Samsung launches NX Series to compete with Micro Four Thirds

Via PCMag:

Like the Micro Four-Thirds standard, the NX Series will not use a mirror box - the difference between these new compact DSLRs and a true DSLR, which uses a mirror box to reflect the image from the lens to the viewfinder. Like the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, the Samsung NX Series will offer an electronic viewfinder (EVF) in place of a real viewfinder. The EVF is actually a tiny high resolution LCD screen placed in the viewfinder window.

Though Samsung's camera will have smaller dimensions, the NX series will not sacrifice image quality because it will use the same size image sensor that the company will use in its DSLR cameras. These larger sensors deliver lower amounts of noise and higher dynamic range when compared to smaller sensors found in point-and-shoot cameras. The Micro Four-Thirds standard also uses the same large image sensors found in Panasonic and Olympus DLSRs, which adhere to the older "Four Thirds" standard.

Samsung left a few unanswered questions about the new camera series. First, we don't know whether the NX series will support interchangeable lenses like both DSLRs and Micro Four-Thirds. There's also no word on what type of focusing system it will use. DSLR cameras use auto-focusing systems called "phase detection," which is typically faster than a point-and-shoot camera's auto-focusing systems which are called "contrast measurement." However the Micro Four-Thirds standard uses a new contrast measurement focusing system that can achieve focusing speeds that are competitive with phase detection.

Also check out the Samsung NX official page and press release info at Samsung.

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.