yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
I have owned all the phones in your selection. I would remove the Z2 straight away.

Here are my reviews for all those phones - http://gavinsgadgets.com/review-links/

And here are the album sets for each phone - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/

Have a look, then let me know what other questions you have on any aspect of the phones and I will answer them as best as possible.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] SmokeyTech1:
I'll check them out, thanks,

I just want to know, if you were to buy ANY phone right now would you get the K Zoom again?
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
No. The Samsung Note 4 is my current phone and would be my choice. Its camera prowess is shockingly good.

But if my budget was less, I would buy the K Zoom over all the other options you mentioned. The Snapdragon 810 processor with the right hardware and software will wipe the floor again. IF camera is number one priority the K Zoom can do things the Note 4 can't . Just look at the photos from all. Note 4 album is there too. The photos reveal alot.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] thedicemaster:
in my opinion the phone part walks the line between mid-range and high-end, the 2GB ram and hexa-core processor give it plenty of power.

there are much faster chipsets, but so far only benchmark tools can really show you the limits of the K Zoom.

you can indeed control shutter speed using one of the manual modes.

I've used it to take some photos of stars so sharp you can't see more than half of them until you zoom in.

Example

the voice control is really useful for this, you can take photos without touching the phone.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] SmokeyTech1:
That note 4 does take some good pics, I have an lg g3 that im going to sell, so my budget is pretty high, maybe in a few months the price will be low enough I can get one, its just so hard finding the right phone, there's so many of them. Thanks for your help

After looking at the phones I'm think I'm going to try the K Zoom, if I don't like it I can sell it, since I live in mexico I can make a huge profit on it since phones are much more expensive, so I don't lose anything by getting it

---------- Post added at 07:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:08 PM ----------

Thanks for that! I love taking pics of the stars with my DSLR, also I don't care about benchmarks, I just care about real world performance, do you think the rest of the phone performs well?
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] thedicemaster:
I just read a review that claimed some heavy games drop a few frames, but I've yet to see any performance problems.

the only thing I really miss from my previous phone(note 2) is the stylus, and it's the only reason I'm considering getting a note 5 if they ever release one.

I just wish they'd make a galaxy note zoom.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] SmokeyTech1:
I currently have an LG G3, so my concern is if I'll really miss the big screen, which is why I'm considering a Galaxy Note, but I just can't get over that camera on the K Zoom, I love taking pics, but I don't want to carry my DSLR everywhere, but at least I have a tablet I can use since it has a big screen, this is so difficult to decide, also how's the battery life? More specific screen on time, my G3 gets about 2-3 hours, so anything better would be awesome
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] SmokeyTech1:
Thanks for answering all my questions, the reason I'm looking at those phones is that they're in my price range, I'm selling my LG G3 for $5,000 pesos which is $333 USD, and they all come close to that, like you I want something no one has, except the lady at the gas station, she has the S4 zoom, as far as camera goes the shooting time, RAW and all that doesn't matter, as long as it comes out nice in the end, also 8 GB doesn't bother me, I can get an SD card, I used to have an S3 which has the same screen as the K, also my mom's Ativ S has the same, going to from a 2K display to 720 might heart at first but I'll get over it, and maybe when a new one comes out I can sell the K for about the same price as a new one due to Mexico being much more expensive, I would lost really anything, also my G3 battery sucks, about 1-2 hours screen on time, the time it took me to write this I've used 7%, so how the battery with yours? I might get a spare battery too, but in the end its about that camera,
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] One Twelve:
Gsam says my average SOT ranged from (3h:45m - 7h:06m max), 4-5 hrs SOT sounds about right. Battery life is good if you can remain in airplane mode.

Taking photos will use more. From full you could get around 250 photos before it dies. have not got a spare battery yet as i can only find generics and not the original samsung battery. Recharging twice a day or being close to a charger helps.

