PMA 2009 Interview: Samsung Camera

PMA 2009 Interview: Samsung Camera

Soon after the announcement of Samsung's 'NX' hybrid interchangeable lens system at PMA 2009 we met up with Mr Seung Soo Park, Vice President of the Strategic Marketing Team and Mr Choong-Hyun Hwang, Vice President of the Strategic Marketing Team's Product Planning Group from Samsung Digital Imaging Company to see if we could find out any more about their plans for the system.

Mr. Seung Soo Park Vice President Strategic Marketing Team	Mr. Choong-Hyun Hwang Vice President Product Planning Group	The Samsung NX system camera - announced at PMA 2009.

Although they remained tight-lipped about the fine details of the system - which is slated for full launch some time in the second half of 2009 - they were able to give us a little more insight than was contained in the the rather vague press statement (click here for our report on the initial announcement).

The NX system was hardly a surprise (Samsung had hinted at its development over a year ago, and we spoke to Mr Hwang about it during our Photokina 2008 interview), but the unveiling of a relatively finished camera at PMA was unexpected. We were certainly led to understand that the camera shown behind glass was more than a mere 'concept' mockup, and that the shipping product would be substantially similar to what we saw, even if the fine details are still being ironed out.

What is certain is that the basic idea is very similar to Panasonic's Micro-G system: an interchangeable lens camera with a large (APS-C in this case) sensor in a smaller form factor enabled by replacing the mirror and prism (the 'reflex' bit of a Single Lens Reflex' camera) with an electronic viewfinder and full-time live view system.

We couldn't get any concrete information on the sensor, the electronic viewfinder or the lens roadmap (and inevitably much of our conversation has to remain 'off the record' for the time being), but we did end up with a clearer view of where their ambitious plans for the NX system are headed. Mr Park supplied most of these answers.

First question is about the lens mount. Is it a new lens mount? Is it the Pentax K mount?
It's our own mount.

So it's a new mount, smaller. Will it be compatible with the K mount used on your current DLSRs?
As far as I understand it will be, using an adaptor. That's part of the plan.

We couldn't get a clear answer on whether such an adaptor ever allow autofocus - or even aperture control - with K mount lenses, though it would seem that AF with any lens without a built in motor would be nigh-on impossible.

So when are we likely to see the first 'real' NX cameras?
Second half of 2009 - that's all I can say at the moment. It will be decided based on the market situation. In terms of the technology we don't have any problems, but we're measuring the timing based upon market conditions.

So the specifications have been more or less decided?
Yes

That's interesting, because one of the questions we had prepared was about how the current economic situation affected your product development schedule. But you're saying this is simply about the timing of the release, that's all?
Actually the economic situation doesn't impact on the product development at all. It only influences the timing of the launch.

At the time of launch how many lenses do you expect to make available?
We won't be revealing those details until we launch, but I can assure you that we are preparing a series of lenses for this product. So I can't say the exact number today, but we will bring the full system to the market.

The announcement of the NX system throws some uncertainty on how far the Samsung / Pentax collaboration actually goes. Samsung has struggled to make much of a mark on the DLSR market with its re-badged versions of Pentax DLSRs (though it does supply the sensors for Pentax), and we wondered if this new system represented a break in the partnership - something Samsung wasn't keen to comment on. What did become clear is that the new system is 100% Samsung.

I'm sure you won't want to answer this question, but does this mean that you're abandoning the 'full size' reflex camera system?
The market exists in three different form factors at the moment. One is the existing DLSR, second is compact, and hybrid is emerging. We will not abandon the DSLR market, we will just focus more on the hybrid form factor.

We ask because there's not been a Samsung equivalent of several recent Pentax DSLRs.
We simply want to focus our energies on our own hybrid first.

So is this something that you're developing completely independently of Pentax?
Yes. The lenses, sensor, processor, display - everything comes from Samsung.

So there won't be a Pentax version?
At some point maybe we'll collaborate - but not only with Pentax. To fully develop this kind of product we'll need a lot of collaboration with other industries in general terms, so there are lots of partners we have, but the majority comes from Samsung, all coordinated by Samsung, all done by Samsung.

I presume you intend to open the system to third party lens manufacturers?
Certainly. Once we've succeeded with this format that is our intention. We will open our system and license it to others.

