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Now reading: Samsung launches dual-grip, 60x WB2200F superzoom with Wi-Fi 204 comments

204

Samsung launches dual-grip, 60x WB2200F superzoom with Wi-Fi

Published Jan 7, 2014 | dpreview staff

Samsung has announced the WB2200F, a 60x superzoom camera with dual grip design. It offers a 20-1200mm equivalent, F2.8-5.9 zoom lens in front of a 1/2.3"-type 16MP BSI CMOS sensor. Beyond that, specifications are sketchy - it's Wi-Fi equipped, with NFC to make pairing and sharing with compatible smart devices simpler. It also has a 3", hVGA (usually 460k dot) LCD panel. The company promises long battery life and an electronic viewfinder, but in both cases gives no real detail.

Press Release
Specifications

Press Release:

Samsung Introduces the Dual Grip, 60x Optical Zoom WB2200F SMART Camera at CES 2014

Premium Super Bridge Long-Zoom SMART Camera Blends Power with Smart Design and SMART Camera 3.0 Technology

LAS VEGAS – January 07, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd announced the Samsung WB2200F SMART Camera, a Super Bridge Long Zoom camera featuring an incredible 60x Optical Zoom and a unique and comfortable dual grip design. This premium model brings photographers closer to the action and offers powerful optical performance ideal for photographers who value high quality imagery, long battery life and want the ability to share memories instantly.

“For years, super bridge long-zoom cameras have largely been focused on improved optical zoom as a key selling point. In the Samsung WB2200F SMART Camera, Samsung delivers an impressive 60x Optical Zoom lens, but we’ve also prioritized improved image quality, smarter design and our industry-leading SMART Cameras 3.0 Technology,” said Ron Gazzola, Vice President, Marketing for Digital Imaging, Samsung Electronics America. “Specifically, the new comfortable dual grip design on the WB2200F SMART Camera brings a new look and feel to the often ubiquitous super bridge long zoom category.”

Smarter Design

With a dual-grip design and solid professional appearance, the WB2200F is comfortable and easy to hold. Its Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) makes photographers’ jobs easier and more pleasurable, and the device’s unique i-Function control offers advanced elements that facilitate full manual control at the touch of a button. Amateur and expert photographers alike can also benefit from more fully automatic SMART Modes ranging from capturing the beauty of a setting sun with 'Sunset' mode to reliving the excitement of a fast-paced sporting event with 'Action Freeze' mode.

An Improved Imaging Experience

The outstanding 60x Optical Zoom allows photographers to capture more intimate shots and get closer to their subject, ensuring that images taken from afar retain impressive detail and accuracy.With the option to operate the zoom at double speed, or to go directly from zero to 60x zoom, the range of flexible shooting options provide greater image control to help secure the desired shots. With a 20mm Ultra Wide angle lens users can pack even more into the frame to create vibrant images that don't miss a thing. The camera also features a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, which produces still images alive with color and rich in detail and 1080/30p Full HD Movie recording, which can be enjoyed in in brilliant detail on the 75.0mm (3.0-inch) hVGA LCD screen that also displays the device’s EVF.

Simply Tap to Share Memories

Boasting the latest SMART Camera 3.0 connectivity features, the WB2200F is equipped with NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities so that photographers can share their creations easily and quickly. The brand new ‘Tag & Go’ feature even goes one step further, seamlessly connecting the WB2200F with smartphones through simply touching the two devices together, no configuration required. This then enables a host of clever features designed to improve both usability and functionality. Photo Beam sends photos being viewed on the camera straight to smartphones, while AutoShare saves images straight to smartphone in real time, removing the burden of manually backing up pictures. With Remote Viewfinder photographers can use their smartphone to control the WB2200F, a great solution for setting up group or individual shots, while Mobile Link allows the transfer of selected images to smartphones to help organize the viewing experience.

Samsung WB2200F specifications

Price
MSRP	$449
Body type
Body type	SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Max resolution	4608 x 3456
Image ratio w:h	4:3, 16:9
Effective pixels	16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	17 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Color space	sRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 100-6400
White balance presets	8
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Optical
Uncompressed format	No
JPEG quality levels	Super fine, fine, normal
File format	JPEG
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	20–1200 mm
Optical zoom	60×
Maximum aperture	F2.8–5.9
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (2x)
Normal focus range	80 cm (31.5″)
Macro focus range	10 cm (3.94″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	460,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder resolution	201,600
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	8 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/2000 sec
Exposure modes	Smart Auto Program A/S/M Smart
Scene modes	Beauty Face Continuous Shot Landscape Macro Action Freeze Rich Tones (HDR) Panorama Silhouette Sunset Night Fireworks Light Trace
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	6.00 m (ISO Auto)
External flash	No
Flash modes	Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash Off, Red-eye fix
Drive modes	Single Continuous Bracket (WB, AE) Pre-capture
Continuous drive	8.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes
Videography features
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30P)
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	Internal, SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage included	17 MB
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n with NFC
Remote control	Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	BP-1410 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	600
Weight (inc. batteries)	708 g (1.56 lb / 24.97 oz)
Dimensions	119 x 122 x 105 mm (4.69 x 4.8 x 4.13″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
GPS	None

Tags: camera-news, ces2014, samsung

View Comments (204)

Comments

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Oldest first

Ron In Colorado

It seems unfortunate that the majority of comments on this camera are made without the benefit of actually having used the camera and or ignore the simple fact that the value or lack thereof is highly dependent on the needs of a particular individual and their intended use.

