Embracing some of the older camera models...

As a matter of background info, I've been on these forums (actively) since 2002, and passively (just reading) since DPReview came into existence. During that time I've had both the opportunity (and privilege) of being able to either own or use extensively, well over 160 different digital cameras from most of the brands.

During that time-frame I had the means to constantly update camera models - a privilege, I know. And when I upgraded, I would often sell the previous models, which soon made me realize that getting the next best thing wasn't always a good idea. At a certain point - in particular, when reviewing images taken with some of the older (previous) cameras - I soon came to realize that selling them prematurely was not a good idea because of their superb IQ capabilities.

Since that time, I wound up keeping and maintaining cameras that I've come to really enjoy (for a number of reasons), with the end result - superb IQ - being the final factor.

Some of these cameras that I've maintained are various Samsung NX cameras. Heck, I've posted time and time again about the superb IQ capabilities and color rendering of various NX cameras, so no need to revisit that. Since I'm fully retired now (and have been for a full years), my cash flow is not what it used to be, and as a result, I treasure what I'm shooting with - along with looking for some great deals on older releases (that are either new or in mint condition).

So in the meantime - Samsung-wise - I'm going to maintain my NX300, NX30, NX500, and EX2F until they die - they are that good, IMO. Another camera which I just (finally) purchased (ordered) - new in the box, is the NX Mini with 9-27 zoom lens.  This is one of those camera models that never achieved a highly reviewed status and wound up slipping through the cracks for a number of reasons. Thus when you mention the camera - "NX Mini" - many are left wondering, "What in the hell is an NX Mini?" Prior to finally pulling the trigger on this one is that I I've been occasionally debating about getting one over the past two years - but always deferred for some odd reason. But just recently I had a chance of using one for several days - thanks to a local camera dealer that had a used one in superb condition and since I've done a wealth of business with them in the past, I was able to borrow for a fee of $25 for several days, which I didn't mind.

Once I acclimated myself to the ergonomics, menu layout, and overall operations, I found myself totally enjoying this camera. IQ-wise, it was superb with that traditional Samsung color tonality and quite surprisingly, the sharp optics of that kit lens. When I took my microSD card back home to process some of the images, I was delighted to see that my suspicions about this often overlooked models were right on - that it was a sleeper that could keep up with the best of them (within reason).  I'd venture to say that this 1" sensor in the NX Mini is a superb version that could have been quite competitive at the time.  The uncanny thing about the NX Mini is that if were released today, it would still be competitive with the 1" sensor line of cameras.

So in keeping up with my traditional habits, I ordered new NX Mini with the 9-27 zoom lens and optional add-on flash. And once I get it and use it, I will post a review - yes, a review - even though it's 4 - 5 years old by now. I do know that there are folks out there who are still considering getting various NX cameras.  And BTW, there are still plenty of NX Mini's available, along with lenses, batteries, etc., at the following links:

eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC1.A0.H0.XSamsung+NX+Mini+cameras.TRS2&_nkw=Samsung+NX+Mini+cameras&_sacat=0

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+NX+Mini&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

If you're looking for the lenses - in particular the 9-27 (which is the only one of the several made for this camera that has OIS), then here's that link:

eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Samsung+NX-M+9-27mm+f%2F3.5-5.6+ED+OIS+Lens&_sacat=625

As for extra batteries - they are literally a dime a dozen and they take smart-phone types of batteries:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Samsung+B740AE+battery&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=Samsung+NX+Mini+batteries

Ben Herrmann wrote:

As a matter of background info, I've been on these forums (actively) since 2002, and passively (just reading) since DPReview came into existence. During that time I've had both the opportunity (and privilege) of being able to either own or use extensively, well over 160 different digital cameras from most of the brands.

During that time-frame I had the means to constantly update camera models - a privilege, I know. And when I upgraded, I would often sell the previous models, which soon made me realize that getting the next best thing wasn't always a good idea. At a certain point - in particular, when reviewing images taken with some of the older (previous) cameras - I soon came to realize that selling them prematurely was not a good idea because of their superb IQ capabilities.

Since that time, I wound up keeping and maintaining cameras that I've come to really enjoy (for a number of reasons), with the end result - superb IQ - being the final factor.

Some of these cameras that I've maintained are various Samsung NX cameras. Heck, I've posted time and time again about the superb IQ capabilities and color rendering of various NX cameras, so no need to revisit that. Since I'm fully retired now (and have been for a full years), my cash flow is not what it used to be, and as a result, I treasure what I'm shooting with - along with looking for some great deals on older releases (that are either new or in mint condition).

So in the meantime - Samsung-wise - I'm going to maintain my NX300, NX30, NX500, and EX2F until they die - they are that good, IMO. Another camera which I just (finally) purchased (ordered) - new in the box, is the NX Mini with 9-27 zoom lens. This is one of those camera models that never achieved a highly reviewed status and wound up slipping through the cracks for a number of reasons. Thus when you mention the camera - "NX Mini" - many are left wondering, "What in the hell is an NX Mini?" Prior to finally pulling the trigger on this one is that I I've been occasionally debating about getting one over the past two years - but always deferred for some odd reason. But just recently I had a chance of using one for several days - thanks to a local camera dealer that had a used one in superb condition and since I've done a wealth of business with them in the past, I was able to borrow for a fee of $25 for several days, which I didn't mind.

