Samsung NX1 review

It's not just the spec that impresses, the image quality is excellent as well

Samsung NX1
Editor's Choice
The compact system camera that has everyone talking

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Here are some sample shots taken indoors and outdoors to show the Samsung NX1's performance in a variety of conditions.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/60sec f/2.0, ISO 100. The Samsung 16-50mm f/2.0-2.8 lens supplied with the camera produces good definition even wide open (zoom in on the chandelier). Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/80sec f/2.8, ISO 400. Shooting wide open has given a very attractive depth to this row of lanterns and the defocused highlights in the background are smooth and subtle. Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/80sec f/2.8, ISO 100. Almost all of these sample shots were taken without any kind of exposure compensation, and the NX1 has preserved the rich depth of these dark tones surprisingly well. Clickhere for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/80sec f/2.8, ISO 200. The Samsung NX1's autofocus system is fast and positive, even in low light levels. You can move the focus point anywhere in the frame, though it's often quicker to use the centre AF frame, half-press the shutter to lock the focus and then reframe and shoot. Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/80sec f/2.8, ISO 400. Another default exposure that's come out surprisingly well. The metering system has not been over-influenced by the dark background and has captured the colors in the flag perfectly. Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/250sec f/3.2, ISO 200. These pictures were taken using the Samsung's Standard 'Photo Wizard' – a strangely novice-orientated term for a semi-pro camera. The colors are rich and intense. Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/60sec f/2.0, ISO 100. There's no sign of chromatic aberration or distortion in the Samsung NX1's JPEGs, which suggests that aberrations are being processed out automatically. We'll take a closer look at the raw files in due course. Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/500sec f/5.0, ISO 100. Outside in bright light, it's much easier to see the Samsung NX1's true resolution. The sharpness of the fine detail is impressive, though there are signs that clear edges are defined much more clearly than very fine and subtle textural detail. Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/500sec f/5.6, ISO 100. Many consumer cameras favour shadow areas at the expense of highlights, so shots like these can end up washed out – but the NX1 has produced strong, contrasty image which captures the feel of the lighting. Click here for a full-resolution version.

The NX1 produces strong, contrasty images.

1/250sec f/4.0, ISO 100. You would expect to see some color fringing around the fine twigs and branches here, especially at the edges of the picture, but the NX1 produces JPEGs with almost no fringing at all. Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/125sec f/2.8, ISO 200. This is the only shot that required any exposure compensation (-1EV, to capture the predominantly dark tones). One drawback (if it is a drawback) of the 16-50mm f/2.0-2.8 lens is that it encourages you to shoot a wide apertures – this shot has a relatively narrow plane of sharp focus around the pedal crank the the 'E' in the lettering behind it. The detail in the left edge of the chainwheel is impressive. Click here for a full-resolution version.

Samsung NX1 sample image

1/320sec f/4.0, ISO 100. The NX1 has captured a good range of tones here, and this is without its optional dynamic range adjustments. The cathedral in the background and the blue sky are on the edge of overexposure, but they're still rendered well and there's no cyan color shift in the sky. Click here for a full-resolution version.