Samsung NX mini review: a small camera with serious intentions

Samsung Electronics from the beginning of 2010 produces mirrorless camera family NX, equipped with a sensor form factor APS-C. Among them, there are both similar in design and control style to DSLR cameras, and more miniature, resembling compacts. Over the past four years, the NX series has built up a large stock of interchangeable optics. Nevertheless, this year the manufacturer has brought to market a completely new product for itself – a mirrorless camera with a 1-inch form factor sensor and a new bayonet mount. Let’s find out what it’s for.

The Samsung NX mini mirrorless camera

Technical specifications

Sensor – BSI CMOS sensor 13,2 × 8,8 mm, form factor1″ resolution up to 20.5 million. pix.

The lens is interchangeable, mount NX-M through an adapter – NX

Image stabilization – built into some interchangeable lenses

Dust protection – no data

No viewfinder

Display diagonal 7.52 cm, 460 800 pixels

Focusing – automatic by contrast and manual, 21/35 focus points normal/ macro , up to 10 face detection, single/continuous autofocus

Shutter speed ranges – 1/16000 to 30 s, shutter speeds by hand up to 4 min

Shooting modes – P, A, S, M, fully automatic, 16 specialized scene modes, HDR function, “Auto Brightness+” function,

Exposure metering is matrix, center-weighted, spot metering

Flash – built-in, guide number 4.9, the time of short sync 1/200 s

Sensitivity – 200 to 12800 ISO expandable to 160 to 25,600 ISO

Photo formats – RAW SRW , RAW+JPG, JPG 3 levels of compression

Memory cards – microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC, UHS-1 microSD

Continuous Shooting – up to 6 fps JPG/RAW at full resolution , 10/15/30 fps at 5 Mpix

Video recording – Full HD with auto, manual focus, manual and automatic modes, exposure and white balance. Final MP4 format H.264

Interfaces – microUSB, microHDMI, Wi-Fi, NFC

Powered by a 3.8V, 2330mAh battery

Dimensions – 110.4×61.9×22.5 mm

Weight is 196g with battery and memory card, no optics

Approximate retail price – 12 990 Dollars.

Introduction

When we start to look at Samsung’s latest mirrorless camera, it makes me want to look back and remember who this particular class of camera was invented for. The reason in this case is more than appropriate, because the mirror-less cameras were conceived as a smaller and lighter replacement for budget DSLRs.

Of course, size and weight are the most critical parameters for the weaker sex. And that’s where the Samsung NX mini hits the sweet spot – not only is it the lightest, most compact of its classmates, but it’s also truly feminine in design.

Design and equipment

In the case of the camera Samsung NX mini, the phrase “sophisticated design” was true, both literally and figuratively. This model has, according to the manufacturer, the thinnest body among mirrorless cameras. Not only mirrorless cameras though. The NX mini is even thinner than the similarly designed Samsung WB350F with a rigidly mounted screen, and has a slimmer screen.

Thanks to the use of magnesium alloy, the Samsung NX mini body is sturdy and lightweight. This combination would be ideal for a purse and would fit in without problems. However, since the LCD screen is not protected by anything and can not be turned “face to face with the body”, I would strongly recommend protecting the screen surface with a special film or to provide for the camera in a bag separate compartment or pocket.

Such care will not be superfluous as in a classic ladies bag there are always many different objects, and among them there is at least something sharp for example, keys that can scratch the surface of the screen.

The second version of the meaning of “refined design” is the combination of austere form and leather-like finish of the body. Probably many readers have already noticed that this has become a kind of trademark of Samsung for some families of smartphones and tablets.

Despite the abundance of buttons on the back, the camera design is laconic. It has no protruding parts or color and shape elements, which also makes the NX mini similar to mobile devices. But unlike them the color selection of this model is much wider: available in white, black, brown, pink and mint.

For a walk or a city-break, it’s easy to wear on your wrist on a slim, pretty strap. It’s included and matches the color of the leather trim on the camera body.

The camera also comes with a compact external flash Samsung SEF-7A, to connect which provides a jack on the top panel, fully closed in the off position blank.

The lenses

Not only the camera itself has a metal body, but also interchangeable lenses manufactured for the new NX-M mount, specifically designed for the camera. To date, two lenses are available: “pancake” Samsung NX-M9 mmF3.5 fixed focal length ED 24mm in 35mm equivalent and Samsung NX-M 9-27mm F3 zoom lens.5-5.6 ED OIS 24-73mm in 35mm equivalent with built-in optical stabilization. As you can see, in the initial position both lenses have an angle of coverage, quite sufficient for architectural and landscape photography.

Architectural shots that could only be taken at the minimum focal length of the zoom lens, with your back to the wall of the building. ISO 160, F6.3, 1/100 s, 9(24 mm.

