Samsung Galaxy Camera GC100 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Samsung Galaxy Camera GC100

The Samsung Galaxy Camera GC100 represents a unique blend of modern camera technology and smartphone capabilities. Released in November 2012, this device was ground-breaking in its attempt to capture the best of both worlds, offering users the ability to combine high-quality photography with the connective power of a smartphone. Discontinued now, it stood ahead of its time, setting a precedent for future developments in mobile photography.

Design and Build

The Galaxy Camera GC100 sports dimensions of 128.7 x 70.8 x 19.1 mm, with a weight of approximately 300 g. Despite being heavier than typical smartphones, the design accommodates a sophisticated camera system. The use of Super Clear LCD offers a 4.8-inch display, bringing clarity and vibrancy to the screen. The Corning Gorilla Glass 2 provides sturdy protection against scratches and damage, making it a durable choice for photographers and tech enthusiasts alike.

Display Characteristics

The 4.8-inch Super Clear LCD display presents images and navigation smoothly, with a 720 x 1280 pixel resolution, making for a density of ~306 ppi. This screen-to-body ratio of approximately 69.7% ensures that users can easily view and interact with images and applications, facilitated by the expansive touchscreen interface.

Camera Specifications

The standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy Camera GC100 is undoubtedly its camera capabilities. It is equipped with a substantial 16.3 MP sensor and features optical zoom capabilities of up to 21x, allowing users to capture distant subjects with clarity. The camera also supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, and slow-motion video capture at 512p@120fps, offering versatility in content creation. Its autofocus functionality aids in capturing sharp images effortlessly.

Internal Hardware and Software

This device is powered by the Exynos 4412 Quad chipset, with a 1.4 GHz Cortex-A9 quad-core CPU and a Mali-400MP4 GPU. Running on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and upgradable to version 4.1.2, the Galaxy Camera integrates Samsung's TouchWiz UI to provide a user-friendly interface, marrying Android’s flexibility with Samsung’s proprietary features.

Storage and Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy Camera GC100 comes with 4GB of internal storage, paired with 1GB RAM, while additionally supporting microSDXC cards for expanded storage options, allowing users to preserve substantial quantities of photos and videos. Connectivity is another strong suit, featuring HSPA/LTE technologies, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n dual-band with hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 4.0, microUSB 2.0, GPS, A-GPS, and GLONASS for accurate positioning.

Battery Life and Performance

Fitted with a removable Li-Ion 1650 mAh battery, this device offers a stand-by time of up to 280 hours on 3G networks and a talk time of up to 4 hours and 30 minutes. While this might feel limited compared to modern standards, the battery was designed to accommodate the demanding tasks involved in photography and concurrent smartphone functionalities.

Audio and Additional Features

Equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Galaxy Camera GC100 ensures reliable audio output, suitable for editing and playback of recorded media. The device includes essential sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, facilitating enhanced user interactions and diverse application functionalities.

Network and Launch Details

The Galaxy Camera GC100 supports HSPA (21.1/5.76 Mbps) and optional LTE networks, broadening its usability across global networks. Announced in August 2012 and released in November the same year, this device began setting trends that would influence future product developments, although it was eventually discontinued.

Price and Market Availability

Originally priced at around 250 EUR, this device was marketed towards photography enthusiasts and gadget lovers seeking an all-in-one device. Available in multiple colors such as Black, White, Pink, Orange, and Red, it catered to personal style preferences, adding aesthetic value to its technical prowess.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy Camera GC100 is a testament to technological innovation, bridging the gap between dedicated cameras and smartphones. While it may have been limited by the standards of today, at its time of release, it offered an impressive array of features that allowed users to explore new possibilities in mobile photography. Despite discontinuation, its impact is evident in the continued evolution of mobile cameras, which have increasingly integrated smartphone functionalities to deliver advanced photography solutions.