Compact system camera is a minor refinement, but handles well
Showing posts with label NX11. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NX11. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Samsung NX11 review
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A aparut versiunea actualizata pentru firmware-ul seriei NX de camere foto de la Samsung
Samsung Electronics Co. a anunţat upgrade-uri de firmware pentru două
produse din gama NX – camerele compacte NX100 şi NX10. "Urmărim constant să
găsim noi metode prin care să îmbunătățim experiențele fotografice, pentru a
spori gradul de divertisment și pentru a oferi calitate de ultimă oră
clienților
noștri. Cel mai nou upgrade reflectă acest lucru", precizează
Hyunho Chung,
Vice-Președinte Executiv și Șef al Diviziei de Digital Imaging
Business din
cadrul Samsung Electronics.
Read more:
http://www.comunic.ro/article.php/A-aparut-versiunea-actualizata-pentru-firmware-ul-seriei-NX-de-camere-foto-de-la-Samsung/7414/
Camera firmware upgrade voor Samsung NX-series
"Samsung biedt een firmware upgrade aan voor de compacte systeemcamera’s NX100 en NX10. De upgrade biedt huidige gebruikers extra mogelijkheden en n?eer gebruiksgemak."
SAMSUNG NX UPGRADE BOOSTS MOVIE MAKING
By Chris Cheesman
"A new firmware upgrade for the NX
series of compact system cameras will improve the quality of movie recording,
claims Samsung."
Read more:
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Samsung_NX_upgrade_boosts_movie_making_news_306983.html
How the NX Lenses are launched into the World. PART II : The NX Lens Planners
The NX series, which
was a major hit upon its release last year, has won high praise from users to
journalists of camera magazines. For the compact system camera, the lens is an
essential product. Aren't you curious about how the Samsung lens came to life?
What about the planning, designing, and marketing work that happened behind the
curtains to develop such a widely hailed product that promises an excellent
value for your money? Here is a sneak peek into how the Samsung NX lens
came to life and the behind stories.
was a major hit upon its release last year, has won high praise from users to
journalists of camera magazines. For the compact system camera, the lens is an
essential product. Aren't you curious about how the Samsung lens came to life?
What about the planning, designing, and marketing work that happened behind the
curtains to develop such a widely hailed product that promises an excellent
value for your money? Here is a sneak peek into how the Samsung NX lens
came to life and the behind stories.
Planning
1. Where
does lens planning start from? Do you follow market demand or do you focus on
technology?
Youngbae Kim
(Director, Product Planning Group) : The NX lens
planning is driven by the market and consumers. We identify consumer needs and
define the lens specification based on their needs, and figure out how to match
the spec with the NX camera.
(Director, Product Planning Group) : The NX lens
planning is driven by the market and consumers. We identify consumer needs and
define the lens specification based on their needs, and figure out how to match
the spec with the NX camera.
Jayong Koo
(Manager, Product Planning Group) : Our planning is focused on the
consumers. We analyze various sales data, survey and interview the consumers to
build sophisticated understanding of their needs, and match that with our
technology to come up with a lens that the market is looking for.
(Manager, Product Planning Group) : Our planning is focused on the
consumers. We analyze various sales data, survey and interview the consumers to
build sophisticated understanding of their needs, and match that with our
technology to come up with a lens that the market is looking for.
Youngbae Kim (Director, Product PlanningGroup)
2. What
channels do you use to gather consumer demands and
reactions?
Youngbae
Kim : It's simple. We analyze market data, sales data, and conduct
consumer surveys to segment the customers by age group/type and decide the lens
specification for each.
Kim : It's simple. We analyze market data, sales data, and conduct
consumer surveys to segment the customers by age group/type and decide the lens
specification for each.
3. What
made you develop the i-Function lens in the first place?
Youngbae
Kim : I made a lot of effort trying to understand consumer needs and
their usage behavior, and it led me to the i-Function lens. I thought very hard
about how to make photo shooting easier and enjoyable. Lens until now had
increasingly better quality but that was about it. If existing lens were
reactive, following what the body ordered, I wanted to develop a lens that has
buttons on the lens that can give directions, and the outcome was the i-Function
lens.
Kim : I made a lot of effort trying to understand consumer needs and
their usage behavior, and it led me to the i-Function lens. I thought very hard
about how to make photo shooting easier and enjoyable. Lens until now had
increasingly better quality but that was about it. If existing lens were
reactive, following what the body ordered, I wanted to develop a lens that has
buttons on the lens that can give directions, and the outcome was the i-Function
lens.
Jayong
Koo : An innovative idea on a lens that is the i-Function
lens. If a former lens was part of the body that moves reactively at the
body's control, the i-Function lens, in contrast, controls the body, ensuring a
new innovative and convenient UI.
Koo : An innovative idea on a lens that is the i-Function
lens. If a former lens was part of the body that moves reactively at the
body's control, the i-Function lens, in contrast, controls the body, ensuring a
new innovative and convenient UI.
4. Where
did you focus in order to differentiate against competitors
products?
Youngbae
Kim : We will continue to focus on performance and features, just like
the i-Function
lens which has brought about a breakthrough in features.
Kim : We will continue to focus on performance and features, just like
the i-Function
lens which has brought about a breakthrough in features.
Jayong Koo (Manager, Product PlanningGroup)
5. What is
your outlook on mirrorless cameras and the future of the
i-Function?
Youngbae
Kim : With such an entrenched DSLR market and mirrorless camera at only
its initial stage, many uncertainties exist. Nonetheless, I think that the
ability to fulfill the consumer's need to capture a beautiful scene is more
important than mirror versus mirrorless. It's true that the mirror camera was
able to better satisfy the consumers because it had better technology and
performance; however, I think that the transition from DSLR to mirrorless is a
natural path towards digitalization.
Kim : With such an entrenched DSLR market and mirrorless camera at only
its initial stage, many uncertainties exist. Nonetheless, I think that the
ability to fulfill the consumer's need to capture a beautiful scene is more
important than mirror versus mirrorless. It's true that the mirror camera was
able to better satisfy the consumers because it had better technology and
performance; however, I think that the transition from DSLR to mirrorless is a
natural path towards digitalization.
Jayong
Koo : The compact system camera is an innovative camera that combines
the benefits of existing DSLR and point & shoot camera, and I think the
compact system camera market will grow. As a differentiated function of the NX,
the i-Function lens will be continuously upgraded and made more
convenient.
Koo : The compact system camera is an innovative camera that combines
the benefits of existing DSLR and point & shoot camera, and I think the
compact system camera market will grow. As a differentiated function of the NX,
the i-Function lens will be continuously upgraded and made more
convenient.
6. Do you
personally enjoy taking pictures?
Youngbae
Kim : I recently had a late child and have taken a lot of pictures of
the baby.
Kim : I recently had a late child and have taken a lot of pictures of
the baby.
Jayong
Koo : I've been in the camera business for about 10 years and have
taken lots of pictures, which has been a great learning experience. These days,
I take pictures of my children using the NX100.
Koo : I've been in the camera business for about 10 years and have
taken lots of pictures, which has been a great learning experience. These days,
I take pictures of my children using the NX100.
7. Can you
say a brief sentence about the lens you are currently developing that will be
revealed later?
Youngbae
Kim : We plan to launch lenses for different purposes such as for macro
shooting, lens fit for video, and lens for portrait among many
others.
Kim : We plan to launch lenses for different purposes such as for macro
shooting, lens fit for video, and lens for portrait among many
others.