I rarely charge to 100% and disconnect at 90% then top up again at around 40%.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] SmokeyTech1:
Sounds about what my Galaxy s3 got, which doesn't surprise me, considering this has the same screen but bigger battery, thanks for your help though, I'll definitely get this when I go back to the USA this summer
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] One Twelve:
Successor to k will be out by June. A refinement of k, better specs since you are used to flagships.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] SmokeyTech1:
That's about the time I'll be ordering the K, which will be perfect since it'll be even cheaper!
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] curiousgeorge1893:
Note 4 or K Zoom?

I have a question and Gavin could you answer this as well as I know you've had both phones going by your posts.

The camera is very important to me I like zooming and cropping so which phone should I go for between the Note 4 and the K Zoom?

What annoys me about the K Zoom is the lack of video light and the lack of notification light but the lack of video light bothers me more. Are they making a K Zoom successor? If they had poor sales they might not make one but if they do I hope they put a notification light and video light on the K Zoom 2.

Also from what I've seen the 8x zoom is quite good on the note but just how good is it?

I noticed the S6 might have a pro mode and manual and shutter speed control it would be nice if the note 4 got this in an update so it can take good indoor motion shots.

But anyway, K Zoom or Note 4?

Thank you for your time and I thank you in advance for your opinions.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] thedicemaster:
zooming will always cut down the effective resolution on a flat phone.

it's not much different from taking a photo without zoom and then cropping it.

the S4 zoom and the K Zoom are the only smartphones I know that can zoom in without lowering the effective resolution, thanks to the optical zoom.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
I crop my Note 4 shots a lot and while nothing beats 10 times optical zoom, the quality when cropping in is sensational. Plus lollipop will bring more features to the camera (hopefully) that will make a difference.

But it also depends on price vs phone size vs what else do you need a phone to do.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] curiousgeorge1893:
Thanks for the replies, from what I have seen, the note 4 won't be getting any new camera features with lollipop other than RAW?
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] One Twelve:
What do you photograph ?

What is a video light ?

Samsung are under pressure to make less phones. I think this would be a good thing. They over saturated the market over the last two years across the board. Whether this implies no successor to the zoom series remains to be seen. I can't see why they'd do it as this device is very good for what it does. That is to say has no competitors in its space and has in effect inspired a couple from panasonic and asus. Odds are there will be a successor.

Do you understand the difference between optical vs digital zoom .

Take this selfie craze, handheld self portrait at arms length with a 30mm lens. You won't look great. people don't seem to care. So now you get 5mp & even 8MP front facing cameras. What is the focal length. the same. So the photo still looks skewed but it has more MP's so it must be better (rolls eyes).

Now 8x zoom is digital zooming at the same focal length. meaning perspectives don't change. Optical zoom changes perspectives. portraits taken at 85mm and above will always look better than with a 30 mm lens. To mimic the effect you need to stand back 6-8 feet then crop big time. Those expensive megapixels you paid for just went in the bin. Read

this

.

you can do this right now, just use more light.

Can you get any hands on time with both. Click subjects you would normally take. Take an OTG drive with you and then start cropping away and decide for yourself. The note 4 might get you a little sharper image but fixed focal length is limited in its own way too.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] curiousgeorge1893:
I am still very torn between the Note 4 and the K Zoom.

The thing is, you can't beat optical zoom and a xenon flash, it is disappointing that the K Zoom doesn't have an LED video light as that can help quite a bit in a dark room and the lack of notification light is a bit of a pain too.

I know the Note 4 has a great camera, if the zoom on the note was as good it would be an easy decision but obviously optical zoom always beats digital zoom.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] thedicemaster:
in both cases you could always use accessories to cover the shortcomings.

there are some fixed zoom level lenses that can be attached to any smartphone, although they aren't as reliable as the zoom lens on the K Zoom.

and you could use a separate led torch with the K Zoom for video in dark places.

a flashlight like this: http://www.dx.com/p/naturehike-mult...camping-lantern-red-black-245284#.VOENlF3TU0M

can spread light in a wider area than most flashlights when used as a lantern, or at longer distances as a regular flashlight.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] One Twelve:
You did not give us much to go with.

