K Zoom uses components similar to those in the high-end Galaxy phones and is powered by Android KitKat. The big difference, however, between the phones and the K Zoom is the imaging hardware. K Zoom uses a point-and-shoot size image sensor that can click photos in 20.7 megapixels. The design is also different. K Zoom weighs 200 grams and has a thickness of 20mm.
The device will be available in the different markets worldwide, including India, in the coming months, but for now there are no specific details on the India launch date or price.
"With the introduction of the Galaxy K Zoom, Samsung continues to demonstrate our commitment to creating products that meet the diverse demands of our consumers," said Sun Hong Lim, senior vice president of Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. "The new Galaxy K Zoom (provides) all-in-one mobile experience."
The K Zoom offers 10X zoom and has a xenon flash. In terms of focal length, the lens in K Zoom covers 24-240mm. The lens has an aperture of F3.1-6.3. The device also has a 2MP front camera.
K Zoom uses an image sensor based on BSI (backside illuminated) technology and optical image stabilization, which is likely to help users click better images in low light.
In terms of software features, the device has almost all the features that high-end Galaxy cameras have, including support for cellular connectivity and ability to run almost all Android apps. In terms of photography related features, two stand out: Pro Suggest Mode, which should help users apply filters in a better way; and Selfie Alarm for helping users take better selfies.
K Zoom has a 4.8-inch SuperAMOLED screen with 1280x720p resolution. It is powered by a six-core (1.3GHz quad-core and 1.7GHz dual-core) processor and 2GB RAM. There is 8GB internal storage but using a SD card a user can add up to 64GB more. The device has a 2,430mAh battery.
Samsung, which is not as strong as Sony or Canon in the camera market in terms of market share, is trying to compete by using Android and smartphone combination to make cameras smarter. The company launched Galaxy Camera in 2012 and followed it with Galaxy Camera 2 in 2013.
The idea has been to connect to consumers who like the ease of a smartphone camera and yet want picture quality that is possible only through good full-size camera hardware.
While so far Samsung has got the smart part right in its Galaxy cameras, it is yet to get the picture quality part right. The image quality offered by earlier Galaxy cameras has been good but not exceptional. Also, the price — especially the launch price — of Galaxy cameras has been on the higher side, keeping consumers away from them.
