On the horns of a dilemma

I need a little advice. I have an NX200 and NX30 with a lot of lenses. The sensor on my NX30 just cracked (actually, I believe it's the glass cover over the sensor), so I need to decide if it is worth it to repair or to replace with a newer camera. I'm not particularly budget limited so I can upgrade to the NX500 or NX1, but because I'm a bit put off by Samsung at the moment, I'm having a problem making a decision.

My experience with the NX30 has been paradoxically awful and great. Awful because of the way in which the controls seem to have a mind of their own, plus dead and hot pixels for long exposures. Great because I've had more photos published using this camera than any other camera I've owned. They make great travel companions. When the camera was new, it was a joy to use, lately, not so much. I'd be curious to hear from anyone who has moved on from the NX30 to the NX500 or NX1.

In the interest of full disclosure, when Nikon comes out with the next series of cameras, I'm planning on updating my D300 to either a D500 or D7500 (assumed name). Because of this, I'd be willing to purchase a used NX500 or NX1. I believe the Samsung image quality is at least equal to Nikon, but the Nikon system offers some accessories that are not readily available from Samsung. The NX200 and NX30 are, by far, my favorite "travel" cameras. Not looking forward to replacing them with Nikon.

Thanks for any thoughts and/or advice.

I had the nx500 and sold it to get the nx1.

The nx1 has non cropped 4k, higher speed shooting with a better buffer, and an evf.

If those things aren't important to you, get the nx500. If they are, get the nx1.

In my opinion they are still some of the best cameras out there for under $3k, and the fact that you can get them for less than half the price of their closest competition seals the deal.

Soooo...I've just purchased an NX1 from an Ebay seller. Fingers are crossed that the camera is in good shape when it arrives on Friday.

I'm still thinking about repairing the sensor on my NX30, and may do it myself. Wondering if anyone on this forum has cracked into the guts of the NX30 and could offer any advice (besides "Don't do it!")

Samsung repair gave me a quote of $190 USD. I can buy the sensor assembly for about $90. It looks like it snaps into place, of course getting to the guts to get it installed may be a bit tougher than just removing a few screws.

I paid $1500 for the NX1 with 3 lenses (none of which I really need). Hoping the shutter activation count is fairly low. Camera looks to be in good shape if example photos can be believed. I guess I'll know for sure on Friday.

What lenses? I might be interested in buying them off you.

parakalien wrote:

What lenses? I might be interested in buying them off you.

Which lenses are you lacking at the moment?

The lenses are a 30mm f/2, a 16-50mm power zoom, and a 45mm f/1.8. I definitely don't need the 30mm (already have one). I'm not sure about the 16-50mm, I have two "kit" lenses that came with my NX200 and NX30, will have to form an opinion about that 16-50 before I decide to give it up. Worst case I'll sell the other two "kit" lenses. The 45mm prime is one I'm really thinking about keeping. I've had very good experiences with other Samsung prime lenses (16mm, 30mm, 85mm), so I think the 45 may fit pretty well into the mix. I'd be curious to hear from anyone in this group about their experience with the 16-50mm power zoom and how it compares with the standard kit lenses.

Bummer I already have all of those.

I would love to add a 16-50s for a good price...

I recommend you try out that 45mm. It's one of my favorite Samsung lenses. The AF on it is amazing and the image quality is very good. It's my go to portrait lens since I don't have the 85mm.

I also use it a lot of detail shots during video projects. The bokeh looks really nice, and the AF makes it a joy to use for video.

Delos wrote:

Samsung repair gave me a quote of $190 USD. I can buy the sensor assembly for about $90. It looks like it snaps into place, of course getting to the guts to get it installed may be a bit tougher than just removing a few screws.

Service guides are only $12 USD. I have the guides for my NX Mini and my NX2000 and they are decent. Full exploded parts views. The guides ship on a little flash drive.  Here's the link to the NX30 guide:

http://www.samsungparts.com/Products/Parts_and_Accessories/PID-SM-NX30.aspx

iFixit has some info as well, but not for the sensor: https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Samsung_NX30

Given that the difference would be less then $90 (once you add in the cost of the repair guide), I personally, would just be lazy and let Samsung fix it. Anytime I open up a camera, I typically lose half a day or more (mainly due to working slowly because I photograph and label all parts I go).

I'm in a similar but not as difficult of a dilemma with my Samsung MV900F.  It's touchscreen is shot, and I can get it replaced for about $100, or do it myself for around $70.  It's probably worth the $30 to have someone else do it in my case, the question becomes, do I even bother with a small-sensor camera like this (previously loved or not), or just move on.

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out. I'm kind of looking at this repair as a tinkering challenge. If I get into it and it looks too deep for me, I'll send it off to Samsung.

Delos wrote:

The lenses are a 30mm f/2, a 16-50mm power zoom, and a 45mm f/1.8. I definitely don't need the 30mm (already have one). I'm not sure about the 16-50mm, I have two "kit" lenses that came with my NX200 and NX30, will have to form an opinion about that 16-50 before I decide to give it up. Worst case I'll sell the other two "kit" lenses. The 45mm prime is one I'm really thinking about keeping. I've had very good experiences with other Samsung prime lenses (16mm, 30mm, 85mm), so I think the 45 may fit pretty well into the mix. I'd be curious to hear from anyone in this group about their experience with the 16-50mm power zoom and how it compares with the standard kit lenses.

The 16-50PZ is rather good. It's not quite prime quality but sometimes the flexibility of a zoom is needed. I attended a street motorcycle race meet recently and bought the lens specifically for it because I thought my 45/1.8 might be limiting. it proved the case and the 16-50mm got more use than the 45/1.8.

AF seemed very good - it rarely failed to lock on. Sharpness is decent even wide open but stopping down a bit is best if possible.

Very happy to report the NX1 arrived 2 days early. The camera and lenses appear to be in near pristine condition (except the lenses arrived without front or rear caps, boxes or bags). Upon initial inspection of the camera, it seems to be functioning perfectly. Had to clean the sensor, but that was expected.

Expecting to offer the 30mm lens for sale on Ebay, next week.

Now it's time to get down to business and learn what this thing can do.