I don't care too much for flash in my photos and have hardly used the xenon flash. Even indoors ISO 400-800 does an acceptable job provided subject isn't moving much. Xenon is there if necessary. But better is possible.

You can use a keychain torch, something like fenix ld01 or similar, waay better than any camera led. next you hold it with your other hand outstretched and video with your remaining hand. Now you have an off camera light for photo or video. The light comes from the side, or top or bottom or where ever, much more flexible. Will look better than full frontal which is my biggest gripe with on camera lighting. However small light sources cast sharp shadows and are harsh, bigger sources of light are gentler and will look better. If you could get away with a lantern (with warmer light) or larger then all the better.

I have a small camera strap i lifted off an old compact and attached it to the lanyward hole of my auto-pop case so i never drop the k if i have to use it with one hand. Lanyard provision is big with the Japanese, zoom series are the first koreans i noticed that have it.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] curiousgeorge1893:
Are Samsung not making a K Zoom successor? The K Zoom was announced around this time last year.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] miljano:
A light weighted one with more internal flash memory would be nice..
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
They can't manufacture enough S6 and S6 Edges quick enought atm , so if there was one it will be delayed. I'm not so sure this year, as the S6 camera is off the charts good. Just needs full manual camera controls.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] curiousgeorge1893:
But why give the K Zoom a new branding and then stop making them after a year? They have only made 2 zoom models, makes no sense.

The S6 camera might be good, but it has no decent zoom or xenon which means it's nothing special in my opinion.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
Doesn't make sense as such, but then the K Zoom didn't sell that well. ATM the sales figures for the S6 and S6 Edge are flying so all factory capacity needs to be focused where the money is.

Also, xenon flash is not the answer to everything. It's low light skills don't need flash as much now. The S6 can zoom slightly without loss of image quality. Obviously not 20 x zoom :)

Personally I would love the K2 Zoom, but with the same processor and 14nm SOC as the S6 and then we would have a mind blowing device. Also need 16gb minimum internal storage. OR use 64gb sealed storage.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] walker5538:
Couple Questions

I know your post is about a year old, but hopefully you can help me out with a couple things...

I am currently as S4 owner. Recently, it has been causing me some issues and I'm looking to get the K Zoom as a replacement. One thing I keep seeing is that the K Zoom has xenon and LED, but I don't see it in the pictures. Is this misinformation? Does it had LED as well?

Also, how is the handling when taking a picture vs the S4 Zoom? Since it doesn't have the "bump", is it harder to steady and hold? And weight wise, I see that it weighs a little less, but is it balanced? Or does it feel a little top heavy like the S4 Zoom?

Is the software smooth? Not just the camera software, but the usage of the phone in general? Does it hang up at all? Have you had any issues?

In the time you've had it, would you steer me away for any reason?

Anxiously awaiting your response. Thanks!! :D

P.S. I apologize if these are answered elsewhere in this post. I read through most of it, but not all. Please feel free to direct me to other posts if you don't want to type it out.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] thedicemaster:
it has no LED flash, only xenon.

it's a bit trickier to hold in 2 hand, but not impossible.

the battery balances the weight out a bit, despite the big bump it doesn't feel top-heavy.

from my experience the stock software runs smooth, and even some heavy apps like Photoshop touch respond well.

my only warning is that you don't have much internal storage, if you like playing games the internal storage will fill up very quickly.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] pakisan:
For The flash LED, i use iBlazr

Inviato dal mio SM-C115 utilizzando Tapatalk
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] walker5538:
Cool Gadget

How cool! I didn't even know that something like that existed. I mainly take photos/video of my kids and now that I've had xenon, there's no going back. They move too fast and get blurred with any other phone. I've tried multiple apps and LED is just not sufficient. I also just like taking pictures in general and a great camera I always have with me has been great :).

