What is the Samsung NX30?
The NX30 is one of Samsung’s primary DSLR-style compact system cameras (CSC). Like most of its CSCs it uses an APS-C sensor, this time with a 20.3MP resolution that’s virtually identical to the one found in the NX300. The caveat is it has some enhanced algorithms to improve photos, while the DRIMe IV image processor allows it to take shot from 200 ISO all the way up to 25,600 ISO. It replaces the NX20 in Samsung’s camera range.
Note: All sample photos are from pre-production cameras and should be treated as such.
Samsung NX30: Design
We often see subtle design revisions on modern cameras, but the NX30 is a fairly radical departure compared to the NX20. The handgrip is more pronounced and it’s incredibly comfortable and soft. This finely-textured grip adds a real premium feel, as do the quality feel in the controls.
There are plenty of quick access controls for the photographer, including drive, ISO, WB and AF. That's not forgetting the i-Function feature on compatible lenses that also provides quick adjustment of various controls via the manual focus ring of the lens.
Another design highlight is the electronic viewfinder, which takes the tilting EVF of the rival Panasonic GX7's a step further by integrating a double tilt mechanism to aid low-angle shooting. The EVF has an impressive 2,359k-dot resolution, though the EVF wasn’t the fninished article when we tried it so it’s too early to judge.
The NX30's rear screen has also been overhauled. It’s still vari-angle and 3-inches in size, but its resolution is up from 614k-dots to 1073k-dots and Samsung claims its 30% brighter. We couldn’t view the NX30 and NX20 side-by-side
While we couldn't compare the two side-by-side, on its own the screen is very impressive. Punchy colours, good contrast and the accurate touch sensitivity made it a joy to use in the short time we had with the NX30.
Samsung NX30: Features
Digging a little deeper into the NX30’s feature list, it features gapless microlenses for improved light gathering. The sensor also sees the pixel height reduced so light has less distance to travel, another feature aimed at improving the every vital low-light performance.
Contrast-detect and phase-detect AF combine to deliver a hybrid AF system, too. We didn't get a chance to shoot any moving subjects during our hands-on time with the NX30, but the AF in single shots was very good.
Other elements of note are the NX30's ability to shoot at 9fps, a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000sec, an Over Exposure Guide that warns of clipped highlights and 1080p HD video at 30p, while there's a 3.5mm microphone socket.
There’s Wi-Fi and NFC, too, which let you control the NX30 remotely using a phone – a feature that could become all the more enticing as phones get larger and have brighter, clearer screens on which to compose shots.
Finally, while some bundled Raw software can be fairly clunky to use, its really great to see Samsung offering Adobe Photoshop Lightroom with the NX30 – not just an older version either, but the latest version 5 that retails at just over £100, so this is a really nice touch.
Samsung NX30: First Impressions
Clearly the NX30 it has a lot of potential – it’s nicely made with a logical control layout and a strong specification. Samsung has done smart things with the design and fit and finish, too, making this a CSC worth looking out for when it comes out later this year.
