Samsung NX1: Designed like a dSLR (pictures)
Although it's a little smaller and lighter than dSLR competitors, the NX1 is still built -- for the most part -- like it means business.
Lori Grunin
Compact power
The NX1 offers the same capabilities as a midrange dSLR, including weather sealing, but in a much more compact body. However, because it's an APS-C-size sensor, with concomitant-quality optics, the lenses are the same size as dSLR versions.
Deep grip
The grip is relatively large and very comfortable to hold.
High-end design touches
A locking mode dial with custom settings slots and a status LCD are features not typically found on mirrorless models.
Nikon on the left
While it's not exactly the same, high-end Nikon users will recognize the configuration of the controls on the left shoulder.
Nikon on the left (part 2)
This configuration, with a locking drive mode dial, will be very familiar to folks who use midrange Nikon dSLRs.
Back controls
The back looks like most of the Samsung ILCs, including the Wi-Fi direct-connect button.
4K video
The NX1 supports both Cinema 4K/24p and UHD/30p, with the ability to record internally to SD cards or to a recorder via HDMI. You can also stream 4K wirelessly to a Samsung TV.
Tilting display
The AMOLED touchscreen display tilts for overhead or low-level shooting.
Single SD slot
This is the biggest disappointment: most cameras in this class have two slots.
Ports and jacks
The NX1 has a headphone jack and mic input, micro HDMI out, plus a USB 3.0 port.
Built-in flash
The built-in flash is relatively underpowered (GN 11), but you're better off with an external flash, anyway.
The naked sensor
The camera incorporates the first APS-C-size backside-illuminated (BSI) we've seen.
Grip controls
The battery grip replicates the built-in shooting controls.
Battery grip
The grip attaches the same way as on most cameras -- nothing fancy here.
More grip
With the battery grip attached, the camera is about as big as a dSLR with one.