Polaroid iM1836 CameraPolaroid recently announced the first and only Android-powered compact interchangeable-lens smart camera, the 18 megapixel Polaroid iM1836, which will hit store shelves in the first quarter of 2013.
Polaroid iM1836 Specs
The iM1836 camera features the Android 4.1 "Jelly Bean" operating system. For all those Android junkies out there, this is definitely the camera to have. It sports Google’s well-known graphical user interface on a vibrant 3.5" capacitive touchscreen LCD display.
It comes standard with a 10-30mm f/3.8-5.6 optical zoom lens. Not the fastest, but it’s expected of any camera/lens kit at this price range (MSRP of $399). What is interesting about this lens though is that in 35mm format terms it translates to 20-60mm. That’s a very respectable wide-angle lens at one end and just above "normal" at the other. Perfect for landscapes, street photography, and anything that doesn’t require a long telephoto.
Existing Micro Four Thirds system lenses from other manufacturers like these will work with the iM1836 with an adapter, so the range of lenses to choose from will definitely be impressive.
Polaroid iM1836 Video Capability
In addition to still images the Polaroid iM1836 captures 1080p HD video. Built-in HDMI output turns this compact camera into a multimedia player — just connect it to any TV or monitor to view video or photo slide shows. Auto blink detection, auto face exposure and pop-up flash are additional features that complement this camera’s capabilities nicely.
Polaroid iM1836 Photo/Video Sharing
With built-in Wi-Fi and Polaroid photo sharing apps on board, the Polaroid iM1836 camera lets users instantly upload and share via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo and more. When Wi-Fi isn’t available, built-in Bluetooth connectivity pairs the Polaroid iM1836 camera with any Bluetooth-enabled device to upload images and video through a mobile phone, PC or iPhone. This is the way to go if you urgently need to share a picture of your pug dressed up as a wrestler, or that video of grandma riding a motorcycle.
If this is any indication the Android OS will soon be making major inroads into the camera market.
