Samsung unveils Galaxy Camera 2, Android powered Point and Shoot Super Zoom

Last year the Galaxy Camera was an interesting experiment. An Android powered media player with a point and shoot camera stapled to the back. WiFi, Bluetooth, and even LTE data connections were included allowing it to do anything but make a phone call. It continued a conversation for Samsung where they could create new product niches, and play with exotic gadgets.

Now they’re continuing this experiment with a sequel of sorts. The Galaxy Camera 2 is officially official. It sports a new 1.6GHz quad core processor (likely built off of the Exynos line) and a 21X zoom paired with a similar 16MP BSI CMOS sensor. While Sammy isn’t radically changing up the sensor, and it’s the same size as the old Galaxy Camera and Galaxy S4 Zoom (1/2.3″), they are bragging about a new image processing engine which they say will improve image quality.

NFC will make an appearance on this camera to include tap and share options. Of all the updates, I’m most looking forward to the larger battery, up to 2000mAh from 1650 in the OG camera.

What we don’t know yet is if the 4.8″ LCD screen will receive a resolution bump to 1080p as the original G-Cam had 720p LCD. Also no mention is made in the press release if we’ll see another LTE enabled camera or if Samsung will stick to WiFi only devices. And of course, we have no info on pricing and availability. Just a tease that the camera will be on display at CES, but so far this sounds like an uncharacteristically modest update from a company which we’re used to seeing deliver on audacious devices.

Full PR and more pics after the jump.

Featuring an Android platform and a lightweight retro design, the Galaxy Camera 2 allows avid photographers to capture and share even more, with superior quality and speed

SEOUL, Korea – January 02, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd announced 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.

“Consumers love the Galaxy Camera, and this next-generation version was designed to improve on the successful predecessor, with upgraded and new features that will enhance the photography experience,” said Myoung Sup Han, Executive Vice President and Head of the Imaging Business Team at Samsung Electronics. “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 stand out 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 ever before, users can navigate the Galaxy Camera 2 functions with ease-of use and focus on capturing the perfect shot rather than having to filter through complex settings. With an enhanced battery life (2000mAh), avid photographers can enjoy the photography experience for longer period of time and have the ability to take even more beautiful 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 color 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 transter 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 color 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, as well as 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 analyzes the scene at hand; recognizing 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 favorite 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 favorite applications, such as Paper Artist and Xtremera, to personalize their shots straight from the camera so that images can be edited and shared without delay.

Please visit our CES booth to experience this future technology firsthand. Samsung’s product line will be displayed from January 7-10 at booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 270,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion. To discover more, please visitwww.samsung.com.