Incoming: Samsung announces EX2F ‘smart camera’ that boasts ‘super-bright’ shots

Samsung has officially unveiled the EX2F, a high-end compact camera that offers a good improvement over the last few ‘smart cams’ that they released. While the ‘Smart Camera’ tag isn’t that new anymore –the EX2F also features a built-in Wi-fi connection for instant sharing and automatic online uploads – it does do something a lot better than their earlier models by taking ‘super-bright’ photos.

The super-bright part comes by way of a fast f/1.4 24-80mm lens that allows a lot more light into the 1/1.7-inch 12.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, making it good enough to have Samsung claim it having the ‘brightest digicam lens.’ Sensitivity also tops out at ISO 12,800, but if that’s still not bright enough, the EX2F also comes with a pop-up flash.

The rest of the spec includes most of the usual stuff you should expect to see on a premium compact, with RAW support, 1080p HD video recording at 30fps, and full manual controls at the back, along with a 3-inch AMOLED display that they placed on a pop-out swivel. The camera also sports built-in software that work with the integrated wireless connection, including Mobile Link, Remote Viewfinder, Email, and Auto Backup.

The good part is that they managed to cram all the improved tech in a body that’s lighter than the EX1 (the EX2F weighs 294.3 grams without the battery). The bad part? The price is pretty steep, costing $550 when it hits the shelves in August.

Press Release:

Samsung Smart Camera EX2F Combines Super-Bright Photography With Easy Sharing

Samsung combines bright f/1.4 lens with easy sharing in the new Smart Camera EX2F

SEOUL, Korea — July 3 — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of the EX2F, the latest model in its growing range of WiFi-enabled Smart Cameras. Following the success of the EX1 with f/1.8 lens, the new model is engineered to deliver super-bright photography thanks to its f/1.4 lens, the brightest in any compact camera, according to the company.

The high image and video quality of the EX2F can also “store and share images remotely using WiFi functionality.” With full Manual control in a strong but lightweight body, the EX2F is designed “for dSLR-owners looking for more portable equipment to capture images spontaneously and subtly and for photographers looking for a step-up in quality from their point-and-shoot while retaining ease-of-use and portability,” Samsung noted.

FEATURES

The EX2F combines a number of features engineered to deliver uncompromising picture quality in a variety of conditions. With its segment-leading f/1.4 24mm lens, the wide range of aperture steps delivers clear images and video even in very low light conditions. These are controlled using the front wheel key and Dual Dials, which enable switching between parameters and modes quickly for greater manual control. The low-light capabilities of the EX2F are also added to by the 1/1.7″ 12-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor.

Fusing quality with creativity, 1080/30p Full HD Movie Recording with stereo sound allows users to capture video in high enough quality to enjoy on a Full HD TV. The EX2F also allows still 12-megapixel photos and video to be captured simultaneously using the Dual Capture feature, so that any scene can be shot as both photo and video.

BRIGHTEST DIGICAM LENS

The EX2F’s f/1.4 24-80mm wide-angle lens is approximately four times as bright as a F2.8 camera lens. A further development is that the lens unit now consists of 11 elements in nine groups, with four aspherical lenses and two high refractive lenses. Combined, these provide a 20 percent increase in the amount of light on the sensor, a 20 percent increase in image quality and a 10 percent increase in zoom ratio.

The lens on the EX2F also incorporates a Neutral Density filter, giving the user greater control over exposure time in different conditions and making photos appear more neutral in situations of over-exposure. It also allows for shooting at a very shallow depth of field, so users can isolate their subjects from backgrounds to create stunning portraits. To make bright images clearer, the EX2F also includes Dual IS (OIS and DIS) to minimize the effect of shaking — particularly useful in low-light situations.

COMPLETE CONTROL

Housed in a sleek yet durable high-intensity magnesium body, more commonly found on dSLR models, the EX2F combines high-end image quality with convenience and speed. For those accustomed to the level of creative control on dSLRs, the EX2F allows for shooting in Raw mode for professional standard pictures.

The EX2F also includes full Manual control as well as Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. The Dual Dial and front wheel keys also allow users to quickly and easily adjust exposure for effortless pro-style control. This is all combined into a body that is compact and light, making it possible to carry the camera anywhere for spontaneous shots without the complication and intrusiveness of a weighty dSLR.

BRIGHT, INTUITIVE DISPLAY

The bright 3.0-inch Swivel AMOLED display consumes little battery power. The screen responds swiftly and displays images in high contrast, while the swivel display allows picture-taking from low and high angles, even self-portraits. The screen also incorporates Samsung’s Smart Panel user interface, which integrates all parameters into one display for easy control over the end result.

SHOOT & SHARE FROM ANYWHERE

The EX2F is the latest in Samsung’s Smart Camera range of WiFi-enabled cameras, which take the combination of high-quality imaging paired with connectivity to a new level. WiFi connectivity enables the secure storage of images through Auto Backup to a PC or saving to the Cloud. In addition, sharing to social networking sites such as Facebook or Picasa is easy — or pictures can be sent via email. The EX2F’s Mobile Link opens doors for connectivity with smartphones, without even having to resize images or video. Users can also access the Remote Viewfinder to use their smartphone’s screen to frame shots from a variety of angles. Through the SMART LINK button, all these functions can be accessed with one touch for simplified sharing and storage.

“We created the EX2F to show that taking great pictures doesn’t have to involve carrying a heavy and bulky dSLR wherever you go,” noted Myoung Sup Han, Samsung senior vice president and head of the digital imaging business. “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. It’s the perfect compact on-the-road companion for the DLSR user who expects the best image quality with full creative control. The inclusion of Samsung’s pioneering WiFi 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.”