Introduction and features

Samsung has produced some impressive compact system cameras such as the NX30 and NX Mini, but they don’t seem to have grabbed the attention of the average enthusiast photographer. The NX1 looks set to change that however, as it has some ground-breaking features that will have keen photographers sitting up and taking notice.

For a start, the sensor inside Samsung’s new flagship model is an APS-C format, back-illuminated CMOS device with 28 million pixels. It’s the first time that we’ve seen a back-illuminated sensor larger than the 1-inch type and it should translate to better noise control in low light, because it means there’s more room on the sensor for the light-gathering receptors.

There’s also a new micro-lens array to enhance light transmission into the sensor and no anti-aliasing or low pass filter, for sharper, more detailed images.

This new sensor is accompanied by a new image processing engine, DRIMe V, which is claimed to be 2.8x faster than the previous version. This extra processing power enables an incredible maximum continuous shooting rate of 15 frames per second (fps), which knocks the Nikon D4S out of the park. This rate can be maintained for up to 77 Fine Quality JPEGs or 40 raw files.

There’s also 4K video recording, a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600 (which can be extended to ISO 51200) and adaptive noise reduction technology that applies noise reduction locally rather than uniformly across the whole image. In addition, raw images are saved in 14-bit in single shooting mode and 12-bit in continuous shooting.

Autofocusing is handled by Samsung’s new NX AF System III, which has 205 Phase Detection AF points (153 cross type) and 209 contrast detection points. These points cover the majority of the image frame. Samsung claims an AF speed of 0.055sec and operation down to -4EV (what it calls ‘half-moonlight’). When light falls below -4EV a green focus assist light shines a grid pattern as far as 15m.

Samsung is using a new codec, H.265 (HEVC) and 40Mbps for its 4K video. This is claimed to have the same image quality, but half the size of 100Mbps H.264 footage. Although 4K footage can be recorded to the memory card (SD/SDHC/SDXC/UHS-I/UHS-II) it is also possible to send clean, compressed 4:2:0 8-bit 4K footage to an external recorder via an HDMI connection. Samsung is also working with a third-party provider to ensure that there are compatible rigs and recorders available for the NX1.

A Zebra view, which indicates areas close to burning out, and Focus Peaking further bolster the NX1’s video credentials.

According to Samsung, the processing power and high AF point coverage of the NX1 has enabled the company to introduce some novel automated shooting modes called Samsung Auto Shot (SAS). These are being developed for specific scenarios and have yet to be finalised, but the pre-production sample NX1 that I used had a ‘Baseball’ option.

When this is selected, markers appear on the screen indicating where the batter should be in the frame. Once the shutter release is pressed the camera tracks at 240fps (it doesn’t save files at this stage) and the claim is that it captures a shot automatically when the ball is hit by the bat after entering the frame.

There’s also a ‘Jump’ option which is designed to take a shot when the subject reaches the maximum height of a jump. Samsung is in the process of considering and developing other scenarios – it could include a race option that takes an image when a subject crosses a line or perhaps a goal option for football.

In addition to the 3-inch, 1,036,000-dot Super AMOLED touch-sensitive screen, which can be tilted up through 90 degrees and down through 45, Samsung has given the NX1 an OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) for composing and reviewing images. Both of these devices are claimed to have a lag of just 5-10ms.

No Samsung camera would be complete without Wi-Fi connectivity and the NX1 is no exception (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac in this case). It also has Bluetooth 3.0 communication for making connections quickly with nearby compatible devices, as well as Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This means it should be quick and easy to connect the camera to a range of devices to allow remote control and image sharing.

A final note on the NX1’s specification: the battery has a claimed life of 500 shots, and a vertical grip will be available that takes two batteries for longer shoots.

Build and handling

Samsung has opted for an SLR-like design for the NX1 and while it’s not in the same size bracket as the Nikon D4S or even the Canon 5D Mark III, it is quite large (138.5×102.3×65.8mm) for a compact system camera (CSC). It’s more Panasonic GH4 than G6, but many will feel that gives it more gravitas as well as making it easier to handle.

