Is Samsung shutting down their camera business?

[Damphousse 0]

Just been into Media Markt in Berlin, biggest electronics retailer in Europe

The manager said Samsung contacted them this week saying they were pulling out of the camera market in its entirety.

He told me this as a customer who was just about to buy the 16-50mm F2 for 920 euros. Why would someone lie about that at the point of sale?

PS I'll open a thread in January 2016 called "Apologies owed to Andrew" where the rude posters can say "sorry, turns out you were right".

http://photorumors.com/2015/11/11/samsung-nx1-discontinued-in-europe-hong-kong-and-australia/

Well what are you "right" about?  So Samsung is not making or selling any more cameras anywhere in the world going forward?  Or they are still making cameras including NX cameras but they aren't going to sell them in that particular geographic region with no implications for the majority of us who don't live in Germany nor Europe as a whole.  I don't think people are trying to be rude.  I just think there is a lot of confusion about what prediction you are willing to commit to on the record.

[kidzrevil 9]

The Canon 17-55mm 2.8 EF-S is a well rated lens and it sells for under $800.  None of the reviews I've read over the years call it "mushy".  You may have a bad copy.

The problem with Samsung is you either accept the kit lens or you have to pay $1,300.  It's strange to me that this blog no longer likes consumer choice.  Why should the consumer be forced to pay $1,300?  Why no $800 option?

i dont get it. In all his guides A drew has posted sub $300 lenses that work on multiple bodies

[Damphousse 0]

i dont get it. In all his guides A drew has posted sub $300 lenses that work on multiple bodies

This thread is about Samsung.  I don't understand why people are brushing off the fact there is a $1,100 gulf between the kit standard lens and the upgraded standard lens.  I keep asking why no $800 option?  There is nothing wrong with a $1,300 but why exclude a more reasonable $800 option?  Why all of a sudden is consumer choice no longer important when it comes to the Samsung lens line up?

[TheRenaissanceMan 1,058]

This thread is about Samsung.  I don't understand why people are brushing off the fact there is a $1,100 gulf between the kit standard lens and the upgraded standard lens.  I keep asking why no $800 option?  There is nothing wrong with a $1,300 but why exclude a more reasonable $800 option?  Why all of a sudden is consumer choice no longer important when it comes to the Samsung lens line up?

There's an $800 option if you buy used like a pro. 

Samsung has a pretty young lens lineup. I don't think it's fair to slam them for not having a Canon- sized selection of zooms. But you have plenty of other options, like primes and vintage stuff. 

The 16-50 also has some notable advantages over the Canon, like weather sealing and a faster wide end. 

I don't understand why you're so militant about Samsung's lenses. It's a young lineup; if it doesn't have what you want, adapt something or buy into a different system. Why sit here and rail against it? 

I'd still rather have Samsung's APS-C lineup than Sony's.

[neosushi 143]

So what does the rumors say now ? ^^ NX2 or goodbye Samsung ? 

[kidzrevil 9]

So what does the rumors say now ? ^^ NX2 or goodbye Samsung ? 

I dont even care with the rumors say anymore. This NX hack thing Andrew posted could shoot the NX1 to the moon. Im thinking we get a driftwood like update that made the GH2 a beast of a camera on the NX1. Better compression ? No macroblocking ? Noise reduction and sharpening completely turned off ? Swoon. LOL ! To answer your question chances are Samsung is going to follow up with an NX2 or NXs or something. They've been competitive in everything down to their 4k tv options doubt they are exiting the camera game

[Damphousse 0]

There's an $800 option if you buy used like a pro. 

Samsung has a pretty young lens lineup. I don't think it's fair to slam them for not having a Canon- sized selection of zooms. But you have plenty of other options, like primes and vintage stuff. 

The 16-50 also has some notable advantages over the Canon, like weather sealing and a faster wide end. 

I don't understand why you're so militant about Samsung's lenses. It's a young lineup; if it doesn't have what you want, adapt something or buy into a different system. Why sit here and rail against it? 

I'd still rather have Samsung's APS-C lineup than Sony's.

You do realize you are agreeing with me, right?  That's all I was saying.  It's a young system with some significant holes.

People keep inferring consumers are zombie, idiots, or fanbois because they stayed away.  No.  They stayed away because most people don't shoot video on anything other than a cell phone and they aren't going to spend $1,300 on a Samsung lens when they can get an $800 Canon lens that gets the job done.  I don't care if a Lamborghini is "worth" $200,000 when a $20K Honda meets and exceeds my needs for getting to work and grocery shopping.  To jump from moped to Lamborghini with no Honda in the middle is a formula for alienating consumers.  And that doesn't mean consumers are stupid or irrational.

So what does the rumors say now ? ^^ NX2 or goodbye Samsung ? 

As far as the US is concerned everything over here is the same as it was six months ago.  I'm still waiting for clarification from our European friends as to what they are seeing and predicting.  At this point I've heard every combination and permutation of possible events alluded to.

