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Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera official: Interchangeable lenses, Android Jelly Bean and 4G LTE
True to JK Shin's promise, Samsung is indeed introducing a new Android-powered mirrorless camera: the Galaxy NX. Although it runs Google's mobile OS (version 4.2.2 Jelly Bean) and bears LTE radios, the NX is not quite a direct sequel to the Galaxy Camera, the company's glorified point-and-shoot for all comers. Rather, the Galaxy NX is what Samsung calls an interchangeable-lens CSC (or Compact System Camera), featuring a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, as well as 3G / 4G LTE, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity -- making it worthy of that Galaxy moniker. As you can tell from the above image, the Galaxy NX also packs a large 4.8-inch HD LCD display on its rear and is powered by a 1.6GHz Pega-Q quad-core setup and separate DRIMe IV Signal processor for imaging. The UI should look pretty familiar to anyone who's used an Android device before, with the common apps and widgets submenus, as well as the wheel interface for its 30 Smart Modes -- employed when selecting imaging settings. And if you happen to own any of the company's other NX cameras, you'll be able to swap out lenses (13 in all) as the Galaxy NX is fully compatible with that range. It also incorporates a hybrid AF, culled from the best of DSLRs and compacts, with a shutter speed of 1/6,000th of a second and 8.6fps shooting. Samsung's been pretty forthcoming about all the tech and software it's put into the Galaxy NX, but there are two key bits it's still withholding: pricing and availability. For now, it appears UK residents will have first crack at the Galaxy NX, as PR pegs its release for that territory as sometime this summer. The same, however, can't be said for a US launch. Regardless, as the Galaxy NX is more a proper camera for experienced photogs and less Android phone like the Galaxy Camera and S4 Zoom, you can bet on its price tag being relatively high when it launches. In the meantime, check out our Galaxy NX hands-on for more detailed impressions. %Gallery-191947% %Gallery-191950%
Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera appears in press shots, may launch later this month
Samsung's mobile chief JK Shin hinted that the company would soon be announcing an Android-powered mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, and now the Galaxy NX is all but official. In press shots appearing on a Vietnamese gadget site, the device is pictured with a mirrorless mount and a trio of NX lenses. Judging from the body, the camera is likely to be closer in size to a DSLR than Samsung's existing CSC lineup, with a large touchscreen occupying much of the rear. Hardware controls are few and far between, and may be limited to a shutter release, video capture button, top-mounted dial and a pop-up flash release, along with the compulsory lens release to the left of the swappable optic. It's said to include Android 4.2, a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, ISO sensitivity through 25,600 and 1080p video capture. Pricing info is still up in the air, as is an official announce date, which could very well be as soon as Samsung's June 20th event in London. Hit up the source for a few more shots.
Samsung posts NX1100 camera manual prematurely, shows a subtle upgrade
Samsung must not be very attached to the NX1000: the mirrorless camera isn't even a year old, and its creator is already rushing to post details of the follow-up. Manuals for the NX1100 have surfaced on the company's site that confirm the camera's look while revealing details. And... it's no great shakes, at least from what Samsung has disclosed. There's still a 20.3-megapixel sensor, an ISO 12,800 sensitivity limit, a 3-inch LCD and 802.11n WiFi. Software also looks similar on the surface. As long as the manuals aren't just placeholders, then, the improvements are likely tougher to quantify. We just hope that official documentation means a short wait.
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. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
PSA: Samsung's entry-level NX1000 mirrorless cam with 20-50mm lens now available for $700
Samsung's least expensive and most compact mirrorless camera, the NX1000, is finally available for purchase, shipping today for $700. The entry-level kit, which was originally set to hit retailers last month, includes a 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, a 3-inch LCD (no AMOLED display, sadly) and the same 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor included with the higher-end NX210 and NX20 -- those models add an AMOLED display and electronic viewfinder, respectively, along with a handful of other enhancements. For photographers who don't need an EVF or higher-end display, the NX1000 should suit most needs, and it's available in both black, white and pink (the two latter models also ship with matching lenses). $700 may seem a bit steep, considering starter ILCs from other manufacturers can cost $600 or less, but retailers and online vendors are discounting the kit to $649 through the end of the month.
