Review Date: October 29, 2012
Category: Beginner to Serious Amateur
Photoxels Editor’s Choice 2012 – Interchangeable Lens Camera
USER’S EXPERIENCE
Wednesday, October 17, 2012 – Here’s what I receive in the box:
- Samsung NX20
- No memory card
- Li-ion Battery BP1310 7.4V 13000mAh
- Battery Charger BC1310 and power cord
- Shoulder Strap
- Body Cap
- USB Cable
- Documentation: User Manual (Basic Operation)
- Software CD: User Manual (detailed), PC Auto Backup, RAW Converter, Intelli-studio
- Samsung 1:3.5-5.6 18-55mm III OIS i-Function kit lens (Filter diameter: 58mm)
All DSLRs should be that compact. In fact, the Samsung NX20 is the right size and weight. It is light enough to hold in the hand all day long (without shoulder strap) and the buttons are regular size and therefore comfortable to operate.
The camera is intuitive and I picked it up and started using it right away. Unlike some camera manufacturers who sometimes like to have idiosyncratic controls, the NX20’s consistent approach is very intuitive.
The AMOLED screen display is simply beautiful. The NX20 menu is attractive and easy to navigate. It does not present the myriad of confusing options present on some DSLRs and I like the fact you never need to scroll down.
The self-timer is cleverly implemented and can be set to trigger the shutter anywhere from 2 sec. to 30 sec.
With the mirror gone, the NX20 features a large and bright high resolution electronic viewfinder that I could actually see in its entirety wearing my glasses. The icons and letterings are big enough so I don’t have to squint to read them. An eye sensor automatically switches the display from the AMOLED screen to the EVF when you bring the camera to your eye and vice versa.
The detailed User’s Manual is on the CD, is well illustrated and quite comprehensible. Though you don’t need to consult it to use the NX20 right away, take the time to read it from cover to cover and you’ll quickly discover all the many features of the NX20.
The Intelli-studio software does its job but I don’t like the pop-up windows. For example, if you want information about an image, you need to pop-up a separate window to view properties (though you do get a short version just by mousing over an image). Also, it does not display any of your RAW files, requiring you to launch the RAW Converter 4 to view and edit them.
A huge problem is that you must drag-n-drop RAW files from the camera to your PC. You cannot transfer RAW files using either Intelli-studio or PC Auto Backup. So, if you rely on either software, you may well leave your RAW files in the camera and then inadvertently delete them. This is an unacceptable situation.
What I like about the NX20:
- Very good to excellent image quality from ISO 100 to ISO 800, even ISO 1600.
- Complete shutter speed range available in all PASM modes.
- Compact, lightweight, very comfortable handling
- Fast and precise AF.
- High resolution AMOLED screen.
- Best screen info display.
- Probably the most intuitive mirrorless DSLR camera I’ve used
No review is complete without a couple of improvement suggestions:
- A Touch Screen display. Touch focus point and touch and shoot capabilities are so convenient and showing up in all the newer cameras.
- PC Auto Backup and Intelli-studio should transfer RAW files
- Provide sensor cleaning option at shutdown
- An Intervalometer and Double/Multiple Exposures capability
- Make the display of “help” text when selecting a shooting mode a Menu option. It’s very annoying.
Samsung has built not just a great camera, but every new lens and accessory it adds to the NX system makes the latter a better camera system that will appeal to many different types of photographers. Photographers need to know that their investment in its cameras, lenses and accessories will last a lifetime of enjoyable photography wherever their interests take them: whether to explore macro photography, portrait photography or astro photography. Samsung’s success will depend on whether it is willing to meet these varied demands from enthusiasts.
The Samsung NX20 is a great mirrorless DSLR for those starting into DSLR photography as well as those wanting to learn more about photography. It takes great pictures, is intuitive and is a mirrorless DSLR that beginner and serious photographers will enjoy using and obtain great results with. If you are looking to switch to a DSLR, add the NX20 to your list. Highly Recommended.
Next: Samsung NX20 QuickFact Sheet / Buy
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