- The new compact NX500 series is a successor of the NX1, with a compact and more portable design
Samsung has been one of the top companies in technology, trying to overtake every aspect of our lives; from our smartphones, tablets to home appliances. However, how many of you think of them immediately when talking about a camera? Samsung is not the first word that comes to mind, but in recent years, things have started to change.
With the introduction of the NX series (APSC mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras) in 2010, they have started to emerge as a worthy competitor. I mean, it’s hard not to when they are one of the forerunners to offer the WI-FI system and, even, implementing the Android OS onto their cameras. They have been innovative and sticking to their motto of “pushing the boundaries of technology”.
Aiming to continue in their success, they have proudly announced the launch of their new compact NX500 during their South East Asian Forum 2015.
The idea behind NX500 is simple; a camera for everyday photographers. Samsung recognizes our need to constantly share our signature moments, be it a selfie with your best of friends or scenic views during holidays, just as our eyes see it. They also understand that it is not easy lugging a huge DSLR camera all over the place. With that in mind, they expanded the award-winning NX1’s capabilities into a compact shell of the NX500.
Designed with the user in mind
First off, the model features an ergonomic design reminiscent of the previous NX cameras (NX1, NX300). It allows for a firm and comfortable grasp on the sloping shelf while taking a shot. The shutter release and settings are easily accessible from the top of the camera and through the 3’ Super AMOLED touch-screen user interface. The nice add-on would be the mobile button right on the top – no more fumbling through the settings to send an image to your phone.
What’s more, Samsung is continuing in the stylish NX mini’s path in to include the Tilt-and-Flip screen – selfies, anyone? Likewise, the touchscreen maintains its functionality even after being flipped, allowing for easy access.
As usual, it allows for interchangeable lens. While the display came attached with a 16-50mm power zoom lens, Samsung already has available a range of lenses suited for the NX series.
Superior Quality at your Fingertips
While I did not get much use out of the display set at the forum, the NX500 seems to have a lot to offer despite its compact size. It promises vivid HQ photographs with a much faster DRIMeV processor; allowing for superior colour reproduction, improved noise reduction and enhanced image quality. What’s more, it features the ultra-high resolution 28MP Back Side Illumination APS-C sensor (BSI APS-C) combined with the Hybird AF system to give consumers the ability to capture the briefest of moments just by a simple point and shoot. Additional modes like the 9FS continuous shooting and Samsung Auto Shoot promises to deliver dynamic action shots and perfectly timed shots though motion detection respectively. The list goes on; for those interested in time-lapsed videos, the NX500 can transform still images from the Interval Capture Mode into a UHD time-lapse video directly without having to go through a computer.
It’s not just still images that are getting love from Samsung. The NX500 supports both 4K and UHD video recording using the BSI APS-C sensor. Life is also made easier with the built-in advanced compression technology – the HEVC Codec brings efficiency to video storage by compressing high quality video to half its size and the bit rate of H.264 footage. All without comprising the quality.
What it does, basically, is to keep things open-levelled – allowing for anyone (even a camera dunce) to take photos and videos with results professionals crave for at your fingertips.
Seamless connectivity
Like the previous NX series, Samsung makes it easy to share every moment with the world. The updated connectivity via Bluetooth, seamless wireless set-up with Wi-Fi and NFC, allows for outstanding transfer speed. The earlier mentioned Mobile button located right on the top of camera, allows for quick access to the camera’s wireless connectivity functions. This means that large HQ images and even videos can get into your smartphones or tablets quickly, and onto social media next just as fast.
Although it has been compacted into a smaller and more portable size, it does not seem like its capabilities have been compromised. Unfortunately, it does not come with a built-in flash or a viewfinder – while an attachment is available for the flash, perhaps an add-on accessory will surface for the latter. While the retail price has yet to be released, its compact size suggests a lower price range than the NX1. With its capabilities and specs that promising high quality images like the NX1, this might prove to be quite a deal.
The Samsung NX500 will come in three colours; Black, White and Brown, and will be available globally starting in March 2015.
Technical Specs
| Image Sensor | 28MP BSI APS-C |
| Display | 3” Super AMOLED Touch FVGA Tilt / Flip |
| ISO | Auto, 100~25600 (Ext. 51200) |
| Shutter Speed | 1/6000 sec |
| Image | JPEG : (3:2) : 28M (6480×4320), 13.9M (4560×3040), 7.1M (3264×2176), 3.0M (2112×1408) (16:9) : 23M (6480×3648), 11.9M (4608×2592), 6.2M (3328×1872), 2.4M (2048×1152) (1:1) : 18.7M (4320×4320), 9.5M (3088×3088), 4.7M (2160×2160), 2.0M (1408×1408) RAW : 28.0M (6480×4320) |
| Video | MP4 (Video: HEVC /H.265, Audio: AAC) 4096×2160 (24fps), 3840×2160 (30fps), 1920×1080, 1280×720, 640×480 |
| Frame rate: 60fps, 30fps, 24fps NTSC / 50fps, 25fps, 24fps PAL | |
| Video Output | HDMI (NTSC, PAL) |
| Value- Added Features |
Samsung Auto Shot SMART Mode (Action Freeze, Beauty Face, Fireworks, Landscape, Light Trace, Multi-Exposure, Night, Panorama, Rich Tones, Silhouette, Sunset, Waterfall) UHD Time-lapse Video |
| Attachable Flash (Guide Number 8 at ISO100) | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n• Quick Transfer, Email, Auto Backup, Remote Viewfinder Pro, Mobile Link, Photo Beam,Bluetooth GPS Tagging, Auto Time Setting, TV Link |
| Bluetooth | |
| NFC | |
| Storage | SD,SDHC,SDXC,UHS-I |
| Battery | 1130mAh |
| Dimension (WxHxD) |
119.5 x 63.6 x 42.5mm (without projection) |
| Weight | 287g (without battery and memory card) |
*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.