Does 'sensor size' really matter? The answers are yes, no or maybe depending on a person's individual need, goals and level of experience.

Does it really matter how much zoom or how wide angle the camera's capability is? For me personally 20mm means a lot and I'm not worried in the least about barrel distortion and cropping as I regularly shot interior shots of room for realtors and getting that little extra in a shot can mean the difference of being able to show the best features of a room in the best possible context or not.

Costco has a great deal on this camera right now and I intend to give it a test run and then post comments that actually reflect how well it works for my circumstances.

Jul 13, 2014permalink

Francis Carver

No clue why something this horrid would go for $449.00. I take it there will not be all that many takers for it, either. You just can't fool ALL the people ALL the time, you know.

Feb 15, 2014permalink

fabianfred

Pity it has no GPS ...but it would complement my Samsung Note 3 phone well.
The sensor is the same size as in my Canon SX50HS which has a great zoom range...although it would be nicer to have a bigger sensor it can still perform well I'm sure.
What size is the sensor in the Note 3? That gives amazing results.

Jan 23, 2014permalink

Francis Carver

Provided Samsung would have beefed up the sensor to a 1-incher (Sony style) and made the zoom lens brighter, this could have been really something. But as it is, it mainly has got this dual grip design going for it -- must be the first ever in a camera hosting a 1/2.3-inch mini imager inside.

Jan 13, 2014permalink

tabloid

Knit picking about the sensor…..lol

The sensor is about the size of a knit.

Jan 12, 2014permalink

srados

So my comment got deleted?So trolls I have hurt you somehow?Reason I did it (mentioned that Victorian-North American passive-aggressiveness in not an answer for everything on this website) I wish that people here talk about product, not about being jealous boobs.You need to rejoice and cheer up for ANY new product, which means MORE choices for US consumers and photographers, professionals or not.Every product created no matter that was a camera or a coffee grinder has it's own BUYER and consumer.You should be happy that you are not living in third world country and have limited choices...All this knit-picking about sensor size etc, blah blah blah is just traffic generating for this website.But moronic comments of "experts" do make me to actually go to the store and TRY this camera BEFORE I form my opinion.My comment got 14 like last time I checked before being deleted, meaning, NOT being politically correct is OK from time to time...And now go ahead and complain and delete this one...

Jan 10, 2014permalink

dyoon153

Chill, friend. I felt the very same thing in this rant...oops, comment section.
Don't bother trying too hard to communicate with trolls. They are out here to feel approved and to garner attention. Save your time and energy, weekend is here soon!

Jan 10, 2014*permalink

Francis Carver

Yeah, and also do not forget the old adage: it takes a true troll to really KNOW a troll. Doesn't it though?

Feb 15, 2014permalink

Provia_fan

I can't understand such idiotic comments about sensor size here. It's a camera aimed at the regular joe and jane not pros. Secondly, you want a big zoom, you need a small sensor. Thirdly, there have been photojournalists during the recent wars who have used bridge cameras, because they are more portable and if they have to make a run for it it's easier to do so with just one camera in hand rather than with a bag full of lenses and camera in hand.

One of these photographers who shot with a compact being Alex Majoli from Magnum photos by the way.

Their work work was never lesser for the fact that they used a small sensor camera. It's not the camera that makes the photos folks.

Jan 10, 2014*permalink

srados

Ignorance is a bliss...

Jan 10, 2014permalink

tabloid

Re flea size sensors.

The problem arises when u need to pull up parts of the image.

Jan 12, 2014permalink

Provia_fan

On that note, it depends. My old Fujifilm S20pro, when shot in RAW not only pulls out amazing dynamic range but also can give you its full 6MP resolution if you you use Adobe Camera RAW.
Unfortunately it's now as rare as hens teeth and mine is broken. But the smaller Fujifilm's SR sensors at that time they were reviewed got so-so reviews because the technology or rather was not there to make the most of them.NEvertheless, their dynamic range was good and above all. Colourwise, the best I have used for people and nature. For those who still have their S20s or F700 for that matter, run their RAW files through Adobe Camera Raw, you will not leave the house without your camera afterwards, I guarantee you that.

Jan 13, 2014permalink

Timmbits

HAHAHAHAHA!

1/2" sensor!!!

