Samsung EX2F Wi-Fi Smart Camera Learns from Past Mistakes

Smart cameras haven't come as far as Smart TVs, but they aren't doing badly either, not with Sony and, in this case, Samsung giving them a good reputation.

Admittedly, Samsung didn't start on the best of feet. Its Wi-Fi-equipped smart cameras, though not lacking in advertising, haven't been the most appealing of devices.

The company has been promoting them for about a year but the wireless Internet support came at the cost of image quality.

This tradeoff does not seem to apply to the new EX2F, thanks to the 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor and the f/1.4-2.7 lens.

Not that there aren't weak points. The zoom ratio of 3.3x is the most notable shortcoming. We doubt 10x would have been all that hard to implement cost-effectively.

At least the other specs seem fine: a top ISO setting of 12,800, full-size hot shoe, dual image stabilization and a 3-inch AMOLED display (VGA resolution, 640 x 480 pixels).

"Because the best shots often arise when you least expect them, the EX2F delivers manual control and stunningly bright image quality in a body that is small and light enough to carry around every day," said Mr. Myoung Sup Han, senior vice president and head of the digital imaging business, Samsung Electronics.

"The inclusion of Samsung's pioneering Wi-Fi technology also means that you can share those images straight from the camera, giving you the freedom to shoot and share wherever the journey takes you."

According to Engadget, Samsung wants $549 in exchange for the product. That means 435 Euro, assuming exchange rates have any relevance. More likely the price on the old continent will be closer to 500 Euro or more.

The money accounts for all the features mentioned above, as well as full manual shooting mode, RAW option and 1080/30p HD video capture. The main competition is posed by Sony's CyberShot RX100, which costs $100 / 80 Euro more but has a better sensor.