Samsung NX1000Price: Rs 34,900 Specs: 20.3MP CMOS, 1/4000, ISO 12800, FullHD video, SD card, Wi-Fi
We were not all that impressed by the picture quality of the Samsung Galaxy Camera. So when we got hold of the
NX1000 , which looks a bit like the Android camera, we were unsure what to expect. But the similarity ends at the looks, for the NX1000 is Samsung's first foray into the compact mirrorless space.
With an all-white body, the camera has a switchable lens. We tested with the 20-50mm lens, which comes with an i-Function that lets you control the camera with the lens ring. So if you are on shutter priority the lens rings lets you choose the shutter speed. The i-Zoom lets zoom in using the focus ring, but it's a bit tough to get right.
There is a mode ring on top and a control dial on the side of the LCD. The Fn button give you the settings for any mode and there is a lot even when you are shooting video. But there is so much to do here that a touchscreen is missed at times. Thanks to Samsung's expertise with screens, the LCD is real good. It actually makes pictures seem better than they are.
The NX1000 too gives you the option of shooting in RAW. It also gives you almost all the shooting options available on the DSLR, along with the Magic mode with frames and filters, a smart mode where the camera chooses the setting and a scene mode. There is also a Wi-Fi mode where you can link to a network and wireless network and share or sync your picture on online platforms. The Smart-link button on top lets you connect to a compatible smart phone and share pics there. The phone can also be used to control the camera remotely. And that is a real killer feature on this camera, though it takes a while to link up.
The camera has a 20.3 CMOS sensor and the image quality is pretty good. Though we had trouble with the auto-focus in close range, it was limited to the manual and semi-automatic modes. There is Manual Focus in case that is what you prefer. The camera also excels in low light, even if you are in full auto mode. Don't think that we are talking about the flash popping up to give you an extra bright picture, for this camera has no flash. That is an attachment, and hence a sore point. The low-light features are all thanks to the sensor and ISO.
The camera lets you do lots in terms of filters and frames. There is even a 3D settings, though we could not test the image. However, most of these involve a bit of processing and that takes a few seconds. Buy this camera as an upgrade from a point-and-shoot, one that lets you do a lot more.
SHOULD YOU BUY IT? Best connected camera option among compact systems
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