Setting aside the smartphone: two weeks with Samsung's Galaxy Camera

[ ](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/27/samsung-galaxy-camera/)

Exploring the world with the hottest cameras and smartphones, I've grown accustomed to drawing discrete glances from curious gadget enthusiasts. In Tokyo, it was [Canon's EOS M](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/03/canon-eos-m-review/) camera that netted polite peeks. In Hong Kong, it was the [Galaxy Note II](http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/08/samsung-galaxy-note-ii-review/). From the moment I exposed the striking [Galaxy Camera](http://www.engadget.com/tag/GalaxyCamera/) in Bangkok, however, those subtle scans turned into full-on stares, with several courageous passersby even inquiring about the latest Android-based Samsung device dangling from a strap around my wrist.

"Is that a phone or a camera?" Well, it's certainly not the best camera, nor is it a passable "phone," but for this early adopter, at least, it was poised to replace both. When Samsung first revealed its [Jelly Bean](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/28/android-4-1-jelly-bean-review-a-look-at-whats-changed-in-googl/)-powered superzoom hybrid [at IFA](http://www.engadget.com/2012/08/29/samsung-ek-gc100-galaxy-camera-hands-on/), the challenge became clear -- there wasn't room in my life for two Galaxy gadgets, but a 21x zoom-equipped all-in-one sounded mighty promising. After I finally [unpacked](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/12/samsung-galaxy-camera-unboxing/) it, the 4.8-inch, touchscreen-equipped, 16.1-megapixel shooter didn't leave my side once during the next two weeks.

It streamed music in the gym, downloaded e-mail on the go, and provided walking directions and historical context as I explored Thailand. But the Galaxy Camera's impressive zoom also brought me far closer to the action than even the most powerful [camera phone](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/02/nokia-lumia-920-review/), and a micro-SIM from [iPhoneTrip](http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/18/iphonetrip-sim-rental-review-best-staying-connected-overseas-smartphone/) enabled instant uploads to Dropbox and Instagram far from the nearest open hotspot. As you may have gathered from [our review](http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/14/samsung-galaxy-camera-review/), the Galaxy Camera wasn't designed to replace anyone's smartphone, and with the jumbo footprint and mediocre battery upping the inconvenience factor, could such a device feasibly become your one and only? You'll find the answer after the break.

**Gallery: [Samsung Galaxy Camera review](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-camera-review/)**

[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-camera-review/5428483)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-camera-review/5428472)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-camera-review/5428482)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-camera-review/5428476)[](http://www.engadget.com/photos/samsung-galaxy-camera-review/5428463)

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Filed under: [Cameras](http://www.engadget.com/category/cameras/), [Mobile](http://www.engadget.com/category/mobile/), [Samsung](http://www.engadget.com/category/samsung/)

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URL: http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/27/samsung-galaxy-camera/