To body manufacturers as well?
Yes, sure.

Since the announcement we've seen quite a lot of feedback on our forums, with many questions not covered by the initial announcement. People are quite cynical about this announcement - it's easy to say 'we intend to do this', they're waiting to see when - and if - you actually ship anything.
(laughs) We will announce the first products in the system in the second half of 2009.

What was the thinking behind designing a camera that looks like a mini SLR rather than, say, a digital version of a rangefinder camera?
It was all decided by market research. We always implement very pervasive market research, so when we first brought this idea to verify the concept, we did lots of research first.

So you tested different form factors / shapes?
Yes, always.

And is that research done internationally?
Yes, we always do global research, and even though it's small and light and designed for portability, what they want is a 'professional' feel.

Interestingly Panasonic said exactly the same thing about the G1.
Although ours looks a little like an SLR the design is quite sophisticated; all the lines are more 'aerodynamic'.

With your sensor size being a little larger I presume that means that the lenses - and indeed the cameras - have to be bigger too?
Yes, the sensor size is larger than Micro Four Thirds, but the lens size will be almost exactly the same. The thickness of the body is almost the same too.

So does the reduced flange-back distance give you problems with wide lenses? - you've got quite a big sensor and the lens is pretty close. This is one area where Four Thirds would seem to have an advantage in this kind of camera.
That was one of the challenges when designing the system - working with wide angle lenses. We solved those issues. For one thing our flange-back distance is slightly longer than Micro Four Thirds.

I presume there will be an element of in-camera correction (such as for corner shading)?
That is correct.

Can you tell us anything about the sensor specification - such as the pixel count, for example?
All I can say at the moment is that it is APS-C. Of course we already have the specification but we're not revealing it now.

Image quality is going to be the making or breaking of this new system. Will the NX be based on your existing image processing?
For the hybrid we are opening a completely new horizon.

So it's a completely different team developing it? Will developments make their way into all your cameras?
Sure, It's a completely different team, different sensor, different processor, etc etc. We're constantly working on improving image quality and we're structured with an advanced development group working on the hybrid camera that will have a benefit on the development of compact cameras down the line.

Finally, one quick question going back to compacts, is there any reason why a camera like the TL320 (WB100) doesn't have a raw mode ?
I recently asked exactly the same question. There was a discussion about including raw mode, and later - after we launched - we realised that raw mode is essential if we're going to claim this is a serious users model, and we're working very hard to ensure that we have raw mode in our compact premium models in the second half of 2009.

Interview by Simon Joinson

a d.s.l.r. sensor for a slim samsung camera

a d.s.l.r. sensor for a slim samsung camera
byrik fairlie

we don’t have a lot of details, but samsung has taken the wraps off of a new hybrid camera that shoehorns the same image sensor that many digital single-lens-reflex cameras use into a slim point-and-shoot camera that can accommodate interchangeable lenses.

like conventional d.s.l.r.s, the new nx series uses an advancedphoto system type-c(aps-c) image sensor. to keep it slender, the nx does not use a mirror box, as do d.s.l.r.s. instead the nx employs an electronic viewfinder. samsung released no measurements, but the nx prototype looks pretty slim.

samsung says it will ship the camera with one lens, but it has not yet determined the exact type of lens; there will be options for proprietary add-on lenses.

i definitely like this camera’s svelte profile and the option for interchangeable lenses. on the downside,some peoplefind electronic viewfinders very troublesome to use.

samsung does not yet have pricing information. and you’ll have to wait to check out the nx series: the first nx won’t be in stores until the second half of this year, with other models to follow.

Samsung Unveils NX 'Hybrid' Digital Cameras

Samsung Unveils NX 'Hybrid' Digital Cameras
Peter Cohen, Macworld.com

Samsung Digital Imaging on Monday introduced the NX series, a new line of digital cameras the company calls "hybrid," for their DSLR-like design and features. The cameras are expected to hit store shelves in the second half of 2009.

The NX series cameras use an APS-C-sized sensor -- the same type of sensor that many digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras use, but it does not use a "mirror box" for viewfinding. Instead, it employs an electronic viewfinder, which Samsung says enables the camera to be lighter and smaller than a conventional DSLR.

The first models of the new NX Series are scheduled to ship in the second half of 2009, according to Samsung. The company has not announced pricing and Samsung's Web site is not yet updated with details about the announcement.

