Samsung is often overlooked when considering cameras, but its NX Series of compact system cameras is well worth investigating.

Based around an APS-C sized sensor, similar to the Sony NEX series, this results in a crop factor of 1.5x. A reasonable selection of lenses is available to choose from, with most popular focal lengths covered.

The latest iFunction lenses enable common functions such as ISO, aperture and exposure compensation to be adjusted via the manual focus ring on the lens, providing an intuitive method for manual control.

Samsung NX1000

Price: £400/AU$650/US$550
Spec: 20.3MP, 1080p video, 3-inch LCD screen, Wi-Fi

Samsung's new NX1000 is the most light and compact member of its CSC lineup, but it houses the same 20.3 million pixel sensor as the NX210 and NX20, an APS-C format sensor and Wi-Fi functionality.

Although the NX1000 lacks the quality feel of the other NX cameras, it provides a lot of functionality. And given that it has the same sensor and processor, it should produce comparable images at a more attractive price.

Read our Hands on: Samsung NX1000 review

Samsung NX200

Price: £400/AU$500/US$700
Spec: 20.3MP, 1080p video, 3-inch AMOLED screen, 7fps continuous shooting

Samsung's flagship compact system camera sports an APS-C sized sensor with a whopping 20.3MP squeezed onto it, enabling very high resolution images to be taken, which are suitable for producing large prints. If shooting fast action, these huge images can be captured at a rate of 7fps, so it may be worth investing in a very large memory card to accompany this camera.

Sensitivities from ISO 100 to ISO 12800 can be selected, making the Samsung NX200 suitable for shooting in a wide range of lighting conditions. Full HD video footage can also be recorded. The sleek metal body is rugged, reasonably lightweight and contains a bright 3-inch AMOLED screen. There's no built-in flash unit, but a hotshoe connection for an external flash is provided.

Read our Samsung NX200 review

Samsung NX11

Price: £430/AU$600/Not sold in the US
Spec: 14.6MP, 720p video, 3-inch AMOLED screen, EVF

Samsung's NX11 has more conventional DSLR styling and is the only current NX series camera to sport a electronic viewfinder. The same 3-inch AMOLED screen found on other NX cameras is also fitted to the NX11.

A 14.6MP CMOS sensor should provide ample resolution for most users, and HD videos can be recorded at 720p resolution. A lens priority mode provides optimised exposure settings for the attached lens and scene. Pressing the iFunction button on the lens enables the correct parameters to be entered quickly and simply.

Read our Samsung NX11 review