“Pancake” Samsung NX-M9 mmF3.5 ED, as the name suggests, is shorter 12.5mm and is really compact – you can even slip it into your jacket pocket.

For flexibility, the 24 mm equivalent focal length corresponds to an angle of view that is wide enough for architectural and landscape shots, as well as for shooting groups of people. The latter is especially valuable when you find yourself in cramped conditions and can’t move back, such as when you’re in a friendly group feasting at a cafe.

On the other hand, it is almost impossible to shoot a classic shoulder and larger portrait with the pancake without distorting the face. However, most smartphone cameras now use wide-angle lenses, and the caricature-like self-portraits they take are no longer much of a problem.

Samsung NX-M 9-27mm F3.5-5.6 ED OIS compact enough 29.5 mm when folded down . Their range of focal lengths is classic stock zoom lens.

Below are examples of landscape photography taken at different zoom lens positions: 9 24 , 14(37 , 17(45 , 20(54 , 27(72 mm. Focal lengths in 35mm equivalent are given in brackets.

At the “long” end, the zoom has a portrait focal length, although the maximum aperture of F5.6 is a bit of a hassle when you want to shoot a classic portrait with a blurry background.

Since the sensor size of the Samsung NX Mini is inferior not only “full-frame” but also “cropped” DSLR cameras, getting a shallow depth of field is more problematic, but noticeably easier than with the classic compacts. However, this does not apply to macro mode, which will be discussed below.

Example of insufficient background blur for portraits. ISO 160, F4.0, 1/500 s, 14(37 mm

In mid-summer, Samsung promises to release another lens, which will almost match the “light-powered half-pint” – Samsung NX-M 17mm F1.8 OIS 45.9 mm in 35 mm equivalent . Note – the new lens will be equipped with an optical stabilization system.

The fact that the manufacturer still offers only three lenses for a new family of cameras should not upset potential owners, because with the NX Mount Adaptor MA4NXM on the camera you can install any of the numerous lenses manufactured for the mount NX. Surely the time is not far off when third-party manufacturers will start making adapters to mount other systems’ lenses on the camera.

Ergonomics and controls

Samsung NX mini camera is equipped with a 3-inch touch screen, so any owner of a smartphone and such people are now the majority will be very comfortable to operate it. By touching the screen with your fingers you can operate the settings menu, select the focus point and even shoot directly. When viewing with familiar smartphone gestures, you can swipe and zoom crop for in-camera processing .

Note that when shooting in the cold with gloves on, you can not use the touch control, but all actions can be done in the traditional way – with the physical buttons.

The screen rotates through 180 degrees, looking in the same direction as the lens. As we understand, this position is the most convenient for taking self-portraits and paired portraits. We found that putting the screen in this position turns the camera on, which means you can almost “run” to take a self-portrait against the background of something interesting.

And of course, the flip-down screen lets you get unusual perspectives by holding the camera at different heights. Since it can only recline upwards, convenience is enhanced when shooting from points below eye level.

Ergonomics are well thought out for carrying in a pocket or bag. All the buttons on the top panel and the video recording button are sunk into the body, which rules out their accidental pressing.

The other buttons on the back are small and don’t protrude much and are smoothed out. This also protects the camera from unwanted actions.

The on-screen Fn button brings up an active tablet with basic shooting settings. This is the so-called quick access screen for the main camera settings, which is now found in most DSLRs and other advanced cameras. It’s more comfortable in this case.

The fact is that the touch control allows a one-touch operation turning an information icon into an interactive control element, such as shutter speed, aperture, exposure and ISO adjustments performed by virtual control discs with markings on their sides. And if you hold your finger on any parameter, it remains on the screen alone, either in the form of a disk enlarged in size and a status bar, or as a strip with icons reflecting all the possible values of the parameter.

Because the Fn button is on-screen, the bottom multi selector button is used to partially duplicate it in creative modes, allowing you to cycle through the three key settings of the selected shooting mode: aperture/shutter speed, exposure compensation value, ISO value.

The Samsung NX Mini has one reprogrammable button, which in playback mode is responsible for deleting unwanted images, and in shooting mode, it can be assigned one of six custom functions. These include an aperture repeater, calling up the manual white balance function, turning on RAW+JPG shot saving mode, automatic and permanent exposure locking, and resetting some camera settings.

Pressing the central button on the multi selector activates the discrete position of the AF area performed with the help of the side buttons of the multi selector , as well as the size of this area offers 4 values . The last action is performed in a “smartphone” manner, i.e.e. just like when you zoom in on a picture with two fingers simultaneously sliding/sliding. Of course it’s much more convenient to move AF area not with buttons but with one touch to screen, but buttons as we remember will be useful in cold time of the year when we take pictures with gloves on.

