Korea Times published a quote from Samsung CEO Shin Jong-kyun, which indicates that Samsung will introduce a new mirrorless camera running Android at a press event in London next week. If that means what we think it means, the new product could be a formidable shooter.
Powering one of Samsung’s excellent, large-sensor NX series mirrorless cameras with Android seems like a no brainer. But it’s hard to say if that’s what Shin is referring to from this Korea Times quote:
Shin also confirmed a plan to release a sequel of the Galaxy Camera — the Galaxy Camera2 — at an event in London set for June 20.
“Samsung will release our latest mirrorless camera that runs on Google’s Android software,” he told reporters.
Samsung is investing heavily in mirrorless cameras as it thinks increased corporate awareness and undisputable leverage in manufacturing will help it get a bigger stake in the lucrative and promising market.
“Mirrorless” is a term typically used in reference to interchangeable-lens cameras, like those in the Samsung NX-series. But, strictly speaking, it could refer to any camera that doesn’t have a reflex mirror — anything without an optical viewfinder. In other words, Shin could just be talking about another point-and-shoot. We’re not saying Korea Times got duped or anything; it’s just worth keeping a little healthy scepticism until we actually see a product.
But there are a lot of reasons why an Android NX camera makes sense.
First of all, Samsung’s mobile and digital imaging wings have been converging since the company introduced the Android-based Galaxy Camera last year. On-screen UIs for digital cameras are notoriously clunky, and that experiment proved that Android plus connectivity could easily make that experience better.
Second, Samsung’s DI team has repeatedly told Gizmodo that it plans to keep evolving products in the same vein as the Galaxy Camera. Indeed, just yesterday, Samsung showed the world its latest camera-smartphone hybrid, the Galaxy S4 Zoom.
Which is all to say: We’re looking forward to hearing what’s next. [Korea Times via SamMobile via Cult of Android]