The latest Micro System Camera from Samsung, the NX100, offers a slimmed-down version of the Samsung NX10, with a 14MP sensor and 3in AMOLED screen.

Samsung certainly seem to be covering all the bases by offering the more compact-shaped NX100, than its DSLR-style NX10 sibling. Despite the difference in shape between the two, the NX100 isn’t that much smaller than the NX10 either.

However, the design of the Samsung NX100 isn’t the most significant element, the NX100’s standout feature is a new innovative i-Function lens control mechanism. It enables users to quickly move through settings and control them with the camera’s focus ring, meaning users can rapidly move through the most common manual camera settings – aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity – while taking pictures and without having the fuss of menus. The ability to use the focus ring for multiple functions is a really clever and useful feature that we are likely to see rolled out to many future models. It may even be added to the existing NX10 in an upcoming software update.

Not only do its advantages include the fact that it allows quicker function changes but, better still, it also encourages users to hold the camera in a more stable manner, which is definitely a good thing with so many new users upgrading from compacts.

Although an RRP has yet to be announced we expect the price of the Samsung NX100 to be at the lower end of the Micro System Camera range. Additional accessories are also available including a view finder, flash and GPS.

Samsung NX100 Specs

SENSOR: 14.6MP APS-C CMOS
LENS MOUNT: Samsung NX
ISO: 100-3200 (6400 extension)
MOVIE: 720p HD H.264
CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: 3fps burst rate
FLASH: External via hotshoe (optional)
GPS: Geotagging with optional GPS module
VIEWFINDER: Optional EVF
LCD: 3in, VGA AMOLED
MEDIA: SD, SDHC
DIMENSIONS: 120.5 x 71 x 34.5mm
WEIGHT: 282g (body only)