Like most modern cameras, Samsung NX Mini allows you to set the range of sensitivity values. When the automatic selection includes the values from 200 to 3200 ISO. As standard, you can manually raise the top value up to 12800, but if you enable the range expansion function, it appears the minimum value of 160 ISO, and the top range expands to 25600 ISO.

The DISP button, as is customary on many models, is also used to control information on the LCD screen. In addition to standard options like the grid and histogram, it can include an electronic level reminiscent of the roll indicator on modern airplanes.

The menu is equipped with tool tips which make it easier to understand the camera functions: if you stop at an item for a while, an explanatory text phrase appears on top of it. Of course, all tips and captions are in American, and Samsung company traditionally Russify their devices on a high level. Menu scene mode, in addition to tips, accompanied by clear mini-pictures and names of typical scenes.

Power consumption and power supply

Samsung NX mini model is not only a record low size and weight, but also a modest “appetite”. Its replaceable battery with an operating voltage of 3.8 V and a capacity of 2330 mAh allows you to take up to 650 pictures, which is about twice the figure for most mirrorless and DSLR cameras. For many amateur photographers, this means that the battery will last a whole shooting day, or several days.

But even if you run out of power, recharging it is easier than with most other cameras. The fact is that this camera uses a standard microUSB connector for charging – just like in many smartphones.

In addition, the camera requires a small recharge current – only 550 mA. First, it allows you to use the same cable and charger as for your smartphone, and, secondly, you can recharge the camera on the go, without electrical outlet – from a laptop or a compact external battery, which the market now offers plenty. On a long journey, a small solar panel recharges your battery.

Creative camera capabilities

Since the Samsung NX Mini belongs to the advanced camera class, it is ready to work with any level of photographer. The camera has a variety of shooting modes, designed for users with any level of training, from beginners to professionals. The mode menu is displayed with round on-screen buttons and is accessed with a separate manual Mode button.

Auto, a mode designed for beginners, is an intelligent mode, i.e.e. The camera detects the type of scene and automatically selects the best settings. It does this confidently and recognizes quite a few typical situations.

When the camera detects objects close to you it triggers the macro mode when it detects warm shades of evening light it switches to sunset mode when the light conditions are poor it activates the flash. True, in the latter case, the camera may not always realize that the lens is in front of a night landscape where using a flash makes no sense. That’s why it is better to choose the scene program with the same name from the Smart menu section when taking pictures of night scenes.

A night shot taken in Night scene mode. ISO 3200, F5.6, 1/10 sec, 27(73 mm.

It can also detect human faces up to 10 . Detects the person you’re smiling or blinking to use that information to automatically take a portrait or group of people, including the photographer. A smile triggers an immediate camera response and a blink activates the self-timer after 2 seconds.

If the camera detects a rather large and light surface in front of it, it considers it a white background, which helps to correct the contrast of text documents.

Mode, named by the developers Smart Auto, offers a fairly large list of scene modes a total of 17 – the camera is well prepared to take pictures of various typical situations. Among these programs let’s pick out the ones that offer unusual capabilities.

Child Photo uses a fun sound that the camera makes when you half-press the shutter button, while focusing, to attract the child’s attention. Offers a choice of chiming bells, meowing and gurgling sounds. The camera also automatically takes and saves a series of five pictures in this program. “You have to pay for all this service with a lowered resolution of 5.9 Mpixels.

The “Best face” program saves pictures with the same reduced resolution 5.9 MPix and also takes a series of five frames. But, in this case, they are used to create a single resulting frame.

It is possible to select each of the faces recognized by the automatics in turn, and then with one touch to select the best option for it out of five they are displayed simultaneously on the screen in square frames , and after the correction of each portrait – to confirm the saving of the resulting image.

If you know beforehand what you are going to shoot in the nearest future, thanks to the touch control you can get to the necessary program quickly enough: press Mode button, then the screen button Smart Auto, then in the mosaic of scenes appearing you put your finger on the picture of the needed scene and confirm your choice with OK.

It’s even quicker to get into one of the so-called creative modes P/A/S/M : after pressing the Mode button, you just poke the button of the desired mode. By the way, there is also a button marked Wi-Fi in the mode menu. It opens a submenu of eight functions related to wireless communication. But we’ll tell you about them in a separate chapter.

A few bracketing options are worth mentioning among the advanced features. In addition to the classic exposure mode, you can select from 3 of the 9 available white balance brackets and depth of field brackets in 0.3 to 3.0 stop increments .

For those who like the automatic processing of photos as they are saved to the memory card, there is a “Snapshot Wizard” menu with 10 presets and three custom settings. You can set color shift, brightness, contrast, and sharpness corrections for each of these.

Those who like to process individual images right in the camera will find smart filters such as “miniature”, “vignetting”, “fish-eye”, “retro”, etc. For those who know how and like to process images on a personal computer, the camera includes a distribution of the professional program Adobe Lightroom 5.0.