[No-Edit PMA 09] Samsung to present its smart camera 'TL100

SAMSUNG’S NX SERIES, HYBRID DIGITAL CAMERAS MAKE GLOBAL DEBUT AT PMA 2009

NX Series Offers APS-C Image Sensor, Bridges Gap Between Compact Digital Cameras and DSLRs

SEOUL, KOREA – March 2, 2009 – Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. used PMA 2009 as the global launching pad for the NX Series, the company’s revolutionary new family of hybrid digital cameras. A new concept digital camera, the NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. With the NX Series, Samsung will become a global leader in the new hybrid market.

Samsung’s new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs, the NX Series utilizes an APS‑C sized image sensor providing a much larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).

The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 40% compared to traditional DSLRs. In addition to utilizing the EVF, consumers can also take advantage of the camera’s Live View functionality to frame their shots on the NX Series’ high‑resolution screen.

Samsung has recently intensified its focus on the digital imaging market and established a separate company dedicated exclusively to digital imaging in Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The new company was formed to focus on the development of its digital still cameras around world’s first and best in class features, design, and easy-to-use interfaces, and will work towards achieving the company’s stated goal of becoming the world’s leading digital imaging company.

“We estimate that the hybrid digital camera market will be over 20% of the global digital still camera market by 2012,” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.”

Samsung Digital Imaging Company also creates a much more efficient vertical alignment between related Samsung affiliate business units including semiconductor, LCD panel and consumer electronics. This new vertical alignment will create competitive advantages for Samsung by fostering greater collaboration between Samsung affiliate business units and allowing the company to develop and deliver highly-innovative digital imaging products that set the standard for the industry, including the newly unveiled NX Series.

The first model of NX Series will be available in the second-half of 2009.

Additional images

SAMSUNG Booth at PMA 2009

PMA 2009: Samsung releases NX interchangeable lens, non DSLR series cameras

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Samsung debuted at PMA its new NX series–a non-DSLR system with interchangeable lenses. Scheduled for release later this year, it will be only the second such system on the market.
The other is the Panasonic Lumix DMC - G series of cameras, which uses the Micro Four Thirds standard it co-developed with Olympus. Samsung representatives said an important difference between Panasonic’s system and the new NX series is that the Samsung system uses the same APS-C sensor used in the GX-20 (Samsung’s DSLR), which is larger than a Four Thirds system sensor.
Details on the NX series are still sparse; no technical details were available aside from the sensor type. The company had several samples on display in a glass case, but none were available for hands-on review.
Samsung reps said more information on the new system will be available this summer, and that the NX series is tentatively slated for release sometime in the latter half of this year.
Read on for Samsung’s full announcement.

SAMSUNG’S NX SERIES, HYBRID DIGITAL CAMERAS MAKE GLOBAL DEBUT AT PMA 2009
NX Series Offers APS-C Image Sensor, Bridges Gap Between Compact Digital Cameras and DSLRs
SEOUL, KOREA – March 2, 2009 – Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. used PMA 2009 as the global launching pad for the NX Series, the company’s revolutionary new family of hybrid digital cameras. A new concept digital camera, the NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. With the NX Series, Samsung will become a global leader in the new hybrid market.

Samsung’s new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs, the NX Series utilizes an APS C sized image sensor providing a much larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. In addition to utilizing the EVF, consumers can also take advantage of the camera’s Live View functionality to frame their shots on the NX Series’ high resolution screen.

Samsung has recently intensified its focus on the digital imaging market and established a separate company dedicated exclusively to digital imaging in Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The new company was formed to focus on the development of its digital still cameras around world’s first and best in class features, design, and easy-to-use interfaces, and will work towards achieving the company’s stated goal of becoming the world’s leading digital imaging company.

“We estimate that the hybrid digital camera market will be over 20% of the global digital still camera market by 2012,” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.”

Samsung Digital Imaging Company also creates a much more efficient vertical alignment between related Samsung business units including digital imaging, semiconductor and electronics. This new vertical alignment will create competitive advantages for Samsung by fostering greater collaboration between business units and allowing the company to develop and deliver highly-innovative digital imaging products that set the standard for the industry, including the newly unveiled NX Series.

The first model of NX Series will be available in the second-half of 2009.

