Verizon to Release Samsung Galaxy Camera Next Week

Verizon has announced that the Samsung Galaxy Camera, an Android-powered point-and-shoot, will be available from the carrier starting Dec. 13. Yet, with a $550 price tag, this gadget might not be the perfect stocking-stuffer for the photography buffs out there.

This device will be the first version of Sammy's camera to feature full 4G LTE connectivity, as AT&T's iteration only runs on the company's HSPA+ 4G network, giving Verizon customers a speedier service. Yet, the faster connection will cost consumers, as the Galaxy Camera from Big Red is priced $50 higher than AT&T's offering.

Powered by Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean), the camera will run a Touchwiz software similar to that of Samsung's other high-end devices, allowing for instant sharing between the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II. Featuring a 4.8-inch display with HD Super Clear LCD Touchscreen technology, the Galaxy Camera is meant to meet the user's photographic needs first, while doubling as an Android device that can easily upload media to the web via the 4G speeds of Verizon.

The camera will offer customers the capabilities of most point-and-shoots, thanks to its 16 megapixel lens, 21x optical zoom and optical image stabilization for videos and stills. Though unlike a basic camera, the Galaxy shooter will come with a variety of photography-focused applications, including the ever-popular Instagram, and will likely pack a few Verizon-specific apps as well.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera will cost Verizon customers only $5 a month to add the device to their "Share Everything" accounts for mobile data, and will be available in White and Cobalt Black.

Our sister site DigitalCameraReview has a review of the Samsung Galaxy Camera.