Samsung Announces the NX1, a More Serious Camera with 28MP and 4K Video

Samsung has been trying to hit the digital interchangeable lens camera (ILC) market for some time, slowly clawing their way to #2 in market share in the US. That said, they haven't done a lot to impress professionals. I had a sense they were going to release something special at Photokina, and the NX1 doesn't disappoint. With a 4K video shooting APS-C sensor and newly announced 50-150mm f/2.8, Samsung is taking aim at more serious photographers.

The NX1 boasts an all new 28MP BSI CMOS sensor, which supports Samsung’s fastest autofocus system to date, the NX AF System III. We have already been impressed with the focus speed and accuracy of the previous generation sensor, so this is of course great news. The sensor was developed utilizing Samsung’s advanced semiconductor technology, and the back side illuminated sensor is capable of gathering more light than conventional CMOS sensors. The new NX AF System III features 205 Phase Detect AF points covering 90 percent of the frame, allowing you to quickly focus on their targets. This quick focusing ability allows the camera to achieve 15FPS of continuous shooting while continuously tracking focus. The system also employs a patterned AF Assist Beam that reaches up to 15m and will help to more accurately capture clear photos in low light.

The NX1 also incorporates a new DRIMe V Image Processer that delivers superior color reproduction and works with the camera’s built-in Adaptive Noise Reduction technology to help retain details and remove noise from photos captured at high ISO’s. The advanced algorithm also analyzes details and color in each photo, making sure users always have the clearest image.

Wide Phase Detection gives the NX1 the ability to instinctively track subjects almost anywhere in the frame, regardless of their location. Samsung claims that because of this, there is never a need to re-compose a shot. This technology will be of particular interest to those of us shoot video, as the NX1 supports the use of Phase Detect AF during movie recording.

The new Samsung Auto Shot highlights the innovation available in the NX1. Using the DRIMe V Image Processor and an advanced algorithm, the NX1 will track a baseball as it travels to a player, allowing photographers take crisp images of the moment a ball connects with a bat. While these shots can often be difficult to take, the NX1 removes any concern by accurately predicting the right time to trigger the shutter and capture a full-resolution image.

Samsung is also taking a page from Canon and Nikon DLRS with a top-facing LCD panel. It's a nice touch for those of us used to seeing our settings instantly. 

Cinema Quality Video

Videographers and filmmakers can easily shoot cinema-quality video straight from the NX1. Utilizing the next generation HEVC codec, the NX1 is capable of recording smooth and immersive UHD/4K (DCI Standard) video. Users can easily save files directly to the memory card in the camera, eliminating the need to carry hefty external 4K recorders. This is made possible by a built-in HEVC Codec (H.265).

With a myriad of input, output and connectivity options, users will be able to customize their NX1 for their unique recording needs. Additionally, using Samsung’s SMART technology, users can also share their videos directly to any Samsung UHD television via Wi-Fi.

New Super-Fast Telephoto Lens

Expanding upon Samsung’s premium line of “S” lenses, the new Samsung 50-150mm F2.8 S lens is the second in the series and affords photographers the opportunity to capture telephoto images with crisp clarity and tack sharp focus in a variety of scenarios. Its fast aperture provides excellent low light performance and beautiful bokeh, making it perfect for sports, nature and wedding photography. The lens features an Ultra-Precise Stepping Motor (UPSM), improved from the conventional Stepping Motor (SM), it is three times more precise in its ability to control and focus on subjects. Photographers can capture sharp photos at low shutter speeds using advanced multi-axis Optical Imaging Stabilization (OIS) with four-axis control and a six-axis sensor array. These sensors detect camera motion, and help the lens to make the precision corrections necessary.

The new telephoto lens features a dust and water resistant build, supposedly making it both durable and reliable. All of the lens controls, focus, zoom and OIS, are located in a single “function zone” on the side of the lens, making it easy to control.

If you didn't notice from the photos, this lens is a monster. We're eager to see how it actually performs, but a 50-150mm f/2.8 is incredibly useful. 

Smart Connectivity, Tag & Go

As alway, Samsung builds in connnectivity tech into their cameras, and the included SMART Camera technology here is no different. The NX1's NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities offer the next-generation of connectivity, making it is easier than ever to take advantage of a host of intuitive sharing features. The ‘Tag & Go’ function lets users tap and share memories instantly and easily, pairing the NX1 with NFC enabled smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the NX1 incorporates Bluetooth 3.0 for an always-connected experience with a mobile device.  After authenticating the connection via Bluetooth, the NX1 is capable of collecting important time, date and location data and automatically imports it into the image’s metadata.  Once authenticated, the connection will automatically switch to a Wi-Fi connection for data transfer.

The Photo Beam feature allows the transfer of images or videos to a smartphone or tablet by simply touching the two devices together with no other configuration needed. MobileLink lets users select multiple images to send to four distinct smart devices at one time, so everyone can treasure photos without the need to take repetitive shots on each individual device. AutoShare sends every photo you take instantly to your smartphone or tablet and the Remote Viewfinder Pro function enables control of the NX1 from a smartphone, allowing the user to zoom and snap shots remotely yet still have full visibility of the scene, opening up new photographic possibilities. Manual settings can still be accessed, including shutter speed and aperture, so that photographers can retain camera control yet have another option as to how they want to frame their shot.

Samsung NX1 Product Specifications

Samsung 50-150mm F2.8 S lens Specifications

No price or official availability was given for either the NX1 or the 50-150mm f/2.8. We will let you know as soon as we hear any more information.