What is the Hybrid system?

The Hybrid system was developed by Samsung to fill what is believes is a gap in the market for camera buyers wanting a camera that offers the image quality and interchangeable lens benefits of a DSLR but in a smaller package.

The system uses a DSLR sensor and processor, but by removing the mirror and prism assembly that DSLRs use to enable viewing, and replacing it with an electronic viewfinder, or EVF (a small monitor, like a tiny TV, inside the camera) the cameras can be made significantly smaller. And because the distance from the lens mount to the sensor is reduced, the lenses can be smaller than DSLR lenses too.

The principle is much the same as the rival Micro Four-Thirds (MFT) system developed by Panasonic and Olympus, but rather than using a Four-Thirds size sensor the Hybrid system uses a larger APS-C sized sensor. In the case of the debut camera, the Samsung NX10, it’s the same 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor used in its GX20 DSLR though with some tweaks. This, in theory should enable the possibility of better mage quality than MFT, especially where noise is concerned.

Three lenses have been produced initially but there will be more to follow. Although Hybrid lenses, which use a new, unique NX lens mount, are smaller than DSLR ones, they will be slightly larger than MFT lenses due to the larger sensor.

Samsung has also shown two flashguns, a remote release and some filters to expand the system, with more accessories promised. The company has also revealed that it will in the future be releasing downloadable Apps for NX system cameras from its newly launched Apps Store to expand the functionality of the cameras (just like with smart phones like the iPhone) though no date has been put on this.