Review: Samsung NX1000

An entry-level camera it may be but this model is not short on features.

IF YOU have been looking for a DSLR-like camera with the functions of a smartphone and a budget price, look no further than the Samsung NX1000.

The NX1000 - an entry-level addition to the NX family - boasts rich images and fantastic colours thanks to its 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, as well as functions aimed at those who cannot live without social media.

The fact that it comes in black, pearl white as well as baby pink is a testament that Samsung values both form and function.

And in terms of function, this baby is definitely no lightweight (though physically it does seem scarily light, at least until you attach the lens.)

Stylish shooter

The camera's plastic body puts it a level below the NX210's metal one but this featherweight is awesome for people who would like to stuff it in a handbag and carry it around.

Size-wise, the lens does make the camera a little clunkier than the super slim ones in the market but with a picture quality that far outstrips those models.

NIFTY: The camera has built-in WiFi to enable speedy picture uploads.

Plus, it has built-in WiFi for uploading your pictures directly to Facebook, Picasa and other sites which makes the extra space taken up in your bag more than worth it.

However, you might not want to type long captions for your photos because the camera's keypad is rather unweildy. It's the type where you have to scroll through letters to select one.

You can also link the camera to your Android smartphone and use the phone as a remote viewing device.

So, you can place the camera somewhere out of arm's reach and use your phone screen as the display.

The i-Function button (i-Fn), found on side of the lens allows you to make quick adjustments to your picture.

NEAT: You can also link the camera to your Android smartphone and use the phone as a remote viewing device.

Aperture, ISO, white balance, shutter speed, exposure compensation and iZoom are all accessible by just pressing the button, and can be adjusted by turning the focus ring on the lens. Talk about convenience!

Also, there is a shot-to-shot delay - this isn't a problem if you're taking stationary objects, but if you were to be on a safari tour around the savannah, this might be a bit of an issue. Minor, but there nonetheless.

For those who like to play around with effects, there is quite a range to pick from: Fish eye and Panorama are only part of 10 Smart Filters and there's also a Selective Colour function, ensuring that your pictures will definitely not be boring.

Parting shot

Overall, there are many reasons to like the Samsung NX1000. For an entry-level model, it's packed with premium features that will surely satisfy users.

You also get high-quality photos with ease of sharing just like on a smartphone.

PLEASING: For an entry-level model, it's packed with premium features that will surely satisfy users.

Although there are a few issues but these are minor.

At RM1,999, the NX1000 is for those who want something that's not too pricey but still packed with features.

Pros: Affordable; packed with features; stylish.

Cons: A little plasticky.

NX1000
(Samsung)
Mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera
SENSOR: 20.3-megapixels CMOS
VIEWFINDER: 3.0in LCD (307,200-pixels)
SHUTTER SPEED: 30sec - 1/4,000sec, plus B
ISO RANGE: 100 to 12,800
SHOOTING MODES: SmartAuto 2.0, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Lens Priority, Magic, WiFi, Scene, Movie
VIDEO MODE FORMAT: MP4 (H.264) with AAC audio
BATTERY: 1,030 mAh BP1030 lithium-ion battery
STORAGE: SD, SDHC, SDXC
INTERFACE: USB 2.0 High Speed, WiFi, HD Video out, PictBridge Compliant, DPOF Compliant, Remote Control, Mini HDMI out
OTHER FEATURES: Mobile Link, Smart Link Hot Key, Social Sharing, e-mail, Remote Viewfinder, Cloud, Auto Backup, TV Link, geotagging with optional WGS84 GPS module
DIMENSIONS (W x H x D): 114 x 63 x 38mm
WEIGHT: 222g (without battery)
WEBSITE: www.samsung.com.my
PRICE: RM1,999
RATING: 4 stars

- Lim May Lee (The Star)