Marketing
1. Can you
describe what a product manager does?
Howoung Lee
(Senior Manager, Product Marketing Group) : A product manager is
responsible for the whole process from its inception to mass production. Other
responsibilities include, when, where, and how much of the product will be
launched, how to compete with competitors, and what benefits to offer the
customers.
(Senior Manager, Product Marketing Group) : A product manager is
responsible for the whole process from its inception to mass production. Other
responsibilities include, when, where, and how much of the product will be
launched, how to compete with competitors, and what benefits to offer the
customers.
Howoung Lee (Senior Manager, Product MarketingGroup)
2. How is
marketing for cameras and lenses different from that of other electronic
products?
Howoung
Lee : A camera is a product that has both digital and analog
attributes. The emotional aspect of the camera helps to connect people with
other people and deliver my own story.
Lee : A camera is a product that has both digital and analog
attributes. The emotional aspect of the camera helps to connect people with
other people and deliver my own story.
3. What do
you highlights the most when trying to promote the excellence of the NX lens
compared to existing SLR cameras?
Howoung
Lee : In marketing, there is a terminology called POP and POD. POP
stands for 'Point of Parity' and POD 'Point of Difference'. In terms of POP, we
made a high resolution lens to strengthen the attribute of the lens. In terms of
POD, we introduced the unprecedented i-Function to differentiate against
competitors.
Lee : In marketing, there is a terminology called POP and POD. POP
stands for 'Point of Parity' and POD 'Point of Difference'. In terms of POP, we
made a high resolution lens to strengthen the attribute of the lens. In terms of
POD, we introduced the unprecedented i-Function to differentiate against
competitors.
4. Do you
personally like to take photos? If so, what is your favorite camera and
lens?
Howoung
Lee : I was a sales man in the past and there was this one time when I
took a photo of a customer on a heavy snow day, which facilitated the
negotiation. became even fonder of photos then. I like light lenses that work
best with family photos.
Lee : I was a sales man in the past and there was this one time when I
took a photo of a customer on a heavy snow day, which facilitated the
negotiation. became even fonder of photos then. I like light lenses that work
best with family photos.
5. Do you
have any words of advice for those aspiring to become a marketer or working in a
camera related business?
Howoung
Lee : Because camera portrays the heart and philosophy of people, I
think you need to have a warm heart to do camera marketing.
Lee : Because camera portrays the heart and philosophy of people, I
think you need to have a warm heart to do camera marketing.
Design
1. Can you
briefly talk about the lens design?
Kyunghan Noh
(Senior Designer, Design Group) : A lens designer thinks about what
value and benefit the lens should offer to the consumers when it comes out.
These thoughts impact the shape and composition of the lens.
(Senior Designer, Design Group) : A lens designer thinks about what
value and benefit the lens should offer to the consumers when it comes out.
These thoughts impact the shape and composition of the lens.
Kyunghan Noh (Senior Designer, DesignGroup)
2. I would
think that the lens would be limited in outer design compared to the camera
body. What do you think? What is the most important about outer
design?
Kyunghan
Noh : The lens is an ultra precision instrument with size issues, so
it's true that it has limitations in design. Defining a unique image group is
important.
Noh : The lens is an ultra precision instrument with size issues, so
it's true that it has limitations in design. Defining a unique image group is
important.
3. I hear
that designers often have a hard time being stuck between the developers and
planners. What process do you go through to coordinate?
Kyunghan
Noh : In the past, the designers had a little role to play, but the
mindset has shifted towards creativity, so now people come to ask for our
opinions.
Noh : In the past, the designers had a little role to play, but the
mindset has shifted towards creativity, so now people come to ask for our
opinions.
4. Bluering
is a key feature of the Samsung NX lens. How did this come
about?
Kyunghan
Noh : We borrowed blue, the color that represents Samsung, to express
Samsung's unique identity through the lens as well.
Noh : We borrowed blue, the color that represents Samsung, to express
Samsung's unique identity through the lens as well.
5. A
self-evaluation of the i-Function lens?
Kyunghan
Noh : I think the i-Function
lens redefined the paradigm of interchangeable lens. If the existing cameras
were not able to control the function looking at the object, the i-Function lens
is able to do so, which is a clear differentiator.
Noh : I think the i-Function
lens redefined the paradigm of interchangeable lens. If the existing cameras
were not able to control the function looking at the object, the i-Function lens
is able to do so, which is a clear differentiator.
6. What
kind of lens do you want to make in the future?
Kyunghan
Noh : Our plan is to strengthen the premium lens line-up. We will also
continue to develop upgraded versions of previously launched lenses. I also want
to make a lens than can control the whole body from it.
Noh : Our plan is to strengthen the premium lens line-up. We will also
continue to develop upgraded versions of previously launched lenses. I also want
to make a lens than can control the whole body from it.
7. Do you
have any words for those who want to become a lens
designer?
Kyunghan
Noh : A lens designer should first have ample experience in taking
pictures. If you take a lot of pictures, you start to see improvement areas as a
user, so for those who want to become a camera or lens designer, I recommend you
take a lot of pictures.
Noh : A lens designer should first have ample experience in taking
pictures. If you take a lot of pictures, you start to see improvement areas as a
user, so for those who want to become a camera or lens designer, I recommend you
take a lot of pictures.
In the two series,
we met with the lens developers, the NX lens
planners, marketers and designers to talk about the key features of the NX lens
and how the i-Function came about. We were able to see that the NX lens
was created to meet the needs of the users in a convenient way, which was made
possible through unsparing effort of experts in their respective fields. I look
forward to how the NX lens
evolves and develops in the future!
we met with the lens developers, the NX lens
planners, marketers and designers to talk about the key features of the NX lens
and how the i-Function came about. We were able to see that the NX lens
was created to meet the needs of the users in a convenient way, which was made
possible through unsparing effort of experts in their respective fields. I look
forward to how the NX lens
evolves and develops in the future!
The NX series, which
was a major hit upon its release last year, has won high praise from users to
journalists of camera magazines. For the compact system camera, the lens is an
essential product. Aren't you curious about how the Samsung lens came to life?
What about the planning, designing, and marketing work that happened behind the
curtains to develop such a widely hailed product that promises an excellent
value for your money? Here is a sneak peek into how the Samsung NX lens
came to life and the behind stories.
was a major hit upon its release last year, has won high praise from users to
journalists of camera magazines. For the compact system camera, the lens is an
essential product. Aren't you curious about how the Samsung lens came to life?
What about the planning, designing, and marketing work that happened behind the
curtains to develop such a widely hailed product that promises an excellent
value for your money? Here is a sneak peek into how the Samsung NX lens
came to life and the behind stories.
Planning
1. Where
does lens planning start from? Do you follow market demand or do you focus on
technology?
Youngbae Kim
(Director, Product Planning Group) : The NX lens
planning is driven by the market and consumers. We identify consumer needs and
define the lens specification based on their needs, and figure out how to match
the spec with the NX camera.
(Director, Product Planning Group) : The NX lens
planning is driven by the market and consumers. We identify consumer needs and
define the lens specification based on their needs, and figure out how to match
the spec with the NX camera.
Jayong Koo
(Manager, Product Planning Group) : Our planning is focused on the
consumers. We analyze various sales data, survey and interview the consumers to
build sophisticated understanding of their needs, and match that with our
technology to come up with a lens that the market is looking for.
