BSI pixel + Copper process + Drime V engine = Picture Quality + DR + Noise management? thoughts?

NX1 look to have all check box ticked except one and most important part which is Picture Quality.

so I share list of my thoughts and expectations on what to look forward to.

BSI Pixel technology + Copper process on Picture Quality and Dynamic Range and Noise.

- although initial sample pictures (retracted and no longer available due to ugly processing) show potential and capability of camera to render 28MP without problem, question is how much more is still an open question. I see detail quality (large and micro) are amazing at pixel level and close to or equal to Merrill cameras from Sigma (difference only in micro-contrast rendering but it may be possible to come close to effect since pictures does not look to suffer much from sharpening artifacts), somehow appear to be Medium Format Quality at same resolution and only edged out by D800 and Quattro in resolution.

I do not know if BSI enhanced the capability of S lenses or S lenses are just that optically amazing to render at that resolution level. although I see 12-24 sample with very good result. maybe the lack of AA filter also play part with enhancement at that level.

Question is how BSI create impact on APS-C sensor and what other advantages aside from resolution?

so far, not much samples seen as far as color fidelity and aliasing which can be an issue especially with NX1 lacking AA filter or test sensor's corner performance especially at full open aperture. although BSI implementation might be able to improve or solve the aliasing or not susceptible due to how signal (light) is not obstructed or limited upon entry on sensor caused by wirings in FSI design. there may be concern for crosstalk in BSI like is suffered in smaller sensors although might be non-issue for it on larger APS-C sensor. and if it is issues, I believe Samsung might have looked into it already and might apply some solution, whether ISOCELL, use of copper process,  etc.

*** I strongly believe ISOCELL for APS-C is still under development.

due to lack of samples, Dynamic range is still mystery. currently NX cameras have very good DR with 12.5 stops. if BSI can improve by one stop, that is fantastic and a new high for mirrorless APS-C and  impressive considering the large 28MP which can be really demanding. pushing it to 14EV would be revolutionary for mirrorless and a first to break that barrier (atleast for a non-Sony sensor on mirrorless). maybe 15 EV possible? probably in the next iteration.

now BSI in theory or atleast as shown do indeed increase the signal which would improve tonal range and color sensitivities which at the same time improve to minimize noise. adding the copper process would also help in noise management as heat has impact on noise and since copper is more heat resistant. however, this technology was already applied on Samsung's previous FSI sensors. this is possibly first they apply it on BSI. I can only assume that it might help partially or could be the chief aspect on improving the noise performance of the NX1 camera probably improving picture quality further by 1/3 to 2/3 EV while BSI cover the remaining 1/3 but is instrumental on improving tonal range and color sensitivities of camera. both can work together to enhance the sensor performance.

DRIME V engine in relation to Picture Quality.

now this would be the heart and soul of picture making. I have no clue yet on how and what the engine performance is, but I hope with the much needed higher cpu processor and improved digital processes, it would be able to do the necessary performance needed for optimal conversion and results. what I am hoping is that Samsung would be more conservative on applying NR with the pictures. I do not know yet the quality and performance of adaptive noise reduction for High ISO but if quality is excellent and really helpful and least destructive, then it would be great tool and great news. one note is I hope Samsung would produce red details much improved like the one on NX3000.

while jpegs from previous nx models were very good, they were not the best. although I have seen significant improvement with jpegs on NX3000 probably due to updated engine and digital processing algorithm. I'm hopeful that improvement would be better than NX3000 and quality up to par with Fuji Jpegs or better.

*** AF Capability ***

although we hear good and promising initial reviews of NX1 AF performance, I'm still curious to know how it performs in poor lighting. some statements say camera is capable of shooting at -2 EV phase detection which is highend performance for dslr and -4 EV contrast detection which is 1 stop better than the best lowlight dslr camera and industry first  (still needs to be seen and tested).

it does appear with marketing, the NX1 is taking on PRO END APS-C and PRO END FF from other camera manufacturers seriously and could very well be proving itself as a worthy professional camera. but first, complete the firmware and release the camera.

your feelings?