Samsung unveils 3D-capable NX300 mirrorless camera and 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D lens ahead of CES, we go eyes on (update)
TVs and robotic vacuums aren't the only Smart-branded devices Samsung will be showing off at this year's CES. We just met with the company here in NYC to take a look at its newest entrant into the camera game, dubbed the NX300. No, it's not Android-equipped, but this 20.3-megapixel, APS-C shooter stands as its new flagship mirrorless model. It boasts the key gimmick feature of 3D capability for stills and videos (up to 1080p at 60fps), thanks to a new DRIMe IV processor.
Getting the usual numbers aside, you'll be able to harness an ISO range of 100 to 25600, a maximum shutter speed of 1,6000 and a top speed of 8.6fps for JPG bursts. On back, you'll find a 3.31-inch, 768 dot AMOLED touch-display, and a d-pad-esque section with five buttons for manual control. Lastly, there's a dedicated mode dial on the top, along with a full-size hot shoe mount. This shooter is also WiFi-enabled like previous cameras in the range, allowing you to share content wirelessly, and giving you access to apps like a remote viewfinder that works with iOS and Android devices. Notably, the NX300 packs a hybrid phase / contrast-detection sensor or peppy auto-focusing as well.
Having a new NX that can handle 3D naturally calls for a lens that can shoot it, and a 2D/3D-capable f/1.8 45mm lens was also shown to us -- a "world-first," according to Sammy. While you won't be able to shoot in 3D with older NX cameras (we're told they don't have the processing power), it'll still work as regular 2D lens if you're interested in its focal perspective. We spent a few fleeting moments with an engineering sample of the camera in-hand, so join us past the break for more.
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The camera as a whole feels solid, yet lightweight -- the grip follows the same form-factor as previous NX imagers, but it's slightly chunkier feeling, and easier to grasp for this editor. The screen itself was quickly responsive to our touches, fairly easy to see under light (there's no option for an add-on viewfinder) and its tilting worked smoothly and stayed in place. All that said, a Samsung representative let us know that the firmware we saw wasn't final and, you guessed it, that we wouldn't be able to grab any photos out of the camera for further inspection. Also worth note, the camera charges via micro-USB like Sony's NEX-6, so an external battery charger won't be included in the package.
The NX300 is slated to cost $750 with a 20-50mm kits lens and a copy of Adobe Lightroom, while the 2D/3D lens will set you back a spendy $600 $500 -- all of which come in your choice of white or black. Everything is set to ship out this March, so hit up the galleries below and the press release below for more information now.
Update: Samsung let us know the original $600 price given for the 2D/3D lens was incorrect, and that it'll instead be priced at $500. Furthermore, we've been asked to replace the initial batch of press images we were given with updated versions that more closely reflect the final products.
Show full PR text
Samsung NX300 Combines Speed, Performance and Connectivity for Perfect Shooting in Every Moment
Samsung 45mm F1.8 2D/3D lens is the World's first one-lens 3D system, capable of capturing both stills and 1080p Full HD video in perfect 3D quality
RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – January 3, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the NX300, the new flagship model in its successful NX series. The NX300 once again raises the bar for compact system cameras (CSC), delivering an outstanding combination of features, functionality and style for perfect shooting in every moment. Samsung also announced the new NX 45mm F1.8 2D/3D lens, the first one-lens 3D system capable of capturing both still images and full HD movies in perfect 3D quality.
Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics, commented: "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. 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."
Perfect shooting
Central to the NX300's outstanding imaging performance is its brand new 20.3 Megapixel APS-CMOS sensor, capable of capturing high quality detailed. Images boast sharp, life-like colors and are crisp and clear in all light conditions. The wide ISO range (ISO100-25600) further improves performance, letting users capture beautifully balanced images in even the darkest conditions. A brand new Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system also delivers fast, accurate phase and contrast detection, while the 1/6000 sec shutter speed and 8.6fps continuous shooting mode ensure you never miss a moment.
The Samsung's unique in-house developed DRIMe IV imaging engine provides outstanding developments in speed, and image quality. The DRIMe IV engine enables better color reproduction and greater noise reduction, as well as support for full 1080p HD video capture in both 2D and 3D (when combined with Samsung's new 45mm 2D/3D lens).
The NX300's 84mm (3.31") AMOLED screen makes capturing and reviewing your images a pleasure, while the hybrid touch screen and 5-way manual key interface is simple and intuitive to use. The tilt display makes it easier than ever to take high and low angle shots, letting you capture your world from any angle you choose.
Easy usability and stylish retro design
The compact NX300 makes it simple for anyone to achieve pro-like and impressive pictures easily with minimal technical knowledge or time spent adjusting parameters. Using the camera's Smart Mode, users can choose from 14 different settings, such as Creative Shot, Landscape, Light Trace or Action Freeze which will automatically adjust parameters such as aperture and shutter speed in order to obtain the best shot possible for the desired situation. The NX300 also includes i-Depth, an easy and simple way to adjust the depth of an image using the NX Series' unique i-Function system which enables users to modify camera parameters using the lens itself, adjusting the image without ever having to move off target.
