Three new NX Series cameras come with built-in Wi-Fi

Samsung has announced three new additions to its NX Series of compact, mirrorless, interchangeable lens cameras. Where other large sensor cameras might require users to slot in an Eye-Fi memory card before being able to get online, the 20.3 megapixel NX1000, NX20 and NX210 cameras all feature built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

Samsung launched its first mirrorless NX camera – the NX10 – back in 2010, and has steadily been adding to the range ever since. All three new family members feature the company's own 20.3 megapixel APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) CMOS sensor, boast ISO100 - 12800 sensitivity and benefit from one button upload to social networking sites like Facebook and Picassa. Samsung's SMART technology can also wirelessly link to a Samsung smartphone which can then be used as a remote viewfinder, and images can be displayed on internet-enabled devices such as big screen TVs or tablet computer via Samsung Mobile Link. The inclusion of full 1080p HD movie recording is hardly something to write home about these days, but the new NX cameras offer users a rather unusual, super-wide 1920 x 810 pixel resolution setting with a suitably cinematic 24p frame rate. The cameras are compatible with the full range of nine lenses, feature in-camera editing for artistic touches without the need to connect to a computer, include both 2D and 3D Panorama modes, and the i-Function system allows parameters to be controlled at the lens.

The minimalist NX1000 has the best resolution display of the three newcomers, at 921,000 dots on its 3-inch TFT LCD panel. There's no built-in flash on this model but external lighting can be attached via the hot shoe mount. Its 1030mAh battery is said to offer 320 shots between charges and it will come in black, white or pink when it becomes available in June for an as yet unknown price.

The ergonomic hand grip to the right side of the NX20, along with its SVGA (electronic) viewfinder with eye contact sensor, give it the look and feel of a DSLR. It has a 3-inch, 614,000 dot AMOLED display that can be swiveled for multi-angle viewing and framing, benefits from a fast 1/8000 shutter speed that should be nippy enough to grab all the action, can record to both JPEG and RAW image formats, and includes a pop-up flash. Its 1300mAh rechargeable battery promises a 360-shot life per charge. This model has been priced at US$1,099.99 and will be available from next month.

Also penciled in for May availability is the NX210, which supersedes last year's NX200. It has the same spec AMOLED display as the NX 20, offers eight frames per second continuous shooting and doesn't have a built-in flash – external units can be attached via the hot shoe accessory mount. Its 1030mAh battery should be good for 320 stills between charges. This model will cost $899.99.