We have actually been normally unimpressed with the latest round of standard point-and-shoots, featuring those from Samsung’s mid-range Smart set, however we do have a tendency to take heed whenever a manufacturer opts to concentrate on optics rather than bumping up the megapixel count to enhance sticker label appeal. Compared with sub – $ 200 shooters, there’s a relatively minimal market for $ 549 pocketable models– a cost point that frequently prompts would-be managers to dig past superficial specs in search of full manual control, solid high-ISO performance, fast concentrating and a lens that enables both low-light shooting and shallow depth of industry. Samsung’s EX2F appears to fit the statement, delivering a 12.4-megapixel 1/1.7 – inch CMOS sensor, a leading extended ISO configuration of 12,800, a 3-inch VGA-res AMOLED display and– the crown jewel– an f/1.4 -2.7, 24-79mm lens. That optic delivers an extra stop of sensitivity over the EX2F’s ancestor, the two-year-old TL500. Additional benefits consist of a lighter magnesium alloy body, an NX power pin-enabled hot shoe for bring an external mic or flash, and a new micro-USB trigger cable.

Though the NX2F was visibly lighter than the 2010 model throughout our hands-on, it maintains a lot of the TL500′s heft– at the very least from a dimension viewpoint. The camera’s footprint makes it too large to slip in a pocket, as we had the ability to do with the Sony RX100, though the flip-out AMOLED display is certainly a welcome addition. An NX-like smart UI mode allows instant accessibility to key configurations, as do the dual control dials, which let you readjust shooting modes (on the right) and grab rate (on the left). There’s additionally a new in-camera HDR mode which combines two back-to-back shots (one underexposed and the additional overexposed) in order to keep added shadow and highlight detail. The camera equipment was rather receptive throughout a quick shoot earlier today, powering on, focusing and catching an image quickly. We’ll require to spend much even more time snapping beyond a workplace atmosphere before passing any type of formal judgement, but it’s very easy to see the appeal of such of device– and the benefit over less-abled point-and-shoots. In the meantime, you can take a closer appearance in the gallery below, and in our hands-on demonstration after the break.

Tags: Clip, EX2F, f/1.4, handson, lens, pointandshoot, Samsung, Video