Should I buy an NX300 to replace my NX1100

Hi. I have found locally a supposedly like new NX300 with 18-50mm lens, in white, for $400. I currently have an NX1100 with the 20-50mm (which I rarely use) and the 30mm (which I use almost exclusively). I shoot a lot of bands, so I need good low light performance.

My NX1100 hunts a lot for focus in low light. I also get a good bit of grain at high ISO (which is understandable). I need better low light focusing, and ideally better low light picture quality. So, will the NX300 give me that? I have read that it has a hybrid AF system, that is supposed to be better in low light (and all around) but is it? How good is i?

I need to either buy this or just buy a DSLR, which I don't really want to do. Any advice is appreciated (and yes, I do realize this is a Samsung forum ). Thanks.

30mm hunts. It's better with 30mm but there is still some hunting.

arbuz wrote:

30mm hunts. It's better with 30mm but there is still some hunting.

Thanks. And yes, it sure does. At least in low light. After spending the entire day researching, I'm now thinking I'll buy the Sony a6000 and switch systems entirely.

It's really a shame. My NX1100 has been nice, but I think it might be necessary.

You should try the 45mm f/1.8 if you stick with the nx system. The phase detection hybrid AF of the nx300 is superior to your nx1100, and should help as well. But the 45mm is quick to focus! Way faster than my 30mm. Samsung has a good price right now on that lens like from Amazon or BH Photo.

bryguy wrote:

You should try the 45mm f/1.8 if you stick with the nx system. The phase detection hybrid AF of the nx300 is superior to your nx1100, and should help as well. But the 45mm is quick to focus! Way faster than my 30mm. Samsung has a good price right now on that lens like from Amazon or BH Photo.

I agree; the NX300+45mm is a fast focusing combo - even in the lower light of indoors.

If you want better low light shooting, check the sony a7s.

jennyrae wrote:

As much as I like a6000, lowlight af is not one of its good qualities. Good light caf and tracking is fantastic though. If want to nail focus with fast accuracy in lowlight, 6D is best option or get a panasonic m4/3.

That's interesting. I've been reading that the low light focus of the a6000 was quite good, and the AF of the a6000 was actually better than the a7 in all conditions.

jennyrae wrote:

A7 is slow. A6000 low light AF is comparable to Nex-6 (no difference). but A6000 is amazing in day CAF and tracking. that is my experience with camera. you can try and see for self if you are not sure. I only recommend 6D because your priority is lowlight AF and lowlight picture quality that 6D is amazing at.

Thank you. I'm really trying to not get a DSLR. When I had one, I didn't take it with me enough. I know I'm asking a lot from a camera, especially a small CSC. And I really would prefer an APS-C over an M43, which leaves few options.

jennyrae wrote:

Then I recommend xt1. I know it cost 1/3 more than a6000, but the camera and x-system is all worth it. You probably may no longer use raw. Picture at high iso is clean and nice. Also great lens selection.

Interesting. I'll have to look at the fuji's again. Thanks.

Then when the NX1 comes out, you will wish you stuck with Samsung!

bryguy wrote:

Then when the NX1 comes out, you will wish you stuck with Samsung!

That thing looks amazing, but it's $1300!

I'm wondering if I just need to either buy the local NX300 with the 18 - 55, or maybe one from Adorama with the 45mm 2d/3d for $450. I could wait on the NX1, which is saying September from what I read, but still, $1300 body only when the a6000 is $650...

Of course I'd need new lenses, but I only use the 30mm right now anyway, so I'm not out a whole lot. I think if I can get better low light IQ, I guess I can use manual focus when I have to.

Ugh...

bryguy wrote:

Then when the NX1 comes out, you will wish you stuck with Samsung!

That thing looks amazing, but it's $1300!

I'm wondering if I just need to either buy the local NX300 with the 18 - 55, or maybe one from Adorama with the 45mm 2d/3d for $450. I could wait on the NX1, which is saying September from what I read, but still, $1300 body only when the a6000 is $650...

Of course I'd need new lenses, but I only use the 30mm right now anyway, so I'm not out a whole lot. I think if I can get better low light IQ, I guess I can use manual focus when I have to.

Ugh...

Haha.. Yeah! I only mentioned the nx1 because the aforementioned 6D or Fuji aren't cheap either. I think the NX300 + 45mm, as mentioned, will be a faster combo for you. Maybe way after the NX1 has been out for quite sometime, the prices will drop a bit to make it a little more affordable. I'm assuming the NX30 should come down after the NX1 comes out, too.

bryguy wrote:

bryguy wrote:

Then when the NX1 comes out, you will wish you stuck with Samsung!

That thing looks amazing, but it's $1300!

I'm wondering if I just need to either buy the local NX300 with the 18 - 55, or maybe one from Adorama with the 45mm 2d/3d for $450. I could wait on the NX1, which is saying September from what I read, but still, $1300 body only when the a6000 is $650...

Of course I'd need new lenses, but I only use the 30mm right now anyway, so I'm not out a whole lot. I think if I can get better low light IQ, I guess I can use manual focus when I have to.

Ugh...

Haha.. Yeah! I only mentioned the nx1 because the aforementioned 6D or Fuji aren't cheap either. I think the NX300 + 45mm, as mentioned, will be a faster combo for you. Maybe way after the NX1 has been out for quite sometime, the prices will drop a bit to make it a little more affordable. I'm assuming the NX30 should come down after the NX1 comes out, too.

I don't think the NX30 is good enough. It will be a long time before it gets to the price that might be attractive to me.

The NX1 or the NX400 sound intriguing. If I haven't abandoned Samsung first, it will be interesting to read the reviews when they are out.