Samsung NX300: Brand new 3D mirrorless super snapper revealed

The Gadget Show  Friday 04 January 2013

We’re getting closer and closer to CES, and the stream of new gadget announcements is starting to turn into a flood. Today, the Samsung NX300 has been welcomed into officialdom: it’s a mirrorless camera that’s smaller than a DLSR with interchangeable lenses. But it also shoots in 3D – using only one lens. Just how is it done?

At a glance, Samsung’s new NX300 looks much like Sony’s NEX mirrorless cameras, or Nikon’s One series of shooters. It’s got a petite body, but a massive 20.3 megapixel sensor for amazing shots, and like a bigger, heavier DSLR, you can change out the lens to suit your needs. Around the back, there’s an adjustable 3.31-inch screen to view your snaps, or play back the full HD 1080p video it records.

Read our Nikon 1 J2 review now

The big twist comes in the 45mm lens that accompanies the Samsung NX300. It looks like a regular lens, but it can let you shoot 3D stills or full HD 3D video – until now, 3D cameras have required two lenses and sensors, one for each eye’s perspective to create the effect. But Sammy’s kit pulls this all off with just one lens thanks to a clever new dual-shutter technique.

There’s no word on UK price or availability for the Samsung NX300, but it’s due out stateside in March for around $600 (£375) minus the 3D lens kit, so expect a release around then. In the meantime, let us know what you make of this new stereoscopic shooter in the comments below.

Check out our 3D camcorder video group test right here