Samsung is About to Release a Major Firmware Update for the NX1 4K Camera

Since its announcement at the last year’s Photokina, the Samsung NX1 continues to affirm its position as one of the serious competitors in the 4K mirrorless camera segment currently somewhat dominated by the Sony A7s and the Panasonic GH4. Just a week from now (two at the most), the Samsung NX1 will receive a major firmware update that would make the camera an even more efficient professional filmmaking tool.

The Samsung NX1 firmware version 1.2 update has already been demonstrated on the company’s booth at the current CES trade show taking place in Las Vegas. The update includes a ton of new features, mostly beneficial for video shooters, such as the ability to output free-run timecode via HDMI to external devices, two new gamma modes aimed at capturing the widest possible dynamic range and more flexible overall in-camera video settings control, additional 23.98 and 24fps capture rates at both UHD and Full HD modes, new display 4:3 and 2.35:1 aspect ratio markers and the ability to extract still frames from video in-camera.

Furthermore, NX1 shooters will be able to access three luminance level options to prevent clipping/blocking, autofocus speed and reaction time also will be adjustable, along with the ISO sensitivity and audio levels during capture.

There is also a new Pro Quality Compression Option for HD video recording and a new Trap Shot function with adjustable guideline in addition to the Samsung Auto Shot mode, allowing videographers to select where in the frame the presence of a moving object will automatically trip the shutter.

All of the above features are only a fraction of the whole set of new implementations that the new firmware will bring to the camera. The version 1.2 firmware will make the 4K NX1 a very flexible customizable compact camera as the users will be able to reverse control dial directions, use the Mobile button as a Record button for movie capture, and set the AE-L button to lock focus in movie mode. The AF-ON button can have its function swapped with the AE-L button, or it can be used to switch between autofocus and direct manual focus operation.

Customizing the optical preview and delete button functionality and the ability to change the function of the command dials in Program, Priority or Manual shooting modes, in addition to a quick and easy access to custom user modes from the touch screen without entering the menu system, are also part of the expected firmware release.

Last but not least, there is a list of improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features as well. Samsung’s smartphone app will provide a remote shutter release button simply on having connected via Bluetooth, which will save users time and battery life over using the full Wi-Fi connection with live view feed. On top of that, just like any smart device, the NX1 will be able to check for firmware updates all by itself whenever it has internet access via a Wi-Fi network and will notify users.

The Samsung NX1 firmware version 1.2 update is expected to be available to the public around the middle of this month (January 2015).

[via Erik Naso / Source: www.imaging-resource.com]

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