Samsung NX1000, NX210, NX20 Hands-On Preview

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict


Samsung NX Cameras

Samsung today announced a complete refresh of the NX mirrorless compact system camera line-up with a new entry level model, the NX1000, an updated NX210 model, and a new NX20 model. All cameras now feature the same 20.3 megapixel APS-C sensor from the NX200 (read our review), improved 8fps continuous shooting and built in Wi-Fi connectivity for direct uploads / backup and remote control of the cameras.

Samsung has also announced the following additional products:

• New 18-55mm OIS Mark III - with metal mount
• New 20-50mm Mark II - with enhanced design and IQ
• New remote shutter - SR2NX02 uses MicroUSB port (shown below)

Samsung NX Features

Samsung NX Cameras

As well as adding Wi-Fi features that are very similar to those found in the compact cameras, the remote control software enables the use of the smart panel controls using the smartphones touch screen. Another new addition is an i-Zoom function that allows the use of up to 2x digital zoom. A microphone socket has been added for the benefit of those who want to record videos, although all cameras feature built in stereo microphones and dedicated video record buttons.

NX1000	NX210	NX20
20.3 Megapixel APS-C Sensor	20.3 Megapixel APS-C Sensor	20.3 Megapixel APS-C Sensor
Samsung NX Lens Mount	Samsung NX Lens Mount	Samsung NX Lens Mount
ISO100 - 12800	ISO100 - 12800	ISO100 - 12800
1080p Full HD Stereo Movie Recording (H.264), 30fps	1080p Full HD Stereo Movie Recording (H.264), 30fps	1080p Full HD Stereo Movie Recording (H.264), 30fps
8fps (11 shots)	8fps (11 shots)	8fps (11 shots)
+/-3 EV	+/-3 EV	+/-3 EV
Shutter speed 1/4000 sec	Shutter speed 1/4000 sec	Shutter speed of 1/8000 sec
3inch 921k dots (VGA)	3inch AMOLED 614k PenTile (VGA)	3inch Clear AMOLED Swivel VGA
-	-	SVGA EVF with eye-detection
Smart Link Hot Key	AE Lock Custom Key	AEL Button
Samsung External Flash Included	Samsung External Flash Included	Built in flash
320 shot battery	320 shot battery	360 shot battery

Wi-Fi Features - we recently tested Samsung's Wi-Fi connectivity in our Samsung WB150F review and is featured in a number of compact Samsung cameras, however the NX cameras have improved functionality with the latest version of Samsung's Wi-Fi technology. Here's a run down of the main Wi-Fi features available:

• Mobile Link
• Remote Viewfinder
• Social Sharing (Facebook, Youtube, Picasa, Photobucket)
• Email
• Cloud (Microsoft SkyDrive)
• Auto Backup
• TV Link (DLNA)
• Wi-Fi Direct

Samsung NX Handling

Samsung NX1000

NX1000 - This features a plastic body, available in white, black or pink (due later), with an extremely light body, Samsung say this is the lightest compact system camera with lens, battery and memory card. The NX1000 has one less button on the back, and instead of the same control dial on top as the NX200/210, it instead has a Wi-Fi button to enable quick sharing of photos.


Samsung NX210

NX210 - The NX210 has a metal body, Wi-Fi, plus additional enhancements over the NX200 including an external microphone socket, colour select mode, movie cinema mode, compressed RAW and will also be available with the new 18-55mm Mark III lens with metal mount. For more on the NX210/200 handling, have a look at our Samsung NX200 review.


Samsung NX20

NX20 - The NX20 features a 3inch clear AMOLED 614k PenTile VGA swivel screen, SVGA EVF with eye detection, improved handgrip at the front, and is an update to the Samsung NX11. The camera gives quick access to your memory card with the slot on the side, and the electronic viewfinder appears to match the high quality of the screen on the back.


Samsung NX20 Swivel Screen - Rear

Samsung NX1000 Hands-On Photos of Equipment

Samsung NX210 Hands-On Photos of Equipment

Samsung NX20 Hands-On Photos of Equipment

Samsung NX Performance

As these are pre-production models we are not able to full assess image quality from these cameras, however due to them using the same 20.3 megapixel sensor as found in the Samsung NX200, we would expect image quality to equal or potentially better that of the Samsung NX200. When we have access to production versions of the cameras we will post full sample photos.

Value For Money
The Samsung NX1000 is expected in June for £599 with the new 20-50mm lens, the NX210 is expected in May for £749 with the new 18-55mm lens, while the NX20 is expected in May for £899 with the new 18-55mm lens. These prices are higher than the previous NX models introduction price, however these new models are also the most feature packed and we would expect the street price to be lower over time.

Samsung NX Verdict

The new range of Samsung NX cameras with built in Wi-Fi offer an exciting feature set with a high resolution 20.3 megapixel APS-C sensor, 8fps continuous shooting across the range, Full HD video with stereo sound and a good range of NX lenses. The most interesting feature that Wi-Fi brings is the ability to use a smartphone to remotely control the control panel using the smartphone's touchscreen. Of course there will be those that simply want to upload photos straight to Facebook, but it's the wide variety of options available with Samsung's Wi-Fi connectivity that make it the best Wi-Fi implementation we've seen on any camera. This should make the new Samsung NX cameras the first choice for anyone looking for a wireless camera that is capable of delivering the high image quality you get from compact system cameras.

Read the Samsung NX Series Announcement.