Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom Review & Price in Malaysia
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| Here's Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom vs Samsung GALAXY S3 |
Yo guys, after using this camera-smartphone for so long, here's Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom Review that you may wanna read if you are considering getting a new smartphone with 10 x optical zoom camera. If compared with the first generation of Samsung GALAXY Camera, this S4 Zoom is definitely much better because of its much faster and better performance of the User Interface. I've compared the speed with my S3 and S4 Zoom is faster too. One of the major downside is the bulky design which makes you look funny when you put it inside your pockets. (Especially tight jeans)
All right let's continue to read my Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom Review:
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| Back view of Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom vs GALAXY S3 |
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| Side view of Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom vs Samsung GALAXY S3 At least double the size of S3 |
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| Let's see how protrude is the S4 Zoom when the optical zoom lens is fully zoom in |
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| A little close up of Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom Lens (4.3-43 mm 1:3.1-6.3 24mm) |
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| Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom with qHD sAMOLED Display 540 x 960 resolution |
Basically if you treat this phone as a camera more than a smartphone, you will able to accept the bulky size of it. The main beneficial things when you own this gadget is you can always bring it into any concert venue because it is a smartphone with camera. Not a camera with smartphone feature. The security can't do anything with you but to allow you to bring it in.
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| Video recording and taking photos at the same time using S4 Zoom |
Once Upon A Time There Was A Sausage Named Bob @ Arthur's Day 2013 #ArthursDay2013
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| The Wanted @ Arthur's Day 2013 A picture captured during video recording using S4 Zoom |
Another video recorded using Samsung GLAXY S4 Zoom while The Wanted was performing in Malaysia. I had been able to hold the S4 Zoom for 6 minutes++ and gotta say luckily it is not as heavy as my DSLR. Imagine you need to hold your 2KG DSLR to record a performance. There's tiny little bugs where whenever you zoom in/out one of the speaker tends to silent and you lost part of the audio. BUT luckily there were two mic recording at the same time and gotta say I am quite impressed with the mic that able to filter the boom boom Bass. (so that you can hear clearly what they were singing). Check out The Wanted video below:
The Wanted did The Killers Music Cover @ #ArthursDay2013
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| Slow motion video recording available in Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom A very good feature to record fast action video. |
With Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom, you will able to record slow motion video up to x 1/8 speed to capture the moments that happened so fast. For example, your kids jumping into the pool, humming birds getting honey from the flowers. The only concern regarding this feature is you must use it at well lighted scenario or else you'll see black screen.
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| Tons of Smart Mode available in Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom |
Various camera modes on S4 Zoom
In S4 Zoom, there are many different camera modes. Luckily you get to choose 5 favourite modes as your shortcut or else it is hard to scroll around to find the right mode to use. My favourite mode is always Rich Tone (HDR), Night, Sunset, Macro & Landscape. I will choose to use the Manual Mode for better control other than using their fancy functions to capture waterfall/animated photos.
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| 10 x Zoom and able to capture the moon using Manual Mode on Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom |
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| Mount Kota Kinabalu spotted from far while I was in the airplane. Thanks to the 10 x zoom function again |
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| Here's a picture captured using Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom (Fully Zoom out) |
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| Here's a picture captured using Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom (Fully Zoom In) |
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| Bokeh mode of Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom Can you see the blurring effect of the object behind? |
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| Macro and Zoom In mode to capture this tiny little lotus flowers using S4 Zoom |
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| Striking red snail eggs spotted at the lake side - Captured using Samsung S4 Zoom |
Image color and editing using Photo Editing Apps on S4 Zoom
Since Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom is a smartphone itself, you can always use the photo application to enhance and improve your image presentation. Recommended photo application including Snapseed, MeiTuXiuXiu (Chinese Apps), Instafit and AddWaterMark. These apps help make my image looks better and I can quickly share it on my Instagram (@tianchad)
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| Mountain scenery captured on the airplane. Enhanced using Snapseed |
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| Panoramic view of Malacca City captured using Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom |
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| Sunset mode on Samsung GALAXY S4 Camera |
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| My current PokoPang High Score ;p |
Gaming and User Experience on S4 Zoom
In overall, S4 Zoom is faster than GALAXY S3. Although it has only 1.5GHz CPU Speed with dual core processor, it is fast enough to have smooth control. Maybe a little start-up time for the camera as the lens will always zoom out once the camera apps was opened. So far I have no issue playing games using Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom. It has no problem open several apps at the same time as it has 1.5GB RAM.
Battery Life for S4 Zoom
Like other smartphones out there, 2,330 mA battery can only full-fill my half day usage as I am always active on Facebook, Instagram and other social media live updates. I guess people don't mind nowadays as they can always get one portable powerbank right? I like my super slim UTOO Powerbank that provide 3,000mAh battery power.
If you use its camera/video recording function, it can last around 2-4 hours depending on your usage. But no worries as you can always charge it using your portable powerbank. You can always use it while charing =)
If you use its camera/video recording function, it can last around 2-4 hours depending on your usage. But no worries as you can always charge it using your portable powerbank. You can always use it while charing =)
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| Funny advertisement board captured using zoom lens on S4 Zoom |
Good things about Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom
As you all already know, this 16 MP camera which paired with 10x optical zoom is a good match to provide you quality image/video even when you zoom from far. Best uses for concert/event with large audience & venue. You can always snap a quality photo and quickly share it to your social media channel (Instagram/Facebook/Twitter). This will ensure you that you have the most awesome live update using this phone ;p
It has a layer of plastic protecting the lens therefore you don't need to worry that it will get scratched; With an extra microSD memory card slot, you can upgrade the memory storage up to 64GB. Therefore you have enough space to capture all the video/images during a concert. S4 Zoom body itself has a tripod slot therefore you can just fit it on the tripod for stable images.
It has a layer of plastic protecting the lens therefore you don't need to worry that it will get scratched; With an extra microSD memory card slot, you can upgrade the memory storage up to 64GB. Therefore you have enough space to capture all the video/images during a concert. S4 Zoom body itself has a tripod slot therefore you can just fit it on the tripod for stable images.
Bad things about Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom
To enjoy the 10x optical feature, the size of this camera smartphone can't look any thinner than a compact camera. Therefore it looks really bulky when you put it inside your skinny jeans and people will give you that awkward looking/stare. It weight at 208g and doesn't consider light for some people. Since I've been handling DSLR all the time, this little weight consider okay for me.
Sometimes the dust will manage to sneak into the lens (especially if you have dirty pockets) and you will have difficulties in cleaning them.
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Selfie using Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom
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Who should get Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom?
If you are a frequent concert goer and like to capture some moments (where DSLR is not allowed) during their performance, this is a good camera smartphone that you should have as you can capture kinda good quality images and videos. Then you can share good shot on the spot, either Instagram or Instavideo can do. The main uniqueness of this S4 Zoom is none other than its 10x zoom lens and camera, therefore make full use of it when DSLR is not allowed. If you don't mind having 208g bulging camera in your pocket, it is a good gadget to have =)
Retail Price for Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom is RM1,699
If you have any further question about Samsung GALAXY S4 Zoom, feel free to buzz me so I can test it out for you =) Hope you enjoy my review as a phographer & smartphone user. Cheers!
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| My girlfriend is a good photographer too, she made me looks "leng chai giler" LOL Captured using HDR Mode on S4 Zoom |
If you are interested in letting me to review your camera/smartphone, feel free to email me =) Hope you like the way I review the camera phone (S4 Zoom for this time) Hmm, I heard Nokia 1020 is quite awesome with 41 MP camera, is it true? Glad Instagram is coming to Nokia Apps (finally) so it will be the reason people switch back to Nokia Smartphone haha.
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