Samsung launches new line of WiFi-enabled ILC cameras

Text and photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Samsung Canada celebrated its new line of WiFi enabled interchangeable lens cameras today with some hot air. Setting up in Toronto's Historic Fort York with a hot air balloon to allow the press to test the new NX20, NX210 and NX1000 models which are expected to come to market soon.

“Canadians are passionate about photography and sharing their photos. That is why Samsung’s Smart Cameras, such as the NX20, allow users to instantly connect with their families and friends to share the moment right after a picture is taken, without sacrificing picture quality,” said Craig McLennan, Vice-President, Consumer Electronics at Samsung Canada.

“The ability to share photos directly from your camera demonstrates Samsung’s belief that photography is as much about sharing photos as it is about taking photos - especially when you get to view our great city from the basket of a hot air balloon.”

Due to strong winds, the hot air balloon was not able to go up as high as many had hoped for despite the gorgeous summer weather.

I did get to ride in one and was elevated around 40 feet in the air, not really high enough to be able to see the city but  enough to get a better perspective than being on ground level.

Samsung has been quite agressive with the development of its APS-C ILC camera range. Using large sensors (similar to full-size DSLRs), the NX line of cameras offers users a multifunctional yet compact system. There are currently 10 lenses in the system composed of a good mix of primes and zooms. 

Samsung is differentiating itself from the competition by making WiFi connectivity a standard feature. This allows users to transfer, backup and email photos taken with these cameras without transferring to a computer.

The WiFi connection also enables the use of various apps to control the camera remotely and even use the cameras as remote viewfinders which can be useful in various photography situations.

The NX20 camera is Samsung’s newest WiFi Smart Camera and successor to last year's NX10, with built-in WiFi connectivity that allow users to easily shoot, store and share their favourite photos from wherever they are, whatever passion they are pursuing.

 Packed with a high resolution DSLR sized sensor for excellent image quality, Full HD Video Recording, and High Speed Capture, the NX20 is joined by the NX1000 and NX210 to round out the NX series.

All three have almost identical specs and will take the same lenses. The difference in body styles and pricing is to focus the cameras to different market segments (i.e prosumer or advanced users, hobbyist and consumer/fashion user).

The NX20 brings a 20 megapixel sensor, the ability to capture 8 frames per second as well as a 1/8000  fast shutter and a tilt screen plus an improved electronic viewfinder.  Samsung's work in smartphones and tablets also transcends to their cameras as the NX line now features the TouchWiz user navigation interface.

The NX20 is expected to cost $1000 with a kit lens, the smaller  NX201 will be around $900 and the more consumer friendly NX1000 will be offered in the $700 range in June. These prices are based on the US versions of the models and Samsung Canada clearly stated that prices are not official and subject to change.

Samsung says that consumers are invited to come down to the ‘Exposure’ Photo & Video Imaging Expo at the International Centre in Mississauga this weekend for the opportunity to ride in a hot air balloon and take stunning photos of their surroundings with the Samsung NX20. 

The event will run on Saturday, May 26^th from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting.  A rain date is set for Sunday, May 27^th.  Visitors to the Samsung booth will also have the chance to win one of three Samsung NX20 cameras. I plan on writing a comprehensive review on the NX20 as well as on some of the new lenses from Samsung.