Polaroid first with Android camera. Does it matter?

Would an Android camera be the equivalent of an iPod Touch, or would it still just be an extra device to carry around, albeit one with a zoom lens?

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories

See full bio

Lori Grunin

Jan. 10, 2012 11:10 a.m. PT

LAS VEGAS--Polaroid gets first bragging rights to a camera running Android.

The SC1630 looks like a phone, but incorporates a 16-megapixel sensor and a 3x zoom lens, and uses Wi-Fi (or, at extra cost, cellular) for uploading to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.

The real question, however, is who is this for? I keep going in circles on it. Is it the camera equivalent of the iPod Touch, which is pretty much the iPhone without the phone? Or is it just going to be an extra device that only offers the benefit of a zoom lens? What do you think?

I'll update with more details and pictures later, after I've touched it. No pricing yet.

Update, 11:10 a.m. PT: The Polaroid SC1630 will have a 36-108mm lens (no aperture specs), microSD, face detection, and onboard editing of course. Available this year. Still no price.

Polaroid SC1630 Android smart camera (photos)

+4 More

See all photos