PMA 2009 : Samsung NX hybrid DSLR up-close

Samsung’s hybrid NX series camera has proved to be one of the biggest events of PMA this year. Launched one day prior to the show opening, technical details were scarce in the press release. Cousin to the Micro 4/3 standard, the Samsung platform uses a full time electronic viewfinder, eliminating the need for a bulky mirror box and optical viewfinder to allow for a smarter and lighter hybrid DSLR. We dropped by the Samsung booth during the show to find out more.

The NX hybrid camera just a prototype at this point, Samsung explained to us at PMA today. Going after the big two, namely Canon and Nikon, is probably not the best ideas in this economy. Sony’s Alpha is a different story, as they bought an existing customer base as part of the Minolta acquisition. Samsung, meanwhile, is simply looking to make and sell cameras, not choose sides in Micro 4/3; they’ll go with whichever sells, and don’t be surprised if they shift to 4/3 in the future.
Locked and sealed in mirror box, that’s where the concept cameras being displayed at Samsung’ booth. We didn’t get a hands-on opportunity, nor did Samsung disclose any further technical details, but managed to snap a few shots for your viewing pleasure. Three different lenses looked like a wide-angle, a mid-range and a “pancake” are mounted on display units, thus interchangeable lenses will be offered when it’s official; no models, price range or MP size is concrete at present time. The mystery hybrid, however, will get HD video and WIFI connectivity.

Samsung launches new NX concept camera at PMA

Samsung introduces the new NX Series, a revolutionary new family of hybrid digital cameras, at PMA. The NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and a compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like many dSLRs, the NX utilizes an APS C sized image sensor, but unlike a dSLR, the NX does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise Electronic Viewfinder, thus reducing size and weight of the new camera system. The first model of NX Series is planned for the second-half of this year...

PRESS SUMMARY
NX Series Offers APS-C Image Sensor, Bridges Gap Between Compact Digital Cameras and DSLRsSamsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. used PMA 2009 as the global launching pad for the NX Series, the company's revolutionary new family of hybrid digital cameras. A new concept digital camera, the NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. With the NX Series, Samsung will become a global leader in the new hybrid market.Samsung's new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs, the NX Series utilizes an APS C sized image sensor providing a much larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. In addition to utilizing the EVF, consumers can also take advantage of the camera's Live View functionality to frame. their shots on the NX Series' high resolution screen.Samsung has recently intensified its focus on the digital imaging market and established a separate company dedicated exclusively to digital imaging in Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The new company was formed to focus on the development of its digital still cameras around world's first and best in class features, design, and easy-to-use interfaces, and will work towards achieving the company's stated goal of becoming the world's leading digital imaging company.“We estimate that the hybrid digital camera market will be over 20% of the global digital still camera market by 2012,” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company's goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.”Samsung Digital Imaging Company also creates a much more efficient vertical alignment between related Samsung business units including digital imaging, semiconductor and electronics. This new vertical alignment will create competitive advantages for Samsung by fostering greater collaboration between business units and allowing the company to develop and deliver highly-innovative digital imaging products that set the standard for the industry, including the newly unveiled NX Series.The first model of NX Series will be available in the second-half of 2009.

PMA 2009 Preview Round-Up

In case you don’t follow photo news, PMA 2009 (which is going on this week) is to cameras what E3 is to gaming. Although details are scant amongst the different camera manufacturers and their related companies, that still doesn’t mean that awesome and exciting news for the imaging world won’t be present. Here’s a round-up of what we’ve been hearing and what we can expect:



Samsung:We’ve got the newNX series camerasthat will be taking on the Micro 4/3rds format. These seem very exciting because of the APS-C sized sensor. This may be the first of many rangefinder-type digital cameras that consumers, enthusiasts and professionals have been waiting for. Panasonic was the first with such a camera in the form. of the G1. Many people’s biggest problem with it was that there was no video mode. The new Samsung NX seems to have that problem covered. Other than this, they may be showing off cameras like theTL320.Canon:We’ve heard almost nothing from or about Canon for PMA 2009. Their current entry level DSLR, the XSi, is doing very well for itself and is still moving units in stores. No other companies seem to be able to touch its performance yet, so Canon possibly won’t unveil another entry-level DSLR unless they need to. The 5D Mk II is flying off of shelves, although their higher model full-frame. DSLRs could use an upgrade right about now to take on Nikon’s D3x. They’ve shown off a lot of cameras so far for the year, so this is a tough one. My gut tells me they’re going to wait for Nikon to make the first move on other things: which seems like their normal tactic.
Nikon:There are rumors all over the place about theD5000. This new entry-level DSLR seems to be the one that Nikon will pit squarely against the Canon XSi/Canon XS. If it is real, then it will be creating a lot of buzz on the blogs as it seems to be the only big news that may come from Nikon for PMA 2009.