(Manager, Product Planning Group) : Our planning is focused on the
consumers. We analyze various sales data, survey and interview the consumers to
build sophisticated understanding of their needs, and match that with our
technology to come up with a lens that the market is looking for.
Youngbae Kim (Director, Product PlanningGroup)
2. What
channels do you use to gather consumer demands and
reactions?
Youngbae
Kim : It's simple. We analyze market data, sales data, and conduct
consumer surveys to segment the customers by age group/type and decide the lens
specification for each.
Kim : It's simple. We analyze market data, sales data, and conduct
consumer surveys to segment the customers by age group/type and decide the lens
specification for each.
3. What
made you develop the i-Function lens in the first place?
Youngbae
Kim : I made a lot of effort trying to understand consumer needs and
their usage behavior, and it led me to the i-Function lens. I thought very hard
about how to make photo shooting easier and enjoyable. Lens until now had
increasingly better quality but that was about it. If existing lens were
reactive, following what the body ordered, I wanted to develop a lens that has
buttons on the lens that can give directions, and the outcome was the i-Function
lens.
Kim : I made a lot of effort trying to understand consumer needs and
their usage behavior, and it led me to the i-Function lens. I thought very hard
about how to make photo shooting easier and enjoyable. Lens until now had
increasingly better quality but that was about it. If existing lens were
reactive, following what the body ordered, I wanted to develop a lens that has
buttons on the lens that can give directions, and the outcome was the i-Function
lens.
Jayong
Koo : An innovative idea on a lens that is the i-Function
lens. If a former lens was part of the body that moves reactively at the
body's control, the i-Function lens, in contrast, controls the body, ensuring a
new innovative and convenient UI.
Koo : An innovative idea on a lens that is the i-Function
lens. If a former lens was part of the body that moves reactively at the
body's control, the i-Function lens, in contrast, controls the body, ensuring a
new innovative and convenient UI.
4. Where
did you focus in order to differentiate against competitors
products?
Youngbae
Kim : We will continue to focus on performance and features, just like
the i-Function
lens which has brought about a breakthrough in features.
Kim : We will continue to focus on performance and features, just like
the i-Function
lens which has brought about a breakthrough in features.
Jayong Koo (Manager, Product PlanningGroup)
5. What is
your outlook on mirrorless cameras and the future of the
i-Function?
Youngbae
Kim : With such an entrenched DSLR market and mirrorless camera at only
its initial stage, many uncertainties exist. Nonetheless, I think that the
ability to fulfill the consumer's need to capture a beautiful scene is more
important than mirror versus mirrorless. It's true that the mirror camera was
able to better satisfy the consumers because it had better technology and
performance; however, I think that the transition from DSLR to mirrorless is a
natural path towards digitalization.
Kim : With such an entrenched DSLR market and mirrorless camera at only
its initial stage, many uncertainties exist. Nonetheless, I think that the
ability to fulfill the consumer's need to capture a beautiful scene is more
important than mirror versus mirrorless. It's true that the mirror camera was
able to better satisfy the consumers because it had better technology and
performance; however, I think that the transition from DSLR to mirrorless is a
natural path towards digitalization.
Jayong
Koo : The compact system camera is an innovative camera that combines
the benefits of existing DSLR and point & shoot camera, and I think the
compact system camera market will grow. As a differentiated function of the NX,
the i-Function lens will be continuously upgraded and made more
convenient.
Koo : The compact system camera is an innovative camera that combines
the benefits of existing DSLR and point & shoot camera, and I think the
compact system camera market will grow. As a differentiated function of the NX,
the i-Function lens will be continuously upgraded and made more
convenient.
6. Do you
personally enjoy taking pictures?
Youngbae
Kim : I recently had a late child and have taken a lot of pictures of
the baby.
Kim : I recently had a late child and have taken a lot of pictures of
the baby.
Jayong
Koo : I've been in the camera business for about 10 years and have
taken lots of pictures, which has been a great learning experience. These days,
I take pictures of my children using the NX100.
Koo : I've been in the camera business for about 10 years and have
taken lots of pictures, which has been a great learning experience. These days,
I take pictures of my children using the NX100.
7. Can you
say a brief sentence about the lens you are currently developing that will be
revealed later?
Youngbae
Kim : We plan to launch lenses for different purposes such as for macro
shooting, lens fit for video, and lens for portrait among many
others.
Kim : We plan to launch lenses for different purposes such as for macro
shooting, lens fit for video, and lens for portrait among many
others.
Marketing
1. Can you
describe what a product manager does?
Howoung Lee
(Senior Manager, Product Marketing Group) : A product manager is
responsible for the whole process from its inception to mass production. Other
responsibilities include, when, where, and how much of the product will be
launched, how to compete with competitors, and what benefits to offer the
customers.
(Senior Manager, Product Marketing Group) : A product manager is
responsible for the whole process from its inception to mass production. Other
responsibilities include, when, where, and how much of the product will be
launched, how to compete with competitors, and what benefits to offer the
customers.
Howoung Lee (Senior Manager, Product MarketingGroup)
2. How is
marketing for cameras and lenses different from that of other electronic
products?
Howoung
Lee : A camera is a product that has both digital and analog
attributes. The emotional aspect of the camera helps to connect people with
other people and deliver my own story.
Lee : A camera is a product that has both digital and analog
attributes. The emotional aspect of the camera helps to connect people with
other people and deliver my own story.
3. What do
you highlights the most when trying to promote the excellence of the NX lens
compared to existing SLR cameras?
Howoung
Lee : In marketing, there is a terminology called POP and POD. POP
stands for 'Point of Parity' and POD 'Point of Difference'. In terms of POP, we
made a high resolution lens to strengthen the attribute of the lens. In terms of
POD, we introduced the unprecedented i-Function to differentiate against
competitors.
Lee : In marketing, there is a terminology called POP and POD. POP
stands for 'Point of Parity' and POD 'Point of Difference'. In terms of POP, we
made a high resolution lens to strengthen the attribute of the lens. In terms of
POD, we introduced the unprecedented i-Function to differentiate against
competitors.
4. Do you
personally like to take photos? If so, what is your favorite camera and
lens?
Howoung
Lee : I was a sales man in the past and there was this one time when I
took a photo of a customer on a heavy snow day, which facilitated the
negotiation. became even fonder of photos then. I like light lenses that work
best with family photos.
Lee : I was a sales man in the past and there was this one time when I
took a photo of a customer on a heavy snow day, which facilitated the
negotiation. became even fonder of photos then. I like light lenses that work
best with family photos.
5. Do you
have any words of advice for those aspiring to become a marketer or working in a
camera related business?
Howoung
Lee : Because camera portrays the heart and philosophy of people, I
think you need to have a warm heart to do camera marketing.
Lee : Because camera portrays the heart and philosophy of people, I
think you need to have a warm heart to do camera marketing.
Design
1. Can you
briefly talk about the lens design?
Kyunghan Noh
(Senior Designer, Design Group) : A lens designer thinks about what
value and benefit the lens should offer to the consumers when it comes out.
These thoughts impact the shape and composition of the lens.
(Senior Designer, Design Group) : A lens designer thinks about what
value and benefit the lens should offer to the consumers when it comes out.
These thoughts impact the shape and composition of the lens.
Kyunghan Noh (Senior Designer, DesignGroup)
2. I would
think that the lens would be limited in outer design compared to the camera
body. What do you think? What is the most important about outer
design?
Kyunghan
Noh : The lens is an ultra precision instrument with size issues, so
it's true that it has limitations in design. Defining a unique image group is
important.
