Samsung Galaxy Camera: An Android-powered digital camera

As smartphones gradually becoming like cameras, it's inevitable too that in some point of space-time continuum, cameras will also become like smartphones. And here's the one to that stint. 

A paragon of innovation, Samsung has once again unveiled its latest offering in the world of shutter sphere, the Samsung Galaxy Camera. It's debut make people ecstatic on its capability for having a real camera sensor, a large 16.3 megapixel monster paired with a killer 21x zoom lens. 

Armed with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean mobile OS, one already is hinted an idea that it can do not just "shutterbugging" but it can immediately share and send pictures through its 3G and wifi implementation. But let's see what else on its sleeve:

For a started it comes with two batteries for a really quick draw whenever you are in the middle of a shooting mode. An 8GB internal memory is supplemented by an expandable microSDHC option. 

ISO sensitivity in full resolution includes auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200. Filters that one may enjoy using has auto, daylight, cloudy, fluorescent H/L, tungsten, and custom. Recording modes that you can choose are Smart Auto, Program, Aprture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Casual(Beauty face, Best face, Continuous shot, Fireworks, Landscape, Night, Panorama, Sunset, Macro), Smart Pro(Action freeze, Light trace, Rich tone, Silhouette, Waterfall) and Movie. 

The 4.8inch touchscreen LCD is handy enough for you to tinker around its camera application. Although in most situations, Smart Auto is a default choice to many, there are also two specialty modes that you can choose. One, named Casual, has a few common sense mode for portraits and landscapes with innovative extras(e.g., Best face lets you take group shots, firing off five frames, then you the best faces for everyone in the shot). The other, Smart Pro, essentially translates shooting concepts into P&S mode without sweating for the best configuration since it's already preset(e.g., Light Trace, Action Freeze). 

And the reason why one should get an Android camera is the ability to readily share the pictures via a plethora of applications installed like Paper Camera, Camera Zoom FX, Pro HDR Camera, Fast Burst Camera, Instagram, Cymera, Little Photo, Retro Camera, Vignette, and everyone's favorite, Camera360. 

Overall, it's a pretty decent camera device but those who are thinking of buying something that has a compact megazoom with wireless feature, may also want to consider Sony Cybershot DSC-HX30V or the Samsung WB850F or better yet, just use an Eye-Fi SD Card. 

Shutterbugging with Samsung ST500

I bought this snapper sealed fresh and spanking brand new from a friend of mine working as an FA of the Korean Airlines. She got this at the Duty Free, and when she reached home, she received the same unit as a gift. So she has to dispose what she had bought.

So timely because at the time, I was looking for a digital camera compact enough that I can lug around with me especially in the area where photography using DSLR is not allowed. Oh yes, such places exist.

In Ayala properties, for example, you need to acquire permit before you can shoot anything. So weird because the guards are singling out DSLR or professional-grade camera only. They will let it slide if you're using cellphone cam or a digicam(Point&Shoot). Prowl around Greenbelt, even in the entire Salcedo area, start taking photos, and the guards will confront you. Even in SM MOA, as one of my friends accounts, they will ask you to delete all your captured materials, or worse, sequester your storage cards.

So the only answer is to carry inconspicuous sub-compacts(like Panasonic Lumix semi-pro) or P&S cam to express your shutterbug tendencies. I found the ST500 an answer to that need. For one, it isn't so expensive, but let me outline different factors of me considering this:

1) it uses Schneider-KREUZNACH lens already, unlike other Samsung P&S which only uses Samsung Zoom camera that are not as quality lens compared to Schneider. German brand lenses are really dependable, remember Carl Zeiss? And Leica?

2) Smart Gesture Interface with integrated orientation sensors complimenting its touchscreen advantage. A simple tap or any hand gestures can make you access features easily.

3) no need to hunt around power outlets. You can charge it via USB. And even if the battery is still inside the camera, unlike other digicams which make use of a different charger set that you have to take the entire battery pack out. Such separate charging dock will add up to the overall cost.

4) HDMI support for high-def viewing on your external screen. And speaking of screen, it has smaller LCD screen compared to its successor ST550, 0.5inches short, which means that it has a more robust battery life.

5) front LCD for narcissistic, camwhoring sessions which I know the vanity in all of you will surely love

The only gripe that I have is that the installation CD is only for Windows, no Mac installer. And the manuals are all Korean. But the techno-jack that I am, I know I can get around its full features by just fiddling it overnight.