Ridgefield Park, NJ—Samsung Electronics Co. launched the NX300, the new flagship model in its NX series. The compact system camera delivers a combination of features, functionality and style. Samsung also announced the NX 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D lens—the first one-lens 3D system capable of capturing both photos and Full HD movies in 3D quality.
“Since its launch in 2010, the Samsung NX system has become synonymous with innovation and design, making the best digital imaging technology available to everyone without compromising on style,” said Myoung Sup Han, senior vice president and head of the Digital Imaging business at Samsung Electronics. “The NX300 builds even further on this illustrious heritage. Not only does it deliver incredible speed and accuracy through advanced photographic features, but it is truly built around the user, with upgraded Smart camera functions making shooting and sharing both easy and seamless. We are also very proud to introduce the first one-lens 3D system alongside the NX300, opening up a whole new world of 3D photography and video recording for consumers everywhere.”
Central to the NX300’s imaging performance is its brand-new 20.3 megapixel APS-CMOS sensor that helps enable a wide ISO range of 100–25,600 to improve performance in even the darkest conditions. A new hybrid autofocus system is also said to deliver fast, accurate phase and contrast detection. Also featured is a 1/6,000-sec shutter speed and 8.6-fps continuous shooting mode.
Samsung’s in-house developed DRIMe IV imaging engine provides the NX300’s speed and image quality. The engine was also developed to enable better color reproduction and greater noise reduction, as well as support Full HD 1080p video capture in both 2D and 3D (when combined with Samsung’s 45mm 2D/3D lens).
The NX300 also boasts a 3.31-inch AMOLED screen, and the hybrid touch screen and five-way manual key interface is designed for intuitive use. The tilt display also makes it easier to take high and low-angle shots.
For less-experienced photographers, the camera’s smart mode provides 14 settings, such as creative shot, landscape, light trace or action freeze, that automatically adjust parameters such as aperture and shutter speed in order to obtain the best shot possible. The NX300 also includes i-Depth, an easy way to adjust the depth of an image using the NX series’ i-Function system, which enables users to modify camera parameters using the lens itself, without moving off the target.
The retro styled model, which comes in black or white with a contrast silver band, also allows instant sharing with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Users can transfer their photos between their camera and smartphone (or tablet) after downloading the Samsung Smart Camera app (available for Android and iOS) onto their smartphone or tablet and following the steps to create a secure connection with the camera.
The NX300 will then detect and auto-connect to the smartphone wirelessly whenever any of the Smart camera features are activated, such as AutoShare, which automatically sends every high-quality photo to the smartphone for safe keeping; and Mobile Link, which enables users to select and transfer images or albums from the camera to a smartphone. The app also has a remote viewfinder function for the NX300.
The NX300’s enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity also lets users share images directly from the camera via social networking sites using the camera’s one-touch Direct Link hot key. The NX300 will retail in a kit with the 20–50mm f/3.5–5.6 ED II lens for under $750.
Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens
The Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens (sold separately) opens up the world of 3D imaging possibilities and is the world’s first one-lens 3D system for a consumer camera. Capable of capturing both still pictures and Full HD 1080p video, the Samsung NX300 and 45mm 2D/3D lens kit are currently the only compact system camera supporting both 3D stills and 3D movies, notes Samsung.
The prime lens (69.3mm equivalent) fits the Samsung NX mount. It offers a 19.7-inch minimum focus distance and seven optical elements in six groups. It is also compatible with Samsung's iScene system. It will carry an SRP of $499. samsung.com
