Customer reviews from Samsung US
Samsung - NX1 Mirrorless Camera (Body Only)
Average customer rating
4.9
(36 Reviews)
Rating breakdown 36 reviews
5 Stars
32
4 Stars
4
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
97%of customers recommend this product.
(
35 out of
36)
Customer Reviews for Samsung - NX1 Mirrorless Camera (Body Only)
Customer Rating
5
This Samsung NX1 camera is the leap in technology and quality we have been waiting for
on March 22, 2015
Posted by: twsNX1
from Victoria, BC, Canada
I took a lot of time reviewing cameras before purchasing the NX1, and really, after weeks of research, there really was no comparison in value or quality for overall abilities as experienced or offered with the NX1. I bought with the expectations to shoot both video clips and pictures of people and landscape, to use in business marketing initiatives, and with Samsung adding the next generation of 4K video quality and file size reduction with the H265, which is the future, I am pleased to know I am ready for the improvements that are around the corner in our future. My honest opinion is that anyone really investing the time into researching the new mirror-less camera capabilities, in comparison to the quality coming out of DSLRs, will see that the continuously updated versions of the NX1 and the newly launched NX500 are really the leading edge of the future in photography. The competition will undoubtedly be put on red alert, because I am sure that Samsung is just getting started.
My only complaints are that since this is new to market, and it will take some time for the heavily invested and biased DSLR folks to eventually accept the new premier product on the market, but it will come with Samsung continuing its relentless domination of the product and their capabilities over the next couple of years. The professional photographer market needs a few more S type pro lenses to strengthen the following and the NX500 needs to be marketed strong to the enthusiasts to help make people understand that you are getting twice the product for half the price. If Samsung gets the word out, there is no doubt the classic leaders in the camera market will be the ones struggling to try to keep the pace of product innovation set by Samsung, and the future of photography as will be experienced with the continuously updated versions of firmware offered with the NX1. Once this product builds its awareness globally, based on the two product price ranges of the NX500 and the NX1, more lenses will be made available, which to this point seems to be the only area the real professionals are asking for more comparable options or improvement, but there is plenty of options out there for the enthusiasts; we just need them to be in the stores in every centre globally. Marketing these products should be easy because the capabilities sell the camera alone and Samsung has a great reputation in brand quality.
Pros: Inexpensive, Durable, Realistic color, Lightweight
Cons: malaysia online chat access
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
LOVE this camera
on April 1, 2015
Posted by: Clickclick
Expertise:Intermediate
Best NX camera yet! I have owned several of the NX camera but this one is by far the best. No complaints at all. Easy to use, easy to learn, quality photos, FAST autofocus, nice menu design, good EVF.....can't find anything I don't like.
Pros: Bright display, Durable, Realistic color, body design, fast af, easy to use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
4
NX1 is a pro DSLR but...
on April 3, 2015
Posted by: cameradude1
from Dallas, TX, USA
Expertise:Expert
I'm a video professional and have been for more than 30 years. I've resisted DSLR video shooting because they tend to be difficult to use; judging focus, getting quality sound internally, rather limited dynamic range, and lack of robust codec. But these cameras have made such a foothold in the industry that I can't deny many clients want a DSLR option when budget dictates. They seem happy to live with the shortcomings and love the positives, namely shallow depth of field, and now, larger sensors and higher resolutions.
I recently sold a architecture project where I'd be shooting finished buildings, inside and out, 3 or 4 times a year. They wanted HD moving video as well as high resolution photographs. My first pitch to them was with my high-end camera package (once UHD recording becomes available) and I would shoot stills on a quality DSLR. But they choked on the sticker price. I still believed it was important that they build their library with both 4K & HD video and high resolution stills. I thought this might be the time to look for a DSLR that could do it all. After looking at the specs and reviews of the other popular 4K DSLR cameras, I came across the NX1. My first concern was the crop factor of x1.5, which was right in the middle of the other. One was four-thirds and the other full frame. The full frame camera has more robust, and already NLE friendly, codec with great dynamic range, but stills topped out at 12MP and 4K video was to an external device only, plus more money. The four-thirds camera was said to be a little too sharp, had less shallow depth of field and not great dynamic range, but great codec. I sat on the fence until I heard about the firmware update 1.22 for the NX1 and thought Samsung really wants this camera to work professionally. I saw a couple online video samples and liked most of what I saw, though people seemed to be concentrating only on the 4K video. It seems all DSLRs suffer from rolling shutter, but in HD mode, the NX1 does the best, (I read 9ms), way better then the others I looked at in HD mode. Though I plan to use the camera in 4K mode too, most of my current work will be in full HD for now.
