Samsung NX100 Pro Reviews

The NX100 certainly looks the part and it works a treat for what it provides too. It's the lacking of a flash and viewfinder that will limit its prospective audience however and, although these can be purchased as accessories, this won't be to everyone's tastes. Although the body looks great and is well laid out, its generally large size is slightly confusing when considering that a more shrunken-down option with built in flash would be absolutely perfect to pop in a pocket or handbag. When it gets things right they're great however: the new iFn lens idea is simple yet effective, the promise of more lenses in the very near future will mark the NX as a strong contender to look out for and the autofocus improvements are much welcomed too. A more specialist release than its previous NX10 counterpart, the NX100 has a lot to offer. It's more of a ‘specialist' release and will appeal to the style-conscious looking for good quality, but the absence of a viewfinder and flash that may still prove a sticking point for many.

At first it was hard to know what to make of the Samsung NX100 digital camera. It took a little more work to reach this conclusion, given the very soft images we saw onscreen, but following our usual procedures revealed a camera with hidden qualities that cannot be denied. Fast autofocus, good industrial design, an innovative interface, and good RAW and printed image quality combine to overcome the Samsung NX100's few shortcomings, making it a Dave's Pick.

The Samsung NX100 faces stiff competition from the likes of Sony, Olympus, and Panasonic. It does have a larger sensor than its Micro Four Thirds cousins, but it doesn’t have the enticing lens selection and many of the refinements that we see in this class of camera system. There’s a 50-200mm zoom, two pancake lenses (20mm and 30mm), and a planned 18-55mm zoom that should have been included in the kit instead of the 20-50mm lens.

Overall, though, the NX100 is disappointment. The lens is good, but lacks image stabilisation, and the iFn control system isn’t as effective as you might expect. Low ISO performance is middling, video doesn’t hit the spot and neither does performance. The only saving grace is the low price but, even here, Samsung is undercut by the excellent Sony NEX-3.

Superb controls squeezed into a small space, but poor image quality in low light is a significant flaw for a large-sensor camera.

Let’s hope that Samsung takes the critiques seriously for future models. We are sure that this will be the case. The Samsung NX100 is a fine camera which delivers a lot of pleasure in photography. The quality is definitely good, with an excellent performing kit lens. Samsung is on the right path and the Samsung NX100 might just be a sales success, carefully claiming system camera market shares. Samsung has promised many new lenses for the NX-series for the coming period. If they all perform as well as the kit lens, the competition will be receiving a strong party. Remarkable, distinguishing and a good performer: Samsung NX100, recommended for the beginner photographer with ambitions!

As well as iFunction, other key selling Samsung NX100 specs include a 14.6-megapixel, APS-C-size sensor, high-tech rear screen and full 1080p HD video.

Clearly, Samsung thought the NX10 DSLR wasn’t small enough, and decided that a compact-DSLR hybrid would be even smaller and lighter. And it is. There’s no doubt you can walk around with it dangling around your neck with little fear of strain. The thing is, it’s not as radical as the Sony NEX and it has a slightly plastic feel. Mind you, it’s cheaper, and while the performance is more super-compact than mini-DSLR, it’s as unobtrusive as a compact but gives better results. There’s certainly a niche for the NX100; the light weight makes it a compelling alternative for those who want a bit more quality and control of a DSLR but not the weight.

With no flash or viewfinder, the NX100 will have limited appeal to the mass market. The new iFn lens compatibility and improved autofocus are both great and the AMOLED screen certainly adds some distinct individuality.

The Samsung NX100 is a natural evolution of the expanding NX-series, providing a more compact and lighter overall package than the existing NX10 model which competes more clearly with the Panasonic GF, Olympus EP and Sony NEX cameras. The NX100 isn't quite as small or as well-realised as we'd have liked, but it's currently by far the cheapest way to buy into the Compact System Camera revolution.

There's no doubt that the Samsung NX100 can take great pictures (and it's also a handy high-def video shooter) but we can't help but feel that it's a step back from the brilliant NX10. We miss the built-in EVF and flash and think these are key features that should be standard, rather than optional. On the bright side, the lack of these features means that the NX100 is smaller than the NX10. Even so, the camera is too big to be carried in a pocket. We prefer the extra size and features of the NX10. The NX10 is also cheaper!

Make no mistake. The Samsung NX100 is one of the least aesthetically and ergonomically appealing mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras we’ve ever held. It’s not a carbuncle like the Panasonic GH series but it’s not a stunner either. You’re not going to be the envy of any Olympus Pen or Sony NEX owners in terms of style despite the obvious hard work Samsung has put into that area. The difference though is that the NX100 will probably cost a little less than the brand new models from the other companies.