NX1 2nd impressions and v. Sony a99
Nov 28, 2014
4
First, understand that I was plenty happy with the resolution of the Sony a99/Zony-lenses system, even with its 24MP following the 36 of the clunky Sony a7R (that I sold). Got the NX1 and a99 out today on this beautiful day of Thanksgiving. The weather in Phoenix was typical of why we desertrats live here--warm and sunny. Each camera wore its premium mid-zoom lens, premium (Marumi) protection filters, shades, F8, IS on, all handheld, Raw.
Conclusions without boring examples--
1. The NX1 w/BG is still easier handling than the plenty-OK-handling a99.
2. The NX1's superior resolution is visible at 100%.
3. Colors were almost indistinguishable, but the a99's are slightly warmer (due to Zeiss lens?). But those images were always darker, sometimes significantly, even with 'identical' exposures. I'm guessing the darkening is due to the a99's pellicle mirror that's always in the light path.
4. I'm still learning, but Photoshop indicates in its lens-corrections-filter page that the NX1's default lens corrections have been applied in-camera in the Raw image…but…in some images there still is noticeable CA. Most of that is easily correctable by the PS filter--brand-new to me--and the resulting images, at 100% and smaller, look even better--smoother (less edgy) and NO less resolved.
I'm happy and will be buying a few more lenses--first the Samyang all-manual 12mm ($300 thru eBay) and then the inexpensive ($200 - $270) 50-200/4.5-5.6. If that telezoom is not good enough, and I'm not too fussy about long lenses--as in seldom being willing to pay for the expensive, heavy versions--I'll buy the new, premium 50-150/2.8/S*.
This NX1 is a keeper.