Samsung Electronics Australia has released the NX1 camera, which features a 28-megapixel APS-C BSI CMOS sensor, 4K and Ultra HD video recording and high-level Wi-Fi capabilities.
Angled front view of the NX1 with the 16-50mm f/2.8 lens. (Source: Samsung.)
Designed for serious photographers who are looking for fast continuous shooting speeds and efficient and powerful integration with mobile devices and social networks, the NX1 boasts a new DRIMe V Image Processor that enables the camera to support a maximum 15 frames/second continuous shooting speed with Samsung’s AF System III, which uses 205 phase detection AF points. This system includes 153 cross-type sensor points and boasts an AF speed of 0.055 seconds. Wide Phase Detection enables focus tracking almost anywhere within the image frame. The NX1 also includes the new Samsung Auto Shot (SAS) feature which can recognise high-speed motion and capture action by calculating an appropriate time to trigger the shutter.
The NX1 supports a native sensitivity of ISO 100-25600, with extension to ISO 51200. The sensor’s Back Side Illumination (BSI) structure reduces the signal-to-noise ratio and the DRIMe V processors applies the appropriate noise reduction processing to different areas in the image to retain detail without softening edges. The NX1 supports both 4K and Ultra HD (UHD) video recording using the new HEVC Codec (H.265) compression technology, providing flexibility and choice for recording movie clips.
Angled rear view of the NX1 fitted with the new 50-150mm f/2.8 S ED OIS lens. (Source: Samsung.)
The camera’s durable magnesium alloy body is splash and dust resistant and has a generous grip that is comfortable to hold. The monitor is a 3.0-inch tiltable FVGA Super AMOLED touch display with 1,036,000 dots. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is an XGA OLED display with 2.36 million dots and a lag time of just 0.005 seconds. The top LCD panel includes a UI Synchronized Status Window showing the current camera settings. The NX1 is one of the first Bluetooth 3.0-equipped interchangeable-lens cameras, enabling easy pairing (via NFC2) and quick transfer times with compatible smart-phones and tablets. Wi-Fi functionality (IEEE 802.11ac) provides quick data transfers and high resolution photo and video sharing as well as remote control of key shooting parameters via a connected device’s touch screen.
The Samsung NX1 camera is available now from leading photography and retail stores for an RRP of $1,899.00 (body only). Supporting the camera are two premium S lenses: the Samsung 16-50mm f/2-f/2.8 S ED OIS (RRP $1,499) and the new 50-150mm f/2.8 S ED OIS lens (RRP $1,999). A custom designed Vertical Grip VGNX01 is also available (RRP $329, sold separately), allowing use of a large battery and easy vertical and horizontal shooting. For full details of all products visit www.samsung.com.
Photo Review attended a media briefing to provide hands-on experiences with the NX1 and lenses in New Zealand. We plan to publish a review of the camera before Christmas.
