Pre-Photokina 2010: Samsung has announced the addition of the NX100 to its NX series of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. It features the same 14.6Mp sensor and 3.0" OLED screen as the NX10, which are built into a flat, 'compact camera style' body. It also offers the i-Function feature that allows the use of the focus ring to control various camera functions when using compatible lenses. To complement this feature the company has launched two lenses with i-Fn buttons - the 20-50mm F3.5-5.6 ED kit zoom and 20mm F2.8 pancake lens. There is also an electronic viewfinder, flashgun and GPS unit to accompany the NX 100. We've had a pre-production NX100 for a little while, so have produced a quick hands-on preview.
Jump to:
Press Release:
New mirrorless camera incorporates unique new i-Function lens to give beginner and expert photographers seamless control and creativity
LONDON, UK – September 14, 2010 - Samsung Electronics (UK) Ltd today announces the launch of the unique Samsung NX100 – an innovative mirrorless camera equipped with the world’s first i-Function lens, putting the perfect picture at the fingertips of all photographers through a completely new way of controlling your camera.
The NX100 is set to dominate the new mirrorless camera category. This innovative new camera benefits from Samsung’s expertise across multiple areas of technology, meaning that all its key components are 100% produced by Samsung. This unique process has been combined with Samsung’s detailed and extensive program of consumer research, which provided valuable insights to incorporate into the NX100. The NX100 is also complemented by an extensive line up of lenses and accessories, giving photographers a full package of options with which to explore their creativity.
The launch of the NX100 follows the success of the NX10, Samsung’s first mirrorless camera and the first in the world to feature an APS-C size sensor, which has already changed the way millions of photographers across the globe take pictures, and raised the bar for the industry as a whole. The NX100 shares the industry leading technology of the NX10, such as an APS-C size sensor for quality images and a 3-inch AMOLED screen for clear and easy viewing. However, Samsung takes the mirrorless camera to the next level with the NX100, by incorporating the innovations of the NX10 and improving other areas of the camera’s performance and design. The body of the camera is slim, sleek and stylish, and it also features the intuitive i-Function lens which allows users to control their camera through the lens for the first time. The NX100 also boasts one of the fastest AF on the market today, which ensures that users never miss a moment, as well as an ISO that is raised to a maximum of 6400 for action shots.
The NX100’s shutter button and curved body have been inspired to an attractive natural shape. The lightweight, compact and modern design makes the camera extremely portable, allowing users with a creative flair to carry the NX100 with them anywhere and for any occasion. The NX100 is more than just a camera; it is both a creative tool and an artistic object that makes a bold style statement everywhere it goes.
Mr. SangJin Park, President of Samsung Digital Imaging Division, Samsung Electronics, commented: “Our aim is to lead the mirrorless camera market in the same way we do the DualView category, and the new NX100 is the embodiment of that goal. Samsung has brought together this high quality of imaging technology with intuitive consumer insights based on our in-depth consumer research, which is why we believe that, alongside the NX10, the NX100 will enhance our position in this growing field. Our unique and pioneering i-Function Lens stands out from the competition as an example of our unparalleled innovation which will appeal to every photographer.”
While conventional lenses are passive in controlling camera settings, the unique i-Function Lens is a proactive lens that communicates with the camera body. It delivers total image control with fast manual settings to ensure quick and easy image capture, and also provides customized settings optimized for the lens being used. The lens incorporates an i-Function button which allows users to scroll through manual settings, and a focus ring which is used to easily change parameters for each setting. Users can toggle between shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO quickly and easily by simply using the i-Function button and ring on the lens, meaning easier and quicker configuration while shooting.
The NX100 also has a lens priority mode which makes switching between lenses easier than ever. Firstly, each lens is clearly marked with icons that illustrate their main use to help users quickly learn which lens they need to select for any given scene. The lens priority mode provides scene options optimized for the lens being used – for example when a landscape lens is attached the camera will immediately display the landscape mode. Also, when users change to a specialized lens, the camera would recognize the lens type and automatically configure the settings that would best match with the attached lens. Note this latter feature is supported fully on future specialised Samsung lenses.
The NX100’s innovations aren’t confined to the lens – the camera also provides a very creative feature called ‘Smart Filter’. In playback mode, users can apply seven different effects to the picture, such as the vignette, soft focus, fish-eye or miniature effects. The ‘Smart Filter’ provides not just high quality images, but also features that are fun to use.