[Dean 135]

DPR asking Samsung directly now due to the EOS post ... the saga continues

http://***URL removed***/articles/8930601010/samsung-nx1-discontinued-in-europe-rumors-say-yes

 

[Werner H. Graf 6]

SAM and SUNG and are apparently two heads, what one says contradicts the other -  a Shxxxgame ....

[Jimmy 905]

 Some people think I'm making it up and sending trolling messages. The internet eh? 

 

Some proper idiots out there. You had some useful and relevant info and shared it.

Now the way it went viral is a great case study in how online rumours and sensationalism work!

[Oliver Daniel 1,540]

Some proper idiots out there. You had some useful and relevant info and shared it.

Now the way it went viral is a great case study in how online rumours and sensationalism work!

I agree. 

I've gone directly to Samsung to get answers about low stock levels, shared it here and the internet has blown up. I have nothing to gain from making it up, I run my everyday life on honesty. Nobody has asked for proof, even though I have it at my fingertips. 

I'm still waiting for a reply on a further follow up email, then I'll call it a day, move on and make a decision about what cameras I need for my low-cost 4k multi-cam setup and promotional stills package.

[Andrew Reid 10,319]

Widely read articles always bring a few trolls out of the woodwork who don't really belong in the EOSHD community and don't really read the articles here, who aren't really very passionate about filmmaking and who aren't really very interested in the blog.

The core of the community here is great. Thanks for sharing the news Oliver. And see what Jeff has to say at DPR. Initially he was skeptical, then he read the Samsung statement about discontinued laptops they gave PC Advisor... http://***URL removed***/articles/8930601010/samsung-nx1-discontinued-in-europe-rumors-say-yes

I say to the trolls on this thread, the very essence of ignorance and stupidity is not being able to put two and two together.

It isn't just one source (Samsung reps / customer support) saying the NX1 is done... It is a whole host of them around the world, all saying the same thing.

Oliver's finding was the tipping point for me. The moment where it all 'clicked'.

Maybe start checking some facts instead of taking every word some rep - who's name and function is uknown - says for 'official Samsung statement'

Julian! I have checked the facts. You want a list?

Fact - Media Markt / Saturn group in Germany say NX1 is discontinued, are running discounts to clear stock.

Fact - More than 1 specialist store in Berlin has told me Samsung are shuttering the camera business entirely, not just the major retailers

Fact - Samsung's very own customer support staff, very likely with permission from their bosses or head office have told us the NX1 is being discontinued. Not an isolated incident. Other users have had the same response separately, from other Samsung teams in other countries.

Fact - For over a month rumours have been in existence. The fact they are in existence is not proof by itself but put two and two together.

Fact - My own contact at Samsung is quiet, likely assigned to different division as per earliest rumours

Fact - The first sources of the rumours were reputable South Korean news sites

Fact - Stores globally have been clearing Samsung stock all at the SAME TIME. From Sweden to Australia

Fact - NX system sales haven't met Samsung's expectations

Fact - The statement Oliver had is word for word a match to previous official Samsung statements about discontinued products

Fact - Samsung haven't denied any of this when asked

 

The people arguing that the rumours are false are arguing on the side of insanity. Let's look at the possibility the "rumours aren't true"...

Do people really think more than one Samsung team in more than one country would say the business is over, they are going, NX1 is discontinued, do people really think that is normal behaviour or some kind of employee disgruntlement? Only if it were just ONE rogue reply by ONE member of staff could that possibly be true.

Add to that, do you think that random stores all round the world in Sweden, Australia, Germany would all suddenly join in just for fun, at risk of losing their jobs for spreading defamatory statements about one of the largest consumer electronics giants in the world?

Add to that, do you think the contacts I have after 5 years of working in the photo and video industry running a well known blog are also having a big laugh as well? Some of them directly to my face?

Add to that, do you think the NX1 has been a rip roaring sales success?!

Add to that, does anyone seriously believe the sudden clearing of stock, not replenishing old stock, dropping prices of lenses not just the NX1, do you think that is completely unrelated and that it doesn't give weight to the above sources of information?!

Add to that, do you think the similarity with the statement PC Advisor got about the laptops being discontinued is just a coincidence?

Yep... so mad to believe in rumours huh!?

[Antonis 81]

I personally feel that your titel for this article was rather confusing by itself, which lead to a lot of misconceptions and even some people labeling the original poster of the email (Oliver) as a lier. 
I'am not speculating over what is true or not true on this matter, just hope you can understand that some of the "trolling" is actually people asking for more transparent and less "sensational" journalism.
 

[Andrew Reid 10,319]

I personally feel that your titel for this article was rather confusing by itself, which lead to a lot of misconceptions and even some people labeling the original poster of the email (Oliver) as a lier. 

Antonis, if you want to call people liars then that's your problem.

