February 18, 2014
In late 2012 Samsung introduced the new Galaxy camera to their inventory. It was revolutionary.
From the Wikipedia article on Android; 'The early intentions of the company were to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras...'
The reviews by users have been extremely positive. Professional review sites have however given a mixed opinion. In other words, actual users love it!
The sensor in the Samsung Galaxy Camera is a 1/2.3" BSI CMOS. BSI stands for back side illuminated which is used to improve low-light performance. This is a larger sensor than that used in most cell phones but is much smaller than that used on DSLR's.
Some reviewers have called for a larger sensor. The cost of an APS-C sensor (a common size for DSLR's) is much greater than that used on most cameras but most importantly the lens must be much larger (and heavier) to accomodate the larger sensor. Also the lens would have to be enormous on an APS-C sensor to cover the range of 23mm-483mm.
I’ve tested the new Samsung WB350F with the same sensor and the results are excellent. If you increase the sensor size so that you can do severe crops then you will also have to increase the lens size and weight. Samsung does offer a camera with an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses; the Galaxy NX. But are you willing to pay $2000+ for a camera that’s as big as a DSLR and uses multiple lenses to cover the same focal range? Proper use of the lens on the Samsung Galaxy Camera means you won’t need to crop.
In early March of 2014 Samsung will begin selling the second generation of the Galaxy Camera; the Galaxy Camera 2!
New features include;
- 1.6Ghz Quad Core processor with 2 GB of memory.
- 28 Smart Mode presets plus Auto.
- A new 2000mAh battery.
- A redesigned pop-up flash that allows for bounce flash.
- A completely refreshed body that has a very nice curved design that's also lighter.
All of these improvements will make the SGC2 similar to a Galaxy S4 with a superzoom included for free!
I own a Sony DSLT and a fine collection of Minolta lenses. I use this when I am on a photo expedition. I wouldn’t carry it around with me all day and certainly not anywhere like the beach where blowing sand could get inside and cause serious damage. Also I need a wide range zoom because I don’t want to change lenses. But more importantly I want an Android camera. The original idea for Android was to use it as a camera. This new SGC2 is perfect for me and I’ll bet it will sell very well, even more than the original.
I rarely use my cell phone but I do want access to apps. I just refuse to pay the high prices (not to mention sign a two year contract) for data service. This camera has a full Android computer. If Samsung listened to the naysayers and offered a camera with a tiny zoom limited to mostly portrait use and a large sensor the price tag would have to be higher and it wouldn’t sell. Prosumers who want a large sensor in a smaller camera already have plenty of choices.
This one is for us, Android users who want a crazy long zoom and an affordable price tag in a compact design. I can’t wait to get one!
