Samsung have released an update to their innovative hybrid camera/smartphone from 2012, with the new Galaxy Camera 2 packing a speedier processor and upgraded internal gubbins.
The new Galaxy Camera now packs a 1.6GHz Quad Core processor with 2.0 GB of RAM, backed by 8GB of internal storage, with a microSD slot supporting up to 64GB cards.
Inside the Android 4.3 device lurks a beefier 2000mAh battery, with connectivity options including Wifi a/b/g/n and NFC.
There’s been no change to the sensor, lens or screen, with the Galaxy Camera 2 offering the same 16.3-megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, f/2.8-5.9 21X optical zoom lens and 4.8-inch “HD” Super Clear LCD touchscreen as its predecessor.
The camera shape remains more or less the same, although Samsung – in their infinite wisdom – have bolted on a Galaxy Note 3-like faux-leather effect on the front, thankfully without the fake stitching effect.
Samsung will be showing off their shiny new camera at the forthcoming CES event from January 7-10 in Las Vegas, so expect more details to be released shortly.
Samsung Press Release
Samsung Launches the Galaxy Camera 2
Android platform and lightweight retro design allows photographers to capture and share with superior quality and speed
London, UK – 2nd January, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., announces the Galaxy Camera 2, a successor to the award winning Galaxy Camera, which combines the quality imaging of a high-end camera with sharing capabilities and an intuitive design to match the most up-to-date smartphones.
The Galaxy Camera 2’s revolutionary technology, which includes an upgraded 1.6GHz Quad Core processor and the Android platform, makes it faster and easier than ever for users to shoot, edit and share high quality images with friends and family. With a lightweight, retro design, the Galaxy Camera 2 is the ideal option for photographers who do not want to sacrifice style for technology.
Simon Stanford, Vice President of IM division, Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, said: “Consumers love the Galaxy Camera and this next-generation version is designed to improve on the successful predecessor, with upgraded and new features that will enhance the photography experience. The result is a more powerful and portable device, which continues to embrace the public’s passion for the social features of smartphones, yet also provides superior image control and quality. We are dedicated to making it easier for more people to achieve great results and with the Galaxy Camera 2’s host of creative features, anyone can capture standout images.”
Fast and Superior Performance
The Galaxy Camera 2 lets users enjoy the full benefits of the Android platform. Intuitive to use and faster than before, users can navigate the Galaxy Camera 2 functions with ease and focus on capturing the perfect shot rather than having to filter through complex settings. With an enhanced battery life (2000mAh), users can enjoy the photography experience for longer and take even more pictures.
A high performance camera, the Galaxy Camera 2 produces images of exceptional quality, unrivalled by smartphone photography. Its 16M BSI CMOS Sensor produces vivid images which are both rich in colour and sharp in detail, allowing memories to be captured and reproduced in perfect clarity. With a huge 21x Optical Zoom, photographers can get closer than ever to their subjects. Featuring an upgraded 1.6 GHz Quad-Core processor, supported by a massive 2.0 GB of RAM, the Galaxy Camera 2 operates at ultra high speed so that the array of intuitive features can be accessed without delay. This internal memory is supplemented with the pre-loaded Dropbox app, an exclusive offering which provides 50GB of free cloud storage for up to two years, so that passionate photographers need never worry about running out of memory ever again.
Simple Sharing and Easy Use
Sharing is made simple with advanced Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities that accompany the Galaxy Camera 2. The all-new innovative Tag & Go feature makes it easy to connect the Galaxy Camera 2 to NFC-enabled smartphones and devices. All it takes is a simple tap of the smartphone and camera and devices will be automatically paired and transfer images swiftly using a host of clever functions. With Photo Beam, the picture being viewed on the camera is automatically sent to the paired smartphone, while Mobile Link allows photographers to select images they wish to transfer to their smartphone at their leisure. For more creative shooting, Remote Viewfinder lets photographers control the camera using the smartphone, providing greater freedom for setting up and snapping shots.
The Galaxy Camera 2’s 121.2mm (4.8-inch) HD Super Clear Touch LCD provides users with a beautiful way to view and edit images. Shots are displayed in intense colour and detail, while its large size makes it easy to navigate the many apps and features available on the camera. With a lightweight design, the Galaxy Camera 2 is a highly portable option making it the perfect choice for both day-to-day and special occasion photography.
Creative Capture
With Smart Mode, users can choose from 28 different pre-set modes all designed to address different shooting scenarios, which will allow a professional touch or creative twist to any image. For those unsure which mode they want to select, the Smart Mode Suggest feature provides a helping hand in securing those winning shots. It analyses the scene at hand; recognising lighting conditions, scenery, objects, and then instantly recommends the optimal Smart Mode to ensure that the perfect shot is always captured. New Smart Mode Selfie Alarm guarantees that self-portraits receive the attention they deserve. It takes five consecutive, high-resolution images so that users can select their best angle and share immediately on their favourite social media site.
Videos can also be given a unique twist with features such as Multi Motion Video, which allows users to set the speed of capture and create speed up or slowed down movies. Ranging from eight times slower than normal speed up to eight times faster, this feature adds visual flair to footage which can be enjoyed time and time again. The Galaxy Camera 2 also makes it easy for photographers to use their favourite applications, such as Paper Artist and Xtremera, to personalise their shots straight from the camera so that images can be edited and shared without delay.
