Samsung has produced some impressive compact system cameras such as the NX30 and NX Mini, but they don't seem to have grabbed the attention of the average enthusiast photographer. The NX1 looks set to change that however, as it has some ground-breaking features that will have keen photographers sitting up and taking notice.
For a start, the sensor inside Samsung's new flagship model is an APS-C format, back-illuminated CMOS device with 28 million pixels. It's the first time that we've seen a back-illuminated sensor larger than the 1-inch type and it should translate to better noise control in low light, because it means there's more room on the sensor for the light-gathering receptors.
There's also a new micro-lens array to enhance light transmission into the sensor and no anti-aliasing or low pass filter, for sharper, more detailed images.
This new sensor is accompanied by a new image processing engine, DRIMe V, which is claimed to be 2.8x faster than the previous version. This extra processing power enables an incredible maximum continuous shooting rate of 15 frames per second (fps), which knocks the Nikon D4S out of the park. This rate can be maintained for up to 77 Fine Quality JPEGs or 40 raw files.
There's also 4K video recording, a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-25600 (which can be extended to ISO 51200) and adaptive noise reduction technology that applies noise reduction locally rather than uniformly across the whole image. In addition, raw images are saved in 14-bit in single shooting mode and 12-bit in continuous shooting.
Autofocusing is handled by Samsung's new NX AF System III, which has 205 Phase Detection AF points (153 cross type) and 209 contrast detection points. These points cover the majority of the image frame. Samsung claims an AF speed of 0.055sec and operation down to -4EV (what it calls 'half-moonlight'). When light falls below -4EV a green focus assist light shines a grid pattern as far as 15m.
Samsung is using a new codec, H.265 (HEVC) and 40Mbps for its 4K video. This is claimed to have the same image quality, but half the size of 100Mbps H.264 footage. Although 4K footage can be recorded to the memory card (SD/SDHC/SDXC/UHS-I/UHS-II) it is also possible to send clean, compressed 4:2:0 8-bit 4K footage to an external recorder via an HDMI connection. Samsung is also working with a third-party provider to ensure that there are compatible rigs and recorders available for the NX1.
A Zebra view, which indicates areas close to burning out, and Focus Peaking further bolster the NX1's video credentials.
According to Samsung, the processing power and high AF point coverage of the NX1 has enabled the company to introduce some novel automated shooting modes called Samsung Auto Shot (SAS). These are being developed for specific scenarios and have yet to be finalised, but the pre-production sample NX1 that I used had a 'Baseball' option.
When this is selected, markers appear on the screen indicating where the batter should be in the frame. Once the shutter release is pressed the camera tracks at 240fps (it doesn't save files at this stage) and the claim is that it captures a shot automatically when the ball is hit by the bat after entering the frame.
There's also a 'Jump' option which is designed to take a shot when the subject reaches the maximum height of a jump. Samsung is in the process of considering and developing other scenarios – it could include a race option that takes an image when a subject crosses a line or perhaps a goal option for football.
In addition to the 3-inch, 1,036,000-dot Super AMOLED touch-sensitive screen, which can be tilted up through 90 degrees and down through 45, Samsung has given the NX1 an OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) for composing and reviewing images. Both of these devices are claimed to have a lag of just 5-10ms.
No Samsung camera would be complete without Wi-Fi connectivity and the NX1 is no exception (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac in this case). It also has Bluetooth 3.0 communication for making connections quickly with nearby compatible devices, as well as Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This means it should be quick and easy to connect the camera to a range of devices to allow remote control and image sharing.
A final note on the NX1's specification: the battery has a claimed life of 500 shots, and a vertical grip will be available that takes two batteries for longer shoots.
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