Samsung debuts hybrid camera system
Initially, the Korean chaebol planned for this camera system to showcased only in 2010. But we are guessing the company couldn't wait to show off this new technology and there is no better time to do so than at the annual Photo Marketing Association (PMA) tradeshow kicking off this week in Las Vegas.
The hybrid camera will fall under Samsung's new NX-series. According to the press release, the system allows users to deploy interchangeable lenses. A big question that we have is what lens mount will this camera use? For Micro Four Third cameras such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, shutterbugs can use Four Thirds optics with an adapter. However, Samsung has only a couple of dSLRs under its belt, so we are curious as to what lens mount the hybrid camera will use. If Samsung develops a new lens mount, the company will face an uphill task to convince users to invest in lenses for this new system.
One big advantage the Samsung camera has over the Micro Four Thirds Standard is the size of the sensor. The Korean company has indicated that the shooters in the NX-series will employ APS-C-sized sensors in the camera, and that is similar to what is being utilized in most dSLRs currently. A larger sensor means there is more surface area for light to fall onto and this usually results in better image quality.
As with the G1, the Samsung camera will use an electronic viewfinder (EVF) instead of an optical one (due to the lack of the mirror mechanism). Samsung said the EVF will be ultra-precise and we think this implementation should be on par with what we saw on the G1.
Another issue we'd like to raise with the Samsung camera is its dSLR-like styling. Considering that there is no mirror component in the shooter, the engineers could leave out the faux prism hump. Much as we like to, we can't help but feel that the hybrid camera looks too similar to the G1, right down to the choice of colors. Besides silver, the Samsung camera will be available in red, black and blue. Perhaps, like Panasonic, the Korean firm's market research showed that consumers prefer a more traditional-looking shooter to something radical, like what Olympus has been showing off with its concept Micro Four Thirds camera.
For now, this hybrid camera is still a concept, but Samsung has promised that it will be announced in the second half of this year. According to the press release, the company estimates that hybrid cameras (which probably include the Micro Four Thirds Standard) will take up 20 percent of the market share by 2012, and the chaebol hopes that it can achieve its aim of being the global market leader for digital camera by then with this imaging system.
Click here for more pictures of the new Samsung camera.
Latest comments
I think it would be prudent for Samsung to stick with its current shared mount. This would allow interchangeability between cameras and systems.
Their dslrs are seen as very competitive by some, with excellent lens choice including third party alternatives such as Tamron. This type of camera would easily be accepted especially for travel or low profile lighter weight use. Its improving brand acceptance in a clique situation that must be overcome. Then they will reap the rewards they deserve.
well, manufacturers are not calling these cameras dSLRs, but i guess it offers an alternative to some photographers. think of it this way: In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a huge surge in rangefinder cameras, and i think these systems can be viewed as the digital equivalent.
Interesting, is this the future of dslr's? will mirrors be replaced by bigger electronic sensors and evf?
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