Review : Samsung NX30

Samsung NX30 Reviews

Samsung NX30 - The decreasing trend of the compact camera market, tricked various vendors to deliver mirrorless camera mode. Samsung as one of the players in this business more seriously to the presence of NX300. In January 2014 ago, Samsung officially launched its new flagship NX camera SLR style, the NX30 series.

Samsung NX30 still uses an APS-C CMOS sensor 20,3MP own design and Hybrid AF system as the NX300 compact camera. The SLR-style mirrorless camera brings handgrip shape that looks more like an SLR when compared to the NX20. Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) of the NX30 is also quite unique in that it can be pulled and bent upwards.

While other changes is the Super AMOLED screen of a higher quality, improved video capabilities, WiFi features a deeper, and there is NFC (Near Field Communication). As to whether the ability of NX series camera Samsung's latest flagship is this? Check out the review here.

Specification

• 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor with on-chip AF
• Hybrid AF system has 105 points and 247 points detection phase contrast
• Image Processos DRIMeIV
• Shutter speed of 1 / 8000sec
• ISO 100-25600
• Viewfinder XGA that can be bent up to 80 degrees
• Super AMOLED screen 3-inch
• More customization button
• 9 fps burst mode
• Video recording 1080 / 60p with 'dual IS', and setting mic input and audio level
• Uncompressed HDMI output at 30 fps
• Wi-Fi and NFC
• Features 'Smart Camera 3.0' with remote shooting, 'Group Share', and baby monitors
• Includes Adobe Lightroom 5

Design

In terms of design, the Samsung NX30 is somewhat more pronounced than the SLR like the previous version (NX20). Therefore, the shape of the handgrip at a deeper NX30, NX20 while more gentle. This handgrip changes make users more comfortable holding. In addition, the form also strengthen the grip of the fingers so as not slippery when held. Solid grip feels good when used in landscape or portrait.

Shape larger handgrip also contains more buttons. On top of the handgrip NX30 is now contained WiFi button, metering, and zoom. In terms of size, the Samsung NX30 body is bigger / higher of the NX20. Samsung NX30 body has dimensions of 127 x 96 x 58 mm and weighs 375 grams, while the NX20 122 x 90 x 40mm with a weight of 341 grams.

At the top of the menu there is a menu control rotary (dial) and an additional drive mode menu. This drive is a shortcut menu or quick access to change the decision of a single shot, burst shot, timer, or bracket. The same shape as the drive mode menu navigation control dial with rods. On the menu control dial Samsung adds functionality Auto, additional Custom, and WiFi for wireless connection settings deeper.

Video recording button is moved to the right near the drive mode menu. The key shift (at NX20 is near the menu dial) can avoid inadvertently video recording. But after we tried NX30 several times, this is precisely the shift key is a little difficult, because it was not quite fit with the fall of the thumb and the presence of slightly upwards. For the US and Europe, which generally have larger hands than Asians may not be too troubled by this.

In the camera viewfinder is quite unique and interesting. NX30 is Samsung's first mirrorless camera that offers the Electronic Viewfinder can be bent upwards. EVF with 2.4 million at this point could pull back so much longer, and can be bent up to 80 degrees. This feature helps the photographer to prevent glare when taking pictures in daylight. In addition, by pulling / lengthen EVF can also avoid touching the nose to the back of the camera body. In EVF Samsung NX30 also a proximity sensor that will automatically display the image in the viewfinder or on its 3-inch screen.

NX30 display panel can also be rotated up to 270 degrees as the NX20. However, the screen quality is higher than the NX20 NX30. According to Samsung, the 3-inch screen uses Super AMOLED NX30 with 1.04 million dots and 33% brighter than the screen NX20. This screen also receive commands touch (touchscreen) that allows users to search for focus or even directly take pictures.

Turning to the left side of the body, there is a port for a mic for audio recording externally. On the right side of the body there is a micro USB port and a micro HDMI. For the micro USB port, but used for data transfer, Samsung also use it to charge the battery, it is not included external charger / desktop in the sales package. At the bottom of the body there is a thread for a tripod, as well as the battery and memory card type SD Card is a door with it. At the top there is a hot shoe for external flash or other accessories.

The body is made of polycarbonate material, but it looks like plastic. But overall, the Samsung NX30 camera body that feels comfortable to hold and lightweight enough.

Performance

Performance section we begin with the startup time. Time (process) turn on the Samsung NX30 from the off state to the on fairly quickly. Experiments we did it only took about less than 1 second to make the screen straight on. As for taking pictures, no waiting time of about a fraction of a second.

For Auto Focus (AF), Samsung claims 35% faster than before. Once we tried the Samsung NX30 few days, we felt it was spelled AF quickly. Focus the search process in low-light conditions too fast. Lights green assists helped the AF of this NX30. Our experience in taking low-light objects found results accurate focus.

Thanks to the manifold touchscreen LCD display, the selection of the focus becomes easier. Quite touching the screen the desired spot, then the camera will automatically focus to that point. Not only tap-to-focus, NX30 also provides features tap-to-shoot. This feature can be found on the menu Touch AF.

We also tested a continuous image capture through Continuous High features. This mode can take 9 pictures per second with full resolution 20MP. When we try ability, this mode captures up to 39 frames. Initial frames captured quickly, but then slowed to a stop slingshot. We suspect there are technical limitations to the use of storage media. When testing we use the default Samsung SD memory HC class 10.

