Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
Everyone likes a bit of gadgetry, especially when it makes life a bit easier. The NX100 is the latest CSC offering from Samsung, and unlike some other CSC offerings it utilises an APS-C sensor chip to potentially deliver improved definition. This 14.6MP camera is full of cool technology like the AMOLED screen and creative controls, but the most interesting addition is its i-Function lens.
i-Function The kitted 20-50mm (30-75mm in 35mm terms) and the optional 20mm prime lens carry a small button on the lens barrel that enables i-Function control. On most traditional cameras, you need to remove your hand from the lens to change some of the most common settings like ISO and white balance. Although this may seem like a minor inconvenience, the reality is that you are slowing down your response time by doing this, and could potentially miss a shot. With i-Function, your hand stays on the lens and you press the button to select either ISO, white balance or exposure compensation and then you use the focusing ring to alter the values. It’s a minor thing, but could make a great deal of difference when it comes to quick camera setup.
A change of style The NX100 is quite a lot different to its predecessor, the NX10. The NX10 looked very much like a DSLR, while the NX100 has been modelled squarely on a traditional compact, and actually looks a lot better for it. There is, however, no built-in flash or viewfinder, so these become optional accessories if those are features you desire. The 3in AMOLED display – superior to the LCDs favoured by other manufacturers – is an incredibly clear screen with excellent menu graphics. It’s a 14.6MP APS-C chip, which provides this camera with a better definition than other CSC models. The styling changes give the camera a very different feel, much more like some of the other CSC cameras. I do, however, feel that a more substantial handgrip or at least a rubber pad would have given a more secure hold on the camera. The controls are very impressive, with just a few buttons on the back of the camera and a very tactile rotating selection wheel around the key function buttons. The main shooting mode command dial is partially imbedded into the top-plate, which is a nice touch.
In terms of other features, the NX100 lacks one obvious benefit, which is built-in stabilisation either on the i-Function lens or in-body. It’s not an essential feature but it is certainly worth having, so it’s disappointing to find it’s not included. Tapping the Function (Fn) button on the back of the camera gives you access to two focus point options. There’s a multi-point option or you can select single point and move that point around the screen. You have plenty of creative shooting modes, along with RAW file capture and HD movie. It also offers Geo-tagging with an optional GPS module.
Performance CSC systems are not the fastest cameras you will find, and at 3fps you aren’t really going to be shooting extreme sports. The interface is really quite impressive, which makes the NX100 very easy to use. The camera’s metering is good, with a balanced output in most situations. It does, however, struggle at times with images appearing quite dark and some whites burning out in bright lighting, so the tonal range can be frustrating. Definition was a touch soft, which was a surprise for this sensor. Fringing is visible on a number of test images, which suggests that the lens is not delivering the best possible quality.
Final verdict We really like many things about the NX100, especially the i-Function lens and AMOLED screen. The lack of stabilisation and flash are two things that stand out for us as concerns, and may put some people off buying this camera. The image quality isn’t bad, but there are some minor issues that would not be found on a DSLR with a similar APS-C chip.
www.samsung.com/uk
Key specification Street price £429
Effective resolution 14.6MP
Sensor type 23.4x15.6mm CMOS
Crop factor 1.5x
Lens mount Samsung NX mount
Metering TTL 247 block segment
ISO range 100-3200 (expanded to 6400)
Shooting speed (max.) 3fps
Card type SD (SDHC)
LCD size 3in AMOLED
Video 1280x720/30fps
Live View Yes
Built-in stabilisation No
Weight/size (wxhxd) 340g/120.5x71x34.5mm