Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom with 10x optical zoom, 16MP CMOS Sensor announced

After weeks of making appearances in leaked shots, the Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom smartphone has finally been announced. The Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom boasts of features like 10x optical zoom, 16MP CMOS Sensor, OIS and Xenon flash. The smartphone is powered by a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and is fuelled by a 2330 mAh battery.

First things first, the Galaxy S4 zoom features a Zoom Ring that can be used to access the Galaxy S4 Zoom’s key features. When you’re in the middle of a phone call and you see something you absolutely have to share, a quick twist of the Zoom Ring will activate the In-Call Photo Share feature that allows you to capture and send an image directly via MMS to whoever you are talking to. In addition to that, the Zoom Ring can be used to activate the Quick Launch and Shortcut features for access to multiple camera modes including Auto, Gallery and Smart Mode.

What do you think, eh?

Here is a quick look at the specs of the Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom:

• 4.3 inch qHD sAMOLED screen with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels
• 3G, EDGE/GPRS, Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
• 16MP rear camera with 10x optical zoom, Sub (Front) 1.9MP camera
• GPS with A-GPS for Google Maps
• 8GB internal memory + microSD slot up to 64GB

The 10x optical zoom and 16MP BSI CMOS sensor lets you capture images from far away or up close and personal in all light conditions. Furthermore, Samsung claims that the built-in Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) helps keep the camera perfectly still even when you’re not, reducing blur and stabilising the image while zoomed in for good quality photos and video.

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The Photo Suggest feature connects users to huge libraries of images taken by fellow photographers, to help them find and compose their best shots anywhere in the world. Photo Suggest can even direct users to the ideal nearby location, which will give them the vantage point needed for that perfect photo.

Woah! 16MP shooter at the back!

It also features the company’s popular Smart Mode, owing to which users can choose from a series of pre-set modes and the camera will automatically adjust for good shots. Then there is the Drama Shot feature that Samsung says can be used to merge continuous shots of moving objects into a single composed image, or Action Freeze to instantly capture high-speed action. If you aren’t sure which Smart Mode to select, the Smart Mode Suggest feature can assess the scene for you and provide a short list of the best options for your consideration based on surrounding factors such as light levels, focal length or face detection.

“The Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom represents yet another step forward in the way Samsung is working to enhance the lives of our customers around the world,” said JK Shin, President and CEO, Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division, Samsung Electronics. “As communication continues to become increasingly visual in nature, people wish to capture and share their moments in the highest quality possible, but often do not have the space or inclination to carry a dedicated camera for this purpose. The Galaxy S4 zoom changes this forever, combining the industry leading functionality and connectivity of the Galaxy S4 with the high quality photographic experience you’d expect from a compact camera. The result is truly the best of both worlds, without compromise.”

The Samsung Galaxy S4 zoom runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.2. It includes Touchwiz as on the recently announced Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone,  which can help you fully customise various aspects of your device, including the lock screen and notification bar.

Impressed?

Using the Story Album feature on the smartphone, those who’ve just returned from a long trip can arrange all of their images and videos into one timeline to share with friends and loved ones. They can also edit images and even order prints directly from the device through a partnership with blurb. For those who’d rather transfer their images to their laptop or tablet for safe keeping, there is Samsung Link. Alternatively, on the Galaxy S4 zoom, you also have the option to sync all of your data in your own personal cloud through HomeSync, providing the ultimate peace of mind and ensuring your images and videos are waiting for you whenever you need them.

The Galaxy S4 zoom features the new Samsung Hub that can be accessed to get all of the latest music, videos, books and games, and Group Play that lets users connect directly with their Samsung devices so they can all listen and play together, without the need for a Wi-Fi or cellular signal.