Samsung Go Mirrorless: The NX10
Samsung have launched a new mirrorless camera called the NX10 and three NX-mount lenses to match; a 30mm f2 pancake, 18-55mm OIS (Optical Image Stabiliser) & 50-200mm OIS zoom lens. The fundamental features of the NX system are similar to the Micro Four Thirds system: Offering the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, compact dimensions due to the absence of an optical viewfinder and superior image quality thanks to a large sensor (relative to compact digital cameras).
The Samsung NX10 has two notable differences to the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic GF1. First, the 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor – It’s APS-C sized like most digital SLRs. This could offer a substantial advantage in low-light performance at high ISOs. The NX10’s sensor is 23.4×15.6mm with a pixel density of 4MP/cm2, whereas the sensor in the E-P1 & GF1 measures 18×13.5mm with a 5MP/cm2 pixel density. The second difference is the built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is useful when conditions are too bright to compose images with the screen.
What else is different between the NX10, E-P1 and GF1?
Quick NX10 vs E-P1 vs GF1 Comparison
| Samsung NX10 | Olympus E-P1 | Panasonic GF1 | |
| Megapixels | 14.6 | 12.3 | 12.1 |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 | 100-6400 | 100-3200 |
| Viewfinder | Screen or 921k EVF | Screen only | Screen or optional EVF |
| Screen (pixels) | 3.0″ OLED (614k) | 3.0″ LCD (230k) | 3.0″ LCD (460k) |
| Flash | Pop-up & Hotshoe | Hotshoe | Pop-up & Hotshoe |
| Image Stabilisation | In-lens | Sensor based | In-lens |
| Weight | 353g | 335g | 285g |
| Dimensions | 123 x 87 x 39.8mm | 121 x 70 x 36mm | 119 x 71 x 36.3mm |
The 3.0” screen uses AMOLED technology (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) which provides a response rate 10,000 times faster than conventional LCD displays, requires less power and offers an excellent 10,000:1 contrast ratio. The NX10 also features 720p HD video capture, contrast-detect AF and a sensor cleaning unit. The frame rate is respectable, managing 3 fps (for 10 JPEGs or 3 RAW files).
So, what’s the verdict – would the Samsung NX10 be on your comparison list while shopping for a take-me-everywhere camera?
(5 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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I’m afraid it wouldn’t be on my shopping list. I bought an Olympus E-P1 because they are an established brand and make great lenses; my only experience of Samsung is one poor mobile phone. m4/3 makes better sense as it’s an open standard with support from several manufacturers; is anyone going to licence Samsung’s mount? Can they make great lenses? Are they in this for the long term or, like their DSLR business, will it wither away? Strikes me as a bit of a risk compared with a more mainstream choice.
Dave WilsonI have bought an NX10 2-3 months ago as an alternative to my Nikon D300 and so far have been very pleased with the decision. This little camera is very well designed and has superb ergonomic handling.Picture quality is excellent and the Samsung lenses perform well.. The price point is very keenly judged and offers very good value for money. It is self evident that the DSLR market is dominated by Canon and Nikon and all other manufacturers struggle to compete in this marketplace.
StewartSamsung have produced very usable camera which is intended as an alternative to full size DSLR’s which can be very heavy and unwieldy for everyday use. I feel that Samsung have succeeded very well with the NX10 In producing a camera and lenses of good quality which are easy to carry around and use whenever the need arises.