Once I acclimated myself to the ergonomics, menu layout, and overall operations, I found myself totally enjoying this camera. IQ-wise, it was superb with that traditional Samsung color tonality and quite surprisingly, the sharp optics of that kit lens. When I took my microSD card back home to process some of the images, I was delighted to see that my suspicions about this often overlooked models were right on - that it was a sleeper that could keep up with the best of them (within reason). I'd venture to say that this 1" sensor in the NX Mini is a superb version that could have been quite competitive at the time. The uncanny thing about the NX Mini is that if were released today, it would still be competitive with the 1" sensor line of cameras.

So in keeping up with my traditional habits, I ordered new NX Mini with the 9-27 zoom lens and optional add-on flash. And once I get it and use it, I will post a review - yes, a review - even though it's 4 - 5 years old by now. I do know that there are folks out there who are still considering getting various NX cameras. And BTW, there are still plenty of NX Mini's available, along with lenses, batteries, etc., at the following links:

eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2047675.m570.l1313.TR1.TRC1.A0.H0.XSamsung+NX+Mini+cameras.TRS2&_nkw=Samsung+NX+Mini+cameras&_sacat=0

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+NX+Mini&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

If you're looking for the lenses - in particular the 9-27 (which is the only one of the several made for this camera that has OIS), then here's that link:

eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Samsung+NX-M+9-27mm+f%2F3.5-5.6+ED+OIS+Lens&_sacat=625

As for extra batteries - they are literally a dime a dozen and they take smart-phone types of batteries:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=Samsung+B740AE+battery&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_osacat=0&_odkw=Samsung+NX+Mini+batteries

Excellent idea. I look forward to your review. I did similar for my Pentax camera recently (here )

I love my nx mini. Small and versatile, I tend to use it more then my NX500. (Tough I love that a lot too, and am keeping as long as it works.) When it was stolen I promptly bough two used frames.

The kit lens is excellent indeed, but the Samsung NX-M 17mm F1.8 OIS is a real miracle of its kind, fast and sharp, very good in low light, and the camera is still pocketabale with it attached. Do give it a try if you ever have a chance. (it can sometimes be found on ebay for around 200 eur - worth every cent.)

My only gripe with the mini is that the wifi software is useless on a modern phone, so I have to use an old samsung tablet to control it remotely.

That's important to me (OIS, that is).  I've become spoiled by it, especially as I get older.

Yes, it is a stabilized lens.

Ogard wrote:

[...], but the Samsung NX-M 17mm F1.8 OIS is a real miracle of its kind, fast and sharp, very good in low light, and the camera is still pocketabale with it attached.

+1 for the 17mm.  That lens pretty much lives on one of my minis (I keep my second one setup with the 50-200mm and the NX-M adapter).

My only gripe with the mini is that the wifi software is useless on a modern phone, so I have to use an old samsung tablet to control it remotely.

I have to admit, I haven't used the Wi-Fi software since Android 6 (on my previous phone) and it just worked, splendidly.  Samsung's app implementation was better than most other brands IMO -- easy to use and intuitive.   I just got a new phone that has Android 9.0.  Based on your comment, I am guessing the app will not work with Android Pie.

Does anyone know which versions number of Android Samsung cameras will still work?

If they can at least do Android 7.x, I have a couple of old tablets I can use for remote viewfinders... but I did use wireless transfer quite a bit from my NX mini to my old Honor 5x (Android 6).  It would be a shame to lose wireless transfer.

ReCaptcha wrote:

Does anyone know which versions number of Android Samsung cameras will still work?

I think I answered my own question...

From the Samsung SMART CAMERA App in the Play Store for Android:

Version 1.4.0_180703

Updated on: Jul 2, 2018

Changelog:

- Compatibility with Android OS version 8.0
(Future Android OS upgrades are not supported)

And from the comments, it looks like support for Oreo is pretty hit and miss as well. Android 7.x and older are looking like the most stable bets.

Well, that's a bummer.

When my phone (Xiaomi A1) upgraded to Pie the app stopped to work. Now I tried again (android pie, march 5 security update) disabling bluetooth and mobile data first, the phone saw the camera but did not connect.

Then I tried setting up a pin on the camera, the phone asked for it and connected, but froze after taking a shot.

I tried manual connection and it worked, I could take a few shots. Then I tried to change Auto mode to A priority, and the app crashed and the camera froze, still, better than nothing.

On my NX500 the connection is pretty stable, it does freeze and disconnect occasionally but is manageable.

Will test it again with another current phone and some older ones as well.

I really liked the app when it worked, it would be nice if I could get it to work again.

I'm on Android 8.0 on a galaxy s9 and it works perfectly, better than on any other phone or tablet I've tried. My phone keeps prompting me to upgrade but I'm holding off!