The NX1 has a magnesium alloy shell and is dust and splash-proof so it can be used in bad weather. It feels very nicely made and is exceptionally comfortable in the hand, with a deep front grip and an effective thumb-ridge on the rear. In addition, the dials all have a knurled edge and a very high quality feel.

Although the tilting mechanism of the rear screen feels a little stiffer than those on some other cameras, it does seem pretty tough. Samsung has used vari-angle screens on some of its past cameras including the NX30, and it would have been nice to have one on the NX1 to offer assistance when shooting upright images at low or high angles. However, we’re told that the company’s research indicates that this is a weak point and the NX1 is designed to be a tough camera for serious users.

Both the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and the AMOLED rear screen provide a clear view with plenty of detail being visible. I found the touch-sensitive screen responsive and the menu layout clear. While some of the icons look sophisticated, others however look a little like the illustrations in a coloring book.

I also noticed that the electronic level visible on the screen and EVF when the camera was held in landscape mode disappeared when the camera was in upright orientation. Hopefully this will be resolved by the final firmware.

To the right of the top-plate is a mode dial giving access to all the exposure modes that you’d expect (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual, program and automatic) as well as the Samsung Auto Shot (SAS) and two custom options. This dial has a lock to prevent it from being knocked out of place and helpfully it’s the type that you can choose to leave unlocked if you want.

Just to the side of the mode dial is a small LCD screen that displays key shooting data – this is a first for a Samsung CSC.

On the left of the top-plate sits the drive mode dial, giving a quick way of setting the camera to continuous shooting or auto exposure bracketing. This dial is topped by four buttons that give access to the AF, white balance, metering and sensitivity options.

Selections and adjustments are made using the front and rear control dials, the dial around the navigation controls on the back of the camera or by touching the screen. While the rear dial seems well positioned to the side of the thumbrest, I’m not so sure about the front dial which is behind the shutter release.

This seemed a little awkward to reach, but it may just be a case of using the camera for a few hours to get used to it and I’ll wonder what I was making a fuss about. Other controls seem well located and within easy reach.

As there are quite a few physical controls as well as the touchscreen, there’s more than one way to control the camera and locate or adjust the settings. The active AF point may be set with a tap of the screen or by touching the button at the centre of the navigation controls and then using the buttons of dials to find the one that you want. It’s pretty quick, but a more direct route would be even better.

When we first tested the Samsung Galaxy NX we found quite a few bugs in the firmware which had to be corrected after it had gone on sale. We’ll test the NX1 thoroughly to make sure that Samsung has learned from this mistake.

Performance and early verdict

The NX1 uses a completely new sensor and processing engine and we haven’t been able to examine any shots from it yet so I can’t judge image quality at this stage. Its pixel count is higher than other recent models like the NX30 and the sensor has a back-illuminated design; these should add up to better detail resolution without any major compromises in the noise levels at higher sensitivities, but only time and testing will tell for sure.

I was only able to use the pre-production sample NX1 that I got my hands on in an artificially lit basement meeting room and that wasn’t to the autofocus system’s advantage. It struggled a little in the rather gloomy (in photographic terms) conditions. Pointing the camera towards the skylights, however, made a marked improvement and subjects were brought into sharp focus extremely quickly.

I’ll make sure that the AF system is put through its paces when we get a full production sample in – I want to know if it can be used to shoot sport or music gigs in low light as well as how it performs in more average conditions. If this is a camera for enthusiasts, they will want to use it to shoot very subject imaginable in a wide range of conditions.

Early verdict

Samsung has certainly put lots of thought and features into the NX1. It looks and feels like a serious camera and it should appeal to enthusiast photographers who have yet to commit to a compact system camera (CSC) system. Samsung also has some nice lenses and the introduction of the 50-150mm f/2.8 offers the serious photographer’s favoured telephoto range of around 75-225mm with a fixed wide maximum aperture.

At £1,299 (approx US$2110/AU$1,175) the NX1’s price is not to be sniffed at, but seems pretty good when you consider how many features the camera offers and its durable build. However, Samsung needs to entice photographers away from more popular or traditional camera brands, so it can’t set the price too high.

