We told you some time back that Samsung were going to release a more price conscious version of their popular GALAXY Camera, which did away with 3G. Well this WiFi only model is to start shipping next month, which could leave some consumers with a bit of a dilemma.

We say this because all the other specs stay the same, which makes the device now 6 months old already. This model is only $50 cheaper, but you do not have to sign into a contract, so this could be the perfect time to get your hands on the GALAXY Camera.

However, some of you may wonder why they would want to do so when the Samsung GALAXY Camera 2 is expected to be announced in August, with an expected released date for October – well if the South Korean consumer electronics manufacturer follows what they did last year.

As for the camera itself, it’s had a mixed reaction, as some people believe the screen is a little larger and so consumes too much battery power. Although for the most part the GALAXY Camera has been well received and so we have been anticipating what Samsung will bring to the market later this year.

The current model is a little thick so one would presume the sequel will be thinner. Then there is the performance, because for a thick camera it’s not as fast as you would imagine, again Samsung should resolve this issue the next time around.

There have been several rumors regarding the next-generation GALAXY Camera coming with interchangeable lenses, and so the recent news that Samsung could soon release the GALAXY NX range seems to back those claims up. However, we have to wonder if the target audience would actually want such a feature?

Putting that idea to the side, Samsung will need to make other changes, such as a better sensor and up to 30x optical zoom, although the latter may be a little tough if Samsung were to make the GALAXY Camera 2 slightly thinner. Finally we’d love to see voice control added as well, but what else would you like to see improved on the next version?

When Samsung launched their GALAXY Camera towards the end of last year it was a statement that you did not need a smartphone in order to take and share pictures socially while on the move. While this seemed like a great idea at the time there was one issue, and that was the fact that buyers did not have a choice, as they could only purchase the WiFi/3G model.

However, Samsung has realized that consumers need a choice, just like Apple knew when they released the iPad – well a little later. Thankfully the South Korean consumer electronics maker is soon to release their WiFi only GALAXY Camera, and while this leaves off one of the key features, this new version is considered more of a budget model.

Okay, so we know that all other features will remain the same, but removing the ability to connect to 3G to share your images has a huge benefit, as it not only reduces the price of the camera itself, but also how much it would cost to set up a 3G data plan for the SIM that needed to be used.

All of the other specs for the new Samsung GALAXY Camera (Wi-Fi) remains the same, so it’s not really worth a review when you are only removing one feature from the equation. While Samsung felt the need to announce this new budget version of the GALAXY Camera for 2013 in a press release, they have yet to give us a price

We believe that Samsung has made a good move here, because having a 3G plan with no voice seemed to put potential buyers off, but now the WiFi only model is sure to help increase sales because it is more practical.

Camera makers know that they have to move with the times if they have any hope of staying relevant because we know that people’s needs have changed, and Samsung was one of the first to recognize this, which is why they felt the need to release the GALAXY Camera. What made this camera so different is how it runs on Android OS, the Nikon Coolpix S800c is another example and now the Polaroid iM1836.

The Polaroid iM1836 Android camera falls right in the middle of the three, with the Nikon being cheaper and the Samsung being the more expensive, but for good reason. However, Polaroid already has experience in Android cameras because they launched one at CES 2012, which was the very first Android camera.

We cannot deny how popular the Samsung GALAXY Camera has been since its launch, which is partly due to an extensive marketing campaign, although the features also have something to do with it. However, the Polaroid iM1836 does have something going for it and that’s the fact that it is the first Android camera to come with interchangeable lenses, and the sensor is built into the lens and not the body.

This may sound strange but Polaroid will have an adapter allowing for other branded lenses to be used as well, which does give you more options. The Polaroid iM1836 price is expected to be $350-400 when released later this year. Get a first look at this camera from CES in the video below.

Rumors have been doing the rounds for quite some time that Apple could release their very own digital camera, and many consumers would say that this was made more likely since the release of the Samsung GALAXY Camera. However, what makes us believe that Apple could be considering a rival device to the GALAXY Camera is the fact that they are in the process of purchasing several Kodak digital camera patents.

