Same lens and sensor with updated internals, software and design
We’re still a good four days out from the official start of CES 2014, but Samsung has already taken the wraps off its first Android product from the show, the Galaxy Camera 2. Described as a successor to 2012’s OG Galaxy Camera, the Galaxy Camera 2 packs the same 16.3-megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor and f/2.8-5.9 21X optical zoom lens as the original, only with updated internals, a newer version of Android and a bigger battery. The basic shape of the camera is similar, though it now sports a Galaxy Note 3-like faux-leather effect on the front, and it’s a little lighter than before, at 283 grams versus 300.
Like the original, the Galaxy Camera 2 shoots 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second, though there’s now a new “multi-motion” mode allowing users to alter the frame rate on the fly for a unique visual effect. On the software side, the device runs Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and the latest version of Samsung’s TouchWiz software. And the new “Tag & Go” feature allows the Galaxy Camera 2 to be easily connected to smartphones through NFC, Samsung says.
Powering Samsung’s new camera is an unspecified 1.6GHz quad-core CPU with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage, plus a microSD slot supporting up to 64GB cards. There’s a new, larger 2000mAh battery and connectivity through Wifi a/b/g/n — no cellular option is specified in today’s announcement. And the display is apparently unchanged from the original Galaxy Camera, a 4.8-inch “HD” Super Clear LCD with on-screen keys.
We’ll have more thoughts to share when we get our hands on the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 in Las Vegas, but based on the spec sheet we’re looking at a generational upgrade to the device’s smartphone components. Though with the camera side of the equation largely unchanged, it’s likely the Galaxy Camera 2’s image quality will mirror that of its predecessor.
Source: Samsung