After dabbling with Wi-Fi cameras for the past two years, Samsung makes a major commitment with its latest digital imaging lineup. Unlike previous models, the new Wi-Fi devices will include a browser to allow log-in at public hotspots (though not full web browsing). Users will be able to upload photos directly to social networking sites, and upload video to YouTube. Files can also be wirelessly uploaded to Microsoft SkyDrive storage (which offers 25GB online for free), or Samsung’s own AllShare Play service.
Samsung delivered an innovative feature last year with its SH100 camera, which could use a Samsung Android phone as a wireless remote control – but it only worked with Samsung phones. The new cameras remove this limitation, opening up the remote control capability to any Android smartphone. There are four Wi-Fi cameras and one Wi-Fi camcorder in the line up:
WB850F
A 16-megapixel camera with 3-inch OLED display, 21x optical zoom, built-in GPS, fast f/2.8 lens, the WB850F captures full HD 1080p video at 30 frames per second. $379, available April.
WB150F
This model has a 14-megapixel with 3-inch OLED display, 18x optical zoom, full HD video and full manual controls. It will retail for $229, available January, 2012.
V300F
It boasts 16-megapixel sensor with a 3-inch LCD screen, 5x optical zoom and 720p video. It will retail for $199 when it becomes available in March, 2012.
ST200F
16-megapixel with 3-inch LCD screen, 10x optical zoom, 720p video. $199, available February 2012. There is Wi-FI equipped camcorder, the QF20, with 1080i recording at 60 frames per second and a 20x optical zoom.
QF20 video camcorder
This features the SwitchGrip system introduced in last year’s Q10. The camera can be rotated 180 degrees, making the controls easily accessible to left-handed users, and the LCD display will automatically change orientation to match the new viewing angle. The QF20 will ship in March for $349.
