The Samsung NX300 is a member of the category of DSLM cameras. Those models that use a large image sensor and interchangeable lenses, but do not have a mirror. These models are insulted with EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens) or other abbreviations and more frequently. And here there is much more to be expected, as one might suspect. Rarely do I report a voltage with a hasty conclusion, but the NX300 is one of the most sophisticated cameras that I've ever had in my hand. Although it costs a bit more than a glorified compact camera and is slightly larger, but it does in my opinion, much more incredible. I would advise everyone to who seeks a compact camera, at least try the NX300 once and to hold in your hand. Pure DSLR feeling, just stop without viewfinder. That's why I appreciate the Canon EOS 100D as the next largest competitor. But first, some facts now for NX300:
20.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor
ISO 100-25600
1080p video at 60 frames per second
Dual Band Wifi
3.3 inches AMOLED Kippdisplay with touch function
Hybrid autofocus
Adobe Lightroom supplied
modern retro design
First, some JPEG images directly from the camera:
Look and feel
The Samsung NX300 looks kind of new-old. She has an implied, but not a complete retro look, like the Fujifilm X20. Timeless beauty describes the appearance aptly, I think. From a processing perspective, there is also nothing to complain about. Nothing scrapes and everything feels absolutely dibasic. The trigger is smooth, but with appreciable positions for focusing and tripping. The on / off switch that surrounds the shutter is also blind to use. The mode dial and the knurled wheel on the top are smooth, fit in my opinion. The control buttons of the back are small but quite noticeable and have a good pressure point. Even with large fingers can reach all controls exemplary. Also, the tilting screen makes a good impression. On the right side there is a microUSB and a small HDMI connector located under a small flap. Even the small flap is not made of rubber wabbelndem as with many other manufacturers but made of hard plastic and makes a very good impression. Often there are small things that make a good product for just this.
The NX300 can be transported with a small wrist strap wonderfully in one hand. Although not suggesting the shape of the call handle, it offers an incredibly comfortable to wear. In my opinion, he feels better than some entry-level DSLR. Even when photographing it offers good grip. This allows the NX300 keep stable in your hand, as for example a Fujifilm X20. I have nothing to complain about and would not want to remodel the camera. Here Samsung has done much right in my opinion.
The impression can also be largely transferred to the 18-55mm OIS III lens kit. It feels in principle, very valuable and is supplied with a lens hood. Only the IFN-button and the AF-MF switch wobble slightly. Zoom and focus can be accurate and easy to operate.
Software and service
In principle, the operation of the Samsung NX300 has succeeded. In particular, the layout of your camera as aperture, shutter speed and ISO are easily accessible and easy to adjust. The menu is okay, but is not quite at the level of Canon DSLRs. The touch screen works well, but could be more gestures and larger buttons tolerated. The competition offers something more. However, I use a camera primarily through buttons and the thumb wheel, which is why a touch screen would be dispensable for me.
The folding screen can be swiveled up and down. This allows you to shoot from high and low positions. However, the display can not be pivoted so that also can see the subject in the live display as can other cameras with pan displays. By changing the viewing angle, the colors of the display vary greatly and often appear bluish or greenish. Since I usually leave the white balance by making the camera and take pictures in RAW, which enables a later change the white balance without loss of quality, while the discoloration of the display is a pity, but not significantly important to check the photo.
Autofocus and shutter speed
One of the main points of a DSLM masters the Samsung NX300 with flying colors. They focused accurately, quickly and quietly. Landscapes as well as macros. Even in the video mode focuses the NX300 accurately and adequately without pumping fast. A Dream!
The Samsung has 105 AF phase sensors that have been integrated in the image sensor. These are supported by a very good contrast-based AF with 247 sensors. This has for a DSLM incredibly fast and precise focus result. In macro mode, the focus takes a little longer, but it is also more accurate than many professional DSLR for many thousands of Euros. This is due to the operation of hybrid AF system. First, relatively coarse distance measured by the AF phase to the subject and starting from this, is the contrast AF exactly sharp. This works extremely well in practice, and is faster than one might think. The shutter lag is very low. A very good tracking AF and touch and release function of the display complete the package at the top.
Image quality and image noise
The picture quality of the Samsung NX300 is consistently good to very good. The images are sharp and the exposure balanced with a small tendency to underexposure. Where underexposure has the result that only rarely parts of the sky are burned. So can be lightened especially with RAW images on the computer again much. As a result, we have very good balanced exposed photos after only a small image editing. The dynamic range of the pictures is fine, but can not quite keep up with the big DSLR manufacturers.
For testing, I've uploaded here three NX300 RAW images:
Samsung NX300 RAWs
The image sensor allows images with ISO take 100-25600. Until ISO 1600 images are perfectly usable, then the noise is disturbing. The camera's internal Entrauschfunktion that comes with jpegs for use doing an excellent job. If you use images in web resolution, should be able to go sometimes to ISO 6400. Also located Yes supplied Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, with which even the noise can be minimized. Here Samsung has not only built a very good image sensor, but also thought along the software side.
ISO Test series: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,600, 3,200, 6,400, 12,800, 25,600
The macro functionality of the NX300 can be proud of. Through the good autofocus and low Minimum focusing distance of 18-55mm kit lens already succeed very good shots. A DSLR with a special macro lens offer here again, of course more, but that should be compared no DSLM with kit zoom lens.
The Samsung 18-55mm III 1: 3.5-5.6 OIS i-Function offers a good and sharp image quality. Of course chromatic aberrations and some lens distortion, but which are fixed at jpegs from the camera. For RAW images, corrects the supplied Lightroom lens error quite outstanding.
Below, first the original image, followed by an image section:
What can not be missing at a current camera of course, is a panorama function. Again, Samsung makes no mistake and delivers a good result and also the operation of the panorama function is simple and understandable.
Videos
Actually, I have already said the most important thing for video function. 1080p represents 60 frames per second and a very good balanced autofocus, neither inflated nor too slow, too fast or too loud sharp. These offers the NX300 even a dedicated button which can be used at any time to create a movie with stereo sound by pressing a button. The videos are good and make you happy.
Conclusion
Samsung has put together with the NX 300 is a very excellent package. You get a lot of camera for relatively little money. The NX300 dominates almost all disciplines and offers little weaknesses. These Samsung nor Lightroom 4 sets as photo editing software, which also use true professionals mainly. A better overall package I have rarely experienced. The offer is interesting for the beginner through to delivery, as well as for the professional who is looking for something portable with a good image quality. The integrated WLAN functionality allows the NX300 also operate via smartphone. Only the visual display quality left a mixed impression. But outweigh the other advantages of this small shortcoming.
Who calls for an optical viewfinder, will have the retro look and prefer something more compact, the Fujifilm should look at X20. If the frame size is not absolutely critical, one should look at the very small Canon EOS 100D even closer.
