Samsung intros Wi-Fi-only Galaxy Cam

(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)

Perhaps realizing not everyone wants to pay a monthly data fee for a point-and-shoot camera, Samsung announced today a Wi-Fi-only version of its Android-powered Galaxy Camera.

Or maybe this was the plan all along, since Samsung did announce a full lineup of Wi-Fi Smart cameras at CES 2013, including a junior version of the Galaxy, the WB250F. (Many of the Galaxy Camera's shooting features appear on the WB250F, too, but it's not running Android anything.)

In the Wi-Fi-only version of the camera, everything remains intact from the AT&T and Verizon versions, including the 16-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, 21x, f2.8-5.9, 23-483mm lens, and great 4.8-inch HD touch screen -- all powered by a 1.4GHz quad-core processor. However, without the 3G/4G connection and required data plan, it should at least be less expensive.

And, because it is running on Android, you get full access to Google Play and its world of apps, letting you do more with the device than take photos and shoot videos.

The Wi-Fi-only version of the Samsung Galaxy Camera arrives sometime in April for $449. The AT&T Galaxy Camera with mobile broadband is priced at $499 and Verizon's version of that camera is selling for $549.