Friday, June 21, 2013

Hands-on: Samsung Galaxy NX Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Samsung Introduces Interchangeable Lens Camera with Android and LTE Connectivity

The Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless interchangeable lens digital camera.

The new Samsung interchangeable lens digital camera known as Galaxy NX is built to combine DSLR class image quality with smartphone-class connectivity while delivering new photographic experience to both amateurs and advance photographers. Samsung has kindly confirmed this new product entry a week ago when we reported news of its existence on 14th June. Today, we're at Samsung's official launch event to bring you more juicy details of what you can expect out of the upcoming Galaxy NX camera.

Camera System and Processing Platform

The camera itself comes equipped with a large 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor which Samsung claims is able to give brighter and more detailed images due to its size and better low light performance.  And like any other digital camera, it comes with its own digital signal processor (DSP) that's suitably equipped for the job to not only post processes images but gives the photographer the speed and accuracy they require. In the case of the Galaxy NX camera, it uses a very recently introducedDRIMe IV DSP that was first introduced in the Samsung NX300 mirrorless camera, and like it, the Samsung Galaxy NX is also built with the capability to support 3D lenses.
The 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor within the Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless interchangeable lens system camera.

With an Advanced Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) system that takes advantage of a 105-point phase detection AF and a 247-point contrast detection AF, Samsung claims that the Galaxy NX is able to produce fast and accurate focuses, with objects taking as little as 8ms to focus. The camera's performance is also rather impressive, with claims of up to 8.6 frames per second as well as top shutter speed of up to 1/6000th second. ISO performance of the new Galaxy NX is also pretty dandy at up to 25,600 although it's hard to tell when noise would start to set in. However, specifications-wise, the Galaxy NX does seem to look rather promising.
Like all interchangeable lens cameras in the Samsung NX series, the Samsung Galaxy NX will be able to take advantage of its growing range of 13 NX lenses.
You'll find the micro-HDMI and micro-USB ports located on the left side of the camera.

 
Shooting parameters are conveniently set using either the top dial or on-screen with the graphical dials. Shown here is the shutter speed setting at the maximum 1/6000th sec.

 
The Samsung Galaxy NX doesn't come with an awful lot of buttons as settings can be easily controlled using the on-screen interface.


Smartphone-like Capabilities

Apart from the DRIMe IV processor, you'll find another brain within the camera and that's the quad-core Pega-Q 1.6GHz processor that runs the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system. This is the part of the camera that gives you the ability to install/run apps, connect to the internet and share/upload images. Basically, it's like a phone built right into a digital camera. And it's not a shabby telecommunication device either, it comes with multi-band 4G LTE support that lets you access and upload your photos at even greater speeds. However, unlike a smartphone, you cannot make calls through the Galaxy NX. This aspect has remained the same since the debut of the Samsung Galaxy Camera.
Part of the reason to integrate an Android system into the camera was to provide users with new experiences and Samsung has added features that aim to help users capture the scene and mood of every hotspot they visit. Location based app like Photo Suggest helps by recommending popular photography spots, sourced from a huge library of images (such as TourWrist, Panoramio, TripAdvisor) taken by fellow photographers across the world. With GPS location awareness, the camera can even tell you which is the best spot for taking that scenic shot. 
On the other hand, apps like Story Album lets users enjoy timeless memories by displaying special moments on one timeline, reframing and resizing them to create digital photo books which can be viewed and shared on other devices.
The familiar Android screen lets you download and run all sorts of apps from the Google Play store.

Photo Suggest feature recommends places to visit by scouring matching interesting locations with coordinates returned from the in-built GPS.

The battery compartment is where the microSD and micro-SIM card slots are located.

