Samsung NX3000 SMART Review

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Review posted 12/09/2014

Quick Take
Pros
  • High photo and video quality
  • Very impressive low-light performance
  • High-speed burst works well
  • Group Share via Wi-Fi (4 smartphones)
  • Flip-up LCD for "selfies"
  • Attractive filter effects
  • Impressive battery life
  • Compact, light body (0.5 pound)
  • Attractive vintage body style
Cons
  • Auto focus can be slow
  • Auto focus is sometimes inaccurate
  • Full resolution burst mode is sluggish
  • Menus can be cumbersome
  • Small, optional flash is weak
  • 3x zoom of kit lens is modest
Bottom Line
This compact, Wi-Fi-friendly camera lets you swap lenses and excels in low light. But the auto focus is slow and inaccurate, and burst shooting is disappointing, making it a poor choice for demanding photographers. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
Early in the summer of 2014, Samsung announced a new retro-styled NX-series SMART camera, the NX3000. This stylish and compact ILC features a 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor (common in entry-to-mid-level DSLRs) capable of recording Full 1080p HD video, a fast 1/4000 shutter, and 5 frames-per-second Continuous shooting. The 3.0-inch Flip Up Display includes "Wink Shot", which will take a delayed picture when any framed face winks -- perfect for selfies.

The NX3000 also includes SMART mode, a variety of presets designed for different shooting conditions, as well as integrated Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. With both of these wireless connection options, you can set the NX3000 to automatically backup or share images, use a connected smartphone as a remote (secondary) viewfinder or even a baby monitor, and send multiple images to one or more friends. NFC alone adds the ability to Tap & Go. That is, it's easy to pair the NX3000 to a compatible Android device simply by tapping them together.

Finally, the included kit lens is a 16-50mm (3x) power zoom lens with optical image stabilization and a f/3.5-5.6 maximum aperture range. You also get a copy of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 bundled with every purchase.

Samsung NX3000 Features
  • 20.3MP APS-C CMOS image sensor
  • Included Kit Lens
    • 3x Optical Power Zoom
    • 16-50mm
    • f/3.5-5.6
    • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.0-inch Flip Up Display
  • 1/4000 Shutter
  • 5fps Continuous Shooting
  • Full 1080p HD Video Recording
  • Wink Shot
  • SMART Mode
    • Beauty Face
    • Best Face
    • Landscape
    • Macro
    • Action
    • Freeze
    • Rich Tone
    • Waterfall
    • Silhouette
    • Sunset
    • Night
    • Firework
    • Light Trace
    • Continuous Shot
    • Kids
    • Food
    • Party/Indoor
  • Wi-Fi & NFC
    • Tag & Go (NFC only)
    • AutoShare
    • Auto Backup
    • Mobile Link
    • Group Share
    • Photo Beam
    • Remote Viewfinder Pro
    • Home Monitor
  • HDMI 1.4a output
  • Bundled Software
    • iLauncher
    • Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5

The Samsung NX3000 is available in black, white or brown, and comes in two kit forms:
  • NX3000 with 16-50mm OIS Power Zoom and SEF-8 Flash - $529 USD
  • NX3000 with 20-50mm and SEF-8 Flash - $479 USD

See our best price box at the top right of this page for the most current online pricing.

What's in the box?:

  • NX3000 camera body
  • NX-series lens (depending on kit purchased)
  • SEF-8 Flash unit
  • Li-ion Battery pack
  • USB cable
  • Manual
  • Software (Adobe Light Room 5 / iLauncher / Samsung DNG Converter)



Additional Product Views

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