X

Samsung NX10 (photos)

Samsung's debut of its interchangeable lens, somewhat compact camera pits a larger, APS-C-size sensor, but with a proprietary Samsung NX lens mount, against Olympus and Panasonic's smaller Four Thirds sensor combined with its standard Micro Four Thirds lens mount system. <br /><br /> Let the games begin.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
33913714_DT1_540_1.jpg
1 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Body design

Larger and heavier than compacts but with EVF-free designs and smaller than an entry-level dSLRs, the plastic-bodied NX10 feels pretty well constructed and comfortable to grip.
33913714_DT2_540_1.jpg
2 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Controls

Though the buttons and switches are a little flat with less travel than I'd like, they're laid out intelligently and where point-and-shoot upgraders will expect to find the settings.
33913714_DT3_540_1.jpg
3 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Lenses

The kit lens has image stabilization built in. It's comfortable to shoot with, with smoothly rotating zoom and manual focus rings.
33913714_DT4_540_1.jpg
4 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Thin is in

Despite its thinness, the grip is nevertheless thick enough for a comfortable grip.
33913714_DT7_540.jpg
5 of 6 Samsung Electronics

Scenes 'n' Smarts

Samsund laid the NX10's controls out well, with a dedicated movie record button and a mode dial that travels 360 degrees.

While Samsung offers the same handful of scene modes as the rest of the crowd, its Smart Auto delivers a twist. Like others, it automatically picks a scene mode if it can match your shot to its criteria; however, unlike the rest it actually tells you which mode it's chosen, such as macro or portrait. Unfortunately, if it's guessed wrong there's no way to correct it.
33913714_DT8_540.jpg
6 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Interface

Samsung uses a pretty typical display layout for its user interface, although I have to admit I find its occasionally faux-analog aesthetic more appealing than most. From the main display (top) pressing Fn brings you to image settings, autofocus area, flash, color space, tonal correction, and image stabilization settings (middle). The rest of the settings, such as the Picture Wizard image controls (bottom), you pull up via dedicated buttons.

Though its defaults deliver relatively accurate results, Samsung's image controls are as frustrating as those on many entry-level dSLRs; they don't tell you what the inherent settings are for each of the different presets, instead leaving everything zeroed out. And Samsung gives you no indication as to which of the presets will provide the most neutral results.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos