Definitely the most impressive NX series camera to date

May 28, 2013 16:01 GMT  ·  By

The new Samsung flagship camera from the NX series, the NX300 has been recently launched on the market and it brings a fresh new look to the lineup, along with some technical features that were never embedded into previous models.

Although Samsung NX210 was a big step forward in terms of specifications in comparison with its predecessors, the NX300 takes it even further as the most impressive NX series camera to date.

Most of the features included in the previous NX210 model, Samsung’s last year flagship camera, have been upgraded and a few more have been added.

The first upgrade worth mentioning is the burst rate function, which was enhanced from 1/4000 sec to 1/6000. There’s more to it, as Samsung NX300 can shoot a continuous burst at 8.6fps, which is a very small upgrade from the NX210 that was able to capture a continuous burst at 8fps.

The addition of a new hybrid AF (autofocus) system is another plus that will certainly make a difference. Autofocus was not among the strong points of the NX series, but with the latest NX300 camera, I have noticed a considerable improvement.

According to Samsung, the new autofocus feature included in the NX300 camera is much faster than previous models.

However, photographers should know that the South Korean company does not bring any new feature into the mix, instead it adds the same piece of technology that its competitors have already been taking advantage of for quite some time.

With Samsung NX300’s camera, users have the option to capture photos using Single AF (appropriate for an immovable subject), Continuous AF (appropriate for a moving subject) or Manual.

You will also be able to choose from four AF area modes, depending on what Smart Mode you select: Selection AF, Multi AF, Face detection and Self-portrait AF.

Another upgrade from the previous NX210 model is the AMOLED touchscreen display, which is now slightly larger and features a better resolution.

Samsung NX300 comes with a 3.3-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display that supports WVGA (800 x 480 pixels) 768k-dot resolution.

As a basic user, I have found that tilting the display horizontally is a very important feature as it allows me to take pictures at low or high angles quicker and easier.

The NX300 is a compact camera aimed at those who are not looking for a professional camera, but wish to be able to capture high-quality pictures quick and easy.

Thus, Samsung NX300 offers no less than 14 Smart Modes to choose from. These modes allow users to take pictures with preset options for particular types of scenes. Each Smart Mode is explained, so you shouldn’t have any problems identifying the one you need for a specific scene.

There’s also a Panorama option that enables you to create a larger picture with elongated fields of view. Basically, the camera will shoot several pictures in a 360-degree arc and will stitch them to form a bigger picture that will show you not only what’s in front of you, but everything around you.

Another positive aspect of the NX300 series is the fact that it supports SDHC memory cards. Assuming you own a microSD adapter, you can also use microSD memory cards to store pictures and videos captured with the camera.

Not to mention that pictures and videos can be instantly shared online anytime, anywhere, as long as you have access to a Wi-Fi network.

Aside from Wi-Fi connectivity, Samsung NX300 offers NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, allowing for quick sharing with other NFC-enabled devices.

I am aware of the fact that NFC is not that useful to professional photographers, but Samsung does offer this feature and casual users will certainly want to check this one out.

Now, Samsung NX300 packs a brand new 3:2 aspect ratio 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which will allow you to take pictures of up to 5472 x 3648 pixels resolution. Pictures can be saved in RAW and JPEG formats (Super Fine, Fine and Normal).

   The camera can also record full HD videos in MP4 format at 50, 25 and 24p, which are appropriate for full HDTV output. Stereo sound is available as well.

Quality-wise, I have been surprised to notice that the camera produces excellent pictures in both RAW and Super Fine JPEG formats. The level of noise is at the minimum when shooting pictures at 800 ISO or lower, but as the value of ISO is increased past 1600, it becomes more obvious.

For what it’s worth, the 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor included in the NX300 does wonders for a compact camera intended for the large mass of consumers.

Besides the top-notch technical specifications, the NX300 offers a compact design that makes it easier to carry around and use.

   The white/black two-tone combination highlights the classic trait, while the shape and layout of buttons emphasize the easy-to-use aspect of the camera.

Some might complain that Samsung did not use metal buttons, but I found the leather-like plastic covering the camera’s insides quite nice to the touch.

The only issue I had is the battery life, which is shorter than what I would have liked. Samsung NX300 packs a BP1130 1130mAh battery that I think is mostly drained by the 3.3-inch AMOLED display.

   I should also mention that the NX300 does not feature in-built flash, but it comes with a small external flash in the sale package. I’m not sure if such a small flash would be enough for some consumers, but at least it’s there and you can use it.

Overall, I found the Samsung NX300 the perfect choice for those who wish to replace their smartphones with a camera that takes better pictures.

Although it costs a bit more than some of the most expensive flagship smartphones available on the market, the upgrade is well worth the money. Check out the samples below.


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Samsung NX300
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