Computer and Technology

Samsung confirmed rumors Sunday night by launching the NX10. The camera is its first mirrorless pro body and, like Micro Four Thirds cameras, holds a DSLR-sized sensor (APS-C) and uses swappable lenses but doesn't carry as much bulk. Moving to the 14.6-megapixel CMOS imager also gives it much better sensitivity and lower noise.

The Korean company also claims distinct advantages over the other cameras in the NX10's class: the 3-inch AMOLED preview screen provides much higher color accuracy and contrast, eliminates ghosting and is viewable from a much wider angle. Autofocusing is equally said to be considerably faster than other mirrorless interchangeable systems and has speed closer to a DSLR's normal focusing but the accuracy of a contrast-based system, which is normally found in point-and-shoots and DSLRs' live view modes.

Light sensitivity on the camera ranges between ISO 100 and 3,200, though a Smart Range feature helps improve the dynamic range to restore detail in overly bright or dark scenes. HD is a cornerstone of the NX10 as it can shoot 720p videos in H.264 and has an HDMI output; image stabilization is available through the lens, and the sensor has automatic dust removal.

The cost of the camera hasn't been detailed at this early stage, but Samsung hopes to ship the NX10 in black and silver colors by the spring and will have an 18-55mm lens as one of its options.