The Samsung NX1 is Samsung’s 28-megapixel APS-C camera. It features one of the most advanced APS-C sensors in a camera to date and seems to outperform the competition in almost every way, so I rented one for a week.
There are many interesting things about this camera, some good, some bad, but mostly good.
Samsung NX1, 12-24mm Lens @12mm, ISO 100, f8, 0.8sec
When I first picked up the camera, I wasn’t impressed. It’s got that old-school Canon DSLR feel that I think was a design mistake for an APS-C camera. Camera designs like this make me feel like a tourist more than a photographer, and it’s this reason why I mostly shoot with Sony and Fuji now.
To make it even worse, the menus are like bubble gum, making cute little selections and popping noises as you cycle through options. Come on, Samsung. I want a camera, not Candy Crush!
But getting past that initial shock, the thing is amazing! It is. The rear LCD screen is so clear, the camera is very responsive, the options you’re given are fantastic, and the image quality is amazing.
I want one, but I won’t get one, and here is why.
1. Because the lens mount is so far from the sensor plane, your ability to adapt other lenses to this camera becomes more difficult, and your options are limited. A metabones speed booster will be out of the question,n and Leica M lenses can’t mount without power tools. Canon EF and Nikon options are still very limited, and current Samsung lenses feel like cheap pieces of plastic with only decent optics.
2. While the camera is great, it’s only about six months ahead of the competition. Soon, Sony and Fujifilm will update their APS-C line, and they’ll all be just as good with 4k video and back-illuminated sensors but with vastly superior lens selections.
So, while the Samsung NX1 is an amazing camera, I think it’s worth waiting for the competition to catch up. However, I hope Samsung continues to develop and expand its mirrorless systems. The market needs more competition to shake things up, and Samsung has proven they can make an amazing camera with the NX1.
Samsung NX1, 12-24mm lens @12mm, ISO 500, f8, 1/30sec
Samsung NX1, 12-24mm lens @12mm, ISO 100, f8, 1sec
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