Samsung announces EX2F Smart Camera

Posted on 10 Jul 2012 at 10:36, by Gareth Halfacree

Samsung has announced the successor to its two-year-old EX1/TL500 compact digital camera, the EX2F, with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and a vastly improved lens system.

The new Samsung EX2F features a fast F/1.4, a distinct improvement on the already impressive F/1.8 lens of its predecessor and a boon for shooting in low-light conditions. Optical zoom of 3.3x is available through the eleven-element Scheider Kreuznach lens, although the F/1.4 speed is only available at the bottom end of that range - extend the zoom to its maximum, and the lens drops to a still pretty speedy F/2.7.

Behind the lens is an upgraded 12.4 megapixel sensor which replaces the 10 megapixel CMOS model from the EX1 with a back-side illuminated (BSI) version for even greater low-light capabilities. According to Samsung, this makes the camera able to shoot at native ISO levels of 80 to 3,200 and extended ISO of up to 12,800 - while dual optical and digital image stabilisation systems help reduce camera shake during long exposures.

The EX2F also boosts the video recording capabilities to 1080p Full HD with stereo audio, with an HDMI 1.4-capable output for output to an HDTV or projector directly from the camera body. Wi-Fi is also included, bringing the same support for instant uploading of images to photo storage, sharing and social networking services as other models in Samsung's Smart Camera range.

The rear of the camera features a 3in AMOLED variable angle display, using the same technology as found in Samsung's smartphones to bring a bright, crisp and clear screen that should be easily viewable in sunny weather. Control is handled by two dials at the top of the camera and a quick-mode wheel at the front.

UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, but Samsung has announced it will be making the EX2F available in the US in August for $549 (around £354 excluding taxes).