I think I'll be ordering my K Zoom later tonight. I've read through this entire forum!

As a side note I would like to root, but know there's risks with that. Is there an app that will move app data to SD without root?
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] livio80:
You can do it with no risk...I have root since I bought it! You can try with system tuners moving programs to SD but results are uncertain! You have to try.....
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] walker5538:
Searching for a Case

Hi again. I ordered my K Zoom and it should be here by Friday!!

I am now searching for a case and I'm running into some issues. I would love an autopop cover, but it's really expensive and will take until early July to get here (United States). There is another case branded iMuca, which is a lot more reasonable, but again, it's coming from China. About the same time to get here. Would a $10 case that has a spiral cover like this (http://www.amazon.com/Galaxy-Zoom-G...F8&qid=1433189867&sr=8-3&keywords=k+zoom+case) work for now until I can get another one in? Or am I doomed to have dust accumulate before I can get another one here?

Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks :)
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
I am not sure if I still have any, I think I threw away my brand new Autopop case, but I will look tomorrow and let you know.

If I have it, I will post it to you, free if in the UK.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] walker5538:
K Zoom Flash

So I got my phone yesterday!! :) I'm loving it so far (although a huge screen for me with smaller hands), but I have a question about the flash. I see options for "off", "auto", and "fill in". I am looking to have the flash "always on". Not like a flashlight, but every time I take a picture, I want it to flash, sufficient lighting or not. Reason is because the flash really helps to freeze frame my kids. "Fill in" didn't really seem to work like I was hoping. I've gone through some settings, but haven't found any other flash options. Am I missing something? Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] walker5538:
Has anyone else noticed the s4 zoom seems to be a better quick shoot camera? I had such high hopes for the k zoom, but it's not really living up to my expectations. For still shots, it may be better, but the s4 seems to freeze motion a lot better. I take mostly pictures of my kids so I don't have time to adjust settings before snapping a photo. Are there settings that I can adjust for this? Also, the flash seems too bright and I must have it on indoors. Plus, it helps to stop motion. Any help is appreciated. If I can't figure this out, I may switch back to my s4 zoom...
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] daaabs:
Hey, I know it's cheeky but if it's still going, I'll have it :P I'll even give you something for it
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
Irony was I threw it in the bin, a week before someone asked me for it. It was brand new too still in the box!
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] ashouhdy:
Dubai ... :)
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] livio80:
i have the black version!

i tried Kingo Root (on my S4 Zoom it worked perfectly) but on K Zoom Kingo will not work!

Suggests?

edit: i tried Kngo 1.2.1, kingo 1.2.2 both odin and normal mode...nothing...it will not work! Some time kZoom will reboot but without rooting success!
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] ashouhdy:
where is the k zoom thread ?
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] Kroy73:
Just cancelled my blue K Zoom order for £360 & re-ordered via an England fans link for £321!

This version was scheduled for shipping on June 13th but obviously not....
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] rocky450:
I think the K zoom is a bit 'bulkier' than s4 Zoom but in specs it is far more powerful.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] apprentice:
+1

Though you need to log your interest here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=53293619#post53293619

---------- Post added at 12:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:47 PM ----------

I owned both and I can tell you the opposite is true. The K Zoom is not bulky, it does not have a bulky 'Camera Grip' like the S4 Zoom and the lens does not protude as much either.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] livio80:
it's true but S4Z has more ergonomics for making photo, according to me.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
Have you a link?
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] ashouhdy:
http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2763727

the k zoom is half the s4zOom size
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] Kroy73:
Might be because I'm a registered England fan but I followed this link from an email I received:

https://englandsupporters.thefa.com...70964&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Emailvision

Hope that works for you!
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] ashouhdy:
only white version available in my country .. so sad. .. hope it looks fine.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] sparkyxda:
The World Cup FIFA and Samsung 20% offer code for the Samsung Galaxy K Zoom in the Samsung estore is NPR-14G-IKL-NCF
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
Thanks. You know what is annoying is that I contacted Samsung estore. There is an issue in that all pre orders came with a free case worth £20. However, no case received and Samsung admitted they screwed up. Anyway, that's a different story for another day.

