Samsung intros Galaxy Camera: 16MP sensor, 4.8-inch display, Android 4.1

Samsung just expanded their Galaxy brand past smartphones, tablets and media players by adding the Galaxy Camera, a dedicated digital camera that’s powered by Android 4.1.

The camera bits include a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and 21x optical zoom lens up front, as well as a 4.8-inch HD Clear LCD touchscreen at the back. Other features include a 1.4GHz quad-core processor, 8GB of built-in storage, an SD card slot for adding more, and models that will range from a Wi-fi only version, and 3G and 4G variants. Access to the Google Play store, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and HDMI output comes standard.

Like most other cameras with built-in wireless connectivity, the Galaxy Camera offers instant upload capabilities for sending media to social networks. The camera offers a number of other new features, including a smart content manager that organizes photos by time and location, as well as a Shared Shot mode that instantly sends shots to other devices, and a Remote Viewfinder mode that’ll let you remotely control the cam using a different device. The Android-powered system also supports voice control, letting users zoom in and out or take a photo using voice commands.

The camera will also feature a Smart Pro mode for changing the settings, an Action Freeze Mode for taking action shots, a Light Trace Mode for taking night shots, and a Blue Sky mode that won’t wash out shots of the sky. Photo and Movie Wizard apps will let users edit captured content on the cam.

Samsung didn’t announce pricing or launch dates, but they did mention October availability through local carriers and retailers.