Noh : The lens is an ultra precision instrument with size issues, so
it's true that it has limitations in design. Defining a unique image group is
important.
3. I hear
that designers often have a hard time being stuck between the developers and
planners. What process do you go through to coordinate?
Kyunghan
Noh : In the past, the designers had a little role to play, but the
mindset has shifted towards creativity, so now people come to ask for our
opinions.
Noh : In the past, the designers had a little role to play, but the
mindset has shifted towards creativity, so now people come to ask for our
opinions.
4. Bluering
is a key feature of the Samsung NX lens. How did this come
about?
Kyunghan
Noh : We borrowed blue, the color that represents Samsung, to express
Samsung's unique identity through the lens as well.
Noh : We borrowed blue, the color that represents Samsung, to express
Samsung's unique identity through the lens as well.
5. A
self-evaluation of the i-Function lens?
Kyunghan
Noh : I think the i-Function
lens redefined the paradigm of interchangeable lens. If the existing cameras
were not able to control the function looking at the object, the i-Function lens
is able to do so, which is a clear differentiator.
Noh : I think the i-Function
lens redefined the paradigm of interchangeable lens. If the existing cameras
were not able to control the function looking at the object, the i-Function lens
is able to do so, which is a clear differentiator.
6. What
kind of lens do you want to make in the future?
Kyunghan
Noh : Our plan is to strengthen the premium lens line-up. We will also
continue to develop upgraded versions of previously launched lenses. I also want
to make a lens than can control the whole body from it.
Noh : Our plan is to strengthen the premium lens line-up. We will also
continue to develop upgraded versions of previously launched lenses. I also want
to make a lens than can control the whole body from it.
7. Do you
have any words for those who want to become a lens
designer?
Kyunghan
Noh : A lens designer should first have ample experience in taking
pictures. If you take a lot of pictures, you start to see improvement areas as a
user, so for those who want to become a camera or lens designer, I recommend you
take a lot of pictures.
Noh : A lens designer should first have ample experience in taking
pictures. If you take a lot of pictures, you start to see improvement areas as a
user, so for those who want to become a camera or lens designer, I recommend you
take a lot of pictures.
In the two series,
we met with the lens developers, the NX lens
planners, marketers and designers to talk about the key features of the NX lens
and how the i-Function came about. We were able to see that the NX lens
was created to meet the needs of the users in a convenient way, which was made
possible through unsparing effort of experts in their respective fields. I look
forward to how the NX lens
evolves and develops in the future!
we met with the lens developers, the NX lens
planners, marketers and designers to talk about the key features of the NX lens
and how the i-Function came about. We were able to see that the NX lens
was created to meet the needs of the users in a convenient way, which was made
possible through unsparing effort of experts in their respective fields. I look
forward to how the NX lens
evolves and develops in the future!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
How the NX Lenses are launched into the World. PART I : The NX Lens Developers
The Samsung NX series camera won high praise from users when it was unveiled last year. One of the most important things for interchangeable lens cameras is the lens. Offering i-Function on top of the optical function, how did the Samsung NX lens come to life? I met with lens developers from different fields to learn about how the NX lens was created and other behind-the-scene episodes.
1. Please introduce yourself.
Sungwook Choi (Principal Engineer, Opto-Mechanics Lab, Lens R&D Group) : I joined Samsung a little over 20 years ago and I’ve been working on interchangeable lens design for three years now.
Woojong Cho (Principal Engineer Ph.D, Control Lab, Lens R&D Group) : I majored in laser optics and I am currently in charge of developing and applying new technology to control and run interchangeable lens.
Youngwoo Park (Principal Engineer, Optics Lab, Lens R&D Group) : Hello, I am in charge of the NX lens optical design. I personally like to take pictures and I have strong interest in lens, which naturally led me this field.
Hyuckki Lee (Principal Engineer,Superprecision Optics Lab,Lens R&D Group) : Making lens has long been my dream. I was so deeply moved after reading about this one kid who was featured in a kid’s magazine making cameras and telescope with lens, I purchased lens glass on my own to cut it myself and process it as I wished. Later, I developed my own lens and polished it myself. In a constant pursuit of my dream of becoming a lens developer, I created my own polishing machine. At university, I spent 28 days in a tent in order to capture the sight of Halley’s Comet, and ultimately I became the first person in Korea to do so.
Geonmo Kang (Vice President, Lens R&D Group)
2. It is true that Samsung is a follower in the lens area behind other players? Can you briefly explain the background of your path to where you are now?Geonmo Kang : Many think that the NX lens came out of nowhere, but it is actually the culmination of over 20 years of research into film cameras and SLR cameras. The first motto that underpinned the lens development team for the NX lens was ‘best-in-class optical function,’ and the second motto was to sell lens to the consumers at a reasonable price.
Youngwoo Park : When the NX was first released, the compact system camera market was underdeveloped, so we were the first to try many technologies. It was quite challenging to stabilize the function.
Sungwook Choi (Principal Engineer, Opto-Mechanics Lab, Lens R&D Group)
3. What challenges did you face while developing the lens?Geonmo Kang : I had made many prototypes, but because I didn’t have enough experience in mass production, I went through a lot of trial and error.
Sungwook Choi : The NX uses a bigger APS-C sensor than other companies. At the initial stage, developing a competitive product at the right size and performance, while also using a big sensor was difficult. Although I had a lot of experience in compact camera, it was my first time developing an interchangeable lens, so dealing with it was difficult at first with many trial and error.
Woojong Cho : Different from existing DSLR lens, the NX system uses contrast AF, which means that control is difficult and leads to many issues. In order to overcome the innate limitations of limited lens performance due to small camera size, we adopted the latest technology used in DSLR. However, it was challenging because the technology was not stable at the time.
Youngwoo Park : We designed various types of lenses that will fit well with the compact and light-weighted NX. In the process, researchers invested a lot effort and time.
Hyuckki Lee : Lenses are like living organisms that do not always turn out as you planned. The key lesson I learned while studying polishing abroad was how to communicate with the lens. It may strike you as odd that I talk to an inanimate object, but interestingly, when you communicate with the lens, you find solutions. Talking with the lens while polishing has now become a habit.
Hyuckki Lee (Principal Engineer,Superprecision Optics Lab,Lens R&D Group)
4. Where did you focus to differentiate your lens from competitors?Youngwoo Park : We wanted to minimize the weight of the lens that moves for focusing for rapid AF. We also developed a proprietary control technology to ensure a certain level of OIS correction.
5. Do you enjoy taking pictures?
Geonmo Kang : I like to take close-ups and enjoy capturing ordinary objects in our everyday life. I also run a photo blog.
Youngwoo Park : I take a lot of pictures using the NX10 and 30mm lens.
Hyuckki Lee : I enjoyed taking pictures ever since I was young, so it has become a hobby for me. Being able to take pictures with the lens I made is a special privilege.
6. As a developer, what do you think are the advantages of the NX lens?
Geonmo Kang : Best-in-class optical function. We put special effort in ensuring balance of the center of the lens with the surrounding.
7. Can you briefly talk about the lenses to be rolled out in the future?
Woojong Cho : A premium lens that sets Samsung’s unique status will be launched. One is the 18~200mm super zoom lens which will be released in the second of half. It is the first to apply AF mechanism called VCM(voice coil motor), with no noise and quick AF. The second is a macro lens named F2.8. It is the first among compact system cameras to have SSA(supersonic actuator). The F1.4 85mm lens, another lens with VCM, has the widest diameter among compact system camera.