ROTFL

it looks like a "real" camera...

so kids can play "pretend to be a professional photographer" LOL

Jan 10, 2014*permalink

b craw

Sounds to me like a comment whose subtext is some weird preservation of the appearance of the profession. A little news to those that think all professionals use only massive rigs, capable of impressing the entire neighborhood and adjacent communities. I cut my teeth in the days - and they were not all that long ago - when photographers often had a variety of cameras, and used different ones directed by context and creative intent. Now, photography has become the realm of exclusive advocacy - your approach and equipment sucks, mine is better. Sad, really, but the world evolves for better or worse. Meanwhile, and nonetheless, better photographers keep their heads where they belong: images and ideas. And whether they shoot with a Holga being held together with duct tape or a medium format Mamiya, appearances have little to do with the real business of good image making.

Jan 11, 2014permalink

b craw

Timmbits, sorry - I was a little too heavy toned in that response. It wasn't intended to be directed at you.

Jan 12, 2014permalink

tabloid

I think that a sensor so small in this pro looking camera is laughable.

The sensor is about the size of a squashed flea…..lol

Jan 12, 2014permalink

dyoon153

I'd really freak out if size of a flea is over 1/2"...*shivers*

Jan 13, 2014permalink

boudro_

with a sensor that small, why not just make it square and flip the image with a switch?

Jan 10, 2014permalink

Piggy the bad

Finally a modern day replacement for the Minolta Dimage A1

Jan 10, 2014permalink

PredatorsPrey

The large design is really tempting and it's lightweight compared to my D-SLR with battery grip and telephoto lens. All the grip comfort of it in a camera good for holiday snapshots which don't need the superior quality of a D-SLR. Unfortunately it lacks in some other aspects and holiday travels are something I haven't had in years so it's nothing for me.

Jan 9, 2014permalink

(unknown member)

Guys, visit a very popular city, like San Francisco ( go to a Lombard Street, for example ), and look what kind of cameras are in hands, or in pockets (!), of hundred of tourists. I don't understand who really needs all these long-zoom and super-long zoom "monster"-cameras especially if I take into account that more then 40% of all money spent on electronics in 2014 will be spent on smartphones and tablets. From my point of view that is a complete waste of money on R&D and production because during last a couple of years we saw so many long-zooms with 200K LCDs, limited functionality, questionable IQ, etc.

Jan 9, 2014permalink

audijam

wide angle for tourists
super zoom for window peepers

Jan 10, 2014permalink

FRANCISCO ARAGAO

bridge cameras have wide appeal: convenience in a small package

Jan 12, 2014permalink

AdamT

20-1200 ? ..... 28-1680 would have been more impressive, few need 20mm of wide and even 24 means tons of barrel correction in software producing iffy edges . these cams are about zoom range and canon did the 1200mm thing over a year ago , 1680mm however is something else .

Jan 9, 2014permalink

Prime_Lens

It covers 20mm to 1200mm and that is not good enough?
You can always crop a bit to get closer shot, but you can not get wider.

Jan 9, 2014permalink

Provia_fan

As someone who's done press work, I can safely say I would reach more often for my 15 and 20mm than my 28mm.

Jan 10, 2014permalink

RandyPD

If the sensor size won't make you look like a 'pro', maybe the camera size will...

Jan 9, 2014permalink

Soggoth

Wow, I couldn't imagine more typical Samsung product!
Although there still a room to make this thing even more samsung'ish. Maybe add a curved screen and voice control, or make this grip on 3 sides...

Jan 9, 2014permalink

pfzt

Haha, that is true ;)

Although i like the design approach, because the dual-grip really is handy and i hope that other manufacturers will be inspired by that. Don't want to buy a battery grip every time and there is no need to grant this design only to pro DSLR bodys.

Jan 9, 2014permalink

HowaboutRAW

Sogg:

Not familiar with Samsung still cameras and lenses are you?

Jan 9, 2014permalink

tabloid

Sensor size: 6.17 x 4.55…lol

Thats not a sensor, that a joke.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Dmitriy Balashov

Can you can just imagine the size of the same 60x zoom on a 4/3?

Jan 11, 2014permalink

thx1138

Much better with a 1/1.7" sensor and a 40x zoom. 1/2.3" sensors should now only be reserved for smartphones; welcome to 2009.

Jan 8, 2014*permalink

CM2seabee

Someone may like this camera. Too each his own. Looks like a nice camera.
Without seeing the full spec sheet on it I wont pass judgement. I'm sure it will do fine for someone who is not ready for a slr.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

dyoon153

People think too much on camera they will never touch... too much time on web is not a good thing, I think.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

plasnu

This camera will look gorgeous at Walmart. $99.99?

Jan 8, 2014permalink

KZMike

Dinky sensor ◄► Fixed Screen + no hot shoe = no purchase

Jan 8, 2014permalink

mrdancer

I see a great use for this camera. On a tripod, on my back deck, overlooking the lake in the valley (no, I would never "show it off" to friends, that would be somewhat embarrassing). But it would capture lots of great wildlife/bird shots, sailboat shots, etc. Will they be award-winning 18"+ prints? Absolutely not!!! But they will be great for the standard 4"x6" prints and websharing, etc. Don't need a bigger sensor for that stuff.