User Friendly Functions

Other features found on the Galaxy NX include Smart Mode which lets users choose the optimum settings for the environment they are capturing, as well as create fresh, artistic images. Included in the camera are up to 30 different modes which they can choose. Modes like ‘Multi Exposure’ merges two different shots together to produce one distinctive image, while ‘Animated Photo’ connects continuous shots of up to five seconds, creating a moving GIF file (perfect for Tumblr fans!). For even more fun, ‘Sound & Shot’ mode stores sound and voice together as the picture is taken, so moments are captured exactly as they happen. Although there are a lot of Smart Modes to choose from, Samsung says that they've made it even easier for users who do not know which to pick. This is because Smart Mode can suggest three different modes to choose based on the camera's analysis of the scene.
Smart Mode setting gives you up to 30 different preset modes. Comes with colorful icons to help users understand what each setting means.

For even more personalization, Samsung created a useful widget known as Camera Studio that simply allows users to easily customize settings with their most frequently used applications or camera modes, making sure their photos are captured exactly as desired every time. This would allow users to quickly respond to situations, ensuring precious moments are not lost.
Specifications listed below may change when the Galaxy NX launches in the third quarter of 2013.
Samsung Galaxy NX Technical Specifications
Image Sensor
  • 20.3 effective megapixels APS-C CMOS
Image Stabilization (IS)
  • (Lens Shift – depends on Lens type)
Display
  • 121.2mm (4.8inch), HD TFT LCD
  • SVGA EVF
ISO
Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600
Network Support
  • 4G (LTE Cat3 100/50Mbps) : 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 (Dependent on market)
  • 3G (HSPA+ 42Mbps) : 850/900/1900/2100
AP
  • 1.6GHz Quad-Core Processor
OS
  • Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Image
  • JPEG (3:2): 20.0M (5472x3648), 10.1M (3888x2592), 5.9M (2976x1984), 2.0M (1728x1152)
  • JPEG (16:9): 16.9M (5472x3080), 7.8M (3712x2088), 4.9M (2944x1656), 2.1M (1920x1080)
  • JPEG (1:1): 13.3M (3648x3648), 7.0M (2640x2640), 4.0M (2000x2000), 1.1M (1024x1024)
  • RAW: 20.0M (5472x3648)
  • 3D Image: JPEG (16:9): 4.1M (2688x1512), 2.1M (1920x1080)
Video
  • Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, WMV7/8, MP43, VP8
  • Format: MP4/3GP, AVI, WMV/ASF, FLV, MKV, WEBM
  • Size: 1920x1080/25fps, 1920x810/24fps, 1280x720/50fps, 1280x720/25fps, 640x480/50fps, 640x480/25fps, 320x240/25fps for Sharing
Audio
  • Codec: MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, AMR-NB/WB
  • Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA
Additional Features
  • Built-in pop-up flash
  • Samsung Link, Samsung ChatON
  • S Voice, S Translator
  • Group Play: Share Music(MP3), Share Picture(JPEG, GIF), Share Document(PDF, PPT), Play Games
  • Trip Advisor, Photo Suggest
Google Mobile Services
Chrome, Downloads, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Search, Google Settings, Google Plus, Google Local, Google Play Store, Google Messenger, Google Navigation, Youtube, Google Talk, Voice Search, Google Play Movie & TV, Google Play books, Google Play Music, Google Play Magazine
Connectivity
  • Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4GHz, 5GHz
  • NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)
  • GPS, GLONASS (Support A-GPS)
Sensor
  • Accelerometer, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Gyro, RGB Light
Memory
  • 16GB Internal memory + microSD slot (up to 64GB)
  • 2GB RAM (*User memory may differ by region, carrier, and supporting language, and may change after software upgrade.)
Bundled Software
  • Samsung Kies (Windows & Mac), Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Dimension (WxHxD) + Weight
  • 136.5 x 101.2 x (25.7 - 37.65)mm
  • 410g (without battery) / 495g (with standard battery)
Battery Capacity
  • 4,360 mAh

First look at the Samsung Galaxy NX camera (Android, 4G, interchangeable lenses)

