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Samsung Smart Camera NX30 in the test: 20.3 megapixel compact system camera

If you're looking for a camera and want something that looks and feels like a DSLR, but doesn't care too much about the weight of a DSLR, you might want to investigate Samsung's relatively light weight

Smart camera NX30

.

Technically, the NX30 is a mirrorless compact system camera (CSC). This 20.3 megapixel camera with APS-C sensor offers the convenience of a point-and-shoot via its simple backplate buttons and smartphone-like touchscreen display .At the same time, the manual top-plate dials and customizable settings offer enough complexity not to scare anyone away from an actual DSLR.

The NX30's handgrip is large and comfortable, a feature often sacrificed in smaller CSCs. The camera is also easy to use when it comes to framing and reviewing still images and Full HD video.

For framing shots, there's a choice of a large 3-inch AMOLED display on the backplate, or a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) if you prefer to hold the camera to your eye. The AMOLED display offers deeper blacks and better contrast than traditional LCDs, and can be angled and tilted as needed. The shots looked absolutely stunning on the rear screen, so they pale in comparison on a regular monitor. The EVF has an integrated eye sensor that turns it on , while disabling the larger screen below. A first for this model, the EVF can be pulled outward from the camera body and tilted up to allow photographers to look inside - useful when the camera is held low to the ground. We chose that primarily larger 3-inch display - bigger is often better when it comes to screens.

The included 18-55mm iFunction lens allows for control of the NX30 via touchscreen and physical buttons, allowing key camera functions to be operated with a twist of the barrel. This feels like a handy, but not essential, extra as we already have enough physical and virtual controls at their fingertips to allow for easy and intuitive handling.Frequently used settings like ISO have their own dedicated access points.The NX30 also offers Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC compatibility.

Exposures were spot on when left on automatic settings and colors were well saturated, retaining detail right into the corners of the frame.

bottom line

With its mix of snapshot and DSLR-like controls, the smart camera NX30 is an easy-to-use device that delivers great shots with plenty of color and contrast right out of the camera. While there's nothing here that the competition doesn't already have in some form has to offer, but the NX30 offers welcome features like an eye-level viewfinder, tilting touchscreen, Wi-Fi and NFC. The NX30 is a compelling package.

This story, "Samsung Smart Camera NX30 Review: 20.3 Megapixel Compact Camera" was originally published by

Macworld Germany

.

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