REVIEW SAMSUNG NX11

► The Samsung NX range of mirrorless system cameras isn't as well known as the Panasonic G, Olympus PEN or Sony NEX ranges and, judging by the disappointing NX100, perhaps it deserves to stay that way. However, the NX11 addresses our primary criticisms of the NX100, adding a flash and an optically stabilised lens.

Unlike the NX100, and most other mirrorless system cameras, the NX11 looks like an SLR after a crash diet rather than a super-sized compact. Lens aside, it's much slimmer than any SLR, and peering through the viewfinder to see an LCD screen reveals its true nature. This screen isn't quite as big and detailed as the Panasonic G3's electronic viewfinder (see What's New, Shopper 284), but it's not far behind. Unlike the G3, the NX11's viewfinder switches on automatically when the camera is raised to the eye. Both cameras also have impressive 3in screens. However, while the NX11'sAMOLED technology produces richer colours, the G3's is articulated.

► FUNCTION ADDICT 
The NX11 has a button marked i-Function on its lens, a feature we first saw on the NX100. We weren't sure then, but we must admit that the idea is growing on us.It works on the assumption that the camera will be used in autofocus mode for most of the time, and allows the lens's focus ring to be reassigned to ISO speed, white balance, exposure compensation, shutter speed or aperture. The button cycles through these, and the large lens ring is quicker to operate than conventional controls duplicating these functions.

There's quick access to other settings, too; dedicated buttons access the autofocus point, drive mode, exposure lock and depth-of-field preview, while pressing the Fn button reveals other key settings without duplicating options that are available elsewhere. We really like the way advanced settings, such as self-timer delay and flash compensation, are presented next to the relevant basic settings rather than being buried in the menu. It's arguably the best control layout of any camera this side of £700.

Performance was adequate rather than exceptional, though. We can live with the fact that it takes 1.3 seconds to switch on and 1.1 seconds between shots,although some rivals are twice as quick. Autofocus is partly to blame; it's fast for a contrast-detect system (as used by compact cameras), but not as fast as the Panasonic G3 or the phase-detect autofocus used bySLRs. Continuous shooting ran at 2.9fps, but enabling Lens Correction to fix barrel distortion problems in wide-angle shots reduced this speed to l.4fps.

Videos are recorded at 720p, which is disappointing now that 1080p is common in cameras costing half this much. Video quality was generally excellent, though, with smooth, vibrant colours and a flattering shallow depth of field that's possible only from a big-sensor camera. However, multi-coloured moire interference took the shine off, as did the juddering noises that crept on to the soundtrack as the lens adjusted its focus. We also noticed a two-second lag between hitting record and the recording commencing.

► QUALITY CONTROLS 
Photo quality was up to scratch, but didn't live up to the standards of rival cameras. Details were sharp, but sloped off a little towards the edges of the frame, and close-up shots were never perfectly focused. There was no noise at ISO 100, but by ISO 400 noise reduction began taking its toll on subtle details. At ISO 800 and above, noise levels - along with noise-reduction artefacts - were more visible than we'd expect from a camera with an SLR-style APS-C sensor. The ISO control maxed out at a relatively conservative 3200, and quality at this setting was disappointing, with grainy shadows and patches of under-saturated colours.

The NX11 's controls are excellent, but in almost every other respect it's eclipsed by the Panasonic G3. The G3 takes better photos and videos, is significantly faster, has an articulated screen and a superior electronic viewfinder. Panasonic and Olympus's Micro Four Thirds mount also has a much wider range of lenses. Then again, the NX11 is currently around £80 cheaper. Meanwhile, both cameras face stiff competition from the Nikon D3100 (see Editor's Choice, page 31), aconventional SLR that's only a little larger and heavier,and raises the stakes for image quality to higher levels.

► VERDICT 
Sublime controls and a keen price, but it can't match the front runners for photo or video quality

By Ben Pitt

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