Showing no signs of slowing down the NX-series onslaught, Samsung announced 5 new NX lenses to further compliment the NX10 camera at PMA 2010. From the show, What Digital Camera was able to catch up with Samsung’s US team who confirmed the lens releases would be as follows:
Samsung NX 18-55mm Standard Zoom Lens (no optical image stabilisation (OIS) system in this model for a more affordable price point) available in the first half of 2010.
Samsung NX 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Compact Zoom Lens due in the second half of 2010.
Samsung NX 20mm f/2.8 Wide Pancake Lens due in the second half of 2010.
Samsung NX 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OIS Super Zoom Lens, release date to be determined.
Samsung NX 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens, release date to be determined.
The new range of NX lenses, although no prototype models were available for a hands on preview, look set to really raise the profile of mirrorless cameras. The NX system is a small interchangeable system camera with large DSLR-like large sensor with a 1.5x crop factor. Micro Four Thirds, as supported by Olympus and Panasonic, has a 2x crop factor due to smaller equivalent sensor. Samsung seems to be on the right track with such rapid support shown for the NX series. More news as we have it.
Full press release:
Samsung Unveils New NX Range Lens Technology Line Up
The NX10’s innovation continues, with the launch of eight new lens technologies
LONDON, UK – February 20, 2010 – Samsung a market leader and award winning innovator in digital imaging, today announced a series of new additions to its groundbreaking NX system lens range, to be released throughout 2010. The original line up of Pancake, Standard Zoom and Tele Zoom lenses launched with the Samsung NX10 during CES will be complemented by the introduction of a further five new lenses this year. This will mean that there will be a total of eight potential lenses designed specifically for the NX cameras system available during 2010.
The lenses have each been specifically designed to ensure that users get the most out of their photography experience. The NX system’s advanced intelligent lens technology means it does the capturing so users can do the creating, providing an enjoyable photography experience every time. The NX10 boasts a compact, sleek and lightweight design, and with its leading lens technology it means users never need miss a creative moment, even in the flash of a second.
Consumer research carried out by Samsung revealed that camera users want convenient and easy-to-use features which guarantee value and creative freedom through innovative concepts. Samsung’s intelligent lens technology ensures users’ needs are fulfilled through the highest picture quality, while enjoying the sleek, durable and portable compact camera body of the NX10 thanks to its mirror-less design. Building on the company’s strong heritage in performance and innovation, Samsung’s new lens technology is designed to meet the universal ease-of-use capabilities requested by users.
The eight lenses incorporate unique features and designs to guarantee that the images they produce are easy to create yet still of professional quality. The lenses have been developed to include specific benefits which respond directly to consumer needs and desires which were highlighted in the research.
Consumers reported that they wanted lenses which are small and convenient to carry, yet still stylish and iconic. In response to this, Samsung created the Compact Zoom Lens, the Wide Lens and the Pancake Lens – all of which give users a high level of optical performance without the bulk of other lenses on the market. These are ideal for consumers who want a lens they can take anywhere and everywhere that will complement the compact, sleek and stylish design of their NX10.
For consumers who are looking for specific qualities to their shots, be it capturing with a certain focus or depth of perspective, Samsung has released the Tele Zoom Lens, the Macro Lens or two types of Standard Zoom Lenses. These lenses feature intuitive technology, are optimised for picture taking of a professional standard and are the ultimate in high performance.
Finally, Samsung found that many people are looking for all-round quality and durability in a multi-purpose lens which can perform faultlessly in a number of functions. For this, the Super Zoom Lens is the perfect choice.
“We were inspired to create new lines of cameras and lenses that would change the way people think and feel about photography. This could only be achieved by ensuring all of the NX10’s components represented an intuitive and harmonious design and capabilities to meet the needs of our customers,” explained Steve Mitchell, General Marketing Manager, Samsung Digital Imaging. “We know from our detailed research that what consumers want from their cameras is evolving – they’re looking for compact and stylish products of a high performance, while retaining a focus on value. We’ve reflected these demands throughout the development of our lens technology for the NX10 and forthcoming NX range.”
He added: “Samsung has always been quick to implement cutting-edge technology, and the development of our lens technology ensures that the highest image quality is guaranteed, and always within reach of all our users. Our continued commitment to improving the imaging experience of our users is a number one priority – we don’t want our users to just capture images but create their own unique stories. The Samsung NX10 represents a whole new category of digital cameras and the new offerings within our lens line up will ensure our users feel empowered to unleash their creative side and integrate camera technology into everyday life, in their own way.”
Pancake Lens
(Jan 2010) 30mm F2
Standard Zoom Lens
(Jan 2010) 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OIS
Tele Zoom Lens
(Jan 2010) 50-200mm F4-5.6 OIS
Standard Zoom Lens
(H1 2010) 18-55mm F3.5-5.6, Non OIS
Compact Zoom Lens
(H2 2010) 20-50mm F3.5-5.6
Wide Pancake Lens
(H2 2010) 20mm F2.8
Super Zoom Lens
(TBD) 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OIS
Macro Lens
(TBD) 60mm F2.8