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First implemented by Panasonic and Olympus, the interchangeable-lens camera without a reflex mirror or a pentaprism makes a lot of sense. Removing those components allows for substantially slimmer, lighter bodies that are more portable than a DSLR. Sony and Samsung entered this market a bit later but they did so with even larger 23.4x15.6mm sensors. Now, Samsung has announced their second mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, the NX100 to be available in black and brown. It's similar in many aspects to the NX10 but much smaller and it gains a few extras that make it even more desirable.

New Form Factor

Very lightweight (9.2 oz.) and compact (4.7 x 2.8 x 1.4"), the NX100 retains the 14.6 megapixel APS-C size sensor and the numerous modes, overrides and amenities. It also employs the same 3-inch screen with 614,000 dot resolution using AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology with pairs of red, green and blue dots to represent each pixel. Hence, the display is very contrasty, provides a wide viewing angle and refreshes at a 3000 times faster rate than an LCD.

However, this new model no longer resembles a miniature DSLR. Instead, it bears a strong resemblance to its Olympus and Lumix competitors. (Naturally, the Samsung lenses are larger because they must project an image circle to fill the larger sensor.)  Two buttons were eliminated for a cleaner, "less complicated" look. Their features were retained however but must now be accessed via the Function menu.

There are two disadvantages to the downsizing: the built-in flash and electronic viewfinder (EVF) were omitted. Instead, Samsung recommends the  optional SEF-15A flash unit and the EVF10 accessory with 98% scene coverage and 201,000 dot resolution. (By comparison, the NX10 employs a built-in 921,000 dot EVF.) This new flash unit -- or one of previous Samsung SEF-series flashes -- attach to the NX100 via a hot shoe as does the EVF. The latter also requires connectivity via an electronic port on the camera back, just below the hot shoe.

Samsung also unveiled an optional GPS unit (GPS10 using two AAA batteries)

that will mount in the hot shoe and will geo-tag images with the shooting location. (See my feature about geo-tagging.) Apparently, extensive communication between the camera and the accessory will be provided. Samsung explains this aspect as follows:

The optional GPS will automatically tag and sort images by location at the time they are taken via global positions. It will then conveniently display the location when you scroll through your photos. 

New Features

While the built-in flash and electronic viewfinder were eliminated, the NX-100 does offer two benefits:

New Operating Option: A unique concept, i-Function allows for controlling certain features (shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, ISO and WB) with the focus ring. This should be more convenient to use than buttons while holding the camera/lens with two hands. Do note however, that i-Function will work only when using lenses equipped with an i-Fn button. Two such models will be available soon (neither with a Stabilizer), the  20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 ED (30-75mm equivalent) kit lens that collapses when not in use and a very compact 20mm f/2.8 (30mm equivalent) pancake lens.

Extra Customization Options: Samsung has expanded the ability to customize the camera to meet personal preferences. 

Analysis

All of the technical aspects are carried over from the NX10 so performance and image quality is likely to be identical. Samsung's autofocus, AMOLED, sensor and processing systems are all very effective so the NX100 should also be competitive in many aspects with an entry-level DSLR.

While only a few lenses are available at this time (including a 30mm and two zooms with Stabilizer, the 18-55mm and 50~200mm), Samsung will release others in 2011 increasing the versatility of the NX system:  an  18-200mm and 16-80mm zoom as well as three primes, 60mm macro, 16mm and 85mm. (For the effective focal length, multiply by 1.5). The camera is also compatible with Pentax AF lenses, when used with an optional adapter, but only with manual focus. Presumably, some of the future lenses will be equipped with Samsung's optical image stabilizer. 

While a DSLR is still the most popular type of camera for serious photo enthusiasts, the non-reflex models are certain a lot more portable. Although the full-featured NX100 will fit into a jacket pocket, it's definitely not just for snapshooters. This camera will be relatively affordable too at $600 with the 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, plus any desired accessories. If the smaller size/weight appeal to you the NX100 should be a fine alternative to a DSLR.

For additional information and a detailed Specifications list visit the Samsung (international) Imaging website.