I'm rather impressed by the F numbers on a zoom of this magnitude. Curious as to how quickly it falls off in the zoom range - i.e., how does it compare to the FZ200's 2.8 at 600mm? Also curious if Samsung has improved their image quality in their P&S cameras. If it is on par with the FZ200, this could be a contender.

Yes, this is a camera primarily for shooting distance in daylight. I use a GX7 for all of my 'normal' stuff and have gotten used to the NFC - bump it to my Nexus and do remote shooting, etc. - would like NFC on all of my cams.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

BarnET

Just get the pana 100-300 or oly 75-300 for the GX7
the GX7 is stabilised so both will work fine.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Pierre Couture

They have chosen to maintain a rather low ISO range, good for them. Would it be my choice of camera? Not sure, but kudos for trying to think outside the box.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

whtchocla7e

You'd probably get better image quality cropping out of a NEX-3 image shot at 300mm.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

mrdancer

@whtchocla7e: Yes, that is something I'd like to see. A crop of my GX7 at 300mm compared to the 1200mm capture of this Samsung cam, taken in normal daylight conditions on a tripod (for both). How would the images compare? Especially in the form of 4"x6" prints, or a typical webshare...

I have the 45-175mm OIS lens for the GX7, but no 300mm (yet). It specs out to 5.6 at the long end.

Jan 8, 2014*permalink

Timmbits

"Also curious if Samsung has improved their image quality in their P&S cameras."
SERIOUSLY??? you go for 1/2" sensors and you are actually concerned with image quality?
If you want image quality, get something with a real sensor, not a toy.

Jan 10, 2014permalink

b craw

Timmbits: A toy? I agree with the original poster - sensors should match output demands. And performance also has a fair bit to do with shooting circumstance. Are you willing to proclaim all cameras as less-than-good quality because of similar "toy"-sized sensors? In all honesty, do I have a super positive opinion of this camera (based on specs)? No. But I am also not the intended market for such a camera.

Jan 12, 2014*permalink

mrdancer

@Timmbits: There are a lot of decent quality photos out there (at 4"x6" prints, or for typical computer/web use) that were acquired with P&S cameras with 1/2.3 and 1/2.5 sensors. Sensor size is a small (albeit important) part of photography. There are many other significant components, as well as lens quality and image processing, that goes into creating a good quality photo. Does an APS-C or FF sensor really have that great of an advantage in full-daylight tripod landscape shots?!? Particularly if the end use is not poster-sized prints?

I've shot many 1/2.3 - 1/2.5 cameras, with greatly varying image qualities. My comment about Samsung's P&S quality was related to their past image quality vs. other P&S cams I have operated. Yes, I've also shot with DSLRs and my current camera is a GX7, so I am not blind to their advantages.

By logic of some of the comments fielded on here, I could throw a full-frame sensor in a tin can and have a high-quality serious professional camera.

Jan 13, 2014permalink

Maverick_

It's becoming painfully obvious that Samsung needs to change their camera department direction and vision of the future. For a company that has become the king of electronics, with very popular phones, laptops, tablets and also appliances and so on they are lacking in the camera dept.

They should either get out of making cameras and stick to enhancing the cameras on their excellent phones or relaunch the camera dept to be on par with at the very least Sony. Yes, it will take a couple of hundred million dollars initial investment, and hiring good talent (stealing from other companies) but for them that's peanuts.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Leandros S

But what's your actual objection to this camera?

Jan 8, 2014permalink

BarnET

Do you have an minute

Too small sensor with too high pixelcount
Too heavy
Lens is too slow for a compact when zoomed in
Viewfinder seems small
NO HOTSHOE!!
No dedicated ISO button
No dedicated WB button
Only 460k screen

Jan 8, 2014permalink

KZMike

You only scratched the surface
-Fixed Screen
-Video seems restricted with no 'speaker'
-Lack of info/spec indicates, lack of thought fo rwhat has/is to be 'final' product

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Maverick_

Thanks guys for filling in.

I wasn't specifically objecting to this one camera from Samsung, but the fact that for such a successful company, their cameras are lacking. I am not sure why they need a camera business, LG, HTC, Nokia, Apple, Acer, Asus, Lenovo, on and on, none have cameras and for some odd reason Samsung decided to have one and they are very bad at it. Totally mediocre stuff, with (IMO) no reason to exist considering the excellent offerings from their competition in this field.