The fun doesn't stop with still images. The NX100 supports HD movie recording at 720P, to capture the finest details of your memories. It also contains a ‘Sound Picture’ mode that can record audio whilst a photo is taken. To ensure each image is perfect quality, even when lenses are being changed regularly, the NX100 also features a supersonic dust reduction feature to remove any foreign particles from the lens before shooting.
At launch the NX100 will be equipped with a range of innovative lenses and accessories including a compact zoom 20-50mm lens, a small and light 20mm wide angle Pancake lens (to be introduced shortly after launch). Two additional specialized lenses will be made available in the first half of 2011 – a 60mm Macro lens and 18-200mm Super Zoom lens. To expand the lens line-up even further, three more lenses will be introduced by the second half of 2011. The NX system will be further enhanced with more accessories, including an Electronic Viewfinder, Flash and GPS tracker to capture your exact geographical location.
Sensor• APS-C type CMOS (23.4 x 15.6mm)• 15.1 million total pixels
• 14.6 million effective pixels
• RGB (Primary) color filter arrayMovie mode• 720p HD Movie Recording
• H.264 compressionExposure modes • SmartAuto
• Lens Priority
• Program
• Shutter Priority
• Aperture Priority
• Manual
• Scene
• Movie
Scene modes • Beauty shot
• Children
• Close Up
• Text
• Sunset
• Dawn
• Back light
• Fireworks
• Beach & Snow
• Night, Portrait
• Landscape
• Sports
• Sound PictureSensitivity• Auto
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
• ISO 3200
• Extension settable : ISO 6400GPSGeo-tagging w/ Optional GPS Module (GPS10)Battery life • Still : 420 images , 210min (CIPA Standard)
• Movie : 130minDimensions120 x 71 x 35mm (excluding the projecting parts of the camera)Focal Length20 - 50mm (equivalent to 30.8-77mm in 35mm format)Elements in Groups• 9 elements in 8 groups
• 1 Aspherical lens, 1 Extra-low Dispersion lensApertureF3.5 - 5.6 (Min. F22), (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)Focal Length20mm (equivalent to 30.8mm in 35mm format)Elements in Groups• 6 elements in 4 groups (1 Aspherical lens)
• 1 Aspherical lensApertureF2.8 (Min. F22), (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Sony has unveiled the SLT A55 and SLT A33, the first pair of cameras to incorporate the company's translucent mirror design. The Single Lens Translucent (SLT) cameras offer live view with full-time fast phase-detection AF whether in stills or movie shooting. This is achieved by having a fixed, semi-transparent mirror that redirects a small amount of light onto the AF sensor while allowing the rest through onto the main imaging sensor. The A55 is built around a 16.2MP sensor while the A33 features a 14.2MP unit. Both feature 3.0" articulated LCDs, full HD video recording and ISO sensitivity up to 12,800, while the A55 also features built-in GPS. Priced at $749 and $649 respectively, the A55 will be available from October, while the A33 will hit the markets earlier, in September.
Pre-Photokina 2010: Casio has introduced the Exilim EX-Z16 budget compact camera. Sporting an image-stabilized 12.1 Mp sensor, 2.7 inch LCD and 3x optical zoom (35.5 to 106.5mm equiv), it includes an Easy Mode, widescreen video recording and a YouTube capture mode. The Z16 will be available from the end of this month at retail price of $99.99
Fujifilm has unveiled the FinePix F300EXR which debuts a new Hybrid autofocus system that the company claims is as fast as that on DSLRs. The camera automatically chooses between using the contrast-detection AF method used in compact cameras and the phase-detection method usually used in DSLRs. In addition the F300 offers a 15x optical zoom lens starting at a wide 24mm, a 1/2" 12MP Super CCD EXR sensor and a 460k 3.0" LCD. The camera's image stabilization system has also been tweaked, adding a 'Gyro' sensor to detect a wider range of camera movements that can contribute to shaky images. Other features include manual exposure modes, 360 degrees Motion Panorama and a Super Intelligent flash that attempts to balance flash illumination across the foreground and background.
