Windows 8 was the OS on everyone’s lips at IFA 2012, but Google’s Android OS popped up in the most unusual places. In addition to its range of Windows 8 tablets, Samsung embraced its eccentric side and unveiled its Android 4.1-powered snapper, the Galaxy Camera.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for not noticing anything unusual – it looks just like a smart, stylish compact camera. The white plastic body flares out towards the hand-hold, which is textured with grippy plastic, and the overall build feels pleasingly solid. Around the front, the 23mm, F2.8 lens has a maximum zoom of 21x, and is partnered with a 16.3mp BSI CMOS sensor.
Tumble the Galaxy Camera in the hands, and you’ll notice there’s a distinct lack of buttons on show. Look to the rear and you’ll soon see why: the entire back of the camera is dominated by a 4.77in, 1,280 x 720 pixel touchscreen, and Google’s Android 4.1 OS, aka Jelly Bean, takes the reins.
It’s entirely unconventional, but in practice it works rather well. Thankfully, the 1.4GHz quad-core processor keeps Android 4.1 feeling seriously nippy – after all, you don’t want to be waiting around for your camera to take a picture – and the camera app puts a variety of preset picture modes just a dab of a finger away, while the button on the left of the screen makes it quick and easy to record 1080p HD video clips.
The possibilities are striking: take a handful of snaps, and you can edit them directly in Photoshop Touch, or any one of the several photo editing apps on the Play Store. And thanks to the Galaxy Camera’s built-in 3G, 4G, dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 4 wireless connectivity (not to mention the integrated GPS), it’s possible to share your photos on social networks or upload directly to the photo sharing site of your choice.
And even if you’re out of reach of a nearby 3G or WiFi network, there’s no lack of storage. With 8GB of internal storage, and a microSD card slot, there’s plenty of scope for storing oodles of photos and videos.
Samsung’s Galaxy Camera is set to land sometime in October, with a suggested retail price of £400.