While Samsung has used SLR-like styling, the designers are to be congratulated on managing to make it look so modern and up-to-date. I wonder, however, if it would grab the attention of even more photographers if it had a few more traditional controls – dials for adjusting shutter speed, sensitivity and exposure compensation for example; perhaps even a ring around the lens mount for controlling aperture. The lure of retro design is very strong at the moment and I think it’s more than just a desire to relive the past; it’s a recognition that some methods of controlling a camera just work really well.

That said, I’m a big fan of touchscreens, especially when they are as bright and clear as the one on the NX1 and combined with a helpful array of physical controls. A touchscreen offers a much more intuitive way of operating a camera, making setting selections and scrolling though images.

I also think that electronic viewfinders are the way ahead, allowing the photographer to see the impact of camera settings before taking a shot. I’m looking forward to seeing how responsive the NX1’s EVF is and if it’s possible to use it for shooting fast-moving subjects.

Zebra patterns in the EVF or on the main screen are also a very convenient way of seeing which areas are in danger of burning out, because they overlay the affected parts of the scene and don’t take up space like a histogram does.

High-end compact system cameras are an important part of the camera market at the moment and the NX1 is Samsung’s offering to this sector. I just hope that there are no firmware glitches like we found with the Galaxy NX when it first went on sale. If there are, enthusiast photographers will be very vocal about it.

Sample images

1/60sec f/2.0, ISO 100. The Samsung 16-50mm f/2.0-2.8 lens supplied with the camera produces good definition even wide open (zoom in on the chandelier). Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/80sec f/2.8, ISO 400. Shooting wide open has given a very attractive depth to this row of lanterns and the defocused highlights in the background are smooth and subtle. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/80sec f/2.8, ISO 100. Almost all of these sample shots were taken without any kind of exposure compensation, and the NX1 has preserved the rich depth of these dark tones surprisingly well. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/80sec f/2.8, ISO 200. The Samsung NX1’s autofocus system is fast and positive, even in low light levels. You can move the focus point anywhere in the frame, though it’s often quicker to use the centre AF frame, half-press the shutter to lock the focus and then reframe and shoot. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/80sec f/2.8, ISO 400. Another default exposure that’s come out surprisingly well. The metering system has not been over-influenced by the dark background and has captured the colors in the flag perfectly. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/250sec f/3.2, ISO 200. These pictures were taken using the Samsung’s Standard ‘Photo Wizard’ – a strangely novice-orientated term for a semi-pro camera. The colors are rich and intense. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/60sec f/2.0, ISO 100. There’s no sign of chromatic aberration or distortion in the Samsung NX1’s JPEGs, which suggests that aberrations are being processed out automatically. We’ll take a closer look at the raw files in due course. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/500sec f/5.0, ISO 100. Outside in bright light, it’s much easier to see the Samsung NX1’s true resolution. The sharpness of the fine detail is impressive, though there are signs that clear edges are defined much more clearly than very fine and subtle textural detail. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/500sec f/5.6, ISO 100. Many consumer cameras favour shadow areas at the expense of highlights, so shots like these can end up washed out – but the NX1 has produced strong, contrasty image which captures the feel of the lighting. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/250sec f/4.0, ISO 100. You would expect to see some color fringing around the fine twigs and branches here, especially at the edges of the picture, but the NX1 produces JPEGs with almost no fringing at all. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/125sec f/2.8, ISO 200. This is the only shot that required any exposure compensation (-1EV, to capture the predominantly dark tones). One drawback (if it is a drawback) of the 16-50mm f/2.0-2.8 lens is that it encourages you to shoot a wide apertures – this shot has a relatively narrow plane of sharp focus around the pedal crank the the ‘E’ in the lettering behind it. The detail in the left edge of the chainwheel is impressive. Click here for a full-resolution version.

1/320sec f/4.0, ISO 100. The NX1 has captured a good range of tones here, and this is without its optional dynamic range adjustments. The cathedral in the background and the blue sky are on the edge of overexposure, but they’re still rendered well and there’s no cyan color shift in the sky. Click here for a full-resolution version.

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