Samsung Galaxy NX as a bold gamble that, beyond the commercial success that ends up with, is a breath of fresh air for the industry. Samsung’s new camera approaches the combination of Galaxy Camera and a smartphone of last generation, in a body that mimics the ergonomics SLR and interchangeable lens system compatible with the system of the house. Recall their technical specifications:
- APS-C sensor of 20.3 Megapixel (identical to the NX300)
- Interchangeable lenses (18-55 mm. In the kit)
- Dual processor, 1.6 GHz Quad Core Android and Drime IV for image
- 2 Gbytes RAM. 16 Gbytes internal memory
- Formats: JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG
- 1080p video recording at 60 fps or 720p at 60 fps
- Gusts up to 8.6 fps. 1/6000 the maximum
- Android 4.2.2
- 4.8-inch Screen
- 3G/4G, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS connectivity
- Supports up to 64GB microSD.
In the hands, the Samsung Galaxy NX is a generous dimensions chamber and a weight that, a priori, away from the public who want something lightweight and portable. The photographic arguments of this proposal passed by a CMOS APS-C sensor of 20 megapixels which, next to the image processor DRIMe IV Image Signal Processor promise benefits more than enough for the target audience.
A fundamental difference of this Galaxy NX about the Galaxy Camera is the presence of two independent processors, a 1.6GHz quad core dedicated exclusively for Android and other photographic functions. The result is a fluid and agile operation, without the annoying stoppages that criticize a previous evolution.
The stunning 4.8-inch (921,000 pixels) is the main protagonist of the device. Although you can change some settings in practice is essential to use the touch controls through an interface more precious than effective. As we approach the electronic viewfinder, the screen turns off automatically and leaves to detect our keystrokes to avoid unwanted errors.
Actually, the camera application is very similar to what we saw in Galaxy and, as in this case, to change between standard and expert mode shifts in the numbers of user options have available. Details are added as an electronic level summary miniatures shooting modes or dials very accomplished cosmetic sliders but impractical when it comes to change very quickly between parameters.
The Galaxy NX can be controlled by voice (using a default commands), something practical if we want to move the camera or are doing a portrait. The incorporation of GPS for geolocation, the ability to generate GIF or combining fun image and audio to 9 seconds in a photo and image adds value to the product and distinguish it from similar alternatives.
As soon as we close the camera application we are faced with a next-generation smartphone that you only need to call by phone. A priori, this is a hardware capable of running any application but developers need to be encouraged to work on specific projects to take advantage of the features of your camera, especially in the applications of photography, video, editing, and other post-processing, something that did not happen in previous attempts.
So, download and install Snapseed without problem, but we realized that the maximum size of import is 2,304 x 1728 pixels, wasting the potential of the 20-megapixel sensor. As a counterpoint, we also had time to do a little test with RawPal and it worked perfectly. Since then, the Android ecosystem possibilities can carry these cameras to a level never seen so far, reducing dependence on bypassing the PC for many users.
In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy NX is an outstanding product. With support for 3G/4G, WiFi and Bluetooth offer all options to share or save pictures in simple and intuitive. Interestingly, the ability to take our photos to a backup in the cloud (Drive, Amazon, Dropbox …) automatically and, if we have other Samsung devices, we can send our images between them thanks to Share Shot.
Samsung Galaxy NX very well balanced body, smooth operation at all times, an easy to use interface and remarkable behavior, with bursts up to ISO 800 without serious problems of noise (in semi darkness, with artificial light) and a fast and accurate approach. On the negative side, switching between settings with the touch screen is cumbersome (especially with all options enabled expert mode) and not touches the shutter button and the display end up convincing at first sight.
The Galaxy NX mirrorless camera is a remarkable benefit that Android has its great argument to stand out from competitors. Support from developers (and Samsung’s own ability) will be essential for the user to perceive the added value of this product.