Samsung NX100 review

The evolution continues with the next NX: Samsung NX100

The NX100 is the second generation of compact system camera (CSC) developed by Samsung this year. Following in the footsteps

of the NX10 the new model takes on a more slimline look, akin to Panasonic’s GF1 or Sony’s NEX cameras.

Beneath the streamlined exterior, the NX100 still packs a punch with a 14.6MP APS-C sensor that stands it apart from the micro four thirds offerings from Olympus and Panasonic. This larger sensor, in theory, should produce image results similar to a DSLR, many of which also offer APS-C sensors.

Although we tend to focus mainly on camera bodies when we review, the big feature here is iFunction. Although this is accessed via a button situated on the lens, the iFunction feature changes the way you shoot. Depress the button and shooting options appear along the bottom of the three-inch AMOLED screen. Scroll through these by pressing the button until you reach the feature you want to manipulate. Choose from aperture, shutter speed, white balance, ISO, exposure compensation and scene modes. Then simply twist the focus ring on the lens to scroll up through aperture values or apply EV, for example.

The benefit of this system is that everything is available at your fingertips, without having to change your shooting stance. With the right hand on the Shutter button and the left cupped around the lens, changes can be made quickly, without having to look away and then recompose the original scene. We even tried this lens on the older Samsung NX10. After we applied the firmware update, we found the iFn lens and the viewfinder made for a great combination.

When Samsung launched the NX10 earlier this year, we applauded its inclusion of an in-body flash and EVF, something its competitors had failed to offer. With the NX100, Samsung has made the decision to offer a flash and viewfinder as optional extras, and not in-camera. While this might not be an issue with users upgrading from a compact camera, it will be for those used to shooting with a DSLR.

Composition is instead through a fixed 3” AMOLED screen. Although the display is bright, clear and easy to see in most light conditions, we can’t help but feel that with the excellent vari-angle screen on Samsung’s EX1, this flexible option could have been applied to the NX100 too. This aside, the Samsung NX100 does its best to appeal to both experienced and new users. The Smart Auto mode optimises all the camera settings to take a great shot with no input from the photographer, while the full raft of Manual modes, including P, AP, SP and M, mean that photographers who want to develop their skills can get creative with shutter speed effects and more.

Samsung has also included a 720p Movie mode. Shooting at 30fps and in mono sound, it’s high quality and the 25-min clip time will be enough for most users’ needs. The Still Image Capture within the movie-editing menu is great when you need both stills and video.

Shooting stills on a trip away, the compact system camera really comes into its own. Much lighter than DSLRs, it’s easier to carry as hand luggage on airplanes, or simply on a day out and about. Photos shot off the hip are discreet, as is composing with the AMOLED screen. Focusing is relatively quick, with a green square highlighting the part of the scene that will be locked onto. To change the focus point, simply half press the shutter to lock focus and then recompose.

While you can’t apply filters before shooting you can add them post-shoot, and these include Vignette, Miniature,

Fisheye, Sketch, Defog, Halftone dots and Soft Focus. Each Smart filter previews onto your image as you scroll through them, allowing you to apply only the effects that best suit your image.

Images straight out of the camera with no editing are nicely detailed, with bright colours for the most part. In very bright conditions and when left to its own devices the camera can suffer from highlight blow outs, but switch to Manual modes and this can soon be put right.

Shots taken in low light and at night need the addition of a tripod, as there is no on-camera flash to help out. That said, even shots taken handheld in a night-time street market are reasonable. There’s subject blur in the fore but detail remains good on buildings and structures. Noise is well managed too, with a loss of detail and some obvious grain at ISO 800 and above, as you would expect.

The Samsung NX100 is part of a group of cameras that represent a shift in photography as we know it. Aimed at a younger, more tech-savvy photographer, these CSC cameras are designed to offer maximum image quality with minimum fuss. Lightweight and compact enough to fit into everyday life and with enough features and editing options on board that images can be uploaded straight to a Facebook account, the NX100 will certainly appeal to these users.

It will also appeal to those looking to progress from a compact camera and build up their skills, with its Manual modes and fast, intuitive handling thanks to the iFn lens. Photographers used to shooting with a DSLR will also find much to tempt them on the NX100, not least of all the image quality, although they may be left disappointed at the lack

of features like flash, EVF or a vari-angle screen.

No matter what type of photographer you are, or what type of photography you capture, the Samsung NX100 is well priced, a joy to handle and produces some great images. What more could you ask for?