Hence my point is this NOTE TO SAMSUNG:
Either dump your camera business to some Chinese company or revamp it completely and make it competitive. I don't think Samsung actually needs to be in the camera business, except in their phones/tablets.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

dyoon153

As per Samsung, I guess their logic is not that they are just simply into camera business, they are into something more big, called 'consumer electronic' industry. They are trying to saturate market in every possible product they can produce. It's their corporate strategy. They saw significant improvements over years in many other fields this way (note fridges, smartphones, TV, etc. They weren't as big name in those fields either, as far as i can remember.)
Samsung dumping camera business likely won't happen. It seems they are quite confident as for now, regardless how many people rant about their mediocre products, they are continuously churning out products. They also have enough marketing power and money to invest in saturating market with their brand, and enough (but often falling short in some aspect) brains to R&D.
I'm not a fan of Samsung, but I am still interested how much they will progress after 5-10 year with their camera tech..

Jan 8, 2014*permalink

b craw

Maverick_, I would rather not turn this into a brand battle, but have you ever shot with a NX300. As a professional who has, I can say that it is very well positioned in the market as a very capable camera. Image quality on the whole is rather impressive; it is better than the lower half of the Sony NEX series, and competitive with much of the upper end. It has a very good tilting AMOLED display (no EVF or EVF option - that is unfortunate), hybrid phase and contrast detect AF, focus peaking, and great Wi-Fi and NFC. So, this model and (based upon initial indications) the NX30 are very good cameras. Also, the NX lenses are very respectable. So I am having a bit of trouble figuring what information you are going on as to support the opinion that Samsung should get out of the camera business.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

BarnET

Well in the way samsung is handling compacts they could ditch that. The NX line in whole is coming together nicely. But so is Fujifilm. It would be better if samsung would look closely at fujifilm. And not just the styling like they did with the compact announcement.

Jan 9, 2014permalink

Timmbits

@maverick_
you are obviously commenting on the samsung cameras at walmart, and not the NX line. if you do that, you can easily dismiss all manufacturers because of their low-end junk that is on walmart's shelves, including whatever brand you use.
@b craw
well said
@BarnET
Fuji-X is only double the price of a comparable Samsung-NX (and rather large compared to other mirrorless). very nice lenses though.

My 5 cents worth:
Samsung has some very good offerings in the NX line....
and then they go and mess things up by going into all kinds of absurd directions.
Maybe they are just trying to capture as many different market segments as possible, as a strategy. Maybe there's nothing wrong with that, and maybe we just need to come to accept that, and choose the product of their's that suits our own needs, and forget about the rest.
It's still worrysome to see some of the directions they take - makes you wonder if that is to become their new direction (like the android nx for example).

Jan 10, 2014*permalink

b craw

Timmbits, I agree with your opinions about Samsung. I also think many photographers who are otherwise accepting of the merit of much of the NX series tend to perceive some offerings e.g. Galaxy NX as overdoing the Wi-Fi angle - and rightfully so. But as you said, this is probably something we are just going to have to deal with. It is a potential advantage in a crowded camera market on the whole. It, so far, has felt a bit forced or desperate; I'm hoping a better synthesized face for Samsung will emerge so more people will be able to consider them based upon their good cameras, not continue to disparage them as merely a mobile device maker with a side interest in photo.

Jan 12, 2014permalink

rpm40

A pretty standard superzoom compact, with a nonremovable portrait grip grafted on? Samsung comes up with some weird ones, but I think this ones going to bomb particularly hard..

Jan 8, 2014permalink

JamesD28

I don't see the point of putting this kind of sensor in such a huge body when the level of functionality and image quality won't be much different from most other superzoom bridge cameras..... Fujifilm really struck a chord with the X-S1: larger sensor, barrel-twist zoom lens..... Manufacturers should start working around those kind of features, because 50x/60x zooms are starting to lose their uniqueness. A 25x (at least), APS-C superzoom should be the next big thing.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

BarnET

Apsc-super zooms would become too big or have an more limited zoom range. an 15 times zoom would be max with Apsc. look at the Tamron 18-270mm PZD. Something like that would cost at least $1000. So not an good compromis.

What Fujifilm did was good but isn't the only way.
Olympus made an rather excellent Stylus 1
Panasonic made FZ200.

Small sensors can work. But only if you use an very fast and sharp lens. Something most companies seem to forget in getting the longest zoom possible.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Timmbits

there IS that new Sony RX10 (I believe) with a 1" sensor.
that's one up better than the X-S1 in my opinion.
I loved the controls on the xs1 though!
From an ergonomics standpoint, that was an awesome camera! However, for the X-S1, while portraits were very good, the image quality at maximum zoom was lacking in my experience.

Jan 10, 2014permalink

trungthu

""" The outstanding 60x Optical Zoom allows photographers to capture more intimate shots and get closer to their subject, ensuring that images taken from afar retain impressive detail and accuracy.With the option to operate the zoom at double speed, or to go directly from zero to 60x zoom,..."

We should write: ... to go directly from 1x to 60x zoom...
Not from zero.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Thsoft

No Video ? OMG

Jan 8, 2014permalink

RFC1925

"1080/30p Full HD Movie recording"

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Janovlk

When some designer "invents" at last square shaped sensor in order to avoid turnig camera for a portrait shot?

