Samsung has announced the new GX-20, the fraternal twin of the Pentax K20D, both of which tout nearly identical features but come in a different body, some display variations and other subtle differences.

The Samsung GX-20 will be available in body-only configuration in March for $1399 USD.  For further details on the new Samsung GX-20, check out the press release and other resources below.  Also, check out the Pentax K20D for corresponding info.

Key Features

• 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor
• 14-bit RAW images
• 3 FPS
• 2.7 inch LCD monitor
• Live View mode
• ISO 100-6400
• Dust Alert System
• X-sync socket for studio flash systems
• Built-in sensor-based Shake Reduction system
• Spot metering
• 11-point AF
• Enhanced Digital Filter offering a greater dynamic range
• 5 new Schneider D-XENON lenses

Reviews

Think Camera

Just because Samsung are relatively new to the photographic game is by no means an excuse to ignore what the GX-20 is – a powerful little DSLR that will give other manufacturers a good run for their money.

Buy-n-Shoot

Overall, the Samsung GX-20 is well-priced and well-put-together. It is an attractive, solid unit, both in terms of its build as well as its performance, and it is unlikely to disappoint. Highly recommended.

PhotographyBLOG

The shutter release mechanism and auto-focusing system are still noisy, and we’d upgrade the supplied 18-55mm kit lens as soon as possible to get the best out of the sensor, but overall the GX-20 remains one of the most innovative and well-built mid-range DSLRs currently available, which we can easily highly recommend.

DPReview Hands-On Preview

Like the K20D (and the K10D / GX-10) the GX-20 feels solidly built and fits the hand very comfortably with all the important controls in the right place and a large grip. The grip is actually slightly different on the GX-20 and the K20D, and which you prefer will be a matter of taste (and possibly the size of your hands).

Press Release:

Samsung Introduces Next-Generation DSLR at PMA 2008

GX-20 Boasts CMOS Sensor, Improved Shake Reduction, and Live View LCD

Ridgefield Park, NJ (January 24, 2008) – At the 2008 Photo Marketing Association Show, (PMA 2008) Samsung will introduce the GX-20 – its highly-anticipated, next generation DSLR. A 14.6 mega-pixel DSLR, the GX 20 extends the range of Samsung’s acclaimed GX-Series and boasts an impressive feature set that will garner the attention of any professional or photographer or enthusiast.

The GX-20 improves on many of the advanced qualities of its sibling DSLR, the 10.2 mega-pixel GX-10; however a host of new features and firsts truly set this camera apart from any other GX Series model previously introduced by Samsung. The GX-20 is highlighted by its proprietary, high performance CMOS sensor. The Samsung CMOS sensor is equipped with 14 mega-pixel resolution, can capture 14-bit RAW images, and maintains outstanding noise performance, even at a high ISO setting of 6400. The GX 20 also incorporates improved sensor-based shake-reduction as well as a double dust-removal system, which is designed to prevent miniscule specs of dust from ruining a perfect image.

“This is an exciting time for Samsung,” said Stewart Henderson Vice President Marketing, Samsung Opto-Electronics America. “The DSLR market is one of the fastest growing segments of the imaging industry, one which Samsung has served quite well over the past few years with our previous GX-Series DSLRs. With the introduction of the higher-end, professional-grade GX-20, Samsung can now address the needs of the more advanced photographer with a DSLR bearing an impressive list of state-of-the-art photographic technologies.”

Designed for the advanced amateur and professional photographer, the GX-20 is the fourth model in Samsung’s rapidly growing DSLR range. The premier model of the GX family, Samsung’s new GX-20 takes performance to a whole new level with an array of new and improved features, all which will allow users to capture images of uncompromising quality in any environment or setting. Photographers of all skill levels will appreciate the GX-20’s large 2.7 inch Live View LCD screen, which allows users to check composition and focus directly on the LCD in real time.

The GX-20’s improved sensor-based shake reduction system, dubbed Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), helps photographers overcome the detrimental effects of hand shake and helps minimize blur in situations where the camera is unstable or in low-light conditions. Because it resides in the camera body, as opposed to the lens, the OPS feature works with a wide range of lenses, including Samsung’s Schneider D-XENON family and the full range of Pentax, KAF2, KAF and KA mount lenses.

Samsung’s full range of optics include two zooms, the 18~55mm and 50~200mm Schneider D-XENONs, as well as five new Schneider D-XENON lenses (introduced in 2007). The new Schneider D-XENON lenses are available for use with the entire GX-Series of DSLRs and consist of a 10~17mm, F3.5-4.5 fish-eye zoom, a 12~24mm, F4 ultra-wide zoom, a 16~45mm, F4 wide zoom, a 35mm, F2 fixed focus and a 100mm, F2.8 macro lens.

Additionally, the GX-20 features a Pentaprism viewfinder that yields a 95 % wide field of view and provides photographers with a bright and accurate view of their subject, allowing them to properly frame and fine tune out-of-focus areas. Furthermore, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second, shooters can rest assured that they’ll never miss the perfect shot, especially when it comes to fast-moving events.

The GX-20’s revolutionary new double dust-removal system is designed to prevent dust from threatening the quality of images captured with the GX-20. Samsung has incorporated an advanced dust-removal system that can be set to automatically vibrate the CMOS sensor when the GX-20 is powered on or engaged independently by the shooter, and has also manufactured the GX-20’s proprietary sensor with a special dust resistant coating, further eliminating the possibility of unwanted specs or blemishes ruining an otherwise perfect picture. As if that weren’t enough, the GX-20 boasts a specially designed body that was made to stand up to the elements. Every button, gap and other potentially vulnerable area on the camera’s body has been fortified with special seals and silicone to protect against damage from water, sand and a host of other elements.

Another attractive feature for advanced photographers is the GX-20’s superb RAW image format support. The exclusive one-touch RAW shooting button enables users to quickly capture 14-bit RAW images, which can then be quickly be viewed on the LCD screen. If the shooter desires, the RAW image can also be converted to JPEG format directly on the camera. The GX-20’s intuitive and easy to use interface makes even the most advanced tasks easy to accomplish for just about anyone. The GX 20’s continuous shooting mode is capable of capturing up to three pictures per second (pps). Depending on available memory, shooters can capture an unlimited number of JPEG images in continuous shooting mode, and up to nine images in RAW format.

For accurate auto focusing in any shooting condition, shooters can take advantage of the GX-20’s 11-point TTL, wide-area Auto Focus system. For added versatility and to compliment their shooting style, users have a choice of AF single or AF-continuous. The GX-20 also features a TTL open-aperture 16-segment metering system for accurate exposures, as well as center weighted and spot metering.

Samsung GX-20: $1399.95 MSRP – Available March 2008

Samsung Opto-Electronics America, Inc., Ridgefield Park, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd., Sungnam Kyungki-Do, Korea. Samsung Opto-Electronics markets a full line of auto focus cameras, zoom and digital cameras for the amateur as well as the professional under the Samsung brand name.

[tags]samsung, gx-20, pma 2008[/tags]