September not only saw the launch of Samsung’s excellent Galaxy Note 4. Less than two weeks after the end of IFA 2014, Samsung made a pretty big appearance at Photokina 2014 where it introduced its first prosumer smart camera called the NX1. Sporting a mouthful of exciting features, the NX1 has just been officially announced in Malaysia.
Combining a durable splash-proof design that houses powerful new technology together with Samsung’s gradual imaging prowess, the NX1 is a culmination of years of development within Samsung’s Digital Imaging team. At the NX1’s heart is the new DRIMe V image processor, which boasts superior colour reproduction and noise reduction. The multi-core processor is exceptionally fast, and allows for a host of new features that are rarely seen on a prosumer-level compact system camera.
For instance, the DRIMe V ISP supports 4K UHD video recording at a smooth 30fps, while there’s even a new Samsung Auto Shot (SAS) feature, which “automatically takes the picture at precisely the right moment”. It certainly does sound impressive on paper, and is possible via a combination of the new DRIMe V ISP and advance hardware algorithms that recognises high-speed motion.
Complementing the DRIMe V ISP is the new NX AF System III autofocus system, which comprises of 205 phase-detect points & 209 contrast-detect points, covering 90% of the frame. This new autofocus system allows for an exceptionally fast 0.055s autofocus speeds, while the subject tracking feature keeps the focus locked on the subject for as long as it is in the frame, ready to be snapped at any time.
The Samsung NX1 is also equipped with the newly-designed 28MP BSI CMOS APS-C sensor, with a native ISO range of 100 to 25,600, while the extended 51,200 ISO lets you capture images even in dimly-lit situations. On top of that, the NX1 is one of, if not the first smart camera to feature in-built H.265 codec. The most advanced compression technology available, H.264’s successor compresses video to half the size and bitrate of the H.264 codec, but without compromising on quality.
As for the body itself, Samsung crafted the chassis from magnesium alloy, giving the NX1 plenty of rigidity while rubber seals and seams around the camera protects the NX1 from dust and water splashes. At the back, users can choose to snap by looking at the 3-inch FVGA Super AMOLED touch display, or using the XGA OLD EVF, with just a 0.005-second lag. What’s more, the NX1 is the only compact system camera (CSC) to feature a top LCD panel, giving users a quick, one-stop view of the camera’s settings, including white balance, drive and battery conditions.
Finally, there’s the “smart” features that make further sets the NX1 apart. This camera packs WiFi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, which allows it to be paired with a smart device with the Samsung Camera Manager app for Android. This app allows users to pair their smartphone or tablet with the camera, unlocking features such as remote viewfinder and rapid transfer of images.
Samsung NX1 ambassadors
The Samsung NX1 is now available at all Samsung authorised retailers nationwide alongside the new 50-150mm F2.8 OIS S Lens and 16-50mm F2.8 OIS lens. The NX1 retails at RM4,699 (body only) and RM8.699 (body and 16-50mm F2.8 lens with vertical battery grip).
For more information, check out Samsung Malaysia’s official NX1 product page.
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