CES 2010: Samsung NX10 compact camera breaks new ground

It's been nearly a year since Samsung introduced its concept of a new kind of digital camera, a compact with the power of a digital SLR, that appeared to go head-to-head with the SLR-like Micro Four-thirds models introduced by Panasonic and Olympus.

Now, that concept has a name, and the specs to go with it: At CES, Samsung has announced the 14.6 megapixel NX10, a new compact that accepts interchangeable lenses and is said to be small and light, just like a Micro Four-thirds camera.

The most important difference between the NX10 and the Panasonic and Olympus models is that the Samsung camera's sensor is based on an APS-C size sensor. Samsung's sensor is larger than the Four-thirds sensors used in Panasonic and Olympus cameras, which may mean that it will handle low-light situations better, although a larger sensor is only one of many factors in improving low-light performance.

Other important specs include:

• A large 3-inch AMOLED (Active-matrix organic light-emitting diode) screen, which Samsung claims will be brighter and have lower power consumption than current LCDs.
• HD video capability at 720p HD using the MPEG4 (H.264) codec.
• A sharp electronic viewfinder.
• A built-in popup flash.
• The first three lenses for this system are the 18-55mm OIS, 50-200mm OIS, and the 30mm pancake.
• There will also be a K-mount adapter, for Pentax SLR lenses (with the K mount) and Samsung's lenses that fit their GX-series SLRs. Some Pentax enthusiasts were hoping the NX10 would have a K-series mount, instead of an adapter, which apparently won't allow for you to autofocus the lens.

Price has not yet been set, but the NX10 will ship this spring.

—Terry Sullivan