What I am really hoping for is that the HDMI output will someday be recognized by my external recorder to up the codec, but so far only external recorder can take in the NX1 4K signal. Give me 1920x1080 output for all external recorders, Samsung!
I like most everything about this camera; the way it's designed, the simple menu, the lens adapters I can use (will soon have a PL adapter as well). After lenses, the next hurdle was the internal audio using an external mic. My mic needs phantom power so I got a low-end XLR pre-amp adapter, but the quality was poor, lots of camera hiss and not much gain. I had to turn the camera level up to 6 or more to get enough level. This makes for a lot of camera hiss. I replaced that one for one which boasts more noiseless power in the pre amp so I could turn the camera level way down, I mean all the way down to the minimum level of 1. Let the external pre-amp do the gain noiselessly and suddenly the camera has fairly good external audio. The external unit also has a AGC disable switch, which is badly needed to avoid the up and down room tone between words. It nearly eliminates this problem, but I'm hoping Samsung will allow the AGC to be disabled in camera with the next firmware update. However, in the end, I think I will record dual audio with a feed to the NX1 as reference. It's the only way to get truly clean audio.
I recently sold a architecture project where I'd be shooting finished buildings, inside and out, 3 or 4 times a year. They wanted HD moving video as well as high resolution photographs. My first pitch to them was with my high-end camera package (once UHD recording becomes available) and I would shoot stills on a quality DSLR. But they choked on the sticker price. I still believed it was important that they build their library with both 4K & HD video and high resolution stills. I thought this might be the time to look for a DSLR that could do it all. After looking at the specs and reviews of the other popular 4K DSLR cameras, I came across the NX1. My first concern was the crop factor of x1.5, which was right in the middle of the other. One was four-thirds and the other full frame. The full frame camera has more robust, and already NLE friendly, codec with great dynamic range, but stills topped out at 12MP and 4K video was to an external device only, plus more money. The four-thirds camera was said to be a little too sharp, had less shallow depth of field and not great dynamic range, but great codec. I sat on the fence until I heard about the firmware update 1.22 for the NX1 and thought Samsung really wants this camera to work professionally. I saw a couple online video samples and liked most of what I saw, though people seemed to be concentrating only on the 4K video. It seems all DSLRs suffer from rolling shutter, but in HD mode, the NX1 does the best, (I read 9ms), way better then the others I looked at in HD mode. Though I plan to use the camera in 4K mode too, most of my current work will be in full HD for now.
What I am really hoping for is that the HDMI output will someday be recognized by my external recorder to up the codec, but so far only external recorder can take in the NX1 4K signal. Give me 1920x1080 output for all external recorders, Samsung!
I like most everything about this camera; the way it's designed, the simple menu, the lens adapters I can use (will soon have a PL adapter as well). After lenses, the next hurdle was the internal audio using an external mic. My mic needs phantom power so I got a low-end XLR pre-amp adapter, but the quality was poor, lots of camera hiss and not much gain. I had to turn the camera level up to 6 or more to get enough level. This makes for a lot of camera hiss. I replaced that one for one which boasts more noiseless power in the pre amp so I could turn the camera level way down, I mean all the way down to the minimum level of 1. Let the external pre-amp do the gain noiselessly and suddenly the camera has fairly good external audio. The external unit also has a AGC disable switch, which is badly needed to avoid the up and down room tone between words. It nearly eliminates this problem, but I'm hoping Samsung will allow the AGC to be disabled in camera with the next firmware update. However, in the end, I think I will record dual audio with a feed to the NX1 as reference. It's the only way to get truly clean audio.
The provided video converter 1.0.0.13 converts the H265 files faster than I had heard, at least for full HD files. This is, of course, an annoying workflow, but I like the idea of small file archiving, even of 4K footage. This is the price for forward thinking, however, would it be too much trouble to ask for a current H264 choice in the menu?
I have only shot one professional shoot with it in an office interior so I am far from really putting it through its paces, but I'm starting to gain some confidence with it. I think the key is to make absolutely sure you have all your ideal settings in place before shooting and be ready to accept the workarounds with audio and workflow. I couldn't see spending more money on other cameras with all of them having poor rolling shutter and some kind of workarounds to deal with. I don't usually need to shoot by moonlight like one camera can, but I do need a professional level of audio in, as much dynamic range as these cameras can give, and professional codec, friendly with my NLE. I do like the wifi transfer of files and the USB 3.0 port! Stills are great too! But once in a while the camera will lock up on a screen and I have to power off to overcome. Bugs to be worked out, I think.
