SAMSUNG GALAXY CAMERA: Photos get wings

It is beyond doubt that mobile phones with decent photo-taking features have replaced compact digital cameras for many consumers and are cited by industry watchers as the main reason that camera sales have plummeted within the past year. Led by the Apple iPhone, mobile phones with built-in cameras are taking over the role that has traditionally been held by simple-to-use snapshot cameras. But a new photography trend is emerging these days that has the ability to connect directly to the internet and upload pictures or video right from the camera. We are talking about Android cameras with wireless internet connectivity enabling users to not only share photos, but also download apps.

While traditional camera companies are scrambling to innovate and win back the point-and-shoot crowd, Samsung is offering instant sharing of images through mobile or Wi-Fi connectivity, powered by Android platform, equipped in one beautiful device. For the uninitiated, the camera runs on the kind of operating system you would usually see in a smartphone or a tablet. Users can also shoot, enjoy, edit and share video from anywhere, at any time through the Samsung Galaxy Camera (EK-GC100), priced at R29,900. However, it doesn’t come with call making capabilities.

We got hands-on with the new device and let’s look at the tech specs. The Galaxy Camera has a 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor, a 21x optical zoom lens, an optical image stabilisation system, an

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