Samsung NX11 review

Samsung’s latest CSC has DSLR looks and image quality without the hefty price tag

Samsung’s NX11 is a welcome addition to the compact system camera (CSC) range. It’s a great option for enthusiasts who want a camera that’s simple to use, yet has all the manual features ready to unlock. This eliminates the need to upgrade straight away and, what’s more, CSCs give the option to expand your collection of lenses, which will come in handy once you find the genre of photography that suits you best.

The main factor that sets the NX11 apart is its DSLR-like design. Where other offerings have taken on smaller, more retro guises, this is larger with a shaped handgrip. Manual and Auto modes can be selected via the mode dial and each button is helpfully labelled.

On board is a feature unique to Samsung: the i-Function button on the 18-55mm kit lens. This allows you to quickly change the camera’s key settings by turning the focusing ring. It’s a highly useful feature, enabling you to see the effect each setting has on your image by previewing the changes on the beautifully clear screen or the built-in electronic viewfinder.

Inside the NX11 sits the kind of large APS-C sized sensor that’s found in a DSLR, meaning the image quality is sharp and there is noticeably better performance at high ISOs. Autofocus is quick to lock on, only faltering in low light conditions. Alternatively, you can opt to focus the scene manually by flicking the switch on the lens.

There is also the introduction of an exciting Panorama mode. Users simply hit the button and pan the camera across the scene. The image is then stitched together and the results are impressive. Adding to the fuss-free features is the Smart Auto function and a choice of Scene modes that determine the optimum settings for the situation for you. It is this choice to flick between Manual and Automatic settings that makes the NX11 a highly recommended, viable alternative to a DSLR.