Samsung NX20, NX210 and NX1000 sample images and video
We're at Samsung's NX-series launch event at Citi Field in Queens, NY, taking a closer look at the NX20, NX210 and NX1000 mirrorless ILCs that began hitting stores earlier today (the NX1000 will arrive in June). All three cameras are virtually identical when it comes to core components like the 20.3-megapixel Samsung-designed APS-C image sensor, so performance on that front should be consistent to what we saw with our flagship NX20 sample. From a spec perspective, these are fine shooters, but the systems' high pricing and (relatively) limited lens selection aren't likely to contribute to Samsung's mirrorless success. Join us past the break for some New York Mets action through the lens of Samsung's NX20.%Gallery-155655%
Samsung NX210 and NX20 now available, NX1000 to ship in June for $700
We already had a fairly good idea of pricing for Samsung's trio of NX cameras, but until the company's US arm released figures of its own, we withheld hope that the entry-level NX1000 would break the critical $600 barrier. Sadly, that's not the case -- that curvy flavor will retail for $700 in white, black or pink finishes come June, with a 20-50mm kit lens in tow. Timing couldn't be more unfortunate for Samsung's NX line, considering that Sony upped the stakes earlier today with its NEX-F3, the successor to the wildly-popular NEX-C3, which is priced to sell at $600 with an 18-55mm kit lens. That camera's 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor is the same physical size as what you'll find on the NX1000, NX210 and NX20, but Samsung's version ups the resolution to 20.3MP. Still, seasoned shooters know that megapixel count isn't a critical spec, making that extra 100 bucks a hard swallow for would-be NX1000 owners. Samsung's other mirrorless models, the NX210 and NX20, are available now for $1,100 and $900, respectively, so if you're in the market for an upgrade, those cameras may be worth considering. Full PR is after the break.
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.)
Sony Xperia Acro HD launches March 15 in Japan
For those confused by Sony's mixed naming conventions, this is the Japan-friendly version of AT&T's incoming Xperia Ion. There's been some additions to the US-bound device we handled back in January, including a built-in TV tuner and mobile wallet functionality. Last time we heard, the LTE-capable Ion was set for a summer world tour, but given this early spring unveiling on the other side of the world, it could pass AT&T's tests this side of 2012 -- hopefully with all four of these color options in tow. Take a tour through the aqua blue and sakura pink palette choices at the source below.
Sony Ericsson keeps busy before the break-up, intros Xperia NX and Xperia acro HD for Japan
While we've been bamboozled by both a Sony and Sony Ericsson-branded Xperia S, the soon-to-be-divorced company still has a few handsets left to belt out of its once happy home. Alongside its new HD flagship and the LTE-powered Xperia Ion, Japan is getting treated to its own two slabs of smartphone magic. The Xperia acro HD will match Japan-centric features like mobile wallet and TV tuner found in the original, but present it all with the same 720p Reality Display we admired on the Xperia S. It'll arrive in four guises: aqua, black, sakura (that'll be pink, then) and ceramic (read; off-white). It's joined over in Nihon by the Xperia NX, which is apparently a Japanese-flavored Xperia S and keeps with the monochromatic flavors we've seen at CES. Sadly, we'll have to admire from a distance -- these Japanese market customization jobs are very unlikely to arrive elsewhere. Get the full Xperia 2012 story in the English press release after the break, or decipher the Google-translated source below for the full nitty-gritty.
Samsung launches five more i-Function NX Series lenses, we long for broader compatibility
Outside of the D3S's ridiculous low-light performance, Samsung's i-Function lenses just might be the best thing to happen to digital photography in the past five years. Sure, some of you are probably spitting out your morning Cup of Joe at the thought, but it's one of those things that you truly have to use to appreciate. For those out of the loop, have a peek back at our NX100 preview, and once you're sold, feast your eyes on five new ones in the 2011 NX Series stable. The new range is comprised of Samsung's 18-200mm multi-purpose Long Zoom Lens, a light, compact 16mm F2.4 ultra-wide pancake lens, a 60mm macro, 85mm F1.4 CSC lens (for those low-light shoots needing plenty of bokeh) and a 16-80mm standard zoom. Hit the source link for all of the specifics, but don't go hunting for prices or release dates -- those are still hidden in the background, regrettably.