Sony:They’ve released a number of cameras so far for the year. We’re looking at the possiblyHX1and theSony A800that should be replacing the A700. Slight rumors have been on the web about them stepping into the premium compact point-and-shoot market in order to take on the likes of Canon, Nikon and Panasonic. They surprised everyone with the A900 DSLR as no one thought Sony was serious about digital cameras, so it may as well happen.
Pentax:Not really anything big coming out of them, but the possibility of a Pentax hybrid cam seems feasible as stated byLets Go Digital.
Olympus:Pictured above is the Micro 4/3rds camera that Olympus has been talking about for a very long time now–since Photokina of last year. They seem to be taking the approach to Micro 4/3rds that consumers will like more: get rid of the viewfinder and make it as simple as possible. It’s quite the classy looking camera. Other than this, they may just be showing off the recently announced E-620: which doesn’t impress me very much but is impressing many other digital camera analysts. Otherwise, Olympus has released a slew of cameras already for the year.
Panasonic:Panasonic has released nearly all of the possible cameras that they can release so far for the year. Their flagship point-and-shoot: the LX-3 is doing quite well but their superzooms do need an upgrade. Additionally, they’re overdue for DSLR replacements but there are no rumors on whether or not they will be replaced or not. Otherwise, Panasonic could steal the show if the rumored G2 makes its way onto the floor. Although the G1 has its flaws, people do like it. Last year Panasonic showed off the concept for the G2, which is supposed to have HD video. Panasonic already being in the camcorder market and utilizing Leica and other 4/3rds lenses could score a huge win here.
Leica:No rumors really, but if the G2 is announced then there is a possibility that Leica will announce lenses for it. Whatever it is, expect it to be expensive–more expensive thanEpson.
Casio:Remember the EX-1? You know, that ridiculously fast camera? Well it doesn’t quite have a successor. Perhaps we could see it here at PMA.Kodak:The only thing I predict coming from Kodak may be a new sensor for medium format cameras.This PMA will be an exciting one because there is so much that could possibly happen. If some announcements don’t come, expect lots of them to come before summer as that’s prime vacation and shooting time for many consumers. Some of the news may be confusing if you aren’t a camera geek, but we’ll analyze it all and bring you the best of the bunch as the week goes on.

Samsung NX hybrid camera unveiled at PMA 2009

samsung nx hybrid camera unveiled at pma 2009
the digital camera carpet bombing continues as samsung looks to get even with the big boys
samsung is on full camera takeover for 2009 as they come in with yet another wave of digital snappers in the shape of the nx hybrid series.
this latest concept range appears to be the tech leviathan's take on the micro-four-thirds system and is designed to bring compact size to dslrs, or dslr usability to compacts, however you wish to look at it.

the nx will come with the same kind of aps-c image sensor that you'd expect to see in a proper dslr but, sadly, uses an electronic viewfinder instead of a mirror box which is the only reason they can make the thing small. with an evf you can apparently get the sensor 60% closer to the lens, so there you go; trade-off city.
naturally, you can use the live view mode if you'd rather not have to get used the weird images from an evf. sadly, that's all the info there is on the nx for now, other than we can expect to see it on the shelf in the second half of this year and to hear more about it in the coming months.

PMA 2009: Samsung Shows Off New NX Series Hybrid Cameras

Now that Samsung has established their own Digital Imaging Company, they are really cranking up their camera development. Their new NX line combines an APS-C sized sensor and an electronic viewfinder to create what they consider to be a hybrid between a DSLR and a compact. They won't be available until some time in the second half of '09, but the press release claims that they'll emerge aboug 60% smaller than "traditional DSLRs." No word on price, or any other specifics, but we can only hope they worked as hard shrinking the price as they did the camera body itself.