Samsung has revealed its flagship NX1 mirrorless model, with a 28MP APS-C sensor, 15fps and 4k video. Check out what else is new and our hands-on body tour.
Samsung has unveiled its flagship Compact System Camera, the Samsung NX1.
The Samsung NX1 arrives 18 months after the Android-powered Galaxy NX model and offers a feature set to rival some of the most popular current mirrorless models, such as the Fujifilm X-T1 and Olympus OM-D E-M1. Unlike those models, however, the NX1 boasts 4k video recording alongside Ultra HD and Full HD options, making it only the second mirrorless camera to offer 4k video recording after the Panasonic GH4.
The camera is powered by a DRIMeV processor said to be 2.8 times faster than the previous DRIMeIV engine found inside the Galaxy NX. Among other things, this allows the camera to capture images at 15fps with continuous-focus enabled for up to 16 frames, or to the capacity of the memory card being used at a slower 12fps.
The camera also arrives with a 28.2MP APS-C sensor which is notable for two reasons. Not only does it split from its contemporaries by offering a much higher pixel count than we’re used to seeing on such a camera – one said to be sufficient for an A0 enlargement – but it’s also based on a backlit architecture, something that’s usually reserved for cameras with much smaller sensors.
Theoretically, this should help the sensor capture light more efficiently than a sensor based around a more conventional front-illuminated structure, with the camera’s standard ISO 100-25,600 range augmented by an ISO 51,200-equivalent setting to suit a wealth of lighting conditions. Adaptive Noise Reduction technology has also been included on the model to help minimise unwanted noise in images.
As we may expect from a flagship model, the NX is encased in a magnesium-alloy body with 85 seals to form a dust and splashproof construction. The camera is also the first Compact System model to offer an LCD screen on its top plate, which displays exposure and shooting information, while microphone and headphone ports on the side expand the camera’s video functionality.
The camera features an advanced focusing system, with 205 phase-detect AF points joined by 209 contrast-detect points. 153 of the former points are cross type, making them more sensitive to scene details, with the entire system covering around 90% of the frame.
In line with other Samsung releases, the Samsung NX1 integrates both Wi-Fi and NFC technologies for cable-free image transmission, along with Bluetooth. Other notable features include a 2.36million-dot EVF and a tiltable, AMOLED screen which is equipped with touch functionality.
The Samsung NX1 is now available to pre-order! Click here for more details
Samsung NX1: Key Specifications
- 28.2MP APS-C BSI sensor
- DRIMeV processor
- Samsung NX mount
- 4k, Ultra HD and Full HD video up to 60/50p
- ISO 100-25,600 (exp. to ISO 51,200)
- 3in, tiltable AMOLED display
- Electronic viewfinder, 2.36million dots
- 205 phase-detect AF points (inc. 153 cross-type points), 209 contrast-detect AF points
- 15fps burst mode
- Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth
- 138.5 x 102.3 x 65.8mm
- 550g (excluding battery)
Samsung NX1: Body tour
The Samsung NX1 is now available to pre-order! Click here for more details
