Samsung NX100 Review

Review posted 01/17/2011

Quick Take

Price

Pros

Produces beautiful 14-megapixel images indoors and out Robust shooting performance Compact frame Plethora of exposure modes and options High-quality 3.0-inch AMOLED display Captures nice HD video Smart Auto mode performed quite well during our tests Acceptable noise levels from ISO 100 - 3200 iFn lens system is very useful Good battery life performance Loads of optional accessories Four cool colors to choose from; Black, White, Brown, and Silver

Cons

No built-in flash White balance was off at times using the Auto setting Images captures at ISO 6400 a Very noisy Body feels a bit "cheap" to some

Bottom Line

Samsung has taken their popular NX10 and shrunk it down to form the NX100. With loads of useful exposure options, robust performance, and excellent image quality, the NX100 is a formidable opponent in the compact EVIL category. Read more in our Full Conclusion.

Samsung continues to set the tone in the EVIL market of mirrorless digital cameras. First it was with the introduction of the NX10, which was the first EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) camera on the market to use an APS-C sized image sensor in such a small form factory. Now, with the NX100, Samsung is unveiling yet another first for this class of powerful digital cameras with their new i-Function lenses. This new system allows photographers to control commonly used camera functions (like shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation) quickly and easily without ever having to remove their left hand from gripping the lens barrel. This is accomplished with the use of an i-Function button and a control ring on the lens; which also serves the manual focus ring.

The NX100 carries over many of the same features found on its predecessor, the NX10, including a 14.6-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, a 3.0-inch AMOLED display, 720p HD video recording and much more. However, all these are packed into a much smaller frame. With this compact size, there are some features lost, like the awesome built-in EVF that was on the NX10. However, Samsung has done well by offering external accessories like an EVF that attaches to the flash hot shoe; much like Olympus' PEN models.

Samsung NX100 Features:

• 14.6-megapixel APS-C CMOS Image Sensor
• Super Sonic Drive dust reduction system
  
• NX Lens Mount
• 3.0-inch AMOLED display with 614k dots and 100% frame coverage
• Fast, 15-point Contrast AF system with AF-assist lamp
  
• 20 shooting modes including Smart Auto, new Lens Priority and 14 scene modes
• RAW image file saving (RAW+JPEG available)
• Shutter speeds of 1/4000sec. ~ 30sec.
• Exposure compensation: ±3 EV in 1/3EV steps
• Two optical image stabilization modes when using OIS equipped lenses
  
• Continuous mode shooting at up to 3fps @ full resolution
• Burst mode captures 1.4M images at up to 30fps
  
• Spot, Center Weighted and Multi. Metering Settings
• Hot shoe for external flash units
  
• Powered by Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
• HDMI compatible
• SD/SDHC card slot
• Li-ion battery and charger
  
• Optional accessories: EVF, GPS Module, etc. 

The NX100 zoom kit is avaiable now for about $549.99 US, and comes in Black, White, Silver, and Brown.

What's in the box?:

• NX100 camera body
• Samsung 20-50mm F/3.5-5.6 ED iFN lens (depending on bundle)
• USB cable
• Strap
• Li-ion battery pack
• AC charger
• Software CD-ROM
• User manual
  

Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.