Apple along with several other companies are looking to purchase around 1,100 patents from Kodak, which is said to be in the value of $525 million. This would mean that all companies in this joint venture would be able to use patents in upcoming products without the fear of suing each other. Now you have to ask yourself why Apple would wish to put into the pot to buy these patents, which is why the idea of an Apple camera does sound all the more convincing – although we’re still awaiting the much-anticipated Apple branded TV as well.

What’s the likelihood of an Apple digital camera? We’ve already seen the huge success that the Samsung GALAXY Camera has had since its release because many consumers believe that it delivers a photo evolution. We also know that Steve Jobs had an interest in the light field camera system and could be implemented in some way on a future iPhone rather than a standalone camera, but surely Apple would be better to have a standalone point-and-shoot camera because it would not be constrained by iPhone hardware and software?

While the idea of an Apple digital camera sounds great, the likelihood of such a device does seem very slim, even if Samsung has had great success with their GALAXY Camera. However, we wouldn’t be at all surprised if Apple are researching a standalone camera.

The movement towards digital cameras had been welcomed by most when compared to the abilities of film, but it now seems that smartphones are being used as the main camera considering how handy our phones always are. The Samsung GALAXY Camera aims to show how much more can be gained from a dedicated digital camera, which could almost look like a phone.

The GALAXY Camera shows true photo taking evolution, and creates a gadget that provides the best in the latest advancements in technology and software. Watch the video below to see Samsung explain exactly how this camera can help your daily life when shooting short movies or taking photos.

The image above shows a perfect example that happens when at parties or get-togethers, you take a photo and everyone hands their camera or phone for another shot. The Samsung GALAXY Camera solves this problem with Buddy Photo Share, which lets you instantly send a photo to anyone. You can see a quick screenshot of this feature in action below, or watch the video above.

You can find out more about the Samsung GALAXY Camera on its Facebook page and via the official website. The video above delivers some quick examples of when you’d use the innovative features, which are explored by James Franco with focus on the situations titled “The Eyes Wide Shut“, “The Instant Viral“, and “The Photo Bomber“. Let us know what you think about the video and the Samsung GALAXY Camera in the comments.

The Samsung GALAXY Camera currently costs around $600 in the US and £400 in the UK. The full specs can be viewed via the official website.

This post was sponsored by Samsung.

If you’re thinking about a new shooter for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, then the Samsung Galaxy Camera might be a good choice if you want a digital camera with a twist. We’ve collected a number of visual reviews for you to look over because it’s clear to see that this camera will not only take decent photos, but also add a great social element as well.

Samsung Galaxy Camera given a visual review
In the first video below you can see that the Samsung Galaxy Camera EK-GC100 looks like many other compact cameras on the market, but it’s not until the device is picked up switched on and flipped over that you know that it is going to be a little different. We do like that this Samsung Galaxy Camera review does not want to waste your time if you are a serious photographer, as you are advised to do research on other reviews that offer more in-depth knowledge on features that are aimed at adjusting different elements of the settings.

Thankfully the second video review does take a closer look, but starts off with the basics, so being able to play games like Angry Birds, use Facebook, Twitter and also Instagram. There are not many cameras on the market that allow you to do this, this is because what we have here is a thick Android smartphone, but without the ability to make calls. We love how this review shows the camera up against some rival devices and points out just how heavy it is compared to them.

The third review is more enjoyable to watch because the guy is so excited, unlike in the previous review where it was right down to business. We do love how this guy is comparing his Samsung Galaxy Camera to a Galaxy Nexus and also a Canon Rebel T2i, which we have to say is a pretty clever thing to do, but we feel as though it will not be a fair fight. Then again it does show how the new Samsung camera can do what it takes two devices to do.

There are another 2 videos for you to view below, but these just give you a quick rundown of the specs, which are a 16-megapixel lens and 21x optical zoom. There’s also Corning Gorilla Glass 2, which we have come to expect on Galaxy devices, but it’s the addition of Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and how it is able to connect to social media services that has us most interested in this camera. So will this camera be the one for you?