All-round good compact, but that's the problem

I've had this camera for three years, and I've liked using it for travel. I have learned to use the screen, which though small is bright and clear. I like the simplicity of the menu choices and mode dial; but see below. I get by with an 8GB card. The video is good, and I like having a panorama mode.

But the picture quality can be pedestrian except in bright sunlight at normal lens length; the zoom is mediocre; the focus is slow and can be twitchy especially in low light; there is only in-camera battery charging; panoramas come out with considerable variety of exposures, therefore choppy visually; and the adjustability of settings is somewhat lacking.

Of course it is aging in this fast-paced market. So I'm looking around for something small but more challenging and with better picture and video/audio quality. Funny, I like the Samsung NX300, but, as much as I hate getting on a bandwagon, I may be put off by the limitations of the Samsung line.

I've also had the WB2000 for 3 or so years.  The camera is still being used in the family and has travelled to various locations around the world.  Its still in great condition so kudos to Samsung for the build quality.  Of course camera/sensor technology has moved on since 2010, although I appreciate the small size of the WB2000 (22mm thick).

I'm sure you would love the more technological advanced NX300, naturally it won't fit in your pocket like the WB2000.  If you wanted to try the NX system the NX1000 is a cheaper option.  I'd agree with other forum users (who know cameras better than I) that the NX1000 is "plastic fantastic":)

The White House WB2000 5x zoom on a cloudy day.

So do you like your NX300? What about the 20-50 lens; do you miss OIS? Any thoughts/regrets for someone thinking about buying one?

So do you like your NX300? Do you have one of the kit lenses? Which one? Do you like it? If the 20-50 lens, do you miss OIS? Any thoughts/regrets for someone thinking about buying one? No point in upgrading unless I go up to the NX300, NEX5T or 6, Fuji X-class, Canon M2 or good M43.

Buena Vista wrote:

So do you like your NX300? Do you have one of the kit lenses? Which one? Do you like it? If the 20-50 lens, do you miss OIS? Any thoughts/regrets for someone thinking about buying one? No point in upgrading unless I go up to the NX300, NEX5T or 6, Fuji X-class, Canon M2 or good M43.

Yes I certainly like the NX300. I also have the NX1000 so I ended up with both kit lenses. I guess it depends on what I'm doing as to which I prefer, if I had to keep one it would be the 18-55 for OIS in video and auto focus speed. From what most people say on this forum the 20-50 is the sharper lens plus its small and light making the NX300 compact. I tend to use the NX300 with the 18-55 and 30mm pancake (my favourite) and the NX1000 with the 20-50 and 50-200 in daylight.

I don't have any experience with the other cameras you mentioned. I do like the feel of the NX300 in my hand, I found the NEX 5N too small and was jamming my fingers between the grip and lens.

Thanks, Ian.:-)

Thanks, psperi. Good insight. But my wife will kill me if I tell her I want to spend $400 for a new camera body and $1000 more for lenses, however good a deal it is in theory...:-|

Simples, EX2F! Love mine, and I came from a Sony NEX 5R.

Great handling, great image quality, fast lens, excellent sound from the video. Etc. (See my comments elsewhere.)

Thanks for the reply, but sorry, I don't see that as much better than what I have now.

That's true... Although my wife sees thru me like an OP thru an EVF. Here in México where we've retired, we call her a "bruja," or witch (with love, of course). But it's an idea. I have to sell one or two of the cigar box guitars I make to free up some cash. Maybe then... Thanks for continuing to respond.