Nexon touts Vindictus New Year's item pack
Looking to get a leg up on the new year in Vindictus? If so, Nexon has a time-limited deal that may interest you. The New Year's Renewal Pack is available now through January 11th, and it's crammed full of goodies, including a 90-day storage chest expansion, 30-day hair and body tattoo coupons, a special character title (celebrating the Year of the Rabbit), and 10,000 in-game gold. The pack will set you back 9900 NX (Nexon's cash shop currency; $1.00 US currently buys you 1000 NX) and is only available for purchase a single time per character. Read all about it on the official Vindictus website.
Samsung releases NX10 1.20 firmware update, brings i-Function lens compatibility
Just as the outfit promised us at Photokina, Samsung has outed an anticipated firmware update for its NX10 interchangeable lens camera. Version 1.20 adds support for Sammy's downright brilliant i-Function lens collection, which enables shooters to adjust controls (ISO, shutter speed, aperture, etc.) by simply tapping a button on the lens and then twisting a dial. We adored this feature when toying with the NX100, and couldn't be happier that it's coming to adopters of the camera's predecessor. Hit the source link if you're looking to get your upgrade on, or head on past the break if there's any question about how it'll revolutionize your life.
Exclusive: Samsung NX100 in the wild
Looks like we can take the guesswork out of today's leaked render, after all. A generous (and, as usual, anonymous) reader just sent us a handful of pictures of what appears to be -- quite convincingly, we might add -- the Samsung NX100 we've been eying since a low-res snapshot came to light last month. According to our tipster, video on the camera is great and changing settings is easy, on par with DSLRs, but the of course size still doesn't compare to point-and-shoots. And to repeat the earlier specs, now that they seem more likely: 4.74 x 2.8 x 1.36 inches, 9.95 ounces, an external GPS receptor, an external EVF with 201K resolution, and a (non-articulating) display that's 921K AMOLED. A shame we can't claim those fingers for our own just yet, but patience is a virtue. Or something like that -- it's not like we have a choice, might as well say something to feel better about it. %Gallery-101507%
Alleged Samsung NX100 pics and specs surface
We're not quite sure what to make of this, as our first reaction is to label it a fan made render and move on. But it's a very detailed render, so let's hear this one out in between bites of freshly grilled burger (or whatever you do to celebrate Labor Day; we think more working is an appropriate course of action, but to each his or her own). So what you see surfaced on the Digital Photography Review forums is an apparent render of the Samsung NX100 and a diagram pictured after the break -- labeled by number but missing the complementary key. We still don't know much about the forum poster nor the images' origins, but later on he or she did provide supposed dimensions and some display specifications: 4.74 x 2.8 x 1.36 inches, 9.95 ounces, an external GPS receptor, an external EVF with 201K resolution, and a (non-articulating) display that's 921K AMOLED. We're intrigued to say the least, but nothing tangible at the moment.
Is this the Samsung NX100 interchangeable lens camera?
Samsung's been dishing quite a few pocketable cameras of late, but it seems as if its NX100 may have slipped out a few moments before showtime. The screen capture you're looking at above was snagged from the end of a new National Geographic promo video -- one that was uploaded on August 5th but has already been pulled back. Rumor has it that the white device there on the right is a forthcoming NX100, which would make it the latest in Sammy's promising NX line of interchangeable lens cameras. There's obviously no telling what kind of components lie beneath the shell, but the grab does give us reason to believe at least a few new lenses are also on the horizon. We'd say that this lines up nicely for an official reveal at Photokina, but you already knew that, didn't you? Update: And now we're hearing that the NX100 will make its official debut at IFA in just under a month. Huzzah!