Samsung’s new Galaxy NX is a versatile mirrorless DSLR camera which can use 13 different interchangeable lenses as well as other accessories including flash and lighting add-ons.
Oh yeah, it also happens to run Google Android 4.2 Jelly Bean and support WiFi, 3G, and 4G LTE wireless.
Samsung Galaxy NX
You can adjust camera settings either using dials and buttons on the top of the device, or using the 4.8 inch touchscreen display on the back. It has a 20.3MP image sensor.
In addition to Samsung’s imaging processor, the Galaxy NX has an unspecified 1.6 GHz quad-core processor and features 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. You can basically run any Android app you’d like on it, but it’s really designed to let you share your photos, upload them to the cloud, or edit pictures than to let you play Grand Theft Auto. It’s nice to know you could though.
There are support for a number of presets, and the user interface is actually quite similar to what you’d see on Samsung’s Galaxy Camera and Galaxy S4 Zoom, which are more consumer-oriented cameras. But aside from interchangable lenses, you get pro features including a 1/6000 second shutter speed, the ability to shoot 8.6 frames per second, an electric viewfinder and support for a range of lenses including wide angle, fish eye, and zoom.
Samsung hasn’t announced pricing for the camera yet, but it’s expected to launch in the second half of 2013

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Samsung Galaxy NX Review

News image

The Samsung Galaxy NX is the World’s first interchangeable-lens camera with 3G/4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity. Running on the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, the Galaxy NX has a 20.3 megapixel APS-C sensor, DRIMe IV processor, Hybrid auto-focus system with 8ms focusing, 8.6fps burst shooting, top shutter speed of 1/6000th second, and a 4.8 inch touch-panel LCD. The Samsung Galaxy NX will be available in July, price to be announced.
Samsung Press Release
SAMSUNG INTRODUCES THE GALAXY NX
World’s first 4G interchangeable-lens camera with 3G/4G LTE & Wi-Fi Connectivity
London, UK – June 20, 2013 – Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Galaxy NX, the world’s first 4G interchangeable lens Connected Compact System Camera (CSC). Versatile and easy to use, the Galaxy NX combines cutting edge optical performance with connectivity capabilities and Android applications. The result is a new type of connected device which means you can share your experiences instantly in amazing colour and outstanding detail.
Simon Stanford, Vice President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung UK & Ireland said: “We’re excited to be leading the way in innovation with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy NX. The aim of this device is to combine the high image quality associated with the NX camera with the ease of use and speed of 4G capability with Android. Perfect for taking incredible images and sharing them quickly.” 
Share everything, from anywhere
Featuring 3G/4G LTE technology, the Galaxy NX means anyone interested in photography can stay constantly connected with their world. Promising speedy sharing whether on the move or at home, the seamless connectivity of the Galaxy NX makes it a device that puts the sharing of professional level images at its heart. It embraces the era of visual communication by providing an outlet for passionate photographers to express their exciting experiences immediately and in spectacular quality.
The Galaxy NX is designed to help you capture the scene and mood of every place you visit. Photo Suggest gives you location-based recommendations of popular photography spots, sourced from a huge library of images taken by other photographers from around the world. Story Album allows you to look back at your photos on one timeline, reframing and resizing them to create digital photo books which can be viewed and shared on your other devices. 
Stunning picture quality
Image quality is really something to shout about thanks to the array of interchangeable lenses available with the Galaxy NX. The 20.3MP APS-C Sensor produces images which are bright and detailed, even in low light conditions, while the DRIMe IV Image Signal Processer delivers the speed and accuracy that today's photographers demand.
Its Advanced Hybrid Auto Focus (AF) System ensures accurate phase and contrast detection so you can capture crisp, vibrant shots, while the 1/6000 sec shutter speed and 8.6fps shooting means you can capture the action as it is happening.
The flexibility offered by the Galaxy NX’s selection of interchangeable lenses - from compact pancake lenses and an ultra-wide fisheye, to longer prime and zoom lenses - places creative control firmly in the hands of the photographer. True 3D Creator also brings an added element of realism to the Galaxy NX results, allowing you to shoot images and movies in 3D with Samsung's 45mm 2D/3D lens.
Simple and easy to use
With Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the functionality of a smartphone is used to improve the photographic experience you get with the Galaxy NX. You can choose from a huge array of Android apps to help personalise your device and do more than just shoot amazing photographs and video, from editing images, to adding special effects and staying in touch with friends and family.
More than 30 Smart Mode options mean you can choose the optimum settings for the environment you are capturing, as well as create fresh, artistic images. Multi Exposure merges two different shots together to produce one distinctive image, while Animated Photo connects continuous shots of up to five seconds, creating a moving GIF file. For added realism, Sound & Shot stores sound and voice together as the picture is taken, so moments are captured exactly as they happen.
For added personalisation, Camera Studio allows you to easily customise settings with your most frequently used applications or camera modes, so you can capture your photos exactly how you want them.
Availability
The Galaxy NX will be available to buy in the UK as a 4G variant that supports 3G from selected online and high street retailers this summer.
Be among the first to know when the Galaxy NX is available, by visitinghttp://www.samsung.com/uk/GalaxyNXCamera/ Or go. tohttp://www.samsungmobilepress.com for multimedia content and additional information.
Samsung Galaxy NX Product Specifications:
 
