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Despite the extensive capabilities of this point and shoot camera, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 is surprisingly easy to use!  Last year I got the chance to test drive the Samsung Galaxy Camera and gave it a 3.5 out of 5 Mommy Rating (rating based on ease of use without reading the manual). Today I am going to give the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 a 4 out of a top score of 5 Mommy Rating. With improved menu placement, easy touch screen functionality, and really smart modes that help you capture the best picture possible the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 is a definite improvement from its predecessor.

When I buy a new point-and-shoot camera I like to know how the camera handles my personal point-and-shoot checklist:

• Ability to take close-ups


• Ability to focus on subjects not placed in the center of the photo


• Logical placement of menus


• Option to customize (is it easy?)


• Continuous focus during video recording


• Speed to take a photo once the shutter release button is pressed


• Quality of photos


• How easy can I take a selfie (Ha!)


• A lot of point-and-shoot cameras execute all of the above really well, but the last and probably most important item on my checklist is price.

Below I put the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 through my checklist.

Close ups…CHECK!  Ability to focus on subjects not placed in the center of the photos…CHECK!

 These next series of photos are examples of me selecting the area I want to be in focus using the touchscreen to identify the focus area. SUPER EASY!!

I picked up my first Keurig. The kitchen is a great source for taking test photos with a new camera.

Coffee and US Open tennis...a perfect pair.

When my wife and I get lost in tennis...this happens.

"Quincy, spread your toes for me." 

Logical placement of menus…yes and no. The menus for taking pictures are really well organized and available on the large touch screen display. But I am still not convinced my mother wouldn’t get a little lost if she saved pictures in different locations on the camera. There is an 8GB memory built into the camera, as well as the option insert memory cards. With this camera you have access to any app that is available on the Android platform which adds to the complexity of content that is available.

Option to customize, is it easy? YES IT IS! Customizing your point-and-shoot camera is usually for the more advanced photographer who understands aperture priority, ISO settings, and exposure compensation. Access to these types of controls is really simple.

Continuous focus during video recording…YES! I am going to spare you the videos I captured during my test, but one thing I really love when recording video is the auto focus that adjusts while you are capturing the video. My professional DSLR Nikon camera has the option to record video, but it does not keep your subject in focus automatically. I am making this comparison to point out some of the cool extras that Samsung has put into this consumer level point-and-shoot-camera.

Takes great quality photos in the blink of an eye. The only time it takes a few seconds to get started is when you are turning the camera on from being completely shutdown. The camera has a “sleep” function so it does not need to be turned completely off when you are taking pictures every few minutes. Trust me, you won’t miss a moment, and with 16 megapixels the quality of the pics are great!  

In this photo my two sons were laughing at me...and I saw this true moment and was able to capture it quickly.

Selfies…YES! This camera has a timer when you don’t want to be an arm’s length from the camera, and a Selfie Alarm mode that insures you are in the frame when you press the button.

Below is my arm's length selfie

But this is my favorite type of selfie. With the timer you can have a lot more fun with your self portraits.

What about price? The Samsung Galaxy Camera is worth the price it is sold at QVC. But just because the value is good, that doesn’t mean this is the camera for you. You have to decide before you go shopping for a point-and-shoot camera, what is your budget. You might decide to spend a little more for a camera like this one because you LOVE the super cool access to share photos EVERYWHERE right from your camera. Normally I like to keep my point-and-shoot camera purchases around $200, but a camera like this one is bringing features to the table that I would not normally expect to be available in such a small package. If I was in the market for a camera I might have to break the budget for this one.

When Samsung describes their latest Galaxy Camera, these are their headlines:

• Android 4.3, Jelly Bean for Apps, Sharing, and More


• HD Super Clear Display


• Super-Long 21x Zoom Lens with Pinch Zoom


• Wi-Fi Connectivity for Easy Sharing


• Smart Mode for Special Effects


• Photo Beam to Share Photos with One Touch


• Save Photos in Real Time with AutoShare


• Remote ViewFinder to Control Camera at a Distance


• Send Files Using Mobile Link, Even Without Wi-Fi


• Transfer Files with PC Auto Backup


• Samsung Link to Connect with Other Devices


• Selfie Alarm to Take Profile Pictures


• Story Album to Create Your Own Photo Albums

An impressive list of features that makes this camera a must try if you are looking for a point-and-shoot camera that allows you to capture good photos and video and then share them EVERYWHERE!

Thanks for reading my review of the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, please post questions below and I will do my best to answer your questions about photography.

- CG

P.S.

If you would like to see more photos I captured with the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 then click here.