Gigantic ASUS periodical reveals and specs numerous new laptops
Curious what's inside a new ASUS laptop? Then Notebook Review has the treat for you -- earlier this month, forumite David took the time to download the company's massive 108MB ASUS World Magazine PDF and laid out the spec sheets for not one, not two, but a veritable smörgåsbord of potent portables. There's 36 in all; we've told you about some of them before, to be sure -- but others are getting solid specs for the first time, and there are even a few diamonds in the rough. Enough chit-chat, on with the show! U-series: Otherwise known as ASUS' Bamboo Collection, the U-series laptops were highlighted at CES, where we discovered they would have Core i5 CPUs and USB 3.0 support. Well, that's not the whole story. They've also all got NVIDIA Optimus auto-switching graphics between an onboard Intel GMA HD and the GeForce 310M 1GB. Oh, and forget Core i5 -- these machines support processors all the way up to the 2.66GHz Core i7-620M. Highlight: The U30JC, with a combo Blu-ray drive and a chiclet keyboard that won a iF Product Design Award. UL-series: ASUS for "UnLimited," you can read UL as "ultra low," as in Intel's ultra low voltage (ULV) processors that provide 8+ hours of battery life and let these notebooks stay cool despite being under an inch thin. We saw the UL80JT sport NVIDIA Optimus at CES and got hands-on with the Optimus-equipped UL50VF; now, the UL30JT now has it as well. Highlight: That same UL50VF, with an estimated 12+ hours of battery life. More after the break -- save pricing and availability, unfortunately -- or feel free to hit up the source link to download the entire electronic magazine for yourself. %Gallery-89273%
Samsung's NX camera due for late 2009 or early 2010, uses proprietary lens system
Samsung has teased us like this before, stuffing the NX body under glass at tradeshows, letting it sit there being all DSLR-ey, but more details are beginning to trickle out about the camera here at IFA. As reported by PhotographyBLOG and confirmed to us on the show floor by Samsung, the camera is due to be launched by the end of the year or early next year. Like has been said before, the camera has an interchangeable lens systems, but Samsung also informed us specifically that the lenses will not be interoperable with other camera systems. In a way it makes sense, because the camera is much larger than a micro four thirds camera, but different in build than a regular DSLR -- though it houses a regular APS-C sensor. Still, it's a hassle, and we'll have to see if the blend of electronic viewfinder and regular-sized sensor offer a compelling enough alternative to embark upon a whole new lens system adventure.
Video: Samsung NX outfitted with massive lens, teased on rotating platform
Eager to get a few more dirty details on the heretofore elusive Samsung NX Series camera? Sorry, bub. Now that we've destroyed your wildest dreams, ruined your Friday and infuriated you beyond description, we will point out that Sammy has a new teaser video of the camera for all to view, and it's looking mighty special. The curvaceous cam is seen behind glass on an endlessly rotating platform, complete with a fairly large lens, a fairly large rear LCD monitor and... not much else. There's no audio to speak of (or hear, for that matter), but it's still a mesmerizing watch. Peek after the break if you're sitting squarely in the "yes Jim, tell me more!" camp.[Via 1001 Noisy Cameras]
Fujitsu introduces their FMV-BIBLO laptops to Santa Rosa
Ok, let's not forget Santa Rosa just yet. After all, Fujitsu just unveiled their lineup of Santa Rosa spec'd FMV-BIBLO laptops. The lithe 13.3-inch MG series (pictured) start at just 1.58-kg (3.48-pounds) and 22.4-mm (0.88-inches) yet come slammed with up to 4GB of memory, 802.11a/b/g WiFi, 120GB 5400rpm SATA disk, and a multi-bay drive for a DL DVD burner or extra battery for up to 9.2-hours of untethered operation. Unfortunately, they don't specify which CPU this lappie is running. The NF series on the other hand, slaps a Santa Rosa generation, T5500 Core 2 Duo processor with 800MHz FSB (Front Side Bus) inside a 15.4-inch rig with additional support for ExpressCard/54. Fujitsu also announced seasonal updates to their AV-centric 17-inch NX series and 10.6-inch LOOX T-series. The NX gets some updated Core 2 Duos (non Santa Rosa editions) to accompany some serious AV expansion-works while the LOOX T welcomes a bump to an ULV Core Duo processor. All available in April for prices ranging from ¥420,000 (about $3,521) for the NX on down to about ¥150,000 ($1,257) for a bare-bones NF model. Pics of 'em all after the break. Read -- FMV-BIBLO MG and NF Read -- FMV-BIBLO NX and LOOX T