So when I pre ordered there was a 10% discount. Price was £360. Less than 2 weeks after release with new discount is £321. So I asked them to help bridge the gap. Even going 50/50. Answer. No. I could return my phone and get a refund. Then I would have to reorder using code. So Samsung will pay the return postage and then a delivery postage for new order. Nuts.

Talk about treating customers fairly. Not. I understand phones drop in value but less than 14 days apart. Not right.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] Tr4sHCr4fT:
any of the UK-store buyers could post the size and weight of box it were shipped?
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] apprentice:
I contacted them yesterday regarding the free case I am yet to receive and they said that the cases were returned to Samsung due to a manufacturing defect, they are awaiting for return stock. Strangely enough this was the exact same excuse they gave when offering cases for the Galaxy Note 3 and it took almost 2 months for the cases to roll out. Why on earth is case production so difficult? Ridiculous.

So I am also unhappy that I paid £40 more for the privilege of pre-ordering. I thought the 10% discount was good until I saw your post. I have had mine for 20 days, do you think I will still be able to send mine back for a replacement at the new discount price?
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] gavinfabl:
I'm using my new K Zoom. You have 28 days to return from receipt. So I bought a new one at lower price and then returned my first one yesterday.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] Tr4sHCr4fT:
i ordered one in uk and sent it to mail forward service

wish me luck =)
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] carfield:
Looking forward to get Galaxy K zoom... but

If there tutorial about how to root this device? Will this working for Galaxy K zoom also? http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2376889

There is some tutorial in China forum, have anyone tried that? http://www.anzow.com/news/List/JQGNHRKQQ.shtml
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] livio80:
the first tutorial is for S4Zoom....i think it will not work with kzoom........the second link is for kzoom....tomorrow i'll give a look to this method. generally, chinese methods contain spyware...so have to pay attention....

Sent from my rooted, debloated, zipaligned, deodexed Samsung Galaxy S5 Zoom with stock kernel, CWM custom recovery and cooked ROM
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] carfield:
Thanks a lot livio80!
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] livio80:
Hi folks!

I tested the chinese program....in a few words: DO NOT DO IT.

the program works like a "portable" pc program. It seems it's not installing everything on the pc (i used a pc with Windows 8) when it is launched.

so the program seems safe (it will not install anything on PC, neither progs neither services or suspect files). as soon as i launched the prog, it asks for the phone so i connected it. the program recognizes the phone regularly.

The phone will reboot. when rebooted, the program on pc tells that no root is gained....but on the smartphone you will see a new application. it seems to be a link to a chinese app market (i don't know chinese language).

that's all!

in two words....useless and, perhaps, dangerous.

ps: the details about the process (see photos) are taken with System Tuner Pro.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] carfield:
Thanks a lot livio80! Hope someone will get that rooted soon
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] apprentice:
Thanks for having the balls to try this! Shame it didn't work. I am sure there will be a root hack for this phone soon. We can all keep looking.
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] livio80:
thanks to all, folks :)
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] miljano:
External sd card has no writing permissions when accessing via es file Explorer? Someone experiencing the same?

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-C115 met Tapatalk
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] livio80:
i don't use "Es Explorer" but i can tell you that with "Root Explorer" and "Astro" the external sd card is accessible and explorable!
[Samsung Galaxy S 4 Zoom] miljano:
thanks for your reply, but on the spot i am testing astro. As you say, i can confirm accessing and exploring my external sd card, a thing i could with ES file explorer. But i can not make a new folder or delete files/folders.