Samsung has announced the NX11, a mirrorless camera nearly identical to the NX10 (released earlier this year) except for a new grip design and support for the i-Function lens system introduced with the NX100. i-Function lenses allow photographers to change camera settings using the focus ring and a special button on the lens. The specs otherwise remain unchanged: 14.6 megapixels, 3-inch LCD screen, and HD video of 720p at 30fps. It’ll come bundled with a 18-55mm kit lens for $650 in February 2011.

One of the big features touted by Samsung in the unveiling of the new Samsung NX100 was the i-Function lens system, which allows people to adjust camera settings traditionally handled only by the camera body. By placing an “i-Function” button on the lens, the focus ring suddenly has a dual purpose, becoming the “dial” that is traditionally used to change things like aperture and shutter speed.

To provide a better understanding of how the system works, Samsung has created an online flash simulator demonstrating the system.

What do you think of the usability of this system?

i-Function Lens (via 1001 Noisy Cameras)