your Android device. Play games, watch YouTube, read periodicals/books, and even make calls using VoIP services. With Android at the helm, the possibilities are endless.
But of course with heavy usage outside of the camera, the more of a hit it will take on the 1650 mAh battery. But within the Camera app, the shooter will do just fine as it will get you several days of moderate usage. Bravo, Samsung!
“Being connected to the Verizon’s LTE is a bigger strength than having Android on-board.”
TG 2 Cents
The Galaxy Camera performs great as point-and-shoot thanks to its super-zoom lens. I think Android cameras aren’t necessarily a bad idea. It’s definitely a niche market but if executed and priced properly, manufacturers can sell plenty. Among the other Android cameras, Samsung has mastered the concept with ease. Being connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Verizon’s LTE is a bigger strength than having Android on-board. I just don’t think the upfront pricing & monthly data costs completely justify its abilities.
To Buy Or Not To Buy
In a nutshell, it is a great point-and-shoot camera. Not for you DLSR types though. But the price-point is quite the dealbreaker. The Wi-Fi model is $499 and the LTE one we tested costs $549.99. There are several mirrorless cameras at the same pricing that produces better pictures & video. If it were cheaper, our grading would be higher.
