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The second Samsung interchangeable-lens camera without a reflex mirror or pentaprism, the NX 100 is much smaller and lighter than the NX10. The downsizing was achieved by omitting the electronic viewfinder and the built-in flash. This is a strategy that Sony has used for the NEX cameras; some Olympus PEN cameras also omit these features to meet the increasing demand greater portability. And this Samsung model is downright tiny when used with the unusually slim 20mm f/2.8 "pancake" lens for great overall portability.

In spite of its petite size, the NX100 employs a very large 23.4 x 15.6mm sensor with 14.6 megapixel resolution; the same size chip is used by the NEX cameras while Panasonic and Olympus employ a slightly smaller 18x13.5mm Four Thirds chip.

Accessories: If you must have the missing features check out the larger NX10 camera instead or add the new Samsung  (210,000 dot) electronic viewfinder and compact flash unit. As a bonus, the NX100 also accepts a new GPS receiver for geo-tagging photos at to the location where they were taken. All three accessories use the hot shoe however, so only one can be attached at a time. Other optional accessories include remote control devices, various types of cases and Neutral Density filters.

Features and Technology

This beautifully styled camera may be a bit small for large hands. It's best to support the NX100 by cradling the lens in your left hand. The new 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens is much smaller than the 18-55mm OIS lens that's packaged with the NX10. When not in use, the 20-50mm lens can be retracted so it protrudes by only 1.6-inches.

In spite of the downsizing, the camera retains the 3-inch AMOLED screen with 614,000 dot resolution. The display is very contrasty, provides a wide viewing angle and refreshes incredibly fast, ideal for viewing video clips.

Anti-Shake Systems: The NX100 body does not include an image stabilizer; nor do some of the lenses, including the 20mm and the 20-50mm models. Other lenses are equipped with an OIS stabilizer. To allow for faster shutter speeds in low light, the ISO options now range up to 6400, although optimal image quality is provided in the ISO 100 to 1600 range.  

Operation: The camera offers two input dials and other analog controls, though two fewer than the NX10; an [Fn] button provides quick access to seven functions. The Menu includes only the essentials to minimize complexity. Still all important features area available: a full series of autofocus options, including Continuous AF, Smart Range for greater detail in both highlight and shadow areas, RAW capture, many overrides and even digital depth of field preview.

New Control Method: The 20-50mm zoom and the 20mm lens -- and future NX lenses -- are equipped with an entirely new feature, an i-Function button. Press [iFn] and the function of the focusing ring changes; it can now be used to change camera settings.

In P mode, iFn allows for setting exposure compensation, White Balance or ISO option. (Pressing the iFn button again allows for scrolling through the options.) In Aperture Priority mode it provides aperture selection while in Shutter Priority mode, iFN can be used for shutter speed selection. When the camera's mode selector dial is set to iFn, pressing the button allows for scene mode selection with the focusing ring.  It does take some time to become comfortable with this entirely new method of control but it certainly can be quick and convenient.

Note: The NX10 camera also supports the iFn function; if yours does not, it simply requires a firmware update.

Features for Creativity & Special Effects: The NX100 provides many options for controlling  the look of an image. The nine Scene modes optimize the settings for specific subject types but nine picture styles are also available, including Forest, Retro, Cool and Calm for special effects. The Contrast, Sharpness, Saturation and Color Tone can be adjusted as desired by the user. Later, in Playback mode, JPEGs can be modified with features such as red-eye fix, backlight compensation, Face Retouch for flattering portraits, and the application of a different picture style and special effects Smart Filters.

Speed and Quality

The NX100 starts up in about 2.5 seconds (including auto sensor cleaning) and reacts quickly to a touch of the shutter button. It can shoot many Large/Super Fine JPEGs at 3 per second. Switch to High Speed mode and it can fire at an blazing speed of nearly 10 frames per second. Granted JPEG size is reduced in this mode to 1472x976 pixels. Image processing is quite fast so I rarely missed a shot during a running race.  

AF: In terms of autofocus speed and reliability, the NX100 is very good, especially with the new firmware for improved AF. In outdoor photography, focus was usually achieved in 1/4 second.  In dark locations, AF was slower as it is with most cameras. In a cathedral, autofocus was most reliable when using only the central AF detection point and rarely took more than 3/4 second.

