SAMSUNG NX100 preview

　

The Fastest and Smartest

The world’s first iFunction lens NX100

The third model of NX series from Samsung which started the APS-C sensor interchangeable lens digital camera named the NX100 has been launched. By introducing the innovative interface with the i-Function lens which controls the functions from the lens, the NX100 has accented the superiority of the NX lens. The NX100 has stylish Leaf design, 14.6M new CMOS sensor, ISO 6400, and upgraded dust reduction, so it shows more advanced performance. Especially, the new i-Function lens 20-50mm F3.5-5.6 zoom lens and 20mm F2.8 pancake lens have faster AF and great quality by the combination with the NX100.

　

　

Control the functions from a lens

Innovative i-Function lens Structure

The newly introduced i-Function lens allows users more intuitive and smarter control. By pushing iFn button on the side of the lens, functional options can be selected and by rotating the focus ring on the front, the option can be set. When holding the camera with a left hand, users can change the icon and values with looking at the screen, so it’s easier and faster than the previous interface. Actually, compared to the previous operation rotating the wheel dial, the operation using iFn button and focus ring was much faster.

　

Setting options controlling exposure by iFn button and focus ring

　

By using iFn button, users can select shutter speed, aperture, exposure, white balance, and ISO. By the mode, the type of options to select changes. For example, aperture and exposure option in A mode changes to aperture and shutter speed in M mode. However, in Lens priority mode, by rotating the focus ring to select Scene mode, it changes to Auto setting.

　

　

Beautiful line, compact and stylish

It comes with 3 colors such as black, white, and brown. It has a streamlined soft design style. It has non-glossy appearance, and from the upside, due to the Leaf design of the grip, it looks quite thick, but from the side, it looks quite slim as a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. When it comes to the weight of a body, it has 3g lighter than the GF1 and 120.5 x 71 x 34.5mm of compact size.

　

• Wheel & Command Dual Dial • Accessory shoe • HDMI • AF-assist lamp • Depth preview button • Battery for 420 shots on CIPA standard • SD / SDHC Memory Card • Intuitive direct function button

　

　

The NX100 is lighter than the NX10 and can be compared with the GF1 or NEX series, and is targeted to users who want entry level DSLR cameras. The half case considering the grip and style has better grip than the NX10. It allows users shoot like a entry DSLR camera, and there’s a tripod mount on the bottom. The strap becomes much elegant. (Below)

　

　

14.6M APS-C size CMOS NEW image sensor

- ISO 100 ~ 3200 (Maximum ISO 6400)

- Advanced Supersonic Dust Reduction

　

　

Upgraded Contrast AF performance

- Faster and more accurate AF performance

- 1 point selection / 15 points multi (35 points for Macro shooting) / Face Recognition (Up to 10 faces at the same time)

　

20-50mm Lens - 20mm wide-angle, Multi AF

　

20-50mm Lens - 50mm Telephoto, short and long distance / Spot AF

　

- 3000x faster response than the TFT LCD

- Low power consumption

- Almost 180 degree viewing angle

- 100,000:1 contrast ration and great color reproduction

- In M mode, exposure change in real time on / off

　

　

720p HD Movie Recording (H.264)

Smart Filter

- Vignetting, Miniature, Fish eye, Sketch, Defog, Dot pattern, and Soft Focus

Sound Picture

- 5 or 10 sec of voice recording before or after shooting

　

2 kinds of New iFn lenses

- Wide pancake lens 20mm F2.8

- Compact zoom lens 20-50mm F3.5-5.6

　

　

　

　

Comparison of lens size and weight

　

NX 20-50mm F3.5-F5.6 ED vs Olympus 14-42mm F3.5-F5.6

　

　

　

Size comparison of pancake lenses

　

NEX E 16mm F2.8 vs NX20mm F2.8 vs NX 30mm F2.0

　

　

3 kinds of new accessories

- EVF10 (Electronic View Finder – App. 200K pixels 98% visibility)

- Flash SEF-15A (Guide Number 15)

- GSP Receiver GPS10

　

　

New innovation of mirrorless camera NX100 with iFn lens

Looking at the NX series from Samsung, based on the stable body design, it focuses on the lens development more. Controlling the functions through the lens with iFn button might be a simple idea, but it’s quite amazing that Samsung developed this. I strongly hope this function will also be supported in the NX10. The iFn interface will be very powerful, I think. More detailed contents will be handled in the review with the official body.