GX-20, Samsung's Very Own K20D

Samsung yesterday officially announced the GX-20 digital single lens reflex camera and not surprisingly, it bears a striking resemblance to Pentax's K20D. It has a slightly different design and, according to dpreview.com, a proprietary JPEG engine, but other than that you get the same features as the K20D.

First and foremost, the foundation of the Samsung GX-20 is the new proprietary CMOS sensor developed together with Pentax. The new imaging unit retains the 1.5 crop factor, but has a class leading resolution of 14.6 megapixels. The CMOS sensor is fitted with the same technologies as the CCD in the K10D and GX-10 DSLRs, namely optical image stabilization (Pentax's Shake Reduction) and dust reduction system by shaking and special coating. Speaking of the dust reduction system, although the press release does not mention anything on the subject, it's likely that the new Dust Alert function is also present.

The biggest novelty for Pentax and Samsung DSLRs is the Live View mode that "allows users to see the full image area to confirm composition, focus status and lighting on the large 2.7 inch LCD monitor. A grid display may be engaged to help assure the perfect arrangement of an image and Auto Focus may be activated by simply pressing the AF button on the back of the camera. Further fine tuning of the image can be confirmed with the 4X or 8X zoom option."

Unfortunately, since the GX-20 is based on the K20D, the autofocus and continuous speed are the same. Both cameras incorporate the same SAFOX VIII autofocus system with 11 sensor points, nine being cross-type and the same continuous speed of 3 frames per second for 38 JPEGs as the K10D and GX-10.

Other features of the GX-20 include the already ubiquitous weather and dust resistant body, RAW button for single-action image-file switching and PC sync socket.

Samsung also announced the launch of two new lenses, the 18-55mm II F3.5~F5.6 and 18-250mm F3.5~F6.3.

The GX-20 and lenses are expected to be available from March 2008, and the GX-20 bundled with the 18-55mm will have a RRP (recommended retail price) of ?699 or $1,385.

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