Our Verdict

The ergonomic differences between the NX100 and the NX10 are vast, and as such the NX100 is not a replacement but a more compact addition to the NX system. As far as style is concerned, the NX100 is a unique and elegant camera. However, the it lacks a good grip and its stylish curves hinder just how compact the camera could have been.

While the included 20-50mm i-Function lens excited me at first, the NX100’s lack of a built-in viewfinder restricts its benefit. However, it should encourage those photographers new to such controls to actually use them. What is perhaps more significant is the exclusion of IS in the 20-50mm lens, which would have been far more helpful and will need to be addressed with any future i-Function telephoto lenses.

The exclusion of a viewfinder is almost expected on this size and type of camera these days, but the exclusion of a built-in flash is perhaps a little more puzzling, especially considering the intended market.

However, the NX100 enters the compact-system camera market as one of the cheapest options and excels where it matters – in image quality. It looks great and its APS-C-size sensor with 14.6 million effective pixels ensures very good DSLR-quality images. It’s a great option for those on a budget looking for a compact camera with good image quality.

Samsung NX100: Focal points

Hotshoe
There is no built-in flash or viewfinder, but the optional extra flash and EVF can be attached via the hotshoe. This is also the case for the GPS module

Hotshoe accessory port
The 201,000-dot EVF syncs to the camera through this port

Exposure compensation
Key controls such as exposure compensation, auto exposure lock and the shooting mode dial are conveniently placed right next to the thumb

Movie record
The movie button doubles as the delete image button

Post-capture editing
While specific settings such as colour can be selected, many of these effects can be added post-capture.

High-speed burst
High-speed burst-drive mode captures images at 10fps, up to 3secs (a maximum of 30 frames) in JPEG mode only.

Lenses
The two new i-Function lenses available are the 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6, which comes with the NX100 as a kit lens, and the 20mm f/2.8 pancake lens. More lenses are being developed.

Dust-removal system
The NX100 has a built-in dust-removal system, which can be activated manually at any point. It can also be activated every time the camera is turned on, although it is switched off as a default.

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