Samsung adds 20.3-megapixel NX20, NX210 and NX1000 to mirrorless cam lineup (update: now with video)

You probably know Samsung best as the mobile tech giant that it's exploded to become. The Korean company has also unleashed a blockbuster television or two in the past few years, along with some of the most gorgeous tablets to come out of the Far East. One area where Samsung has yet to dominate is the digital camera market, however -- the company pumps out some pretty innovative imagers, that for one reason or another haven't caught on like their Japanese counterparts, including those from the likes of Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony. Sure, Samsung's point-and-shoots could be labeled as gimmicky under-performers, despite their success in Asia, but its mirrorless cameras have been established as viable competitors in the fast-growing ILC market -- from a performance perspective, at least.

What the firm really needs to gain share is a killer model with an incredibly competitive price -- an entry-level cam that comes in at, say, $499 with a decent kit lens. Sadly, there's no sub-$500 ILC in this latest bunch, with the NX20 priced at $1,100 and the NX210 set to retail for $900. The NX1000 has yet to get a price tag, though based on those first two flavors, we wouldn't be surprised to see it hit stores with a $700 sticker. There's more to these cameras than price -- well, there is and there isn't, depending on your needs -- but in a market with offerings as solid as the $600 Sony NEX-C3 and $1,100 Olympus E-M5, what Samsung really needs is a product that drops jaws not because of its high megapixel rating, but rather its very low price tag. The company has built a solid portfolio for 2012 -- all three NX cameras include the same 20.3-megapixel Samsung-manufactured APS-C CMOS sensor with an ISO range up to 12,800, 1080/30p video, an 8fps full-res burst mode, integrated WiFi and a 3-inch display, though body size, user interface and other features will differ. Join us past the break for a closer look at each camera.

(Update: Courtesy of our sister site Engadget Chinese, we've added some hands-on videos.)

NX20

You might call this Samsung's interchangeable lens flagship. The NX20 looks and feels like a miniature DSLR, with a curvy retracted flash up top, an extended rounded grip and a built-in SVGA EVF -- it looks like a very close relative of its predecessor, the NX10, and even includes the same button and dial placement, along with a full-size hotshoe. Around back, there's a tilt-and-swivel 614k-dot, 3-inch VGA PenTile AMOLED display. If you're looking to replace your DSLR without compromising on form-factor, you'll get a familiar experience here. The NX20 will retail for $1,100 including an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens when it ships in early-May.

NX210

This model will likely look incredibly familiar -- it's essentially an NX200 with built-in WiFi, and a tweaked image sensor. Last year's model will remain on the market as well, with a $800 price tag, and if you're willing to forgo wireless connectivity, it's not a bad option. The same 614k-dot, 3-inch VGA PenTile AMOLED display available with the NX20 can be found here, though there won't be an electronic viewfinder. The NX210 also ships with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, with built-in image stabilization, a focus mode switch and an iFunction button for launching key settings. If you don't need WiFi in your future, the NX200 is worth considering here, or you can hand over an extra Franklin once the NX210 hits stores for $900 in mid-May.

NX1000

We haven't gotten up close and personal with the NX1000, but based on the company's press photos, it looks awfully familiar. No, it's not reminiscent of a former Samsung model, but it does bear a striking resemblance to the Nikon J1, with a glossy white finish, white lens and sleek, inviting design. Samsung has yet to release pricing, but it's clear that the company is marketing this model towards point-and-shooters looking to make an upgrade. It also includes a 3-inch LCD rather than an AMOLED display, so it's probably safe to assume that this will be an entry-level cam, along with a compact 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Just like the price tag, we're still waiting on Samsung to release the NX1000's price.

Update: We've now had a quick play with the NX1000 and our primary impression is that it's light -- just 360 grams, which really isn't bad when you consider the full-grown APS-C sensor lounging inside. Samsung claims it's the most "portable" compact ILC on the market and we're not feeling argumentative. Alas, still no price.

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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."