Samsung NX300 Camera and 2D/3D Lens Launched

Samsung’s new NX300 camera, shown in brown with the 18-55mm kit lens. (Source: Samsung.)

The NX300 features a new 20.3-megapixel APS-CMOS sensor and a new DRIMe IV processing engine, which reduces noise, improves speed and enables superior colour reproduction. The NX300 includes a Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system that is designed to enable fast, accurate phase and contrast detection, along with a 1/6000 second maximum shutter speed and up to 8.6 fps at full resolution in continuous shooting mode. The monitor is a tilting 3.31-inch AMOLED screen with a touch panel that integrates with a 5-way manual key interface that makes the camera simple and intuitive to use.

Rear views of the NX300 showing the control layout and the tilting AMOLED monitor. (Source: Samsung.)

Samsung’s Smart Mode allows users to choose from 14 different settings, including Creative Shot, Landscape, Light Trace or Action Freeze. Each setting will automatically adjust both aperture and shutter speed.

Top view of the NX300 with the 18-55mm kit lens. (Source: Samsung.)

The same sensor and many of the same features will appear in the NX2000 camera, which will be released in late June. Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity is an important feature in the new cameras, with a Direct Link hot key feature that enables images to be shared securely at the touch of a button between compatible cameras, smart-phones and tablets. The SMART CAMERA App, which is available for Android and iOS, connects the user’s compatible device to the camera via Wi-Fi for easy editing, sharing and back-up of images. Integrated Near Field Communication (NFC) technology in the NX2000 links to many NFC-enabled compatible Android smart-phones and tablets. The NX2000 will have a large 3.7-inch WVGA full touch screen for accessing key functions.

The Samsung NX300 will be available in-store from mid-May, from leading retailers and photography stores at a RRP of AU$899. It will include the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS III lens and a copy of AdobeLightroom4 editing software for photographers. The NX300 will be available in brown or white with a contrasting silver band.
NX300 Specifications

Image Sensor	20.3effective megapixel APS-C CMOS
IS	OIS mode is only provided on 2D shooting mode
Display	84.0mm (3.31-inch) AMOLED with a Tilt Touch Panel WVGA (800×400) 768k dots
ISO	Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 256000(1 or 1/3EV steps) AUTO ISO upper level is selectable. (Up to ISO3200)
Image	JPEG (3:2)：20.0M (5472×3648),   10.1M (3888×2592), 5.9M (2976×1984), 2.0M(1728×1152), 5.0M (2736×1824): Burst mode only (16:9)：16.9M (5472×3080), 7.8M (3712×2088), 4.9M 2944×1656), 2.1M (1920×1080); (1:1)：13.3M (3648×3648),   7.0M (2640×2640), 4.0M (2000×2000), 1.1M (1024×1024); RAW : 20.0M (5472×3648); * 3D Image Size : JPEG (16:9) 4.1M (2688×1512), (16:9) 2.1M (1920×1080)
Video	MP4 (Video: MPEG4, AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC); 1920×1080, 1920×810, 1280×720 , 640×480, 320×240 for Sharing 60fps, 30fps, 24fps (1920×810 only); * 3D Video : 30fps only
Video Output	HDMI 1.4a
Value-added Features	SMARTMode: 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 , Email, Auto Backup, Remote Viewfinder, MobileLink, Wi-Fi Direct (playback), AllSharePlay, Social Sharing
Bundle PC software	iLauncher, AdobeLightroom4, Adobe Reader
Storage	SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-1
Battery	BP1130 (1130mAh)
Dimension (WxHxD)	122 x 63.7 x 40.7 mm (excluding projections)
Weight	284 g (without battery)

Going on sale at the same time as the NX300 is the NX 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D interchangeable lens, Samsung’s first one-lens 3D system capable of capturing both still images and full HD movies in 3D. An integrated prism within the lens barrel enables users to switch between 2D and 3D modes. This lens recently received the ‘Best Imaging Innovation’ accolade in the TIPA Awards.  It is scheduled to go on sale at an RRP of AU$499.

The new NX 45mm f/1.8 2D/3D, shown with a side view of the NX300 camera body. (Source: Samsung.)

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	2D : F1.8 3D : T6
OIS	NO
Minimum Focus Distance	0.5m
Maximum Magnification	Approx. 0.12X
i Scene	Night, Portrait, Beauty shot, Children, Backlight, Sports
Lens Hood	Included
Filter Size	43mm
Mount Type	NX Mount
Dimension (DxL)	62 x 44.5 mm
Weight	122 g (without hood