Samsung just officially announced that it will be launching the Wi-Fi only version of the Galaxy Camera here in the States. The Android powered smart-camera will be selling for $449.99 at “authorized Samsung retailers.” According to the press release from Sammy, the Wi-Fi only variant of the Galaxy Camera will drop ” later this month“.
Verizon’s 4G LTE variant of the Galaxy Camera is priced much higher at $549.99, which means if you have no need for the 4G connectivity, the Wi-Fi only version is clearly a viable option. In comparison, the AT&T version of the Galaxy Camera, also with 4G support, only costs $499.99.
There is no real difference between the Wi-Fi only variant and its cellular capable cousins. The full specs for the Galaxy Camera are as follows:
- 1.4GHz quad-core Exynos processor
- 4.8-inch 720p HD LCD
- 1GB of installed RAM
- Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
- 16 megapixel sensor
- 21x optical zoom
Ron Gazzola, the Vice President of Marketing for the Digital Imaging department at Samsung talked a bit about the Wi-Fi only model.
“The GALAXY Camera Wi-Fi successfully blends cutting-edge digital imaging technology with Samsung’s latest line of class-leading Android devices. Focusing on features that simplify the user experience, the GALAXY Camera Wi-Fi offers an intuitive approach to feature-rich photography, without the need to be constantly connected.”
I’ve seen the Galaxy Camera in action, and I’ve even had the pleasure of trying it out. The combined user interface and Android support are quite impressive. Samsung did a fantastic job when developing the software, UI and sharing functionality. Additionally, the stark fact that the camera can run Android apps with ease, and respond to voice commands is rather impressive. Even better, is the option to edit photos and videos directly on the device thanks to a plethora of media editing apps in the Play store.
Where the Galaxy Camera does fall short, is its native image quality. Even though, the camera includes a 16MP sensor there’s just something off about the photos that the device captures, they aren’t quite right in terms of quality. For a $500 camera, I want it to maintain excellent quality when it comes to the photos. After all, why would you buy a point and shoot camera if you aren’t planning to capture some good pictures? Feel free to weigh in with your opinion about image quality in the comments, because I’d love to hear if you had a different experience with the Galaxy Camera.
Check out the full press release below, if you’re into reading that kind of thing.
Samsung GALAXY Camera (Wi-Fi) Now Available, Offers Advanced Photographic Prowess and Access to Android Apps
New GALAXY Camera offers value to users seeking photo performance and connectivity
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – April 4, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and convergence technologies, today announced the availability of the Samsung GALAXY Camera (Wi-Fi), introducing photo enthusiasts another option to further their creativity and sharing potential. Centered on the Androidâ„¢ Jellybean 4.1 platform, the GALAXY Camera is a powerful point-and-shoot camera with a familiar, intuitive user interface and access to Android applications from the Google Playâ„¢ market.
“The GALAXY Camera Wi-Fi successfully blends cutting-edge digital imaging technology with Samsung’s latest line of class-leading Android devices,” said Ron Gazzola, Vice President, Marketing for Digital Imaging, Samsung Electronics America. “Focusing on features that simplify the user experience, the GALAXY Camera Wi-Fi offers an intuitive approach to feature-rich photography, without the need to be constantly connected.”
Boasting a 21x optical zoom, 16MP backside illuminated CMOS sensor and class-leading 4.8-inch HD Super Clear Touch LCD, the GALAXY Camera makes it easier than ever before to capture breathtaking images, edit them with users’ favorite apps and then share over Wi-Fi to family and friends.
The GALAXY Camera’s photo interface blends the capabilities of advanced camera with an easy-to-use touch interface, so users can learn and grow with their photography with each use. An innovative Smart Mode places camera settings at users’ fingertips, letting them fine-tune and adjust settings like shutter speed, aperture and exposure by simply manipulating sliders on the screen. The GALAXY Camera also offers a selection of different scene modes to help users define the appropriate settings for a particular scenario, whether they want to capture flowing waterfalls, an action-packed sports event, and more.
Editing with Ease:
The GALAXY Camera integrates a new Photo Wizard tool, featuring a comprehensive set of 35 editing features, designed to take advantage of the camera’s high-resolution touchscreen and make powerful enhancements on-the-go. Additionally, the Smart Content Manager offers innovative organizational tools for photos, with options to quickly and easily create folders and tags or suggest which photos can be deleted if they don’t come out the way the user intended. Lastly, Samsung’s Paper Artist app allows users to creative stylize and edit their photos with options for users to create new images that appear to be sketch-drawings or watercolor paintings.
Pricing and availability
The Samsung GALAXY Camera (Wi-Fi) will be available later this month for $449.99 at www.samsung.com and authorized Samsung retailers. For more information on the Wi-Fi version of the Samsung GALAXY Camera and the full line of Samsung digital cameras, lenses and accessories, please visit www.samsung.com.