Ridgefield Park,
N.J – Samsung unveiled Tuesday the next iteration in its line of mirrorless
interchangeable-lens cameras — the NX100.
The camera, which
follows Samsung’s first mirrorless model — the $699 NX10 introduced in May —
is billed as the world’s first to accept i-Function lenses, offering the
ability to control the camera through the lens. Pricing and availability were
not released at press time.
The system is said
to be proactive, rather than passive, allowing the lens to communicate with the
camera body, offering total image control with both fast manual settings, and
customized settings. An i-Function button enables scrolling through manual
settings, while the focus ring changes parameters for each setting.
The approach is
said to provide a natural way for photographers to use their left hand to
change settings through the i-Function lens without the need to take the camera
off the target. Users can toggle between shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB and
ISO quickly and easily using the i-Function button and ring on the lens.
The NX100 will be
accompanied by a new lineup of lenses and accessories.
The launch of the
NX100 uses a 14.6-megapixel APS-C size COMS image sensor, a 3-inch AMOLED
screen, a fast AF system and ISO settings up to 6,400.
Samsung said the
compact camera’s design was inspired by the shape of a dew drop on a leaf and
offers two color choices — black and brown.
“Our aim is to
dominate the mirrorless camera market in the same way that we do in the
DualView category, and the new NX100 is the embodiment of that goal,” stated
Sang Jin Park, Samsung digital imaging division president. “We are the first to
create a mirrorless camera with high-quality imaging technology which has been
designed based on intuitive consumer insights from our in-depth consumer
research. This is why we believe that the NX100, alongside the NX10, will
cement our leadership in this growing field. Our unique and pioneering
i-Function Lens stands out from the competition as an example of our
unparalleled innovation, which will appeal to every photographer.”
A lens priority
mode simplifies switching between lenses. Scene options specifically designed
for the lens being used are provided. For example, when a landscape lens is
attached, the camera will immediately display the landscape mode.
Other features
include a Super Sonic dust-reduction system and a “Smart Filter” that in
playback mode allows users to apply seven different effects to the picture,
such as the vignette, soft focus, fisheye or miniature effects.
It also offers 720
HD video recording and a Sound Picture mode that records audio when a still photo
is taken.
At launch, the
lens lineup for the NX100 will include a compact zoom 20-50mm lens, a 20mm wide-angle
pancake lens, and starting in the first half, a 60mm macro lens and 18-200mm super
zoom lens.
Three more lenses
will be introduced by the second half of 2011, including 16mm, 85mm and 16-80mm
lenses.
