By 
Looks like this whole “Android camera” thing is really starting to take off. After Samsung released the Galaxy Camera a few short weeks ago, it seems it may have been the start of a trend. We know Nikon released their own (underpowered) point in shoot a few weeks before Samsung, and here we are today with some leaked images from Russia, showing what could be a new Android-powered camera from Polaroid.
Looking strikingly similar to the Nikon 1 J2, Having already announced an Android point-n-shoot earlier this year at CES 2012, Polaroid is still banking on the Google’s mobile OS, this time with a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera codenamed the IM1836. Looking striking similar to the Nikon 1 J2, I have to admit, whatever their inspiration, Polaroid definitely got the looks down. When it comes to the rest of the hardware, the IM1836 is packing an 18.1MP camera sensor, 3.5-inch touch screen, pop-up flash, WiFi, micro SD card slot, and runs on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Processor wasn’t mentioned but we wouldn’t get our hopes up.
The only details as of yet un-released are the pricing, lens options, and date when we should expect these in stores. CES 2013 in a few weeks sounds like a good a time as any for Polaroid to show off their latest wares, in which we’ll make sure to get a good hands-on for you. If you’re hoping for something cheaper than Samsung’s offering, keep in mind we’re talking about a higher class of camera here. What do you guys think? Is Android really a draw when choosing your next camera?
[via PhotoRumors]
you know if it was one of those uber boss d5100 or other DSLR cams powered by android i can see it being very nice. for now all i see is a bunch of half hearted attempts at a product.
I mean, not everyone can afford or wants a bulky DSLR. I think keeping ’em cheap(ish) is best.
They’re still the best photo takers, camera’s on phones simply cannot match their power. They’re cool tools, and they do okay for basic photography, but nothing will replace a good DSLR or SLR for photog.
Wow! Where should one even begin to start with pointing out what is wrong with this?!?
I have a mirrorless Sony NEX 5R with Carl Zeiss lens and easily matches my Canon T4i in terms of picture/video quality.
Oh boy…
Ok these Android cameras seem so useless. I haven’t purchased a point and shoot since my HTC Hero. Most people use the phones for cameras now a days. Will these truly take off? I doubt it… Unless u are serious about picture taking and love Android then I don’t see where this will fit in.
I love Android and I’ve owned numerous Sony NEX mirrorless cameras. Never had the urge or even thought about combining the two. I don’t see the benefit.
Now camera OEM’s making Android apps, that would be great. They should just focus on that. Leave Android out of the camera.
You’re a smart man, did u get to bang Amy yet? Or whatever the hell her name was? Lol, I kid
AMY’S A SAINT! >:O
I know right why would u want to add crappy filters to you photo directly on the cam when you can take out the microsd/sd and edit them properly in lightroom/photoshop/HDReffex and so on.
i think the idea is for the camera’s to be more social and easier to share content with social networks with.
I think touch screen cameras are the way to go, and with it comes a needed touch screen OS. If android is open source and customizable, it should be a perfect match, it just needs to be well done.
I’m imagining some sort of automatic thumbnail uploading to the cloud of pictures, but when camera detects wifi+power cable it sends the full picture (a bit like google+ do when posting a picture from phone)
Then again the high end camera hardware is so specific that it could be better to have a standard interface to attach an android phone to the back of the camera instead of having a big integrated LCD… that way it could be upgraded separated from one other
how big is the sensor on this thing ? cause the J1/j2/v1/v2 are kind of crappy compared to other compact cameras like the Sony Nex and Canon eos m, the Nikon CX sensor is like 1/3 the size of the APS-C sensor found in those. They should focus more on the quality of the photos since these are cameras and less on making them smarter.
Russia?
I say split the difference, put a decent sensor in an android phone and a little better optics and you will have a winner… we are ALMOST there.
Yeah, I’d much rather have a slightly thick Android smartphone with really nice camera tech :D
Is Samsung the only company that can do things right?
Apparently not because they made it “over priced.”
In mother Russia, road forks you!
Despite recent focus on phones and tablets, Android has always been envisioned as an OS for everything from a microwave to an intelligent home. With its market dominance in mobile, it is also familiar and therefore intuitive to a high percentage of customers.
Its a draw if its a darn good camera.
Polaroid’s brand in my mind is along the lines of Coby and other no-name brands. Its going to take multiple generations of solid products for me to even consider their products