8. Do you have any words for younger students wishing to become a lens developer?
Hyuckki Lee : Even with digitalization, lens will remain analog. For those students who like the feel of analog lens, continue to develop yourself with the dream of becoming the best expert in the analog field.
So, that was a sneak peek into how the NX lens was created! Obviously, the NX lens is not an outcome of overnight effort, but a product of long research and development. I was particularly impressed with the pride each developer had on the lens development work and their passion and commitment. In the next posting, I will meet with the lens planner, marketer and designers to talk about their work on the NX lens.
Next post will be published May 17th. Until then, take care!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Samsung NX11 i pięć obiektywów z systemem i-Function
“The NX10 met with positive reviews from experts, and very good marks from users. The NX11 camera is its enhanced version. ” – Fraz PC, Poland ( 27th March 2011)
Samsung NX11, sprigiona la tua creatività
“Professional images and a design that is versatile and easy to use: the NX Series has been enriched with the addition of the NX11.” – Megamodo, Italy (30th March 2011) http://www.megamodo.com/201195159-samsung-nx11-sprigiona-la-tua-creativita/
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Samsung NX11, sprigiona la tua creatività
“Professional images and a design that is versatile and easy to use: the NX
Series has been enriched with the addition of the NX11.”
– Megamodo,
Italy (30th March 2011)
Series has been enriched with the addition of the NX11.”
– Megamodo,
Italy (30th March 2011)
Immagini professionali in corpi macchina versatili e facili da utilizzare: è
la Serie NX di Samsung, arricchita dall’ingresso nel mercato dell’ultimo modello
NX11 e presenta un modo tutto nuovo di intendere la fotografia, all’insegna
della qualità e della massima semplicità d’uso. Le fotocamere della serie NX
offrono, infatti, tutte le funzioni necessarie per scattare in modo facile e
intuitivo foto davvero indimenticabili. Il segreto? L’unione di un formidabile
corpo macchina “mirrorless”, privo cioè di specchio e pentaprisma, di un sensore
CMOS di dimensioni APS-C e di un sistema di ottiche intercambiabili, in grado di
garantire tutta la flessibilità e le prestazioni tipiche delle tradizionali
fotocamere reflex, ma con dimensioni e pesi decisamente più contenuti.
Inoltre,
uniche sul mercato, le fotocamere della Serie NX sono compatibili con le lenti
i-Function, lenti intelligenti che consentono di impostare i principali
parametri di scatto direttamente dall’obiettivo, in due semplici
passaggi.
Il meglio del know-how tecnologico
Samsung e la continua ricerca nell’innovazione prende forma, quindi, in tre
corpi macchina mirrorless – NX11, NX100, NX10 – in grado di combinare le
funzionalità più smart e un set di accessori personalizzabili, tra cui lenti
intercambiabili, flash e sistema GPS, in grado di rendere la fotografia digitale
davvero versatile ed adattabile ad ogni esigenza di scatto, per un risultato
d’eccellenza garantito.
Pur semplificando la struttura della fotocamera rispetto ad un sistema reflex
tradizionale rendendola estremamente portatile, il sistema NX integra il sensore
CMOS in formato APS-C da 14.6MP, il principale elemento responsabile della
qualità d’immagine tipica di un sistema reflex e cuore tecnologico della serie.
In grado di catturare più luce e maggiori dettagli rispetto ai sensori
normalmente impiegati delle fotocamere compatte, questo sensore è capace di
ridurre il “rumore digitale” che tende a compromettere la qualità delle foto
scattate con le fotocamere digitali compatte soprattutto in condizioni di scarsa
illuminazione.
tradizionale rendendola estremamente portatile, il sistema NX integra il sensore
CMOS in formato APS-C da 14.6MP, il principale elemento responsabile della
qualità d’immagine tipica di un sistema reflex e cuore tecnologico della serie.
In grado di catturare più luce e maggiori dettagli rispetto ai sensori
normalmente impiegati delle fotocamere compatte, questo sensore è capace di
ridurre il “rumore digitale” che tende a compromettere la qualità delle foto
scattate con le fotocamere digitali compatte soprattutto in condizioni di scarsa
illuminazione.
Vero e proprio sistema creativo a portata di mano, la serie NX di Samsung
coniuga massima ergonomia, comodità e leggerezza alla possibilità di scegliere
di volta in volta la lente giusta a seconda della scena inquadrata e alle
esigenze di ogni utente. Grazie alle ottiche intercambiabili e alle lenti
i-Function, che permettono di impostare i principali parametri di scatto
direttamente dall’obiettivo con una sola mano, fare foto di qualità non è mai
stato così facile! Sarà presto possibile scegliere tra ben 10 obiettivi diversi,
ciascuno pensato per un utilizzo specifico: dal panorama al ritratto alle
riprese macro, nel sistema NX c’è sempre l’obiettivo che fa per te!
coniuga massima ergonomia, comodità e leggerezza alla possibilità di scegliere
di volta in volta la lente giusta a seconda della scena inquadrata e alle
esigenze di ogni utente. Grazie alle ottiche intercambiabili e alle lenti
i-Function, che permettono di impostare i principali parametri di scatto
direttamente dall’obiettivo con una sola mano, fare foto di qualità non è mai
stato così facile! Sarà presto possibile scegliere tra ben 10 obiettivi diversi,
ciascuno pensato per un utilizzo specifico: dal panorama al ritratto alle
riprese macro, nel sistema NX c’è sempre l’obiettivo che fa per te!
Infine, l’intera gamma di fotocamere NX si presenta equipaggiata con un ampio
display da 3” che sfrutta l’innovativa tecnologia AMOLED per una visualizzazione
luminosa anche sotto la luce diretta del sole e una riproduzione di colori
perfettamente naturali e brillanti. Si aggiungono tempi di risposta eccellenti:
il nuovo display AMOLED della serie NX di Samsung è 3.000 volte più rapido di un
tradizionale schermo LCD, senza dimenticare che ciò comporta consumi decisamente
più ridotti e, di conseguenza, una maggiore durata della batteria.
display da 3” che sfrutta l’innovativa tecnologia AMOLED per una visualizzazione
luminosa anche sotto la luce diretta del sole e una riproduzione di colori
perfettamente naturali e brillanti. Si aggiungono tempi di risposta eccellenti:
il nuovo display AMOLED della serie NX di Samsung è 3.000 volte più rapido di un
tradizionale schermo LCD, senza dimenticare che ciò comporta consumi decisamente
più ridotti e, di conseguenza, una maggiore durata della batteria.
Ultima arrivata nella famiglia di fotocamere digitali NX, Samsung NX11 unisce
prestazioni di altissima qualità e lenti intercambiabili in un corpo macchina
leggero e portatile: un vero e proprio strumento creativo a portata di mano
completo di un vasto sistema di accessori in grado di renderlo flessibile e
adattabile a ogni esigenza di scatto. Ergonomica e versatile, la nuova mirroless
Samsung NX11 prosegue con successo lungo la strada dell’innovazione inaugurata
dalla NX10, cui aggiunge alcuni miglioramenti in termini di grip e di ghiera
i-Function. Gli innovativi obiettivi i-Function, attraverso i quali è possibile
modificare i principali parametri di scatto semplicemente premendo un pulsante
dedicato presente sulla ghiera dell’obiettivo, possono essere usati anche sulla
NX10 previo aggiornamento firmware scaricabile dal sito Samsung. .
prestazioni di altissima qualità e lenti intercambiabili in un corpo macchina
leggero e portatile: un vero e proprio strumento creativo a portata di mano
completo di un vasto sistema di accessori in grado di renderlo flessibile e
adattabile a ogni esigenza di scatto. Ergonomica e versatile, la nuova mirroless
Samsung NX11 prosegue con successo lungo la strada dell’innovazione inaugurata
dalla NX10, cui aggiunge alcuni miglioramenti in termini di grip e di ghiera
i-Function. Gli innovativi obiettivi i-Function, attraverso i quali è possibile
modificare i principali parametri di scatto semplicemente premendo un pulsante
dedicato presente sulla ghiera dell’obiettivo, possono essere usati anche sulla
NX10 previo aggiornamento firmware scaricabile dal sito Samsung. .
