Samsung unveils i-Functional NX11 mirrorless camera, WB700 with 24x zoom (update: pictures)

Just when you thought it'd be a week devoid of notable announcements -- what, with CES less than a week away -- along comes Samsung with two new cameras. The first one is an upgrade to the mirrorless NX10, naturally called the NX11, that boasts a change in grip design and compatibility with the i-Function lens found on the NX100. The other nitty-gritty details for the 14.6 megapixel shooter: a 3-inch AMOLED LCD screen, VGA viewfinder, 720p 30fps HD recording, and an APS-C sensor. Price and date? $649 with a bundled 18-55mm zoom lens, available in February.

In smaller news -- volumetrically, at least -- the 16 megapixel Samsung WB700 sports a 24x zoom (that's 18x optical and 1.3x smart zoom), a 24mm ultra-wide Schneider Kreuznach lens, CCD sensor, and 1080p 720p HD video. You're gonna have to wait a little bit longer for that one -- April, to be more specific -- for a penny under $300. Press releases are after the break, and we'll get you the pictures as soon as Sammy sends 'em.

Update: We found the pictures!

Update 2: Samsung just informed us of an error in the WB700 press release. It records 720p, not 1080p as first written. Also, it doesn't shoot RAW. First the words giveth, then they taketh away.
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Samsung Launches the NX11:
the Latest NX System Camera and Lens Line Up
Create high quality images with the camera's easy-to-use i-Function lens

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey – December 28, 2010 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the NX11 - the latest addition to the highly successful NX family of cameras. The NX11 contains a feature set similar to Samsung's first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, the NX10, however the NX11 is also compatible with the new i-Function lens that was introduced for the NX100. The NX11 will come complete with an 18-55mm i-Function lens, as well as two new i-Function lenses, a 20mm pancake and a 20-50mm zoom silver color lens. The launch reinforces the company's commitment to leading innovation in the compact system camera market.

The i-Function lens puts the perfect picture at the fingertips of all photographers by providing an exceptionally easy way of controlling the camera. Since a typical camera user wraps their hand around the lens when holding the camera, the new i-Function system allows photographers to naturally use their left hand to change the camera's advanced settings via a button built into the i-Function lens, without needing to take the camera off the target. Users can toggle between shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO quickly and easily by simply using the i-Function button or ring on the lens, meaning easier and quicker configurations while shooting.

The NX11 also focuses on usability, with a change in the grip design to make shooting easier and more comfortable for users. Additionally, the NX11 has a lens priority mode dial, simplifying the search for the best mode for each lens. The camera also includes a convenient, one-touch i-Function button that activates common shooting controls like aperture, shutter speed, ISO and white balance, meaning easier and quicker configuration while shooting. The camera makes taking great landscape scenes or pictures of large groups simple by featuring a panorama mode, which allows the user to take panoramic pictures in one press-and-sweep motion. As with the NX10, the NX11 uses the best-in-class APS-C sensor for better image quality. The APS-C sensor is larger than Micro 4/3 and delivers high quality images with ease.

"Today's launch is important for Samsung in reinforcing our position as a leading innovator in the digital camera market and for showing our innovation in the compact system camera market," said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "The NX11, while offering the best features of the NX10, has an upgraded design and the additional i-Function capability with more lenses. The launch of our next offering in the NX range also demonstrates our commitment to our customers, by producing user driven innovation in the form of easy-to-use functions and upgraded customization."

Alongside the built-in flash and built-in electronic VGA (640x480) viewfinder, the NX11 has a 3.0" AMOLED LCD screen. The AMOLED screen reduces the glare from sunlight so that consumers can see their images under any lighting conditions. The user can also get a more vivid, clearer image through enhanced color reproduction. The NX11 provides high quality video with 720p HD recording, and its large APS-C sensor allows the videos to be recorded with shallow depth of field, providing effects similar to those in motion picture movies.

Specifications Sheet
*Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
NX11
Image Sensor 23.4×15.6mm
CMOS
Approx. 14.6 Megapixels
Lens Samsung NX Mount
Samsung Lenses for Samsung NX Mount
Image Stabilization Lens Shift (depends on Lens)
Dimensions and weight 123 x 87 x 39.8mm (excluding the projecting part)
353g (without battery and card)
Additional features • Super sonic drive
• 3.0" AMOLED
• EVF VGA (640x480) 921k dots equiv.
• Multi : Normal 15points, Close Up 35points
• Face Detection : Max. 10faces
• Electronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
• Metering : Multi, Center-weighted, Spot
• TTL Auto Pop-up flash
• Smart Flash, Auto, Auto + Red-eye reduction,
• 28mm wide-angle coverage (Equivalent to 35mm)
• Samsung External Flash available (SEF-42A, SEF-20A, SEF15A : Optional)
• Hot Shoe
• Smart Auto, Lens Priority, Program, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual, Sound Picture, Panorama, Scene, Movie
• Beauty shot, Children, Close Up, Text, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Night, Portrait, Landscape, Sports
• RAW : 14M (4592x3056)
• Super fine , Fine, Normal
• High Definition Movie Recording with MP4 (H.264)
• Frame rate - 30fps
Price $649 (with bundle zoom lens)
Availability February

SAMSUNG 20-50mm Black, Silver
Category
Lens N
me SAMSUNG 20-50mm F3.5-5.6 ED Black/Silver
Focal Length 20 - 50mm (equivalent to 30.8-77mm in 35mm format)
Elements in Groups 9 elements in 8 groups (1 Aspherical lens, 1 Extra-low Dispersion len
)

ngle of View 70.2°- 31.4°
Aperture F3.5 - 5.6 (Min. F22), (Number of Blades : 7 , Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Mount Type Samsung NX Mount
Optical Image Stabilizer No
Minimum Focus Distance 0.28m
Maximum Magnification Approx.0.22X
i Scene Beauty, Portrait, Children, Backlight, Landscape, Sunset, Dawn, Beach&Snow, Night
Lens Hood No
Filter Size 40.5mm
Max. Diameter x Length 64 x 39.8mm
Weight Approx. 119g (without hood)
Operating Temperature 0 ~ 40°C
Operating Humidity 5 ~ 85%
Special features i-Function
World's first under 40mm length