Image Sensor
20.3 effective megapixel APS-C CMOS
IS
(Lens Shift – depends on Lens type)
Display
121.2mm (4.8inch) HD TFT LCD
SVGA EVF
ISO
Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600
Network
4G LTE
4G (LTE Cat3 100/50Mbps) : 800/850/900/1800/2100/2600 (Dependent on Market
3G
3G (HSPA+42Mbps) : 850/900/1900/2100
AP
OS
Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean)
Image
JPEG (3:2): 20.0M (5472x3648), 10.1M (3888x2592), 5.9M (2976x1984), 2.0M (1728x1152)
JPEG (16:9): 16.9M (5472x3080), 7.8M (3712x2088), 4.9M (2944x1656), 2.1M (1920x1080)
JPEG (1:1): 13.3M (3648x3648), 7.0M (2640x2640), 4.0M (2000x2000), 1.1M (1024x1024)
RAW: 20.0M (5472 x 3648)
* 3D Image: JPEG
JPEG (16:9): 4.1M (2688x1512), 2.1M (1920x1080)
Video
Codec: MPEG4, H.263, H.264, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, WMV7/8, MP43, VP8
Format: MP4/3GP, AVI, WMV/ASF, FLV, MKV, WEBM
Size: 1920x1080/25fps, 1920x810/24fps, 1280x720/50fps, 1280x720/25fps,
640x480/50fps, 640x480/25fps, 320x240/25fps for Sharing
Audio
Codec: MP3, AAC LC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, FLAC, Vorbis, AMR-NB/WB
Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA
Additional
Features
Built-in Pop-up flash
Samsung Link, Samsung ChatON
S Voice, S Translator
Group Play: Share Music(MP3), Share Picture(JPEG, GIF), Share Document(PDF, PPT), Play Games
Trip Advisor, Photo Suggest
Google
Mobile
Services
Chrome, Downloads, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Search, Google Settings, Google Plus, Google Local, Google Play Store, Google Messenger, Google Navigation, Youtube, Google Talk, Voice Search, Google Play Movie & TV, Google Play books, Google Play Music, Google Play Magazine
Connectivity
WiFi a/b/g/n 2.4GHz, 5GHz
Bluetooth® 4.0 (LE)
GPS, GLONASS (Support A-GPS)
Sensor
Accelerometer, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Gyro, RGB Light
Memory
16GB Internal memory + microSD slot (up to 64GB)
2.0GB RAM
*User memory may differ by region, carrier, and supporting language, and may change after software upgrade.
*Available capacity varies and storage is less due to phone software.
Bundle Software
Samsung Kies (Windows & Mac), Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Dimension (WxHxD)
136.5 x 101.2 x 25.7 (37.65) mm, 410g(without battery) / 495(with standard battery)
Battery
4,360 mAh

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