Images at Default: In the Standard picture style, the NX100 provided somewhat high contrast, very bright highlight areas, moderate sharpness, warm skin tones, and very punchy colors, especially reds and magentas. All of these aspects were easy to modify by using other picture styles or with overrides. (To minimize excessively bright highlight areas, it's worth underexposing slightly and activating the Smart Range feature for for wider dynamic range.) My 14.6 megapixel Super Fine ISO 100 to 400 JPEGs were clean and richly detailed. Especially images made with the very fine 20mm lens were suitable for excellent 31 x 46cm prints.

High ISO Quality: The large sensor with oversized pixels provides great light gathering ability for a high signal-to-noise ratio to provide better than average results at high ISO levels. My best ISO 800 JPEGs look great as 11x16" prints. At ISO 1600, extra Noise Reduction processing provides a smooth effect, but tends to soften fine detail. Still, the images made for nice letter size prints after some edge sharpening in Photoshop. There was more obvious loss of intricate detail by ISO 3200, as well as some "mushiness", but after some sharpening in Adobe Elements, I was able to make decent 5x7" prints.

Video Capture

Switch the mode dial to the Movie icon and the NX100 will record 1280x720 clips at 30 fps in MP4 format with mono sound.

AF in Movie Mode: Autofocus (with multi-point sensor only) can be used while shooting a video but the system is slow and the sound of the AF motor is recorded on the audio track. (The same comment would apply to most DSLR cameras too.) Samsung does not provide a method for connecting the camera to an external stereo mic but the wind-cut function is useful on breezy days.  

Overrides: Important camera features can be preset in advance, including exposure compensation, white balance and any of the picture styles with their overrides.  Aperture control is available during video capture. While the NX100 does not provide the most versatile movie mode, the available features offer adequate control over the look of a video clip. When viewed on an HD TV, the movies are crisp and clear with nice color rendition and fine overall quality; the audio is acceptable for family events. 

The Bottom Line

In my estimation, the very compact NX100 would be a fine choice for families with both snap shooters and a more experienced photographer who does not always want to carry a large camera.  Only five lenses are now available (including two with an OIS stabilizer) but these cover the 18mm to 200mm range. Five others are in development: the 18-200mm Movie Pro, 60mm Macro with ultrasonic AF and stabilizer, 16mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.8 and the 16-80mm Home Movie lens.

While experienced photographers will prefer the larger NX10 with its built-in flash and 921,000 dot viewfinder, the NX100 is definitely more portable. When an optional flash or viewfinder is not attached, the camera with 20mm lens will fit into a large shirt pocket or a medium-size purse. And the NX100 includes all of the same automatic, manual and fully-automatic features with equally intuitive operation. The many creative and special effects functions should make it particularly popular with families. 

For additional information about the NX100, lenses and accessories, visit the Samsung Web site http://www.samsung.com/ca/consumer/camera-camcorder/cameras/nx-series/EV-NX100ZBABCA/index.idx?pagetype=prd_detail

Specifications 

Sensor/Processor: 14.6 MP CMOS (4592x3056 pixels);  DRIMe II Pro Engine   

Capture Modes: JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG, MP4 video at 1280x720 pixels @ 30fps

Lenses: NX mount; with adapter, Pentax lenses with manual focus only

LCD/Viewfinder: 3" AMOLED 614,000 dot screen; optional EVF 10 finder

Operating Modes: Smart Auto, P, A, S, M,  14 Scene modes, Movie

Autofocus: 15-point or 1-point AF, 35-point AF in Face Detect; Single Shot & Continuous AF

Flash: Accepts optional flash guns

Features: Many overrides; Continuous drive to 3 fps, to 30fps in lower resolution; digital depth of field preview; 9 picture styles with overrides; Smart Filters; dynamic range expansion; image modification in Playback mode; mono mic; accepts WGS84 GPS unit

Power: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery for 420 shots

Memory Cards: SD, SDHC

Size/Weight: 4.74x2.79x1.35 inches (121x71x34mm); 9.94 oz. (282g)

Current Selling Price with 20-50mm Lens: $599. in the US and Canada