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Jan. 24, 2008* - Samsung today announced the successor to the GX-10 DSLR, announced almost a year and a half ago. The 14.6-megapixel GX-20, the fourth in Samsung’s DSLR line, has a new CMOS sensor, in-body image stabilization, and a dust removal system. The GX-20 will sell for $1399.95 when it is available in March.
The GX-10 closely resembles the new Pentax K20D, reflective of the Samsung and Pentax partnership, forged in 2005, to develop DSLRs. Like the K20D, the new Samsung SLR is built around a proprietary 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor, enabling it to capture 14-bit RAW files. According to Samsung, the new sensor reduces noise at high ISO settings.
The sensor is stabilized to counteract blurry images caused by camera shake. Unlike Nikon and Canon, who only offer image stabilization built into the lens, Samsung’s in-body stabilization comes into play no matter the lens attached. The GX-20 accepts Samsung’s Schneider D-XENON lenses as well as Pentax’s KAF2, KAF, and KA mount lenses.
The dust removal system is two-part: the sensor has an anti-dust coating and it gyrates to shimmy particles off the sensor. The dust removal system can be set to operate when the camera is powered on or manually engaged by the user.
The camera body is fitted with seals to protect it from water, sand, and dust. The body features a button that switches the camera from JPEG to RAW shooting. RAW images can be converted to JPEGs directly in the camera body.
Like many new DSLRS, the GX-20 features a Live View LCD. At 2.7 inches, it’s slightly smaller than the 3-inch monitors on competing cameras, such as the Canon EOS 40D. The pentaprism viewfinder provides a 95 percent field of view.
The GX-20 retains its predecessor’s 11-point autofocus system and 3fps continuous shooting. The new model increases the max ISO sensitivity to ISO 6400.