This curvy 20.3-megapixel Compact System Camera (CSC) has a partially metal body with retro-modern styling. It employs a large sensor, the same size used in consumer DSLRs. Hence the zoom lenses are not tiny: but the Samsung 16mm, 20mm and the 30mm "pancake" lenses are very slim. To maximize portability, built-in flash was omitted, but a small external flash is provided in the kit. The hot shoe also accepts a more powerful optional flash unit, a bonus for serious shooters.

An upgrade over Samsung's NX100, the new camera employs an improved sensor, with new internal microlenses and colour filters for better image quality. Benefits include an increase from 16.4MP resolution, a 7 frames-per-second shooting mode (up from 3fps), more special-effects options and a Full HD Movie mode, now with stereo and more control options. The slot for attaching an electronic viewfinder has been omitted, but the bright, high-contrast three-inch active-matrix OLED screen, with 641,000-dot resolution, often works well for composing photos.

Samsung decided that the full-featured NX200 would target anyone who was trading up from a point-and-shoot camera specifically for greater versatility. Hence, the designers specified conventional controls, similar to those on some entry-level DSLRs. As well, recent Samsung NX lenses are equipped with an i-Function button. This clever feature allows for selecting ISO, white balance, shutter speed and aperture by rotating a ring on the lens while keeping the camera in its shooting orientation.

Features and Operation

This handsome CSC features a relatively large handgrip and an AMOLED screen that refreshes very quickly, for smooth display of video clips. The NX200 was upgraded so it allows for selecting additional features with the newest iFn II series lenses: any of six Smart Filters for special effects or the Intelli-Zoom function that trims off everything outside the zoomed area and saves the cropped image.

Naturally, all features can be operated in a familiar manner using controls on the body. There's a mode dial with 10 items, direct-access buttons for eight functions, plus an input dial and a multi-control dial. Press [Fn] to activate the Smart Panel screen for instant access to 14 functions. This makes operation convenient and quick, minimizing the need for scrolling through the 10 screens in the full menu after an initial setup to your own preferences.

In addition to auto modes, you'll find advanced modes and overrides; several autofocus and flash modes; RAW capture; three-frame bracketing for exposure, picture style or white balance; and fast drive speed. There are also nine tools for modifying JPEGs in playback mode, for correcting technical aspects or adding a special effect. Nine picture styles called Wizards are available, such as Landscape, Vivid and Portrait (with overrides for contrast, sharpness and colour), also including five for special effects. In fact, Samsung is a leader in creative effects options, also providing 10 Smart Filters and 13 Magic Frames: stock photos that you can use as frames when shooting small two-megapixel JPEGs.

Switch to Movie mode for Full HD recording in MP4 format at up to 30fps, and with fast or slow motion. Autofocus will slow down and the sound of the AF motor will be recorded on the audio track, since only the built-in stereo mic can be used with the NX200. Movie mode is quite versatile. It allows for recording in Auto or P, A, S or M mode with aperture, important overrides and Smart Filters or Wizards set in advance. When viewed on an HDTV, the videos made outdoors are fabulous, crisp and clear with nice colour rendition.

Accessories

Samsung markets three powerful flash units, an external GPS module (WGS84), a remote control device and 10 lenses, some with built-in OIS (image stabilizer) and/or the iFn feature. These include a 50-200mm telephoto zoom and 18-200mm iFn OIS, the very slim 20mm f/2.8 iFn, and the new wide aperture 85mm f/1.4. Additional lenses will continue to be released in 2012.

Speed and Quality

The NX200 starts up in a half second and reacts quickly to a touch of the shutter button. It can shoot 10 20.3MP JPEGs at 7fps; even faster burst options are available at lower megapixel levels. Image processing is quite fast, so the camera was quickly ready to shoot another burst. I never missed a shot during a colourful parade. Autofocus was fast and reliable with static subjects, even in dark cathedrals. The Continuous AF system is quite effective for moving subjects, but it's not intended for tracking high-speed sports action.

Especially at low ISO settings, the Samsung NX200 provides superb image quality. Dialing in some plus exposure compensation easily addresses a tendency to sometimes underexpose light-toned subjects. Photo by Peter Burian

In the standard Wizard style without overrides, the NX200 provided somewhat high contrast with very bright highlight areas, some underexposure of light-toned scenes, moderately high sharpness, slightly cool white balance and very punchy colours. All of these aspects were easy to modify by using other Wizards, and various overrides such as exposure compensation and Smart Range for greater highlight/shadow detail. Especially with the Super Fine level for quality, my low-ISO JPEGs at 20.3 megapixels were outstanding, suitable for prints larger than 13x19 inches.

Even ISO 800 allowed me to make nice 12x18-inch prints. At ISO 1600, extra noise-reduction processing provides a smooth effect, but tends to soften fine detail. Still, the JPEGs made for very good letter-size glossies after some extra sharpening in Photoshop Elements. There was more obvious loss of intricate detail by ISO 3200, as well as some "mushiness," but I was able to make decent 5x7-inch prints. Better high-ISO results are possible with one of two options: use RAW capture and tweak noise reduction in software, or experiment with JPEG capture at the lower in-camera level for noise reduction.

Conclusion

While it's not the ideal choice for frequent high-ISO shooting, the NX200 provides very high resolution, great speed and many capabilities. Its numerous options for special effects are ideal for creative shooters and scrapbookers. The combination of analog controls, the Smart Panel screen and the iFn option provides very convenient operation. While other brands get more attention, be sure to check out this 20.3-megapixel Samsung camera. You should be pleasantly surprised with the value of the high-tech amenities and the traditional features, as well as the fine overall performance.

Samsung NX200
PLUS
High 20.3MP resolution
iFn lenses allow for controlling some functions
Numerous special-effects options

MINUS
Does not accept optional EVF
Zoom lenses are not very compact

NUTS & BOLTS
Sensor/processor: 20.3MP (4,592 x 3,056 pixels) CMOS; DRIMe II Pro Engine
Capture modes: JPEG, RAW; JPEG with sound clip, HD video to 1080p/30 MP4 video with stereo sound
Lenses: NX mount
LCD/viewfinder: Fixed 3" AMOLED 614,000-dot screen, no viewfinder available
Operating modes: Smart Auto 2, P, A, S, M, Panorama, 15 Scene modes including 3D, Lens Priority, Movie
Features: Many flash modes; ISO 100-12,800; continuous drive to 7fps or 30fps at lower resolution; many overrides including bracketing; 9 Wizard styles with overrides; 15- and single-point AF with single, continuous and face-detect AF, supersonic sensor cleaner
High-tech amenities: iFn controls on many lenses, Magic Frames and Smart Filters, dynamic-range expansion, JPEG-modification options in playback mode, HDMI out, accepts optional GPS
Power: Rechargeable Li-Ion battery for 330 shots
Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Size: 117 x 63 x 36 mm (w/h/d, body only)
Weight: 320g (body only, with battery)
Price: $800 with 18-55mm II OIS f/3.5-5.6 iFn standard-zoom lens
Website: www.samsung.ca

Article Tags:  Samsung, mirrorless, compact, system, camera, NX200, NX100, interchangeable, lens, iFn, AMOLED, review, Canada