Samsung NX 10 revealed

Samsung reveal details of their new NX system

Ever since slithers of information were announced at last year’s PMA trade show, Samsung has kept details relating to the elusive NX close to their chest, insuring that only the bare facts are known. Other than the fact that this new model is set to be released imminently, and that it presents a similar, although in places critically different setup to micro 4/3rds, little else is known. Digital Camera Essentials Editor In Chief Debbi Allen was given exclusive access to the camera as well as the chance to ask the makers about the finer points of the new system.

The much-anticipated NX 10 has finally been given some solid specs, taking a number of aspects from their GX DSLR range. The first, and arguably most important, is the 14MP sensor that forms the heart of the compact. Being the same as the sensor present in the GX-20 means there’s already an impressive pedigree sat within the compact body. Although the ISO has been limited to 3200, which seems extremely low by today’s often ridiculous 6400+ values, the images are purported to be impressively noise free as a result.

In a similar sense to the Micro 4/3rds system Samsung has dispensed with the mirror/prism approach, leaving the sensor exposed when the lens is removed. Fortunately there’s both an anti-dust coating and dust-shake system employed to insure the amount of particles making it onto the images is at a minimum. The lack of mirror means that an electronic display is relied upon, which has caused many users to dismiss the Micro 4/3rds system before usage. The main screen is something of a marvel though, as instead of being LCD-based it utilises AMOLED, a faster and less power-hungry option. It is also one of the defining factors to the NX 10’s slim frame, as the AMOLED requires far less room to operate. The lack of a backlight also means there’s far less power consumption, equating to around 100 more shots on an equivalent LCD-based model. The refresh rate of the screen is also impressively fast, meaning panning is noticeably less jerky and smoother for video previewing.

A converter for the Pentax K mount will also be made available, allowing users of the prior Samsung system to still utilise their lens. The mount won’t support the AF feature though, meaning the user has to focus manually. The extra bulk of these lenses on the smaller body doesn’t make the fit perfect, and as Samsung are approaching the lens classification in a slightly more consumer-friendly manner it’s very likely the K mount adapter will slip by unnoticed.

Instead of throwing focal lengths and apertures at newcomers to photography Samsung has grouped lenses together into categories such as ‘Action’ and ‘Portrait’. This way an average consumer should be able to chose a lens without being confused by the various numbers. With third party manufacturers yet to embrace Micro 4/3rds it’s extremely like the NX system will go the same way, so only Samsung’s own optics will need to adhere to the new grouping.

Although the APS-C sized sensor will give users the potential to snap some excellent images, the focus is certainly on accessibility here. With DSLRs getting marginally smaller but still possessing a degree of mystery to beginners the new NX may well capture some of the more indecisive public, stuck between superzoom and removable lens.