The Samsung NX-Series System

Since introducing their first CSC, the 15.1-MP NX10 with three NX lenses in January 2010, Samsung has been prolific in developing new technology and introducing new products. The NX10 was the only mirrorless camera to employ the large (so-called APS-C) 23.4 x 15.6 mm sensor in early 2010; most NX cameras still employ this size, although the NX Mini uses a smaller sensor for very compact size. The largest NX cameras are equipped with an electronic viewfinder and a hot shoe for an optional – external flash unit.

Most models include built-in flash and some models offer a tilting LCD. The large 20.3-MP Galaxy NX received a lot of press when it was announced in June 2013 since it employs the Android (Jelly Bean) operating system, allowing for use of the Internet and numerous apps. It also boasts Wi-Fi with 3G/4G and LTE technology, allowing for Wi-Fi anywhere that cell phone reception is available. Its electronic viewfinder offers 614,000-dot resolution and the LCD is huge: it’s a fixed 4.8” (921,000-dot) touch-screen display.

The Galaxy NX is competitive with DSLRs in feature set, including its Hybrid AF system, 8.6-fps drive mode, hot shoe for flash and many modes including Full HD Movie. However, it’s equipped with few analogue controls so the operation is heavily touch-screen dependent. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s the new 20-MP NX Mini that is tiny by comparison since it employs a small 1” (8 x 13.2 mm) sensor. Even so, it’s equipped with a tilting 3” (460,000-dot) touch-screen LCD. However, there are very few external controls so the operation requires the use of the touch screen for most aspects. It’s equipped with Wi-Fi of course, with NFC. This family-oriented camera offers P, A, S, M and 1080/30p Movie mode, a Raw capture option, the essential overrides plus 6-fps drive speed. Samsung has developed a lot of useful technology and features for the NX cameras, including the following.

LENS PRIORITY MODE

This mode provides scene options specifically designed for the lens being used. When users change to a specialized lens like a Macro, the camera recognizes it and automatically configures the settings that best match that lens.

ADVANCED HYBRID AF

The full-size cameras (such as the NX300 and Galaxy NX) use phase-detection AF to quickly determine the subject distance and then use contrast-detection AF fine-tune the focus. I-FUNCTION Many of the NX lenses are equipped with this feature, a control that allows users to change settings by rotating a ring on the lens. This allows the shooter to keep the camera to the eye while making changes.

I-DEPTH

This extra feature (NX300 and Galaxy NX) offers an easy way to adjust the depth of field for an image using the lens’s i-Function system. WI-FI NFC All recent models offer Wi-Fi with NFC but the Galaxy NX is particularly versatile with dual-channel capability for more reliable high-speed service when using the internet or transferring images and videos to a smart device.

ANDROID 4.2 JELLY BEAN

The Galaxy NX provides the Android OS functionality similar to what you get with a smart phone. Download Android apps to personalize the camera, edit images, add special effects, and stay in touch with friends and family.

LENSES AND ACCESSORIES

There are 13 NX lenses, some with an image stabilizer, covering focal lengths from 12 mm to 200 mm (the longer focal is available only with zooms). The series includes a unique 45-mm f/1.8 lens with 2D/3D capability. (For the effective focal length, multiply by 1.54.) Accessories are available too, such as cases, external flash units, remote control cables and filters.