The process of continuous storage of images is ongoing although the camera has completed a slingshot. Interestingly, users can still take a new picture, despite previous image storage process was still underway. In other words, image storage is not close other processes. It is enough to help photographers to capture important moments that suddenly occur.

For the main screen measuring 3 inches we feel very satisfactory. Although used when noon with the sun, the colors shown manifold Super AMOLED screen looks sharp with good accuracy. Screen brightness can also be adjusted automatically as the Samsung NX30 also embedded light sensors. While its EVF we feel not as good as the screen size. After several attempts, we prefer to take pictures in live view with this NX30. However, it should be noted that if too frequent use live view would be draining the battery.

If used nonstop with live view is always active, maybe the battery only lasted half a day. But if not so often, about two to four times to enable live view in every moment, the battery is quite capable or the same as any other SLR cameras. Our experience when shooting with live view is quite active during the day with the sun, the battery is drained by about 50%. Quite frugal. Samsung NX30 uses 1.410mAh battery capacity.

Features

Samsung NX30 features brought quite abundant. Supports WiFi and NFC connectivity. With WiFi, users can directly transfer the photos / videos to the device to a computer, smartphone, or tablet wirelessly. If the NX30 is connected to WiFi internet access, users can instantly upload the photos / videos to Facebook, Picasa, YouTube, Dropbox, Flickr, or Samsung's cloud storage.

In addition, the wireless feature is also utilized Samsung to bring Remote Viewfinder and Baby Monitors. This feature allows users to see the live view cameras from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. One of its uses is to facilitate the photographer taking pictures of angle which is very difficult to reach or possibly harmful.

There is also a wireless feature called Auto Share are automatically transfer files to the device is connected, shortly after the photo was taken. This feature is quite help photographers who are in live action. For example, in a concert or ball game, a photographer assigned to take pictures, then the photo is sent automatically to the operator that will display the photo. Of course this will save time, rather than back and forth photographer must provide memory card.

On the shortcut keys, there is the Fn key which opens fast access to a number of controls, such as aperture, ISO speed, white balance, and more. While IFN button on the supplied 18-55mm kit lens also speed up access to the main settings, such as setting aperture, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and i-Zoom.

i-Zoom is a feature that furthered the view commonly known as software or digital zoom. So, the default lens, this camera has two zoom, the optical and digital. Here are our experiments using these features. Photos taken with a maximum optical zoom lens kit and plus i-Zoom x2. The images seen no reduction in quality, but the look is still very good.

Image Quality and Noise

From ISO 100 to 400, the image is barely visible presence of noise. While at ISO 800, when considered in detail, there is noise that appears start bit, but overall is still quite good. Samsung NX30 camera also features noise reduction. Balance between detail and processing camera to take photographs with ISO 800 is still pretty sight. Main details still visible in the ISO's.

The resulting color with congenital lens is fairly sharp. Saturation can be higher when activating the Smart Dynamic or HDR. In a live capture, color saturation can be directly regulated by Picture Wizard feature.

To capture low-light as the night the day, provided the Night mode on the control dial Smart. For ordinary users, this feature is very helpful, with the result that is quite good. Brightness enough with enough detail, although not as clear as daylight. This mode once took some photos in a snap and then incorporate them into a picture. Photos of the evening as the example photos below were taken using this mode.

Movie

Samsung NX30 video capture capabilities that we think is very good is the focus speed and stable. Occasionally, the focus during video recording looks rather difficult as the video below. But overall, the focus fairly quickly. Even more interesting, because it uses the touch screen, video recording can also touch-to-focus. In addition, the focus search with congenital lens is not noisy.

Samsung NX30 offers features such as dual-optical and digital stabilization. Recording that we try with the way the handheld is noticeably more stable and smooth.

For video recording, users only need to press the red record video only. No special dial menu for video mode. As for the settings can be accessed through the Menu button. Resolution video recording supported by the Samsung NX30 is 1920x1080 (50p), 1920x1080 (25p), 1920x810 (24p), 1280x720 (50p), 1280x720 (25p), 640x480 (25p), and 240 for the web. Movement or Multi Motion can be set from 0.25x to 20x. Mic audio settings can be set automatically or manually. This camera also features a Wind Cut capable of reducing noise / noise sound of the wind.

Excess

• Lightweight body,  a solid grip
• Many of the features that make it easy to operate
• There is WiFi and NFC

Shortage

• The price is relatively high compared to competitors

Conclusion

Slick Samsung NX30 camera combines innovation. A number of features and design bring a plus on this camera. Some like to form a compact camera, but there are also those who enjoyed the DSLR form. Each does have advantages and disadvantages. Compact mirrorless slimmer so not many eating places when stored. But DSLR design also has the advantage of grip strength through its shape typical handgrip.

This camera is not only suitable for professionals, but also beginners. The assortment of features at once memprecepat facilitate the operation of the camera. Some minor flaws such as the placement of the record became a little note from us. As for the picture to be one satisfactory among competitors, although only with the kit lens. For those who like to take a video, the ability of the stabilizer feature on this camera is also cool. Moreover, Super AMOLED screen can spoil the eye with a fantastic color, either while previewing photos or video playback. Ability touch-to-focus also adds to the ease of operation of the Samsung NX30 video mode.