[DBounce 1,273]

Well there it is then.  The only thing left is the official word from Sammy. Those that are bothered from this news have a few options,  keep your camera,  sell your camera,  or don't buy into the system if you prefer to be in a system with a future. 

No doubt in a short while NX packages with be available at hugely discounted prices. That's the way the cookie crumbles.

[Andrew Reid 10,319]

Well there it is then.  The only thing left is the official word from Sammy. Those that are bothered from this news have a few options,  keep your camera,  sell your camera,  or don't buy into the system if you prefer to be in a system with a future. 

No doubt in a short while NX packages with be available at hugely discounted prices. That's the way the cookie crumbles.

I'll soon be writing a review of the 16-50mm F2.0-F2.8 I just bought, if it's any interest to the users concerned about actually shooting films with their cameras rather than eBay resale value

The NX1's image in 4K will be competitive 2 or even 3 years down the line. Worry not.

By the way, regarding the official word from Samsung... I will be taking it with a pinch of salt.

It is likely they will deny everything, as it is close to Christmas and they want to shift the remaining stock.

The 'REAL' official announcement is probably timed for early 2016.

Samsung staff and retailers probably know this and they are angrily leaking.

That's just my opinion but a pretty strong one.

[Antonis 81]

Antonis, if you want to call people liars then that's your problem.

Cutting the corner short, are we?
I never said that and I highly value Oliver's contributions to this board.
Maybe the word "liar" was not the correct one to use, unfortunately English is not my main language.

Here it is in his own words ;):

Some people think I'm making it up and sending trolling messages. The internet eh? 

[Jimmy 905]

Has anyone checked if they actually discontinued the chromebooks mentioned in the other email template?

[Oliver Daniel 1,540]

I'll soon be writing a review of the 16-50mm F2.0-F2.8 I just bought, if it's any interest to the users concerned about actually shooting films with their cameras rather than eBay resale value

The NX1's image in 4K will be competitive 2 or even 3 years down the line. Worry not.

By the way, regarding the official word from Samsung... I will be taking it with a pinch of salt.

It is likely they will deny everything, as it is close to Christmas and they want to shift the remaining stock.

The 'REAL' official announcement is probably timed for early 2016.

Samsung staff and retailers probably know this and they are angrily leaking.

That's just my opinion but a pretty strong one.

I've received another response from the same person when questioning what he said about the manufacture of a "better or upgraded" NX camera. The response isn't entirely useful and he's now dodging the question (on future NX cameras), only now saying the NX1 could go into production again from public demand. Which doesn't really mean anything. The translation is weird so I'm struggling  a little to understand. 

I'll just leave it as that now.

Thanks for the people here who say I'm not a liar - I'm just a guy who wants to buy a camera and is sharing information to other potential buyers/owners of the NX1 system. 

[IronFilm 4,237]

If Samsung is really pulling out of the NX system and instead focusing on "emerging camera markets" then where on earth is their flood of GoPro like action cameras??? Or 360 degree cameras? Or other such emerging new camera markets. 

I reckon such statements coming from an *official* source sound a tad fishy... I'm not believing it yet. 

There's an $800 option if you buy used like a pro. 

Samsung has a pretty young lens lineup. I don't think it's fair to slam them for not having a Canon- sized selection of zooms. But you have plenty of other options, like primes and vintage stuff. 

The 16-50 also has some notable advantages over the Canon, like weather sealing and a faster wide end. 

I don't understand why you're so militant about Samsung's lenses. It's a young lineup; if it doesn't have what you want, adapt something or buy into a different system. Why sit here and rail against it? 

I'd still rather have Samsung's APS-C lineup than Sony's.

Wish Samsung would open up their lens interface, as even if it only a small market of buyers, if they make it *EASY* for manufacturer to make their 3rd Party lenses (rather than lots of effort put into reverse engineering) then we'd see the NX line up lenses fleshed out and expanded. Even if they only offered the specs to only one 3rd party, even just a small player like Tokina or Tamron (how many lenses do they released which are hot in demand? Nothing like Sigma that is for sure. But I'd welcome a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 on the cheap, would make the NX system much more accessible for everybody. Or bring out Tokina 100mm macro lens, which Samsung is lacking at the moment).

i really really really think you should do another review if you have the time. Maybe wait for the new Adobe update supposedly coming in the fall. This would generate a better impression of the quality of the camera since the update

Yes! This! It would help improve uptake of the NX system. I often link people to Andrew's older posts about the NX1, but it is so much better now in late 2015 than back when it was first released and reviewed. And it can be tricky to easily get that across to people when talking to them on other forums (such as the popular Frugal Filmmakers forum on Facebook). 

 

btw, for everybody waiting on a NX2, do remember we're likely to first see a NX50 before we will ever see a NX2. So first comes the NX50, then another waiting period.... and *then* the NX2 will arrive.