SAMSUNG 20mm Black, Silver
Category
Lens Name SAMSUNG 20mm F2.8 Black/Silver
Focal Length 30mm (equivalent to 30.8mm in 35mm format)
Elements in Groups 6 elements in 4 groups (1 Aspherical
lens
Angle of View 70.2°
Aperture F2.8 (Min. F22), (Number of Blades : 7 , Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Mount Type Samsung NX Mount
Optical Image Stabilizer No
Minimum Focus Distance 0.17m
Maximum Magnification Approx. 0.18X
i Scene Night, Landscape, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Beach&Snow
Lens Hood No
Filter Size 43mm
Max. Diameter x Length 62.2 x 24.5mm
Weight Approx. 89g (without hood)
Operating Temperature 0 ~ 40°C
Operating Humidity 5 ~ 85%
Special features i-Function
Minimum focus distance (0.17m)

SAMSUNG 18-55mm i-Function
Lens Name SAMSUNG 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OIS i-Function
Focal Length 18 - 55mm (equivalent to 27.7-84.7mm in 35mm format)
Elements in Groups 12 elements in 9 groups (1 Aspherical lens)
Angle
f View 75.9°- 28.7°
Aperture F3.5 - 5.6 (Min. F22), (Number of Blades : 7 , Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Mount Type Samsung NX Mount
Optical Image Stabilizer Yes
Minimum Focus Distance 0.28m
Maximum Magnification Approx. 0.22X
Lens Hood Included
Filter Size 58mm
Max. Diameter x Length 63 x 65.1mm
Weight Approx. 198g (without hood)
Operating Temperature 0 ~ 40°C
Operating Humidity 5 ~ 85%

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

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Samsung Zooms into the Future with the New WB700

The ultra-slim 24X zoom camera comes packed with features for the demanding photographer

Ridgefield Park, New Jersey – December 28, 2010 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, announced today the launch of the new WB700, the ultra-slim camera with an impressive 24X zoom function, capable of delivering superb quality images whether your subject is near or far.

The camera features a 24mm ultra-wide Schneider KREUZNACH® lens to capture the perfect wide shot, as well as an outstanding 24X zoom function, made up of an 18X optical zoom and 1.3X Smart Zoom. The WB700 delivers sharp images with incredible detail, thanks to the camera's 16 Megapixel (MP) CCD sensor. The WB700 is also equipped with full manual control and the ability to record full 1080p high definition video (H.264 format). The flexibility of the WB700's lens and zoom functions allows users to capture a broad landscape in the same 16MP detail as a bubbling brook in the distance.

"We understand that many of our customers come to us for the very best and most up-to-date technology available, which is why we have chosen to bring all our innovation together in the WB700 for both the advanced and novice photographer, giving a balance of professional quality imaging and the kind of usability anyone can master," said Mr. Hyunho Chung, Executive Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. "On top of the core excellence of the WB700's 16MP 24mm lens with OIS and Schneider KREUZNACH 18x super-zoom, we have added features that bring surprise and delight to the photography experience, such as our new smart filters, the smart lens effect and zoom noise cancellation."

High quality and fun shooting
The successor to the successful WB600 and WB650 models, the WB700 includes Samsung's latest advances in HD video technology so users can capture high quality video footage, as well as still images. The WB700 also features Smart Filter 2.0 - artistic filters in modes such as 'soft focus', 'half-tone dot' and 'cinema' alongside traditional features such as 'fish-eye', 'miniature' and 'sketch', giving entertaining and professional finishes at the touch of a button.

Zoom Noise Reduction
Samsung has also introduced new innovation to remove zoom noise from video content. The WB700 uses an advanced noise reduction algorithm that actively cancels out the zoom noise, as the optical zoom slides backwards and forwards, giving you uninterrupted clear sound to complement your detailed High Definition movies.

Specification Sheet
WB700
Image Sensor 1/2.33″ (approx 7.76mm) CCD,
16 Megapixel, 14MP(effective)
Zoom Still Image mode : 1.0X ~ 5.0X
Play mode : 1.0X ~ 13.5X (depends on image size)
Still Image mode:
- Super resolution: 1.0X~1.5X after optical Zoom
- Extra Zoom: Crop Zoom 1.0X~2.0X (Extra Zoom on)
- Digital Zoom: 1.0X ~ 4.0X: Optical Zoom (X18) --> Super
Resolution (X1.5) --> Extra Zoom (X2) or Digital Zoom (X4)
Play mode : 1.0X ~ 12.5X (depends on image size)
Lens Schneider-KREUZNACH f = 4.06 ~ 73.08mm (35mm film equivalent : 24~432 mm)
Image Stabilization Dual OIS and DIS (Optical / Digital Image Stabilization)
Dimensions 99.5 x 59 x 21.7
Additional features • Full Manual Mode (A/S/M Support)
• Movie Recording button
• Support Raw file format
• Built in HDMI Type D with Anynet+ (CEC) + 20Pin Connector
• Flash Manual Adjustment(Timing, Light Quantity)
• Smart Auto (Still/Movie)
• Smart Filter 2.0
• Perfect Portrait System
• Built-in S/W (intellistudio) - supporting F/W Update
Pricing $299.99
Availability (est.) April

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 174,000 people in 193 offices across 66 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.