The NX acclaimed design returns with the NX300 sporting a stylish yet simple retro feel that is available in either black or white with a contrast silver band, conveying elegance and authenticity.
Instant sharing through enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity
The NX300's Wi-Fi connectivity of SMART CAMERA allows users to share their cherished photos instantly and securely between their camera and smartphone (or tablet). To connect a smartphone to the camera, users simply need to download the Samsung SMART CAMERA App., which is available for both Android and iOS based application markets, onto their smartphone or tablet and follow the easy steps to create a secure connection with the camera. The NX300 will be able to detect and auto-connect to the smartphone wirelessly whenever any of the SMART CAMERA features are activated. These include AutoShare; which automatically sends every high-quality photos to your smart phone for safe keeping, and Mobile Link; which allows users to select and transfer images or album from the camera directly to your smartphone at their leisure. The SMART CAMERA App. also features a Remote Viewfinder function for the NX300, allowing for even more inventive and exciting photography.
The NX300's enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity also lets users share images with friends and family directly from the camera via social networking sites using the cameras one-touch DIRECT LINK hot key. Alternatively, images can be automatically backed up or stored in the cloud through AllShare Play ensuring they are always safe and easily accessible.
Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens
The Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens(sold separately) opens up an exciting 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 1080p HD video, the Samsung NX300 and 45mm 2D/3D lens kit have become the only compact system camera supporting both 3D still and 3D movie. The NX300 is also compatible with Samsung's entire range of NX lenses and professional standard accessories, giving users an unparalleled range of options when striving for that perfect shot.
Please visit our booth to experience this future technology firsthand. Samsung's product line will be displayed January 8-11 at booth #12004 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Full details, video content and product images are available at the Samsung microsite at: http://www.samsungces.com/ or mobile site at: http://m.samsungces.com as well.
The Samsung press conference and Samsung Tomorrow TV CES 2013 Specials will be streamed live on the Samsung Tomorrow blog at: http://global.samsungtomorrow.com and Samsung's microsite site also.
After the live presentations, videos will be available at http://youtube.com/SamsungTomorrow
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in consumer electronics and the core components that go into them. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 227,000 people across 75 countries with annual sales exceeding US$143 billion. Our goal is opening new possibilities for people everywhere. To discover more, please visit http://www.samsung.com.
Note to Editors
NX300 Product Specifications
Image Sensor
20.3 effective megapixel APS-C CMOS
IS
OIS mode is only provided on 2D shooting mode
Display
84.0mm (3.31") AMOLED with a Tilt Touch Panel
WVGA (800x400) 768k dots
ISO
Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600
Image
JPEG (3:2)：20.0M (5472x3648), 10.1M (3888x2592), 5.9M (2976x1984),
2.0M (1728x1152), 5.0M (2736x1824): Burst mode only
JPEG (16:9)：16.9M (5472x3080), 7.8M (3712x2088), 4.9M (2944x1656), 2.1M (1920x1080)
JPEG (1:1)：13.3M (3648x3648), 7.0M (2640x2640), 4.0M (2000x2000),
1.1M (1024x1024)
RAW : 20.0M (5472x3648)
* 3D Image Size : JPEG (16:9) 4.1M (2688x1512), (16:9) 2.1M (1920x1080)
Video
MP4 (Video: MPEG4, AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC)
1920x1080, 1920x810, 1280x720 , 640x480, 320x240 for Sharing
Video Output
HDMI 1.4a
Value-added Features
SMART Mode : Beauty Face, Landscape, Macro, Action Freeze, Rich Tone, Panorama, Waterfall, Silhouette, Sunset, Night, Fireworks, Light Trace, Creative Shot, Best Face
3D still image & video capturing
Wi-Fi Connectivity
IEEE 802.11b/g/n support Dual Channel (SMART Camera 2.0)
. AutoShare
. Cloud
. Auto Backup
. Remote Viewfinder
. MobileLink
. Wi-Fi Direct (playback)
. AllSharePlay
. Social Sharing
Bundle PC software
iLauncher, Adobe Lightroom
Storage
SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-1
Battery
BP1130 (1130mAh)
Dimension (WxHxD)
122 x 63.7 x 40.7mm (excluding the projection part)
Weight
280 g (without battery)
45mm 2D/3D lens Specifications
Focal Length
45mm (equivalent to 69.3mm in 35mm format)
Elements in Groups
7 elements in 6 groups
Angle of View
34.7°
Aperture
As of 2D : F1.8* (Min. F22), (Number of Blades : 9 , Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
OIS
NO
Minimum
Focus Distance
0.50m
Maximum Magnification
Approx. 0.12X
i Scene
Night, Portrait, Beauty shot, Children, Backlight, Sports
Lens Hood
Yes
Filter Size
43mm
Mount Type
NX Mount
Dimension (DxL)
44.4 x 61.5mm
Weight
115g
*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
