First Impressions: Samsung Galaxy Camera 2

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera was an interesting concept when it was first introduced last year. For the first time, the company tried a fusion between a phone and a dedicated camera to try to solve a fundamental consumer problem. Now, they’re announcing the brand new Galaxy Cam 2.

And once again, it has a massive emphasis on connectivity.

Tech Specs

– 21x optical zoom lens (small sensor)

– 2GB of storage

– Increased battery life

– 4.8 inch display

– 28 smart modes

– NFC

– Has a 120fps video mode

Ergonomics

The Samsung Galaxy Cam 2 has a very interesting look to it. Sure, it’s a point and shoot, but there is also this faux leather all over it that makes it seem as if it’s a luxury item. The last time we checked, there was no red dot on it–but that doesn’t mean that this camera can’t still ooze with luxuriousness.

In fact, the front is dominated by this covering and all else on the front is really just the lens and the AF assist bulb.

Then we get to the back, and this is where you realize that this is pretty much the best of a phone and a camera smushed together. This big screen is how folks will compose their images and interact with the camera.

Don’t worry folks–there are buttons indeed. All of said buttons are on the top of the camera. Granted, they’re scant–with the only buttons being a pop-up flash control, power, and shutter release. Around the release is the zoom control.

Despite how compact and slim the camera is, it still stays that way even with a 21x optical zoom lens. For sure, we thought it would have extended out and poked an eye out.

Build Quality

To be honest, it’s a point and shoot camera. In fact, it’s partially a phone. For a point and shoot though, it feels pretty solid. But don’t expect DSLR style ruggedness.

Ease of Use

It’s a camera with an Android interface. You’ll need to learn how to wrap your head around most of that and it will take lots of thought and creativity to make the most use of this camera. Imagine shooting an image with VSCO Cam on this camera–or Instagram.

The camera has NFC connectivity and lots of interesting features that you can use to connect to other devices.

Autofocusing

The unit that we tested had pretty snappy autofocus at the wider end–but we didn’t test it out much on the longer end. It will be interesting to see how it holds up.

Image Quality

We handled an early pre-production model of this camera, and so we couldn’t retrieve any of the images that were shot on it.