Samsung launches compact NX1 camera as it predicts the death of the digital SLR camera

DIGITAL SLR cameras could face extinction after Samsung predicted they would lose their lead over advanced smaller cameras in just 18 months.

New cameras ‘the death of DSLR’

DIGITAL SLR cameras could face extinction after the world’s leading smartphone maker predicted they would lose their lead over advanced smaller cameras in just 18 months.

The prediction comes as Samsung launches its first professional-level compact system camera in Australia today, the NX1, and similar models continue to claim a larger share of camera purchases.

Other manufacturers throwing their weight behind the compact system camera movement include Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic and Olympus, who are all pitching the mirrorless cameras as a replacement for the larger, chunkier cameras once synonymous with high-resolution photos.

Samsung Electronics Australia digital imaging manager Craig Gillespie said the NX1’s launch showed the company was serious about backing the technology as a DSLR replacement.

He predicted the smaller cameras would quickly overtake DSLRs in sales as more enthusiast photographers learned about the technology.

New....Samsung has launched the NX1 in Australia, as it predicts smaller cameras will overtake digital SLRs. Picture: Samsung

“Within the Australian market, the DSLR is still the most popular system but it is declining and mirrorless is growing. We will see mirrorless catch DSLR, I believe, in the next 18 months,” Mr Gillespie said.

“By moving to a mirrorless system, which is actually the growing segment, you don’t have to accept an inferior quality.”

Samsung’s Australian prediction follows its campaign in the US to “ditch the DSLR,” even offering Samsung NX cameras as trade-ins for old DSLR cameras.

The message appears to be having an effect, as CIPA’s latest worldwide camera figures show compact system camera shipments grew 10 per cent this year, while DSLR shipments fell by almost 24 per cent.

Compact system camera shipments also jumped 16 per cent in September compared to August.

The newer style of cameras are smaller than their DSLR rivals — space savings made by eliminating the mirror inside the camera — but the cameras are not necessarily cheaper.

Samsung’s NX1 will cost $1899 in Australia before adding a lens, or $2599 when packaged with a 16-50mm f2-2.8 lens.

Compact ... the NX1 saves space by eliminating the mirror inside the camera. Picture: Samsung

The NX1’s features include a 28-megapixel, backside illuminated sensor, 3-inch hinged touchscreen, 205-point focus system, and 15-photo-per-second shooting speed.

It also features NFC, Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity to transfer images to a connected smartphone quickly for sharing.

The pre-Christmas compact system camera market is fierce, however.

Other camera models fighting for attention include Sony’s Alpha 7S with a full-frame sensor and 409,600 ISO rating for lowlight photography, Panasonic’s palm-sized GM5 camera, Fujifilm’s XT1 with weather-resistant body, and the Olympus Pen E-PL7 with a flip-down screen for selfies.

*Jennifer Dudley-Nicholson travelled to New Zealand as a guest of Samsung.