Samsung NX11 rappresenta, inoltre, la fotocamera perfetta per tutti coloro
che vogliono dare espressione alla propria vena artistica: scegliendo tra i
tanti effetti a disposizione – quali Miniaturing, Vignetting e Fish-eye – è,
infatti, possibile personalizzare facilmente le proprie foto modificando la
prospettiva delle immagini, creare composizioni in forte contrasto o divertirsi
con l’effetto distorsione. Per catturare con una sola foto l’emozione che si
prova davanti a uno spettacolo di natura, invece, basta utilizzare la modalità
Panorama Shot, che consente di ottenere splendide immagini unendo
automaticamente più foto, raccogliendo fino a 180° di panorama, utilizzabile sia
in orizzontale che in verticale. La nuova NX11 si caratterizza, infine, per il
mirino elettronico integrato, il flash e uno schermo AMOLED LCD da 3” in grado
di ridurre il riflesso della luce permettendo di vedere sempre le proprie
immagini in qualsiasi situazione.
che vogliono dare espressione alla propria vena artistica: scegliendo tra i
tanti effetti a disposizione – quali Miniaturing, Vignetting e Fish-eye – è,
infatti, possibile personalizzare facilmente le proprie foto modificando la
prospettiva delle immagini, creare composizioni in forte contrasto o divertirsi
con l’effetto distorsione. Per catturare con una sola foto l’emozione che si
prova davanti a uno spettacolo di natura, invece, basta utilizzare la modalità
Panorama Shot, che consente di ottenere splendide immagini unendo
automaticamente più foto, raccogliendo fino a 180° di panorama, utilizzabile sia
in orizzontale che in verticale. La nuova NX11 si caratterizza, infine, per il
mirino elettronico integrato, il flash e uno schermo AMOLED LCD da 3” in grado
di ridurre il riflesso della luce permettendo di vedere sempre le proprie
immagini in qualsiasi situazione.
Vero gioiello d’innovazione, Samsung NX11 presenta in dotazione uno zoom
i-Function 18-55mm F3.5/5.6 OIS e supporta gli obiettivi iFunction e l’intera
gamma di lenti Samsung. Tra questi ricordiamo uno zoom 20-50mm F3.5/5.6
i-Function e un obiettivo 20mm F2.8 i-Function leggero e dalle dimensioni
contenute per riprese panoramiche perfette, l’ottica pancake 30mm F2.0 ideale
per scatti in condizioni di scarsa luminosità, , un’ottica tele 50-200mm
F4.0/5.6 completa di stabilizzatore ottico.
i-Function 18-55mm F3.5/5.6 OIS e supporta gli obiettivi iFunction e l’intera
gamma di lenti Samsung. Tra questi ricordiamo uno zoom 20-50mm F3.5/5.6
i-Function e un obiettivo 20mm F2.8 i-Function leggero e dalle dimensioni
contenute per riprese panoramiche perfette, l’ottica pancake 30mm F2.0 ideale
per scatti in condizioni di scarsa luminosità, , un’ottica tele 50-200mm
F4.0/5.6 completa di stabilizzatore ottico.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Samsung at ‘Sonimag Photo & Multimedia 2011′
Samsung participated in the 11th edition of Son Image Foto 2011 also known as ‘Sonimag Photo & Multimedia 2011’ event, which was held in Barcelona from March 22-27, 2011.
Sonimag Photo & Multimedia is Spain’s leading image and photography fair. An event full of light and color that bets for the new technologies as transmitter of emotions and feelings. It was a fair renewing itself to keep pace with the industry, which includes the leading companies and builds relationships between exhibitors, professionals, and enthusiasts. It was also a fair to see the best of the image world, photography, video, and multimedia.
Samsung’s booth was divided into three areas :
- Experiential : NX studio, Connectivity, 2View, 2D –> 3D conversion
- New Line-Up Display : NX and High zoom, 2View and Style
- Sales area : 2 meeting rooms, catering area
- New Line-Up Display : NX and High zoom, 2View and Style
- Sales area : 2 meeting rooms, catering area
In Connectivity, you could experience smart connectivity with the SH100.
With the 2View, you can apply self-portraits with NYC or Paris as backgrounds.
In the 2D –> 3D conversion area, you could experience Live 2D and 3D Conversion with the Q10 camcorder.
In the New Line-Up Display area, you could see the latest line-up of the NX & High zoom, 2View, and Style products. In the sales area, there were two meeting rooms and a catering area prepared for visiting customers. Spanish Princess Cristina de Borbon and Daniel Molero had visited Samsung’s booth.
Samsung’s cameras have received many reviews and coverage from TV, radio, and media outlets after this event. They introduced a Samsung camcorder that enables its users to enjoy the best 3D experience. They also introduced the ST700 as a camera to take the best self-portrait pictures and the SH100’s smart connectivity with Wi-Fi.
Check out more information on Sonimag Photo & Multimedia from Sonimag Photo & Multimedia 2011’s official website : www.sonimagfoto.com. Refer to the links below for more news on this event.(Spanish)
http://www.marronyblanco.com/content/view/11912/49/
http://www.fayerwayer.com/2011/03/smart-view-3-0-de-samsung-presente-en-sus-nuevas-camaras/
http://noticias.lainformacion.com/noticias/smart-view-3-0-de-samsung-presente-en-sus-nuevas-camaras_LNgbHZgs2YHYmE1l64BXc4/
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/03/16/tendencias/1300279291.html/
http://www.fayerwayer.com/2011/03/smart-view-3-0-de-samsung-presente-en-sus-nuevas-camaras/
http://noticias.lainformacion.com/noticias/smart-view-3-0-de-samsung-presente-en-sus-nuevas-camaras_LNgbHZgs2YHYmE1l64BXc4/
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/03/16/tendencias/1300279291.html/
Samsung at ‘Sonimag Photo & Multimedia 2011′
Samsung participated in the 11th edition of Son Image Foto 2011 also known as ‘Sonimag Photo & Multimedia 2011’ event, which was held in Barcelona from March 22-27, 2011.
Sonimag Photo & Multimedia is Spain’s leading image and photography fair. An event full of light and color that bets for the new technologies as transmitter of emotions and feelings. It was a fair renewing itself to keep pace with the industry, which includes the leading companies and builds relationships between exhibitors, professionals, and enthusiasts. It was also a fair to see the best of the image world, photography, video, and multimedia.
Samsung’s booth was divided into three areas :
- Experiential : NX studio, Connectivity, 2View, 2D –> 3D conversion
- New Line-Up Display : NX and High zoom, 2View and Style
- Sales area : 2 meeting rooms, catering area
- New Line-Up Display : NX and High zoom, 2View and Style
- Sales area : 2 meeting rooms, catering area
In Connectivity, you could experience smart connectivity with the SH100.
