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New Samsung ‘camera-with-phone’

Samsung Electronics has announced local availability of the new $749 ‘camera specialised-smartphone’ – the Samsung Galaxy K zoom.

sg_SM-C1150ZWAEUR_006_R-Per

It could be better described as a compact camera which makes phone calls rather than a mere smartphone, with a 10x optical zoom lens (24-240mm, f3.1-6.3) and a 20.7-megapixel CMOS sensor – at the standard compact camera size of 1/2.3-inch.

It can shoot at 3fps and has an ISO range from 100 to 3200. Image formats include JPEG, plus PNG, GIF, BMP, and a couple more. It seems to even offer some manual control via ‘Expert Mode’.

The screen is 4.8-inch, Super AMOLED Display (1280×720). 

There are over 20 Scene modes and it shoots video at Full HD (1920×1080/60p). It offers a choice of 10 video formats.

Only one of the 11 key features Samsung lists (power saving mode for low battery consumption) is not entirely related to picture-taking. (See below.)

– Yet while the picture-taking specs of the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom are impressive, early reviewers from overseas (Samsung Australia doesn’t seem to trust local journalists with early access to its products) are moderately underwhelmed.

‘The Samsung Galaxy K Zoom offers an amazing photographic and smartphone experience in a beautiful design and format,’ said Craig Gillespie, business unit manager – Digital Imaging, Samsung Electronics Australia. ‘Australians love taking photographs and sharing their experiences online using their smartphones so we’re extremely excited to be able to deliver a product that meets the demands many of us have for a great mobile and photographic device.

‘Samsung continues to offer Australians great choices to match their needs when searching for their next smartphone and digital camera. The Galaxy K zoom addresses both their smartphone and digital camera needs in one sleek and stylish device, making capturing, sharing and storing important moments easy with its 10x optical zoom lens.’ Gillespie said.

sg_SM-C1150ZWAEUR_007_Top-MKey features of the Galaxy K zoom include:
– 10x optical zoom in a 16.6mm body;
– 20.7 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor;
– Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS);
– Ergonomic grip;
– Xenon flash;
– Auto Exposure/Auto Focus;
– ‘Pro Suggest’ mode with 10 filter settings:
– ‘Selfie Alarm’ that allows users to take timed selfies with ease (ie self-timer);
– Object tracking for moving subjects;
– Ultra Power Saving Mode for minimising battery consumption;
– Studio app to allow users to easily edit their pictures and videos.

The Galaxy K zoom will be available in two colours, white and black ‘from major retailers’ at an RRP of $749.

2 Comments

  1. AL-Pal AL-Pal June 6, 2014

    Another nail in the coffin for our Small Digital Camera Industry & of course only available at Phone shops & JB Mormon white goods stores

    • Keith Shipton Keith Shipton Post author | June 6, 2014

      – It was interesting that the Samsung spokesperson for this model is from the Digital Imaging group rather than the mobile phone group. Don’t know what it means, but interesting…

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