Jan 8, 2014permalink

tkpenalty

People who think the portrait grip is unecessary might want to try shooting with a 1200mm lens first.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

BarnET

With an sensor this small and an aperture this narrow.
No thanks. It's not worth the effort.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

myphotographic

You're unlikely to see anyone winning Wildlife Photographer of Year using one of these, but the latest generation of superzooms do seem to be popular with birdwatchers who want decent record shots of birds that often aren't close.

Integrating a portrait grip is an interesting introduction to the segment.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

BarnET

Aren't those birdwatchers better of with the Panasonic FZ200?

Jan 8, 2014permalink

myphotographic

Well, we'll need to have this camera reviewed before we can any definitive statement. 1200mm vs 600mm will certainly be tempting to some, hence the Canon SX50 having a following. Compared to the SX50, not having raw looks a misstep.

(personally, I'll keep dreaming of a Canon 500/600/800 L lens I can't afford...)

Jan 8, 2014permalink

slncezgsi

Samsung has managed to put a tiny sensor into a huge camera. Most companies have tried the other approach lately. Thumbs up for Samsung for thinking out of the box :)

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Alek79

Panasonic have done both, vide FZ200 and GM1. I'm not sure which product sells better... Horses for courses.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Spectro

after reading all the high tech spec info on this camera, I think it is still missing the nanny cam option.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

tttfoto

OMG!!! Paparazzi pocket cam

Jan 8, 2014permalink

srados

I will never understand north American(maybe I should call it Victorian education or lack of it) passive aggressiveness and unreasonable trolling and rejecting the camera that is looking cool on paper.All of you that did not even hold a camera in your hand suddenly you all base your "opinion" on previous models of other manufacturers and never had a Samsung camera in your hand. I on the other hand think we should all wait and see.My previous experience with super-zooms was a slow focus and slow lens operation.I hope this cam will be better in real life...

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Anfernee Cheang

Very similar to Korean manufactured sports cars with the 1.6L engine. That's their style and way of thinking. LOL

Jan 8, 2014permalink

dyoon153

Jan 8, 2014*permalink

John McMillin

This looks like a Nikon F5 built around a Minox sensor- "All the bulk, but just a quarter the fiber!"

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Zeisschen

typical Samsung. Create something cheap that looks like a "pro" tool. They know the market, it consists of mainly of people that want to show of with a big camera and want "all in one", no changeable lenses. Marketing makes this camera possible and it will probably be successfull. People use these kind of camera in their holiday, mostly good light and in low light it has a flash. That's not what photographers want, but what "most normal people" want.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

srados

It does not seem like a "big camera" to me.It is looking bulky...due to grip.I do not see as a threat to mirrorless market.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Lukino

well zeiss, if this is what most normal people want, other camera companies are plain crazy, because there is lot more "normal" people than "photographer" out there...

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Alek79

Yes Lukino, other camera companies are crazy because most of the people want a camera of the size of Sony 7R rather than Nikon Df.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Alek79

Your assessment is right. I would add that most of the so-called "photographers" are snobs who also want to show off except that they DO buy something expensive but still use it to create something mediocre. It's a reason behind all the hatered towards this camera: the gearheads can't get over the fact that someone will look as professional as them for 1/10 of the price, LOL!

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Donald B

looks great, cant wait to see the size of the evf, hope its the same as the stylus 1 ?

Jan 8, 2014permalink

tkbslc

I was hoping for 15-1500mm... : (

Maybe next year.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

papa natas

Wrong, baby..
17-3 000mm...!!

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Anfernee Cheang

And combined with F2-2.8... :(

Maybe next next year.

(Samsung can make the sensor 1/500". I DON'T CARE!)

Jan 8, 2014permalink

JeffreyJC

Why no hotshoe?

You had to have a fixed LCD?

Two selling points that will make most look the other way.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

straylightrun

Yeah, the no hotshoe is a very strange choice.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Steve9

bwahahaha! Vertical grip on a P&S. "Wow, that's a big camera, you must take great pictures with it!" Oh, and no manual zoom or focus rings for the lens. How's that going to work? Oh, I know: "hold on, let me zoom my lens [whirrrrrrr]" "Just a little more [whirrrrrrr]", "Ok, I can take my photo now"

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Zoron

wow....this is a cool pretension....good job

Jan 8, 2014permalink

beavertown

That sensor size is a turn off.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

samfan

I really have to try this thing someday. It's like one of those keychain cameras or other funny toy cameras which are so insane you just have to try them.

But I'm also thinking, maybe Samsung had some particular use in mind for this sort of camera. I can't imagine it, but maybe there is something. Because really, Samsung isn't a company which just throws random things at the wall to see what sticks. Look at the NX lenses (very practical lineup). So far, their most crazy camera was the one with the LCD on the front and that one sold like hotcakes.

I also do like vertical grips, and who says you can't have one on a small sensor camera. Maybe there actually is demand for it.

