Samsung has today launched the 14.6 megapixel GX-20 DSLR.

This is the first model from the company to be built around its own CMOS sensor, which is 23.5 x 15.7mm (APS-C sized) and has been designed and built by Samsung in Korea.

The camera, which is expected to be priced around £699.99 (with an 18-55mm lens), also boasts an Enhanced Digital Filter which the manufacturer says "allows a greater dynamic range of exposures and can also be used to add various effects or compensate for missing pixels after taking a picture".

Coupled with this, is a wide view 2.7 inch TFT LCD (delivering 230k pixel resolution) and live view through the optical viewfinder or LCD display.

To prevent image blur, the camera offers built-in Optical Picture Stabilisation (OPS) technology, which means it shifts the CCD to counter any movement of the camera’s body.

Samsung claims that its new flagship is "robust enough" for taking quality pictures in wet, sandy or dusty conditions. It has 72 water-resistant and anti-dusting body seals and a Dual Dust Removal System for removing particles from the sensor.

Additional shooting features include a one-touch RAW button, for switching from JPEG to RAW capture. RAW files can be checked on the LCD and then be directly converted to JPEG format via the built-in converter.

The GX-20 also offers continuous shooting at 3 fps, and an X sync. terminal for external Flash.

This new model is said to be aimed squarely at the prosumer market.

Robert King, commercial director of Samsung Cameras explains: "With the launch of the GX-20 DSLR, Samsung has a full digital camera line-up ranging from convergent compact digital cameras through to high-end fully-featured digital SLRs.

"This product is the start of an exciting DSLR range for Samsung as it is our first DSLR with our own manufactured CMOS sensor. This is a very important step for Samsung which is set to support our expansion in this competitive product sector."

Unveiled at the same time as the camera were two additions to Samsung's growing lens range - the 18-55mm II f/3.5-5.6 and 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3.

The GX-20 and lenses are expected to be available from March.

>> Link - Samsung Camera