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Today, Samsung expanded its line of mirrorless Compact System Cameras (CSC) with three new models, the NX20, NX210 and NX1000. All three feature a 20 Megapixel APS-C sensor and wi-fi connectivity, which could be very exciting. Aside from that, they differ a little. Unfortunately, the sensor is the same one used in the NX200, which while adequate, is about a generation or so behind the NEX cameras in image quality.
Three Models
The NX20 is Samsung’s new flagship and replaces the NX10 in Samsung’s CSC lineup. It’s a more SLR styled body and has a built in EVF and a clear AMOLED 3″ rear screen. It offers more enthusiast level controls and nice perks like a 1/8000s top shutter speed.
The NX210 is the mid-range model in the new lineup, and also gains an AMOLED screen, and retains very similar styling to the NX200 it replaces.
The NX1000 is the newcomer to the lineup and is more a beginner camera with simplified control while offering high end image quality.
The BIg Feature
So, with the same sensor, and only a few new features of note so far, what’s the big deal? Well, it’s Samsung’s new ‘Smart Camera Ecosystem’ and Wi-Fi capability. The highlight capabilities of this system are the ability to have your camera automatically back up images to your computer when connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network, and the ability to let your smartphone act as a remote monitor over Wi-Fi.
These are cool abilities. While the NX system has sort of been the red-headed stepchild of the mirrorless camera market, these features may help Samsung gain a little bit of a foothold. A lot of people would love the ability to not have to futz with memory cards and downloading images…just shoot, come home, and your images are on your computer. This is a great timesaver. It’s not particularly well suited towards enthusiasts who shoot a LOT of photos, as we tend to catalog our images quite deliberately. I, for instance, use Lightroom 4 to manage all my photos, and so I download directly from the card into Lightroom (and onto my hard drive). Even this way, though, you can keep a ‘new photos’ folder to download automatically into, then after import into your software of choice, you can clear out the new photos folder.
The remote monitor feature could be great for both enthusiasts and professionals. This feature allows you to remotely view the camera’s view on your smartphone, and take the pic when the time is right. I can see this being of great use for sports shooting, at a low cost. Unfortunately, the first implementation didn’t allow changing of camera parameters, but it would be great if Samsung allowed this with the latest release.
All in all, it’s something that distinguishes the NX line from the rest of the CSC crowed, and it may just help Samsung start to gain a foothold in the market.