I never really understood why the pro DSLRs have to have integral vertical grips since this wasn't a thing before Nikon F5. Somehow it's now a pro feature even though it doesn't really make that much sense.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

stevens37y

" integral vertical grips"
You don't need to buy an extra grip for more money.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

HowaboutRAW

samfan:

Bigger grips mean more room for battery power.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

BarnET

So the bigger battery allows to user to shoot more crappy noisy soft shots. Great.......

Jan 8, 2014permalink

HowaboutRAW

BarnET:

How do you know anything about the image quality of this camera?

Samsung lenses and sensors are often excellent, the jpeg engine not so much but it likely shoots raw--not listed above.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

BarnET

The excellent Samsung sensors are only found in the NX line.
They also have some excellent lenses like the 85mm F1.4
I am also curious about the 16-50mm F2-2.8

However. Compacts of samsung have never been any good. Samsung is not the best in getting jpegs right. I don't care when i can shoot raw most of these don't let me.

The lenses on these compacts are decent. not excellent. Doesn't matter when the sensor is diffraction limited at F2.8 anyway.

So what's the point. It's huge with the grip and my phone can take better picture is low light( HTC One)

Jan 8, 2014permalink

sempull tampush

@HowaboutRAW: only few people know the image quality of this cam ATM. However, judging by sensor size and resolution, i think it's safe to make an educated guess here. But who knows, maybe they learnt at Samsung to bend the laws of physics ;)

Jan 8, 2014permalink

HowaboutRAW

BarnET:

Shooting raw the image quality from the EX2F is excellent. (Yes I guess Schneider did the lens design.)

Jan 8, 2014permalink

HowaboutRAW

sempull:

What you say is very possible, what I objected to was broadly saying that Samsung cameras don't produce good image quality, when in fact many do. And high image quality is not limited to the NX line.

All we can do is wait for raws (I hope) from this super zoom.

Jan 8, 2014*permalink

sempull tampush

@HowaboutRAW: Yes, that's a valid point.

Jan 9, 2014permalink

completelyrandomstuff

20-400mm with F2.8-4.0 would have been a lot nicer option, in my opinion. Somehow I doubt many people using this camera will invest into a sturdy tripod to make a worthwhile 1200mm shot, especially with this ridiculus aperture.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

completelyrandomstuff

That being said, I am glad they start including wide angle lenses in compact cameras. I would much rather buy one that has 16-35mm zoom built in than one that has 20-1200mm.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

new boyz

Maybe it's an optical design constraint. I see the long end has become longer and longer, but the wide part hasn't become anymore wider. I'm one of those who would happily sacrifice longer long end for a wider wide end. For me very long lens isn't very practical for vacation(target market I guess) purpose - atmospheric turbulence, shakes etc. 16-135mm FF equivalent "superzoom" will be good enough. That covers landscape all the way to closeup portrait.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

altproto

Perhaps with a 1" sensor you could fit a 12-15x lens with a decent aperture behavior from f2.8-5.6(i.e. not RX100 like). But I guess just a few people would buy it.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

NetMage

Isn't 20mm the widest superzoom so far?

I think you underestimate the difference 20mm to 24mm makes and are too impressed by the number size of 1200mm - consider this: a 3x zoom can be a 300-900 or a 20-60. I think the new trend of widening the wide end of superzooms is actually going pretty well.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Lukino

I wanted to hate this camera, but it is so ugly I want to carry it around everyday.. Please Samsung, make a flatter non-superzoom version, something that crazy will become an icon!

Jan 8, 2014permalink

stevens37y

This is for people who want a superzoom. You should simply buy a non superzoom.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Lukino

I mean I want a non-superzoom-integral-vertical-grip one!
Not because I find it useful, or I think there is a market for it, just because it will look crazy. I mean, just try to figure this one whithout the lens bulge on the front!

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Michael Ma

Two words: All wrong.

It is either for someone looking to take wildlife photos who's looking for an all in one solution. Or it is for someone who's never owned a super telephoto lens or superzoom camera to realize anything over 3x zoom is 99.9% of the times unnecessary. Sure, occasionally you can shoot some sports, but all those extra elements in the lens will come at a price of lost quality for pictures in the normal 1x-3x range.

No standard flash hot shoe, and built in flash. Fixed lens.

The boys at ritz are going to have their work cut out for them trying to push these out of the inventory.

Jan 7, 2014permalink

stevens37y

1200mm is very good if the stabi is very good.
Mainly for video.

Jan 8, 2014*permalink

Alek79

You've just answered yourself: "for someone looking to take wildlife photos who's looking for an all in one solution" - what is wrong with that?

Jan 8, 2014permalink

NetMage

I shoot over 3x all the time - in fact my walk around lens is 5.6x (Canon 15-85).

Jan 8, 2014permalink

RFC1925

Bridge cameras already look like DSLRs, this one looks like a DSLR with a battery grip. What's the big deal? Are DSLRs with battery grip utterly ridiculous? Why wouldn't some bridge camera buyers want a longer battery life and more convinient portrait shooting experience even if it adds some weight and makes the camera larger? Some DSLR users happily make that tradeoff.

