Samsung untangles the future, with three new WiFi-connected mirrorless cameras
posted Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 2:59 AM EDT
Demonstrating its faith in the future of the compact system camera market, and in mirrorless cameras' ability to triumph over the SLR, Samsung has today launched three new models for its NX series. There's much shared between the flagship Samsung NX20, and its two siblings, the mid-range Samsung NX210 and entry-level Samsung NX1000. All three also share DNA with the existing NX200. Their sensor design is quite similar to that camera's, although we understand that there have been some circuitry tweaks, and they all best its burst performance slightly. All three new models share a common feature that differentiates them not only from the NX200, but from most competitors, however: built-in WiFi connectivity that promises to make tangled cables a thing of the past.
As we've noted, the Samsung NX20 is the flagship. Its SLR-like body boasts a high-resolution SVGA electronic viewfinder, and a tilt/swivel AMOLED display. It also offers a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 second thanks to an electronic shutter. Other key differences from its siblings are the inclusion of a popup flash, and more external controls which make clear that this is a camera aimed at enthusiasts. We're expecting our Samsung NX20 preview to be online shortly.
The Samsung NX210, meanwhile, is the closest of the trio to the existing NX200. Compared to that camera, the main differences are WiFi connectivity, and a faster burst-shooting rate of eight frames per second. Compared to the NX20, it lacks the popup flash, EVF, tilt/swivel mechanism on the display, the display itself isn't a 'Clear'-branded type and so still has an air gap, and the NX210 tops out at 1/4,000 second from a mechanical shutter. More details in our Samsung NX210 preview!
Finally, the base model of the group is the Samsung NX1000, which swaps in a plastic body and a standard LCD display rather than an AMOLED, aiming for a more affordable pricetag. It does, however, add one feature not present on its siblings: a WiFi sharing button for quick data transfer to a tablet or smartphone. It also comes with a different lens to the other two cameras, a 20-50mm zoom that's color-matched to the camera body. (Its siblings both come with an 18-55mm zoom.) More details in our Samsung NX1000 preview.
The NX20 will be the first of the group to go on sale, priced at around US$1,100 and available from early May. The NX210 will follow from mid-May, priced at around US$900. Although pricing hadn't been disclosed for NX1000 at press time, we do know that body colors for this model will include black, white, and pink, with differing availability. The white and black versions of the NX1000 ship from June 2012, while the pink version will follow in July 2012.
(122 x 90 x 40 mm)
APS-C (approx. 1.11 in. diagonal)
21.60 megapixels (total)
20.30 megapixels (effective)
5472 x 3080 (16.9 megapixels)
3648 x 3648 (13.3 megapixels)
3888 x 2592 (10.1 megapixels)
3712 x 2088 (7.8 megapixels)
2640 x 2640 (7.0 megapixels)
2976 x 1984 (5.9 megapixels)
2736 x 1824 (5.0 megapixels)
2944 x 1656 (4.9 megapixels)
2000 x 2000 (4.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1728 x 1152 (2.0 megapixels)
1024 x 1024 (1.0 megapixels)
28 - 85mm (35mm equivalent)
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Modes: Smart Flash, Auto, Auto+Red-eye reduction, Fill-in, Fill-in+Red-eye reduction, 1st Curtain, 2nd Curtain, Off
Range: Depends on lens aperture
(117 x 63 x 37 mm)
APS-C (approx. 1.11 in. diagonal)
21.60 megapixels (total)
20.30 megapixels (effective)
5472 x 3080 (16.9 megapixels)
3648 x 3648 (13.3 megapixels)
3888 x 2592 (10.1 megapixels)
3712 x 2088 (7.8 megapixels)
2640 x 2640 (7.0 megapixels)
2976 x 1984 (5.9 megapixels)
2736 x 1824 (5.0 megapixels)
2944 x 1656 (4.9 megapixels)
2000 x 2000 (4.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1728 x 1152 (2.0 megapixels)
1024 x 1024 (1.0 megapixels)
28 - 85mm (35mm equivalent)
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Modes: Smart Flash, Auto, Auto+Red-eye reduction, Fill-in, Fill-in+Red-eye reduction, 1st Curtain, 2nd Curtain, Off
Range: Bundled SEF8A flash has GN 8m at ISO 100
(114 x 63 x 38 mm)
APS-C (approx. 1.11 in. diagonal)
21.60 megapixels (total)
20.30 megapixels (effective)
5472 x 3080 (16.9 megapixels)
3648 x 3648 (13.3 megapixels)
3888 x 2592 (10.1 megapixels)
3712 x 2088 (7.8 megapixels)
2640 x 2640 (7.0 megapixels)
2976 x 1984 (5.9 megapixels)
2736 x 1824 (5.0 megapixels)
2944 x 1656 (4.9 megapixels)
2000 x 2000 (4.0 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
1728 x 1152 (2.0 megapixels)
1024 x 1024 (1.0 megapixels)
31 - 77mm (35mm equivalent)
Has AF assist lamp
Manual focus possible
Modes: Smart Flash, Auto, Auto+Red-eye reduction, Fill-in, Fill-in+Red-eye reduction, 1st Curtain, 2nd Curtain, Off
Range: Bundled SEF8A flash has GN 8m at ISO 100
Press Release
Capture, connect and share with a Samsung SMART CAMERA
Share life in perfect detail with the NX1000, NX20 and NX210 - the world’s first SMART compact system cameras with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
BEIJING, China – April 19, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies is breaking new ground with its award-winning NX series with three new compact system cameras (CSC) that pioneer built-in Wi-Fi connectivity: the NX1000, NX210 and NX20. Now professional quality images can be easily captured, shared and stored straight from your camera - wherever you are in the world.
