knepperhorn: Samsung announces NX2000 Smart camera: 20.3MP, NFC, WiFi, 3.7-inch touchscreen, $650 with a 20-50mm

If you've been torn between Samsung's NX300 and NX1000 mirrorless cameras, you should know the company has officially split the difference with its new NX2000. While it likely won't sway NEX-3N lovers away from Sony, the $650 NX2000 is a Benjamin more than Sammy's lower-end NX1000 and packs the same 3D-capable DRIMe IV processor and NFC functionality as the pricier NX300 -- not to mention the 20.3-megapixel APC-S sensor seen across the line. The differentiating factor from its siblings is the Galaxy camera-like 3.7-inch, 1,152k-dot touchscreen (fixed) on back, rather than the usual assortment of rear buttons. Similar to the 300, the ISO range is 100 to 25,600, maximum JPG burst rate is 8fps and video tops out at 1080p HD (30fps instead of 60, however). Unfortunately, the autofocus is only contrast-detection, but Samsung is steadfast to claim that it's one of the fastest to the draw against the competition.

As you'd expect, this shooter features WiFi (single band) for the likes of interfacing with AllShare Play and a Galaxy tablet or smartphone and a MicroSD card slot for easier transferability. Sure, it's not the most exciting update to Samsung's camera line, but it's clearly a big leap up from the NX1000 -- on paper, anyway. The NX2000 will be available soon in your choice of white, black or pink and comes bundled with Adobe Lightroom 4, a 20-50mm lens and a hotshoe-powered flash. Grab more looks at the gallery below and hit the press release after the break for all the technical details.

Gallery: Samsung NX2000 (press images)