Market is full of pretty much identical bridge cameras, this one is a welcome addition.

Jan 7, 2014permalink

dyoon153

It's always intriguing and annoying at the same time to watch ranters flock to whatever subject they need to blast on to relieve their stress. Someone should make site named DPrant and redirect all digital photography related rants there.

Jan 7, 2014*permalink

stevens37y

Some people turn sometimes the camera by 90 degrees and want to handle it comfortably.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

hexxthalion

Dear Samsung, please leave cameras, well you know, to camera companies and go back to designing some fridges or whatever you are good at

Jan 7, 2014permalink

Scottelly

What's wrong with you? The more competition in the marketplace the better! YOU will be the one who benefits.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Lukino

Dear hexxsomething, I won't subscribe to your point of view, but I must say I have a Samsung fridge, and is a great fridge!

Jan 8, 2014permalink

samfan

Such as Sony or Panasonic who never even made film cameras? Because Samsung did.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

srados

Dear "hexxthalion" since you are giving advice to billion dollar company how to run their business,here is advice for you, put some gallery with your photos here so we all can have some nice laugh on your work...

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Karroly

Samsung designs LCD, AMOLED displays and sensors. Why not design square sensors and displays to be put into a camera that can frame horizontally or vertically without the need to rotate it ? The result would not be so ugly, bulky, heavy and most probably would be cheaper, IMHO...

Jan 7, 2014permalink

Scottelly

But then the camera would not look so cool and professional, and it would not have so much room for a big battery or second battery. This is a good design for some people. It also adds another camera to the Samsung stable. Bragging rights.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Karroly

@Scottelly,
"It also adds another camera to the Samsung stable."
You are right because this one is a beast !
More seriously, what looking "so cool and professional" has to do with photography ?
And a square sensor plus a bigger battery will not make a camera that big. And it adds another camera to the Samsung stable too...

Jan 8, 2014*permalink

whtchocla7e

Wouldn't it be easier to just make a square sensor?

Jan 7, 2014permalink

completelyrandomstuff

It would bring up the cost a bit. The yield on a wafer is better when you have rectangular sensors - same reason why all the LCD screens are now 'panoramic'.

Jan 7, 2014permalink

Scottelly

I seriously doubt that is what this is all about. It's more likely to be a gimmick sales tactic. Some people LIKE a big camera that looks like a professional's camera, and with a different sensor lots of other things have to change. Extra plastic and an extra battery compartment with a few buttons is a smarter way to go.

Square or rectangular, "wafer size" does not matter. Whoever says rectangular wafers are cheaper, because they're rectangular instead of square, needs to get their head examined. The difference at high volumes would be minimal. If Samsung decided to put some new, square sensor in this camera they would do it in a lot of their cameras. The problem is people would not be able to have such high resolution 2x3 photos, unless the sensor was actually bigger and higher resolution than the rectangular wafers. THEN there would be extra expense . . . not only in the cost of the larger wafer, but in the cost of other components, software, etc.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

completelyrandomstuff

Wow you are a really rude guy.

That being said, as of now that square sensors are in minority. The packing of wafers is a complex problem, they are expensive and waste of space is an issue of cost, integrated circuit speed, available fabrication equipment and as such a square sensor is not an economically viable option.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

Leandros S

Squares are rectangles.

Jan 8, 2014permalink

tmurph

Something bothers me about the design behind these cameras. When you look at the spec it's a bit mouth watering...20/1200 zoom lens being the wow factor and also all the usual bangs and whistles that are now common in any new camera that comes along. But, and here's the baffling thing for me, and it's this.
Sony bring out a full frame mirrorless camera. How close to the censor is the lens on these cameras compared to the super zoom bridge cameras. I would like to know because if you think about it, imagine a bridge camera with a full frame censor, surely isn't that the whole idea behind digital? an all in one camera rather than a full bag of lenses and other paraphernalia.

What's stopping the camera manufacturers from designing full frame bridge camera? Why do they bring out a camera with a huge zoom lens and put it in front of a censor the size of a knats testicle.
The reason I ask this is because I read somewhere recently that a top fashion photographer took an i- Phone On his latest assignment and all the photos on it. When someone asked him about the sharpness of the pictures he said " they don't look for sharpness, they look for impact " so don't mention quality of a DSLR and a prime lens compared to a bridge camera because that doesn't come into it.

Jan 7, 2014permalink

CanonKen

Look at the Sony RX10. For that size sensor, look at the size and cost.

You could do something like a 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 (look at the Nikon example of this lens for size/weight/cost), but you will not have a 60x on a FF due to the scaling of a lens on FF vs. a small sensor.

What that really means is you can buy a Sony a7, and the 28-300mm you know is coming at some point. $3,000, and you have as close as you will get.

Jan 7, 2014permalink

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