Introducing the NX1000, NX210 and NX20
The innovative additions to Samsung’s NX range represent the future in CSC technology: SMART cameras with in-built Wi-Fi technology that allow users to connect to wireless networks without any additional cards or devices. Full Wi-Fi connectivity is complemented by an impressive range of features, continuing the heritage of innovation that the NX series has been consistently recognized for since the launch of the NX10 in 2010.
As standard, all three NX models feature a 20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, developed in-house by Samsung to give high quality images in rich color and detail. They are also fully compatible with the NX series’ unique i-Function system, enabling users to control parameters using the lens itself, adjusting the image without ever having to move off target. With Samsung’s range of nine lenses and professional standard accessories, the NX eco-system ensures that all imaging ambitions can be realised, whatever the user’s photographic speciality or interest.
Enhancing Samsung’s 2012 SMART CAMERA ecosystem, these latest additions to the NX range have been designed to satisfy the ambitions of users of all abilities, whether an experienced professional or someone just looking to trade-up from their point-and-shoot.
The NX1000 is highly portable and its eye-catching compact design makes it as useable as it is attractive. Available in stunning White, classic Black or eye-catching Pink it houses a feature-rich range of specs, with technology such as Smart Auto 2.0 and the Smart Link Hot Key, making it simpler than ever to shoot and share great images instantly.
The NX210 follows the NX’s design heritage, with a premium metallic finish. Like its predecessor the NX200, the NX210 also offers a 3.0” AMOLED display for viewing images and Full HD movies in brilliant resolution. With easy access to Wi-Fi functions, the NX210 allows quick sharing with friends and family, whilst with Samsung Mobile Link users can show off their best images on phones and tablets, or on the big screen with TV Link connecting the NX210 wirelessly to internet-enabled TVs.
The NX20 is the perfect match for enthusiast amateur or professional photographers looking for a highly portable camera that gives the professional look and feel of a DSLR but at a fraction of the size and weight, with the addition of an ergonomic grip to fit comfortably into the hand. Delivering impressive speed with its 1/8000s Fast Shutter, breath-taking images are shown on its clear 3.0” clear AMOLED swivel display, increasing visibility by approximately 20%. The NX20 also incorporates a range of functions and manual controls in order to deliver pro-standard pictures every time, including SVGA EVF so users can frame images like a professional.
In-Built Wi-Fi for simple sharing and saving
With Samsung’s latest SMART features, users can share pictures at the touch of a button, uploading to social networks including Facebook and Picasa, or emailing them to friends and family – all straight from their new NX camera. The cameras also offer further options for capturing and displaying images via other devices, including the ability to link to a Samsung smartphone and use as a remote viewfinder, and - with the Samsung Mobile Link function - to display images on devices such as tablets or internet-enabled TV.
Creative control at the touch of a button
Pictures shared on the spur of the moment are no longer restricted to simply shooting and sending - with the creative features of the new NX cameras, Facebook pictures can be artistic without ever going near a computer. The ten Smart Filters and added Selective Color function, for example, mean that users can adjust the look and feel of shots as they take them. In addition, all three cameras also feature Panorama and 3D Panorama, allowing the whole story to be told in one complete picture. With the Smart Panel featured on all the new models, settings and features can be easily accessed and applied, making creative photography easier than ever.
Mr. Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics, commented: “The three new additions to the NX range mark an evolution in Samsung’s SMART CAMERA offering, demonstrating our understanding that digital imaging is about sharing the best moments with family and friends, and not only about taking great pictures. Samsung is paving the way, introducing the world’s first SMART Compact-System-Cameras for professional standard images that are worth sharing.”
“With the inclusion of in-built Wi-Fi connectivity, our customers can now share pictures and videos straight from their NX camera. More importantly, however, the NX camera’s wireless connectivity does not mean sacrificing fantastic image quality – you can now have the best of both at your fingertips. This dedication to innovation will make Samsung a leader in the SMART CAMERA market.”
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2011 consolidated sales of US$143.1 billion. Employing approximately 206,000 people in 197 offices across 72 countries, the company operates two separate organizations to coordinate its nine independent business units: Digital Media & Communications, comprising Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, and Digital Imaging; and Device Solutions, consisting of Memory, System LSI and LED. Recognized for its industry-leading performance across a range of economic, environmental and social criteria, Samsung Electronics was named the world’s most sustainable technology company in the 2011 Dow Jones Sustainability Index. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.