Samsung NX10 unveiled: Micro Four Thirds gets competition

The Micro Four Thirds camera system used in shooters such as the Panasonic GF1 -- swoon! -- now has some incompatible competition from Samsung: NX technology. And the first camera to use the system is Samsung's own 14.6-megapixel NX10.

Truthfully, the differences between Micro Four Thirds and NX seem marginal at best. Both aim to offer dSLR performance and interchangeable lenses in a much more compact body by getting rid of the optical viewfinder and mirror. The Samsung NX10, however, uses a sensor the same size as those used in conventional dSLRs. These are larger than Micro Four Thirds sensors, which translates potentially to better pictures (DPReview has an extremely detailed breakdown of the advantages this offers).

In addition to taking 14.6-megapixel photos with an ISO range of 100-3,200, the NX10 also records H.264 hi-def video at 720p, with HDMI output for bypassing the camera's 76mm (3-inch) AMOLED screen.

Hopefully our camera expert Rich Trenholm will get a closer look at the camera during CES, which he's currently in transit to, fast asleep on a plane. But it'll be on shelves later this month all being well, with a number of compatible lenses on offer to go with it.

Update: We now have prices from Samsung. Final RRPs are TBC, but you should be looking at £599 for the NX10 with an 18-55mm lens, £649 for the NX10 with a 30mm fixed focal-length lens, or £749 for the NX10 with both the 30mm and 18-55mm lenses.

Photo credit: Sarah Tew, CNET News