I have only shot one professional shoot with it in an office interior so I am far from really putting it through its paces, but I'm starting to gain some confidence with it. I think the key is to make absolutely sure you have all your ideal settings in place before shooting and be ready to accept the workarounds with audio and workflow. I couldn't see spending more money on other cameras with all of them having poor rolling shutter and some kind of workarounds to deal with. I don't usually need to shoot by moonlight like one camera can, but I do need a professional level of audio in, as much dynamic range as these cameras can give, and professional codec, friendly with my NLE. I do like the wifi transfer of files and the USB 3.0 port! Stills are great too! But once in a while the camera will lock up on a screen and I have to power off to overcome. Bugs to be worked out, I think.
Keep those firmware improvements coming, Samsung! You might really have a winner in the making here! Oh, and make Video Converter 1.0.0.13 a free download to those who don't own the camera, that way I can send the nice small H265 files over the internet and they can convert on their end, kind of like zip files opening up.
Pros: Bright display, future codec, lens adapters available, good picture quality, easy menu
Cons: agc needs to be disabled, noisy audio, only h265 codec, slow video converter, buggy interface
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Performance
3
Design
4
Value
4
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Great Mirrorless Camera!
on June 3, 2015
Posted by: smartscott
from New York, NY, USA
Expertise:Intermediate
I wish more people knew thew that samsung makes serious cameras. Perhaps commercials will help. This is an excellent camera! It is quick, produces excellent images, and fun to use. The video speaks for itself. The best video quality! I'm a proud owner of this camera!
Pros: Durable, Realistic color, Lightweight, great image quality
Cons: needs more third party lenses from great company
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
4
Design
4
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Power Packed Camera Bundle
on June 7, 2015
Posted by: Sky6Rep
from Cincinnati, OH, USA
Expertise:Intermediate
I just opened the NX1 yesterday and have not been able to put it down. As soon as the battery was charged I turned it on, set it to auto and shot away at a friend's 6 month old. I was highly impressed with the results. Images were sharp. Colors were vivid & real. Most impressive was the speed of focus and frame-rate.
After exploring it I'm even more impressed. The controls take a bit of a learning curve, as expected. But I was pleasantly surprised to find so many features packed into this model. I am already imagining new ways to use this camera that I hadn't even thought possible. I'm now trying to get a good angle to photograph and video a little hummingbird. This camera is just so fast!
I'm really enjoying the capabilities that are available through the viewfinder. I do wish it was not an electronic viewfinder, but the reality is that nearly the whole menu is available through the evf. Combined with the i-functionality I'm already making quick on the go changes without looking up, away from the evf.
One unexpected challenge is how quiet the camera is. While shooting a subject, the shutter noise is so quiet my model didn't know when I had taken the shot.
My brother shoots a Mark 5 and he's already jealous and hinted at borrowing my NX1...not happening. I'm sure I'll be able to find some deficiencies after more extended use. However, my initial reaction is nothing but ecstatic at this model.
Pros: Realistic color, speed of focus
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Easy to use.
on December 10, 2015
Posted by: retireddog
from Athens, Ohio
Expertise:Intermediate
I'm surpirsed how easy it is to get used to this camera so quickly. The dials
and controls and menu are laid out very well. Can't wait to play with the
video on this camera.
and controls and menu are laid out very well. Can't wait to play with the
video on this camera.
Pros: Bright display, Durable, 15 fps, touch screen
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
Great tool for videographers
on December 18, 2015
Posted by: HPA69
from Miami, FL, USA
Expertise:Expert
I bought this camera for outdoors, adventure and nature filming. I've been working with DSLR for many years and this is my first experience with mirrorless. No way back! Drive is amazingly fast in high shutter speed. The 16-50 f2 is bright and crisp. Photo quality is great and best of all, the 4K video! Buttons and dials functions and touch screen menu are simple and intuitive. Easy and fast to use. And all this piece of high tech in a body that has the weight and ergonomics of a pro DSLR camera.
I give it 10!
I give it 10!
Pros: Realistic color, Bright display, Durable
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US
Customer Rating
5
The best I've ever owned
on December 27, 2015
Posted by: OldHotAirMan
from Washington, USA
Expertise:Intermediate
I am astonished with the quality of NX1 photographs. The 16-50 lens is very sharp, even wide open.
With every other digital camera I've ever used I've been disappointed with "100-percent" crops. Not so with the NX1.
The NX1 has so many features it boggles the mind. It is clearly a winner.
I'm very pleased
Pros: Realistic color, Bright display, Durable, Lightweight
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Performance
5
Design
5
Value
5
Written by a customer while visiting Samsung US