UPDATE: Samsung NX10 hands-on preview

UPDATE: DPNow explores the potential of hybrid cameras

Samsung NX product shots from the Samsung booth

One of the undoubted stars of the show is the new Samsung NX hybrid system camera platform announced on Monday. Samsung is remaining very tight-lipped on hard details about the NX project, but some very polished looking mock-ups were on display their PMA booth. We have selection of shots below and have tried to deduce what to expect from the eventual shipping product.

First of all, after speaking with the Samsung UK's director, Rob King, we understand that the NX project does not involve Pentax, although the GX DSLR system joint venture with Pentax is ongoing. We can expect some new GX-series products from Samsung later this year, though probably not at the entry-level, which suggests that this will be the domain of the NX offering.

While Samsung's press statement says NX cameras will be launched in the second half of this year, Rob King would not guarantee that sales would meet Christmas demand, though it's clear that this would of course be desirable.

From the pictures below, we have come to the conclusion that the compact nature of the NX form factor, and even the Pentax-owned intellectual property of the GX DSLR's sensor shift image stabilisation, means NX cameras will not feature such a system, relying on in-lens IS, where applicable, instead. The NX lens mount is also completely new and it's not yet know how compatible a future GX/Pentax K-mount adapter will be.

Note the near-absence of a hand grip. The body is very slim compared to a DSLR

Samsung has chosen a DSLR-style design for the NX models we were shown.

Colour choice is definitely on the menu for the NX range - but you will also be able to choose conventional black/grey finish.

What should deduce from the switches on this telephoto zoom? In-lens image stabilisation (IS) instead of GX-style in-body IS?

And ultra short pancake lenses are on the NX menu

Here is a side profile of an NX body fitted with a pancake lens. It's slim!

Once again, switches on this kit zoom lens suggest image stabilisation (IS) will be in-lens rather than in-body.

At this stage there is no evidence of an articulated screen in these design mock-ups, but Samsung has not ruled this out yet.

There are plenty of external controls, indicating that Samsung are keen for enthusiasts to buy into the NX system.

Note the unusual placement of the mode adjustment wheel behind the shutter release button.

There is a lot of enthusiasm for the styling of the NX models on display here at PMA. We're certainly very keen to see working NX samples later in the year.

What do you think about the NX system? Let us know on the DPNow forum.

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