Samsung launches next gen Android camera

Samsung has upgraded its Android-powered Galaxy Camera, ahead of Consumer Electronics Show 2014. The new Galaxy Camera 2 has a faster processor, newer Android version, better battery life and more storage and memory, even though the key camera specs remain the same. The model will be showcased at CES in Las Vegas next week.

The new Galaxy Camera 2 has the same 16.3MP BSI CMOS sensor with 21x optical zoom and Xenon flash as its predecessor. It has a 4.8-inch HD Super Clear LCD screen, runs on Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) and is powered by a 1.6GHz quad-core processor paired with 2GB RAM. The internal storage has been raised from 4GB to 8GB in the new model, with microSD card support up to 64GB.
Connectivity options in Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC; there is no word on the 3G/4G-enabled model of the camera. The first-generation Android camera of the company came in Wi-Fi as well as Wi-Fi and 3G variants. It is powered by a 2,000mAh battery and comes with free Dropbox storage of 50GB.

Samsung has decreased the weight of the camera compared to the earlier iteration, from 300gm to 283gm. However, the new model is slightly bigger in dimensions (132.5x71.2x19.3mm), compared to its predecessor.

The company has also updated the design of the camera; instead of the plastic body of the earlier model, it has used faux leather coating to give a retro look to Galaxy Camera 2.

Software features of the camera include Tag & Go, Photo Beam, Remote Viewfinder, Smart Mode Suggest, Selfie Alarm, Beauty Face, Multi Motion Video, Story Album, Paper Artist, Xtremera and ChatOn. It also features the complete suite of Google services, such as Maps, Hangouts, YouTube, Play Books, Newsstand etc.

"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, 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."