With the 2View, you can apply self-portraits with NYC or Paris as backgrounds.
In the 2D –> 3D conversion area, you could experience Live 2D and 3D Conversion with the Q10 camcorder.
In the New Line-Up Display area, you could see the latest line-up of the NX & High zoom, 2View, and Style products. In the sales area, there were two meeting rooms and a catering area prepared for visiting customers. Spanish Princess Cristina de Borbon and Daniel Molero had visited Samsung’s booth.
Samsung’s cameras have received many reviews and coverage from TV, radio, and media outlets after this event. They introduced a Samsung camcorder that enables its users to enjoy the best 3D experience. They also introduced the ST700 as a camera to take the best self-portrait pictures and the SH100’s smart connectivity with Wi-Fi.
Check out more information on Sonimag Photo & Multimedia from Sonimag Photo & Multimedia 2011’s official website : www.sonimagfoto.com. Refer to the links below for more news on this event.(Spanish)
http://www.marronyblanco.com/content/view/11912/49/
http://www.fayerwayer.com/2011/03/smart-view-3-0-de-samsung-presente-en-sus-nuevas-camaras/
http://noticias.lainformacion.com/noticias/smart-view-3-0-de-samsung-presente-en-sus-nuevas-camaras_LNgbHZgs2YHYmE1l64BXc4/
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/03/16/tendencias/1300279291.html/
http://www.fayerwayer.com/2011/03/smart-view-3-0-de-samsung-presente-en-sus-nuevas-camaras/
http://noticias.lainformacion.com/noticias/smart-view-3-0-de-samsung-presente-en-sus-nuevas-camaras_LNgbHZgs2YHYmE1l64BXc4/
http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2011/03/16/tendencias/1300279291.html/
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Samsung Forum 2011 - Q10 camcorder, NX System Lenses, NX11, SH100, ST700 and more
New camcorder for left and right handed (Q10), NX System Lenses, NX11, and compact cameras SH100, ST700. And of course Smart Touch 3.0 control system. Enjoy.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Samsung NX11 Preview
Samsung Evolution Camera, NX10 becoming one with i-Function Lens
Samsung has unveiled the new NX11 in CES2011 in Las Vegas in January. The NX11 has been designed based on the NX10, and supports 14.6M pixels APS-C image sensor, ISO 3200, 720P movie recording, and 30~1/4000s shutter speed which are almost the same as the NX10. Due to these features, people can easily think there's no difference, but taking a closer look, there are some differences from the NX10 such as i-Function lens functions, panorama, and sound capture mode. Besides, it has advanced noise handling feature in high ISO, so the overall quality of the pictures has also been upgraded. This much upgrade is good enough, I think.
Monday, March 14, 2011
NX11 Samsung's New Mirrorless Camera Review
NX11, Samsung's New Mirrorless Camera Review
Hi, I'm here to introduce you to the new awesome mirrorless camera NX11 from Samsung.
I hope my review has helped you out. Thank you.
[Key Features of NX11]
Improved Ergonomic Design
14.6 Mega Pixels APS-C size CMOS Sensor
Interchangeable i-Function Lens
Speedy Contrast AF
ISO up to a Maximum of 3200
3.0" AMOLED Display
Upgraded Mode Dial -- i-Mode, Panorama, Smart Auto, Sound Picture
Supersonic Dust Reduction
720p H.264 HD video with HDMI
Smart Filter
Internal Flash
Accessories (Flash, GPS, Shutter Release, Filters)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Samsung NX11 Camera Review!
Here's Samsung NX11 camera review at CES 2011. I am more impressed than last year with their new NX11, now they just need more lenses. I might actually get one to test it out and use it at shows. Might be great for wide-angle videos.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Samsung NX11 First Impressions Review
Design & Appearance
The NX11 looks nearly identical to its predecessor, the Samsung NX10. It supports the same mirrorless SLR design that makes for a compact shooting experience (compared to a traditional DSLR, that is). It also has the same 3-inch LCD on the back, but it features an improved rounded grip on the front. Like the NX10, the NX11 is a good mid-range size that is small enough to carry with you to most events without much complaint, but large enough to retain the aura of professionalism that only a DSLR can provide.
Tour
The NX11 uses Samsung's NX lens mount for its interchangeable lens system.
The camera has a 3-inch LCD and a viewfinder.
You can get a good idea of the camera's thickness with this top image.
The bottom has the battery compartment and tripod mount.
Viewfinder
The NX11 has a well-sized electronic viewfinder that sits just above the LCD on the back of the camera. The viewfinder has a 640 × 480 (VGA) resolution and is surrounded by a small eyepiece that isn’t especially comfortable. A sensor below the viewfinder can be turned on to automatically detect whether the viewfinder or LCD should be active. For example, when you put your eye up to the viewfinder, the LCD will shut off automatically if the sensor is turned on. This feature can be annoying, however, particularly if you are constantly moving your hands in front of the sensor (you can turn the sensor off to avoid this problem).
Many users may prefer the LCD, but the viewfinder is great for old-school photographers.
LCD
The LCD on the NX11 appears to be the same screen that Samsung employed on the NX10. It is 3-inches diagonally and has a 614,000- pixel resolution. It also has an AMOLED design (active matrix OLED) that is said to reduce glare under sunny conditions.
While this LCD is good for basic shooting, we wish Samsung would include a tiltable element to the screen on the NX11. It would certainly be a tremendous boost for video recording, which is a key feature of the NX11.
The 3-inch LCD is a good size, but we wish it could rotate or tilt.
Flash
A pop-up flash is located on the top of the NX11, just like we saw on the NX10 (but something that was absent on the NX100). We couldn’t test the flash very efficiently, but we weren’t very impressed with its intensity. We saw the same problem with the flash on the NX10.
The pop-up flash makes an appearance when you press the flash button on the top of the camera.
Lens Mount & Sensor
The NX lens mount is fairly new for Samsung, as it was introduced last year on the Samsung NX10. Over time, more lenses have become available that fit the NX mount, which makes owning an NX camera more versatile than ever before. Like the NX100, the NX11 is compatible with i-Function lenses that allow you to control things like shutter speed and aperture using the camera’s lens ring. With a firmware upgrade on the NX100, i-Function capability can also be available on that model. Currently, there are two i-Function lenses available in addition to the 18 – 55mm lens that comes with the NX11. They new lenses are a 20mm f/2.8 pancake style lens and a 20 – 55mm f/3.5 zoom lens.
The sensor on the NX11 is unchanged from what Samsung used on its NX10 last year. This means its the same 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 × 15.6mm. Identical sensors usually mean similar image performance, so if you’re expecting better picture quality from the NX11 (compared to the NX10), you’re likely to be disappointed.
Jacks, Ports & Plugs
All the ports on the NX11 are located on the left side of the camera behind a flip-open door. There’s also an accessory shoe on the top of the camera for attaching an external flash, light, etc. The USB port on the camera is proprietary and it doubles as an AV-out port, which is fairly annoying. The NX11 should ship with a USB cable, but we don’t know if the camera comes with a proprietary AV cable (the NX10 didn’t and it bothered us greatly).
The ports on the left side (from top to bottom): DC-input, HDMI, remote, USB.
Battery
The battery on the NX11 has a normal, rectangular shape and it fits into a compartment on the bottom of the camera. The compartment is protected well and the battery stays put thanks to a little locking mechanism that holds it in place.