Wireless features

With built-in NFC and Wi-Fi wireless modules, the Samsung NX mini camera offers an impressive number of collaborative scenarios with mobile devices running Android or iOS, as well as personal computers.

All wireless functions are grouped in the Wi-Fi submenu that can be invoked with the same name button from the modes menu and displays eight icons with the names of the available functions. Most require the free Samsung Smart Camera app to be pre-installed on your smartphone or tablet.

This is what the Wi-Fi function submenu looks like.

If your smartphone is equipped with NFC, the app will launch automatically when the NX mini is brought close to the sensor. MobileLinkChanges files between your camera and your mobile device over Wi-Fi, and it works both ways.

MobileLink OSD menu

That is, it can be still photos and videos taken by the camera and then copied to the smartphone, or vice versa, downloaded from the mobile device to the camera. Note that only files marked by the user will be transmitted.

The process of marking files to send to your smartphone

For photos, it can only be JPEG files, and the menu item “Image size in MobileLink/NFC” allows you to specify the size of the files to send to the smartphone – the original or reduced to 2 megapixels.

If your smartphone supports theGrouphare function, you can send files from the camera to several smartphones at once. This comes in handy when, for example, you take a picture of a group of friends and want to send each of them a photo or video immediately.

And if you want to be among your friends in this group photo, you can call on the RemoteViewfinder function to help you.It will turn your mobile device into a handy remote control with a familiar interface similar to the Camera app.

Another scenario of the NX mini and a mobile device working together is the automatic sending of photos to a smartphone immediately after shooting: as soon as a photo is recorded on the memory card in the camera, the file is automatically sent to the paired smartphone. TheAutoShare function is responsible for this feature. By the way, it will help if you forget to insert a memory card into the camera. A photo taken without being recorded in camera will go straight to your smartphone or tablet.

It would be appropriate to say that in the settings of NFC-connection you can set, which of the two functions will be automatically activated when you bring the camera to your smartphone – AutoShare or Remote Viewfinder.

TheE-mail function, as you can easily guess, allows you to send your photos and videos from the camera to a specified e-mail address. No smartphone required in this case – the camera automatically connects to the Internet through an available Wi-Fi connection. In addition, it remembers the last access point used and tries to automatically connect to it.

A virtual button “Social networks and cloud” activates the function of photos placement in popular social networks, media resources and cloud storage “Vkontakte”, “Odnoklassniki”, Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, YouTube, Dropbox . Of course, in order to send there your photos, you must be registered on the appropriate resources.

The AutoBackup function allows the camera to connect to a PC via WLAN and automatically copy all files from the camera to a previously selected storage medium.

If you install the Samsung Home Monitor app on your mobile computer, the camera’s built-in “BabyMonitor” function allows you to remotely monitor your sleeping baby. The camera’s built-in microphone makes sure you don’t miss his wake-up call. When the baby wakes up with a voice, the camera sends a beep to the paired mobile computer.

Wireless function menu from the camera screen.

And the last of the built-in features-SamsungLink-provides photographers who have officially registered their camera with the ability to save pictures to online storage, located at the link web address.samsung.com. Through a Wi-Fi connection, this feature also allows you to view photos and videos from your NX mini on DLNA devices connected to the same local network. And you can use the TV remote control to control the viewer.

In addition, the camera has a separate hardware button Direct Link, which can be assigned to activate any of the eight wireless functions described above. There is also a virtual button on the screen for invoking the three most common functions: MobileLink, RemoteViewfinder, and AutoShare.

This picture is taken from abdominal level, with the vision on the horizontally tilted screen. ISO 160, F4.0, 1/1000 s, 14 37 mm.

Advantages of a small camera

When shooting genre scenes the key role is often played by the photographer’s ability to keep a low profile, not the autofocus and continuous shooting speeds, the lenses used and other camera features usually used by professionals.

First, a photographer with a small camera is perceived by most people as an amateur. After all, they take pictures with similar “point-and-shoot” cameras or smartphones themselves. If even a photographer with a compact in his hands was noticed by a person who does not like to be in the frame or avoids publicity, it is unlikely to go to a conflict, because she realizes that if an amateur and shoots something “extra”, it is unlikely such a photo will go beyond a personal photo album on a social network.

The movable screen, which can be tilted to a tilted or horizontal position, allows you to make photo hunting even more inconspicuous. Because in this case, the camera will not be at face level, but lower – in the area of the chest or abdomen. The photographer tilts his head and looks up at the screen, making no mention of his desire to get a shot of anyone.

The Samsung NX mini camera allows you to control the shooting process by touching the touch screen. So the “spying” photographer won’t even be able to get away with pressing the shutter button, because you can do without it.