Samsung has officially announced in a press release that its first Android-powered 4G LTE/Wi-Fi enabled mirrorless camera, the Galaxy NX, is now available to purchase in the United States, for $1599. However, that price only covers the body itself. If you wish to buy the camera with a standard 18-55mm kit lens, it will set you back a jaw-dropping $1699.99.

The NX is far from a basic point-and-shoot camera, it ships running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with the latest version of Samsung’s TouchWiz user interface (UI) plastered over the top. In terms of specifications, the device packs a 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a 4.8-inch HD TFT LCD display, a 1.6GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and a 4,360 mAh battery.

In addition, the Galaxy NX also has some exclusive Android apps that look rather interesting, such as ‘Photo Suggest’, which provides location-based recommendations of the most popular places to take a photograph, and ‘Store Album’, which automatically creates a digital photo book out of the images you select from your gallery. This photo book can then be transferred wirelessly to your Samsung smartphone.

The full press release can be read below:

SAMSUNG GALAXY NX ARRIVES IN STORES IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

World’s first Android 4.2 Jelly Bean Compact System Camera now available to U.S. Customers

Overview:

Samsung announces U.S. in-store availability for the GALAXY NX SMART Camera, the world’s first fully-connected Compact System Camera (CSC). The announcement marks the first shipments of the camera available to U.S. consumers.

Powered by the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, the GALAXY NX offers a professional-level photographic experience with the simplicity and familiarity of a smartphone. Users can choose from a variety of Android apps to help personalize their GALAXY NX and do more than just shoot amazing photographs and video – from editing images to adding special effects to staying in touch with friends and family over email and messaging apps.

Camera Features:

The GALAXY NX’s 20.3MP APS-C Sensor produces images that are bright and detailed, even in low light conditions, while the DRIMe IV Image Signal Processor delivers the speed and accuracy today’s photographers demand. Its Advanced Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) System ensures accurate phase and contrast detection for crisp, vibrant shots, while the 1/6000 sec shutter speed and 8.6fps shooting lets users capture fast-moving action as it happens. From recording family milestones to snapping the photo-finish as racers cross the line, the GALAXY NX confidently tackles any photo assignment.

Photographers will appreciate the expanded workflow options afforded by the GALAXY NX, with in-camera features that let them instantly watermark images, apply post-capture editing features and even email photos directly from the studio or while out in the field. Additionally, the GALAXY NX allows users to wirelessly mirror their camera’s interface to high-resolution monitors for real-time viewing of images and photo-capture.

The GALAXY NX is compatible with all of Samsung’s NX-series lenses, including the new 10mm fisheye lens and the highly-acclaimed 85mm lens. This flexibility places creative control in the hands of the photographer and opens up a world of possibilities for a variety of shooters.

Beyond the integrated Android 4.2 Jellybean interface, the GALAXY NX is teeming with shooting and editing options, including more than 30 Smart Modes for easily capturing stunning images in a variety of scenarios. Moreover, the GALAXY NX employs a new Camera Studio widget, which consolidates custom settings and places them in an easy-to-navigate viewing pane for quick access.