The battery compartment is on the bottom of the camera.
Memory
The NX11 works with SD/SDHC memory cards via a card slot on the right side of the camera. There’s no internal memory on the model, so make sure you purchase a memory card before taking the NX11 out for a night on the town.
The SD memory card slot is on the right side of the camera
Size & Handling
The NX11 has identical dimensions and weight as the Samsung NX10 (its predecessor). If you don’t have these dimensions memorized, here they are again: 123 × 87 × 40mm and a weight of 353g without the battery. This is a generous size for a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, but it is certainly a whole lot lighter and more compact than a traditional DSLR. Basically, you wouldn’t want to get the NX11 if you’re looking for the smallest camera that will allow you to switch lenses. But, if you don’t mind a slight amount of bulk and professionalism, the NX11 should be the perfect size for your needs.
The right side grip is accommodating for both large and small hands.
The NX11 isn't quite small enough to hold comfortably with one hand.
Ease of Use
Since the NX11 is essentially a “bridge” camera between point-and-shoots and high-end DSLRs, it fits into an interesting niche as far as ease of use is concerned. You can definitely work with the camera in auto mode using Samsung’s Smart Auto controls, but how much fun would this really be? Isn’t the point of getting a powerful camera like the NX11 so you can play with all its nifty manual controls and features?
The NX11 makes doing this even easier with its i-Function lens that puts manual adjustments at your fingertips. Rotating the lens ring allows you to adjust aperture, shutter speed and ISO without having to move your hand from the base of the lens. It works extremely well and it makes you feel like a top-notch professional. Adjusting controls on the fly couldn’t be much easier than with Samsung’s i-Function lens system.
The camera does, however, have a long and somewhat confusing menu, although we do like its layout and easy-to-read setup. We complained about the instruction manual for the NX10, as it was often poorly worded and badly translated. Hopefully, Samsung did some better proofreading with the NX11.
The main menu is organized in many parts
Auto Mode
The NX11 does a decent job in auto mode, but we weren’t always impressed with the camera’s autofocus mechanism. It simply didn’t work a few times when we tried it out at CES, but, we must admit, this was in low light situations where cameras often have trouble with focus. The Smart Auto was occasionally spot-on with selecting the correct scene mode for our shooting situation, but it also missed the mark a number of times as well. Our recommendation: use Smart Auto sparingly, like when you don’t have time to set controls manually.
The Smart Auto mode is an option on the camera's mode dial.
Movie Mode
You can shoot 720p HD video with the NX11 and the camera has the same video mode options that are present on the NX10. That being said, we haven’t been very impressed with Samsung’s video performance from its set of video-capable DSLRs. Since the NX11 has the same sensor as the NX10, it is likely that we’ll be similarly disappointed.
One advantage, though, is Samsung’s new video-specific NX lens that will work with the NX11. This lens allows for better autofocus performance when recording video. We’ve even tried it out and it works surprisingly well—nearly as good as the autofocus on regular consumer camcorders.
Drive/Burst Mode
The burst mode on the NX11 worked decently when we fooled around with it at CES, but this opinion is not based on any kind of official test. In our testing of the NX10, we were unimpressed by the camera’s burst mode (it came it at around 3 photos/sec). It should be safe to say the NX11 will obtain similar results when we bring it into our labs.
Playback Mode
The NX11 has a basic playback mode that involves selecting thumbnails on the LCD. For video playback, the camera has a mini-HDMI output, which is great for watching clips on an HDTV. Unfortunately, the AV-out port is proprietary (and the camera may or may not come with a compatible cable). So, if you want to watch your videos or photos on a regular TV, you may have to contact Samsung and buy an AV cable first.
Other Modes
Panorama
One of the new features on the NX11 is a panorama mode that utilizes a “press-and-sweep” function to allow you to capture large panoramic shots. The function appeared to work quite well when we tried it out on the floor at CES, but panorama modes certainly aren’t for everybody.
Manual Controls
The NX11 has a full set of manual controls and the big new feature on the camera is its i-Function lens compatibility. This feature is also available on the NX10 (with a firmware upgrade) and the NX100 from Samsung. So, what is i-Function? It is the ability for you to control shutter speed, aperture, exposure, white balance, and ISO by using the lens ring on the camera’s lens. You do, of course, need a compatible i-Function lens attached to do this, but the NX11 does come with one as its kit lens.
Focus
Focus can always be set manually using the lens ring on any lens attached to the NX11—even lenses without i-Function capability. The camera has a focus zoom assist that we weren’t too crazy about, but it does help you see whether you’re actually bringing your image into focus. We found the lens ring on the NX11’s kit lens to be a bit too loose for proper focus adjustment overall. We’d like to see a ring with a bit more friction, as that would allow for a more precise focus adjustment.
ISO
ISO is one of the controls that can be set using the i-Function feature. The camera can also be set to automatic ISO adjustment at any point.
White Balance
Get ready for a boatload of white balance presets on the NX11. The camera offers the following options: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent White, Fluorescent Daylight, Tungsten, Flash, Custom, and Kelvin Color Temp. We weren’t always confident in the camera’s auto white balance system, as it occasionally produced bad results. Most of the time it worked adequately if you gave it time, though.
Exposure & Metering
Exposure is another control that can be adjusted with the i-Function lens feature. The exposure range is -3 to +3 in 1/3 or 1/2 EV increments. The camera also has an auto exposure bracketing feature that takes a 3-shot sequence with a +/-3 EV range.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed can be set with the i-Function feature and it can be controlled manually in Shutter Priority or Manual mode. The shutter speed range goes from 1/4000 of a second to 30 seconds, as well as a bulb option that can leave the shutter open for as long as 8 minutes.
Aperture
Aperture has the same level of manual control as shutter speed on the NX11. You can set it in Aperture Priority mode or Manual mode. The aperture values available on the camera are entirely dependent on what kind of lens is attached.
Image Stabilization
Stabilization is available on the NX11, but it whether or not it is available depends on what lens you have attached to the camera.
Picture Quality & Size Options
The largest photo size option on the NX11 is a 14-megapixel setting that takes photos at a resolution of 4592 × 3056. The camera also has 12-megapixel, 10-megapixel, 8-megapixel, 6-megapixel, 5-megapixel, and 2-megapixel photo size options. There are options for both 3:2 and 16:9 aspect ratios as well.
Picture Effects
The camera has picture effects called Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Forest, Retro, Cool, Calm, and Classic.
Conclusion
The Samsung NX11 may very well be an excellent camera, but the fact that it lacks any impressive updates or exciting new features leaves us a bit disappointed. The camera offers very little to set it apart from last year’s NX10, as the only new features implemented by Samsung are the panorama photo option and the i-Function lens compatibility. The thing is, i-Function compatibility is also available on the NX10 via a firmware upgrade, so if you have the NX10 there’s no compelling reason to upgrade to the NX11.
Despite all this, we do like many aspects of the NX11. The i-Function lens feature is excellent for people who love to adjust manual controls on the fly, and the camera’s compact design is neither too big nor too small. The video mode probably won’t blow anyone away, but with an asking price of around $650, the Samsung NX11 won’t hit you incredibly hard in the wallet. It may be a decent choice for someone who is looking to experiment with a video mode on an interchangeable lens camera. It certainly fits the niche for someone looking to upgrade over their point-and-shoot device onto a more powerful camera.
Photo Gallery
The left side houses some ports and terminals.
The right has a good, rounded grip that works quite well.
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