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Samsung NX300 goes retro-ish (pictures)

With a new black-faux-leather-and-silver design, Samsung's following in Fujifilm's footsteps.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
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Retro, sort of

Samsung's revised the midrange NX model's design with a more retro two-tone look, but the effect is ruined by the lenses, which have a much more modern feel.
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Now in white

The midrange camera will now be available in a white-and-silver version as well.
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Tilting OLED display

Samsung updated the camera with a big, tilting OLED touch-screen display.
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Controls

There are a full set of direct-access controls that you can use instead of, or in addition to, the touch screen. They're redesigned from the NX210: the back dial is gone, replaced by a five-button panel, and it's got a bigger thumb-grip area. On the downside, the record button is very flat and in that awkward area on the right shoulder. That's the same place it is on the Sony NEX-6; hopefully, this isn't the start of a trend.
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Top

Like the NX1000, the NX300 now has a button to directly invoke Wi-Fi; in the NX300, it's user-programmable for selectable connectivity options. The grip is also slightly larger than the NX210's.
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45mm 3D/2D lens

A more expensive version of the 45mm f1.8 lens announced last fall, this one is switchable between normal and 3D.
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3D lens

Dual apertures, in conjunction with dual exposures, create stereoscopic 3D shots.
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3D lens

Front view.

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