July 21, 2010: Following in the footsteps of award-winning ‘F’ series models, the F200EXR, F70EXR and F80EXR, Fujifilm is pleased to announce a new top-end 15x zoom model, the F300EXR. Today’s discerning photographers are looking for a camera with a high zoom range, yet compact and pocketable, with no compromises on picture quality. The FinePix F300EXR delivers on all those counts, and is destined to be the star performer in this year’s intense competition for the best ‘superzoom’ compact. The F300EXR’s features at a glance: 12 megapixel, ½ " Super CCD EXR second generation sensorFull EXR modes, with EXR auto15x Fujinon lens, 24mm – 360 mm equivalentNew Hybrid Auto-Focus System (Contrast AF and Phase Detection AF)New accurate zoom control with low noiseFull HD Photo and 720p HD Video3.0”, high contrast (1:1200), 460k dot LCD with Wide View FilterCCD Shift Image Stabilisation System using new Gyro SensorSuper Intelligent FlashCompact size, only 103.5 (w), 59.2 (h) and 32.55 (w)mmErgonomic grip, with slanted mode dialPhotobook Assist via Star Rating SystemP/A/S/M Exposure ControlFace Detection, Face Recognition, Pro Focus ModeMotion Panorama 360°
Photokina 2010: Ricoh has announced the GR Lens A12 28 mm F2.5 wideangle prime module for its GXR system. Its 18.3mm F2.5 lens (28mm-equivalent) employs an exotic nine element / six group design, including two aspherical elements, one special low-dispersion glass element, and several high-refraction-ratio elements, promising high image quality across the frame. This fourth module for the interchangeable unit system also features a 12Mp APS-C CMOS sensor, a faster GR Engine III processor and 720p HD video recording. It also comes with a manual focus ring for focus precision and an electronic level.
Canon has launched the PowerShot S95 premium compact as successor to the S90. The latest model includes an upgraded sensor capable of 720p HD video recording and the company's 'Hybrid IS' system that compensates for more types of movement. It also adds multi-aspect ratio shooting and SDXC card compatibility. Other than these features it inherits a lightly tweaked version of the S90's basic body design including the control ring, 28-105mm F2.0-4.9 stabilized lens and 3.0" LCD.
Pre-Photokina 2010: Casio has introduced the Exilim EX-Z2300. Similar to the Z2000 introduced in January this year, it is built around a 14Mp sensor, 26-130mm optical zoom lens and 3.0" LCD, and records 720p HD videos. It features the company's latest Single Frame SR Zoom feature that extends the camera's zoom range while claiming to maintain high resolution image quality. Its 'Dynamic Photo' option enables users to add preset graphics to images, including a monkey doing a handstand and a dog riding a bicycle (yes really).
Panasonic has officially unveiled the DMC-LX5, successor to the popular LX3. The latest model features a revised sensor, longer zoom range and improved control layout without fundamentally changing the existing model's formula. It offers a more flexible 24-90mm equivalent lens with a bright F2.0-3.3 maximum aperture range and a comparatively large 10MP sensor in a small body. The body itself is barely changed compared to the LX3 - gaining an improved hand grip, clickable control dial, direct movie record button and a 1:1 position on the aspect ratio slider. Most significantly it gains a connector to add the DMW-LVF1 electronic viewfinder originally launched with the GF1. Other than this, the LX5 gains the AVCHD Lite format for its 720p video, and its image stabilization is branded with the company's latest 'Power O.I.S' designation. It will be available from the end of August for a suggested retail price of $499.95. We've had a chance to use an LX5 for a bit, so have prepared some notes on our first impressions. 
Stockholm, Sweden (July 7, 2010) – Panasonic, is proud to announce a long-awaited DMC-LX5 - a successor to the DMC-LX3, acclaimed worldwide especially by the photography enthusiasts, after two years of silence. Since the birth of DMC-LX3, the new category is established in the compact camera market, which is called premium compact cameras that features high picture quality and creative descriptiveness. The new DMC-LX5 is fully re-designed in the lens, the CCD and the image processing engine together with other improvements and upgrades. 
Newly Designed 1/1.63-inch 10.1-megapixel High Sensitivity CCD with Wider Dynamic Range
Sony has unveiled the Cyber-shot DSC-WX5, DSC-TX9 and DSC-T99 digital compacts. The WX5 and TX9 incorporate the company's latest 12.2MP, 1/2.3" Exmor R back illuminated CMOS sensor. Both feature a 'Superior Auto' mode that shoots bursts of between 2 and 6 shots then combines them either to reduced noise or boost dynamic range, depending on the scene you're shooting. The WX5 includes a wide angle 5x optical zoom lens starting at 24mm equivalent and a 2.8" LCD, while the TX9 comes with a 3.5" touchscreen LCD and a 25-100mm equivalent lens. Other features include a Background Defocus mode, 3D Sweep Panorama mode and 1080i Full AVCHD video recording. The DSC-T99 features the same lens and body design as the TX9, a smaller LCD and a 14MP CCD sensor that cannot achieve the fast multi-shot shooting required for Superior Auto mode. All three cameras offer a Soft Skin mode that tries to smooth out wrinkles and other blemishes from the subject's skin. 