Polaroid is set to plug into Android in an unstoppable 'roid combination, a giant 'roid the likes of which we've never seen before, sure to strike fear into the hearts of even the mightiest of foes.
The former instant camera maker is putting its name on a swappable lens snapper powered by Google's mobile software, according to leaked publicity shots spotted by Photo Rumors. It looks very much like a Nikon 1 J2, so there's every chance this is just a rebadged model (or the wishful thinking of a determined hoaxer).
The Polaroid iM1836 boasts an 18-megapixel sensor, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich and a 3.5-inch touchscreen. That's a slightly higher resolution than the superb Samsung Galaxy Camera's 16 megapixels, but the Galaxy has a much larger 4.8-inch screen and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, a more up to date version of Google's software.
The Galaxy Camera also has 3G, so you can stick a SIM card in it and upload photos anywhere, whereas Polaroid's effort relies only on Wi-Fi. HDMI and headphone ports are also included in the iM1836, and it takes microSD cards for all your storage needs.
While our very own Richard "The Hair" Trenholm nominated the Galaxy Camera as his product of the year (mainly because he claims he invented it), it wasn't the only Android camera out this year. The Nikon S800c wasn't quite so successful, because it was expensive for a relatively standard camera. Another Polaroid, the SC1630, never made it to the UK after its exciting debut at the CES show last year.
Here's hoping the iM1836 reaches this side of the Atlantic -- a swappable lens camera with all the sharing and editing power of Android would be formidable. We liked the Nikon 1 J2, although at £500 it was expensive at the time. It's now dropped to under £400, a much better deal. If Polaroid can deliver the promised resolution and keep the price around the same, it'll be a cracking snapper.
Are you sold on the idea of smart cameras? Would swappable lenses tip you over the edge? Or is it all unnecessary expense, better handled back at base by a real computer? Let me know what you think with a snappy comment, or swap over to our Facebook page.
Image credit: Photo Rumors
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anonymous 19 December, 2012 18:15
Its al-right having gimmicks but if the quality isn't there, there isn't much point. So, as long as its not just a phone camera with the ability to dial a number and it takes decent pic's (resolution isn't the only factor in image quality) they might be ok.
As for Android and phone's coming together.. why not, if you're going to take over "The World"... sorry "The Google" may as well do the whole hog, although I'm not sure "Planet Google" quite works.
brackvakic 12 February, 2013 18:35
There's a lot to be said for CSCs using Android. I had a NEX for a bit and I loved it, but the interface was not very good. I went back to DSLRs because they're so much easier to use. The touch screen on the NEX was rubbish and I think that with a capable camera with lots of stuff to adjust you need either the buttons, levers and dials of a DSLR or a really good capacitive multitouch interface (like on the Galaxy Camera). It's a great idea really...if Samsung had put Android on their NX range instead of their WB range I might be using one today. But Polaroid? Unproven in both CSC field and the Android field. Good idea though; if they use micro 4/3 and get a bit of help implementing Android (not from HTC or somebody who'll skin it to death and make it slow) then it could be great.