Samsung Launches Latest NX Camera, the NX11, with New i-Function Lenses

Samsung Launches Latest NX Camera, the NX11, with New i-Function Lenses

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Ridgefield Park, NJ—Just a week before the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung Electronics Co. launched the newest addition to its NX line of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras—the NX11—along with the WB700, an ultra-slim model featuring a 24x zoom function.

The NX11 contains a feature set similar to Samsung’s first mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, the NX10, however the NX11 is compatible with the company’s new i-Function lens, which was introduced for the NX100. The NX11 will come with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS i-Function lens (27.7-84.7mm equivalent), as well as two new i-Function lenses: a 20mm f/2.8 pancake (30.8mm equivalent) and a black/silver 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 ED zoom lens (30.8-77mm equivalent).

The i-Function lens was developed to put the “perfect picture at the fingertips of all photographers by providing an exceptionally easy way of controlling the camera.” Since camera users typically wrap one hand around the lens when holding a camera, the new i-Function system allows photographers to naturally use their left hand to change the camera’s settings via a button built into the i-Function lens, without needing to take the camera off the target. Users can toggle between shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB and ISO by using the i-Function button or ring on the lens, for quicker configurations while shooting.

Samsung also focused on usability with the NX11, changing the grip design to make shooting more comfortable, while a lens priority mode dial was added to simplify the search for the best mode for each lens. The camera also includes a one-touch i-Function button that activates common shooting controls like aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance. Also featured are a panorama mode that allows users to take panoramics in one press-and-sweep motion and an APS-C sensor that is larger than the Micro 4/3 sensor.

“Today’s launch is important for Samsung in reinforcing our position as a leading innovator in the digital camera market and for showing our innovation in the compact system camera market,” said Hyunho Chung, executive vice president and head of Samsung Electronics’ Digital Imaging business unit. “The NX11, while offering the best features of the NX10, has an upgraded design and the additional i-Function capability with more lenses. The launch of our next offering in the NX range also demonstrates our commitment to our customers, by producing user driven innovation in the form of easy-to-use functions and upgraded customization.”

Other key features include: a built-in flash; a built-in electronic VGA (640×480) viewfinder; a 3.0-inch AMOLED screen designed to reduce glare from sunlight; 720p HD recording; a hot shoe; smart auto mode; and beauty shot. Samsung’s NX11 will ship in February with an MSRP of $649 for the camera body and bundled zoom lens.

Also announced was the ultra-slim WB700 camera, which boasts a 24x zoom function that utilizes a 24mm ultra-wide Schneider-Kreuznach lens. The 24x zoom function is made up of an 18x optical zoom and 1.3x “smart zoom.”

The WB700 also offers a 16 megapixel CCD sensor, full manual control and 720p high-definition video recording (H.264 format).

“We understand that many of our customers come to us for the very best and most up-to-date technology available, which is why we have chosen to bring all our innovation together in the WB700 for both the advanced and novice photographer, giving a balance of professional quality imaging and the kind of usability anyone can master,” added Hyunho Chung. “[W]e have added features that bring surprise and delight to the photography experience, such as our new smart filters, the smart lens effect and zoom noise cancellation.”

Additional notable features include Smart Filter 2.0—artistic filters in modes such as soft focus, half-tone dot and cinema alongside traditional effects such as fisheye, miniature and sketch; a new innovation to remove zoom noise from video content; and smart auto mode for both movies and stills. The Samsung WB700 will be available in April 2011 for an MSRP of $299.99. samsung.com

 

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