Samsung NX30 review

Fantastic all-rounder with lots of added extras

Samsung NX30
The NX30 is great to use and produces excellent images

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We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using DXO Analyzer software to generate the data to produce the graphs below.

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.

These charts compare the results of the Samsung NX30 with the Sony NEX-6, Panasonic G6 and Olympus OM-D E-M10.

JPEG signal to noise ratio

Samsung NX30 Review

JPEG signal to noise ratio

Here we can see that the Samsung's signal to noise ratio performance is very good, being at the top of the pile for almost every sensitivity, in the lower end of the scale (ISO 100-800). At ISO 1600, it slightly dips below the Sony NEX-6, but jumps back to the top again for ISO 3200. For very high sensitivities (ISO 6400 - 12800) it is beaten by the other cameras on test.

Raw signal to noise ratio

Samsung NX30 Review

RAW signal to noise ratio

It's a slightly different story for the raw files (after conversion to TIFF), which appear to put in a much poorer performance. Here it is very closely matched with the Panasonic G6. It's likely that these results reflect how much detail is kept in raw format files allowing you to apply your own noise reduction, rather than letting the camera do it for you.

JPEG dynamic range

Samsung NX30 Review

JPEG dynamic range

For dynamic range, the JPEG files from the NX30 put in a consistent performance, being closely matched with the Panasonic G6 and the Sony NEX-6. It is clearly beaten here by the Olympus OM-D E-M10 though.

Raw dynamic range

Samsung NX30 Review

RAW dynamic range

Here again we can see a consistent performance, being most closely tied, but beating, the Panasonic G6. The Sony NEX-6 and the Olympus OM-D put in a much stronger performance here. The fairly flat shape of the graph reflects the warm saturated tones of the NX30, which is pleasing to the eye though.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.