Samsung, probably best known for its smartphone models in all varieties, is taking a bigger leap into the world of photography.
During the on-going Photo and Film Expo in Johannesburg, Samsung officially launched the NX1 – a rather smart looking compact system camera (CSC).
The aim with the upgraded version is for it to become the flagship camera in Samsung’s growing NX range.
“The camera has the fastest auto-focus that we have built so far, and it is also the best quality camera that we have ever produced. Photographers require precision, and that is what we are giving them,” said Samsung’s Michael Gibson, part leader for digital imaging and accessories, during the launch.
In terms of technical specifics, the NX1 makes use of Samsung’s new NX AF System III which has 205 Phase Detection AF points. It can also shoot photos at 15 frames per second when put in the continuous shooting mode.
But the business end of the camera is in the sensor, which is a 28MP APS-C CMOS Sensor with a Back Side Illumination (BSI) structure with a micro lens array. The unit has a native ISO of ISO 100-25600 and can be extended to ISO 51200.
For video recording, the camera is capable of recording in 4K and Ultra HD (UHD), and the mode also makes use of the Auto Focus feature from the still camera. That, according to Gibson, is something that traditional DSLR cameras can’t do.
But the model has a number of other tricks up its sleeve, as it is also the first Samsung camera that is dust and water resistant – it’s also the first Samsung camera that has built-in WiFi.
“The NX1 represents the pinnacle of Samsung’s innovative photographic expertise and heralds a new era of intuitive and professional quality photography for everyone. With the launch of the NX1, Samsung is redefining what is possible with an interchangeable lens camera, allowing photographers to achieve previously unimaginable levels of quality and proficiency in each and every image they capture,” Gibson said in a press statement.
The camera will retail for R 15 999 for the body and R18 000 for the 50-150mm Premium S Lens.
