The new Samsung camera gives control back to the photographer and has the advantages of a smartphone, says Alex Robertson.
If you're anything like me, you like to travel light.
A day trip will always include the essentials: water, snack, map, sunscreen, notebook and, maybe, a book or travel guide.
That's a lot of stuff to carry around, but then I forgot to mention the camera, or do I take the phone? There isn't room for both.
The Samsung K Zoom.
Camera, because I want to get some great shots to remember my trip; phone because I can access some great apps that will help me explore, I can use the map function and I could take some snaps and share them on Facebook and Instagram - but it's limited by the wide lens and basic exposure.
Now I don't have to make the choice. Those clever bods at Samsung have found a way to fit a fully functioning compact camera with exposure control, flash and a 10x optical zoom into the slightly oversized but easy to use Galaxy phone.
The 20.7 megapixel sensor produces fantastic quality photographs, and the focus and exposure functions combined with an image stabiliser ensure clear, sharp images with the exposure that I want - not some factory preset.
Add in a bunch of modes that range from pro-suggest (tips and auto functions that help you get just the right shot) and clever stuff that stitches your pictures together for a full surround view or blends stills for a walk-through mini-movie (a must if you're selling property or want to post an experience to Facebook).
As a Samsung Galaxy product It also has all those fantastic smartphone functions and apps on the user-friendly android platform.
Now, if they can only find a way of mixing in a water bottle, muesli bar and sunscreen I could really travel light.
Samsung Galaxy K Zoom
RRP $799 with 2Degrees