A late personal review of a camera that still performs - the NX Mini

Hello all…

A little bit of background info.  As a matter of background information, some of the most pleasant surprises that I’ve experienced with regards to evaluating cameras, have involved discovering models that have long since out of circulation. And this brings me to the NX Mini.

My entry into the Samsung camp has been when I picked up the NX300 kit at a great price some years back. Since that time I’ve acquired the NX30 and NX500, and I even picked up the smallish EX2F, which is a remarkable little enthusiast camera in its own rite. It was just recently - within the past several months, that I became intrigued with a small camera that seemingly didn’t make many waves, and that model is the NX Mini.

So why am I putting up a personal review of the NX Mini?  Because enough of them are still available (new) on various markets, and with the proliferation of various 1“ sensor enthusiast cameras now-a-days, I felt it prudent to revisit the NX Mini. Additionally, we need to keep this forum strong in terms of participation, so here goes…

And why even consider the NX Mini in 2019?  This NX Mini was introduced during the Spring of 2014. To be honest, I never gave it much attention back then. At the time, I thought it looked strange and it didn’t tick all the boxes that I had at the time. I guess it took 5 years later for me to do a complete reevaluation of this “sleeper” camera. What was unique about the NX Mini was the fact that it had a very sleek shape - perhaps not the best ergonomically - but if you remove the lens, it looks just like a small cell phone, even using a Samsung mobile phone battery. But more importantly, it has a 1” sensor, which is a huge step up from the smallish 1/1.7” smaller CCD sensors used in various enthusiast cameras up to that point.

Now enter 2019. With all the raving about various contemporary 1” sensor camera models from Sony, Panasonic, and Canon, I found myself drawn to the NX Mini. I read what I could about that model, and reviewed countless You Tube reviews. Initially, I got the impression that this was not a serious camera, but I keep on reading and watching.

And like I always do in the end, I took a chance. While looking on eBay (and Amazon), I noticed that quite a few of them were still available new, no less. In fact, here is the link to the new ones on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fspt=1&_from=R40&_nkw=Samsung+NX+Mini&_sacat=625&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=3

And the new ones available on Amazon (US):

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Samsung+NX+Mini+camera&rh=p_n_condition-type%3A6461716011&dc&qid=1564331712&rnid=6461714011&ref=sr_nr_p_n_condition-type_1

So I purchased one from an eBay vendor that I trust very much in Taiwan. I ordered the light green version - my wife thought it looked cool - and it arrived just a week later. It came with the 9-27 F3.5-5.6 IS kit lens. After looking at the NX Mini, I realized (subective) it needed an addition or two, and I found myself adding the following accessory items (not worrying about keeping it compact):

1. Because the shutter release button is so small, it would be easy to initially miss touching it to grab a shot, so I added the stick-on soft shutter release buttons, which can be found on eBay for a pittance.

2. I always add lens hoods to any camera I own, and if no lens hoods are available for a given model, I then experiment. So I screwed on a 39 MM UV filter, and to that I added a 39 - 52 MM step-up ring. I then attached a 52 MM silver wide angle lens hood (again, on eBay). I tried various step-up ring and lens hood combinations, but most of them introduced vignetting, so the 39-52 MM worked superbly, thus my adding the 52 MM wide angle (silver) lens hood (Leica style).

3. I also replaced the little wrist strap that came with the camera, and added a longer version - one that you can hang around your neck.

4. I also added matching camera cases (I just keep the bottom half on the cameras), which protects the finish.

Try to find the camera with the corresponding 9-27 MM kit lens (which has IS). If you cannot find any kits including this lens, you can also find the lens sold separately. Here are some of the ones (new) on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=Samsung+NX+9-27+lens&_sacat=625&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=3

Since that time, despite some annoyances (which can occur with any given camera model), I found myself purchasing another NX Mini - this one being a brown version. My wife grabbed the light green one I had (she likes it), thus I picked up a brown and silver version. Here is a photo below showing what I’m talking about, along with the add-ons mentioned. I was fortunate in that both 9-27 kit lenses seem like very good copies. I don’t typically shoot with primes, but after hearing about the 17 MM F1.8, I may be looking to get that one next.

Pleasant Surprises.  Keep in mind, I can overlook many things in a camera. After all, I’m a general photography shooter, meaning I shoot scenics, architectural, portraits, and some special events. With that in mind, my end goal is to achieve superb IQ levels with any given cameras, and there several areas that I immediately focused on it with the NX Mini, and they were:

1. Dynamic Range (DR). Having a 1” sensor, this is the first area I focused on with the Mini. And to much my amazement, I found that the Mini has a superb DR capability. Now keep mind that I shoot with RAW with all of my cameras. I’m not a JPG shooter and I enjoy the dynamic headroom I get in RAW files. What I discovered with the Mini is enormous amount of headroom I have with those RAW files. In files that were completely blown out (highlights), I was able to recover detail that were heretofore impossible to recover with numerous other cameras - yes, even with some bigger sensor models like some Micro 4/3 models, and even more so, with some older DSL’s - now go figure?

Here’s an example of what I’m talking about. Whenever I get a new camera, the first thing I do to test the DR is to go into my back yard area (which is surrounded by woods) and I walk down to the woods, and focus the camera on the back of our small home.  Because I am standing in a heavily shaded area, it's a tremendous test for a camera's DR capabilities as it tries to balance the brightness in the skies with the rest of the sky.  At around 3 PM, the hot Carolina sun is so intense, that it completely burns out many an image. With many cameras, I am unable to adjust and recover - yet with the NX Mini, I was able to recover the details and colors perfectly, restoring blue skies that were completely burned out - as shown below with these two image samples:

Here is the untouched RAW (well, I imported it without any adjustments) and created a JPG.  As you can see, the skies and part of the roof area and back of the home are completely burned out, or so it appears.

Now here is the adjusted RAW file - all of the details and colors have been recovered - and this was a huge surprise.  It showed me the great DR capabilities of the NX Mini.

2. Higher ISO noise levels. Another area that surprised me is in the area of high ISO noise levels. Now I keep the auto ISO set to no higher than ISO 1600 with this camera, and as you probably realize, regardless of the camera you own (whether 1”, M/43, APS-C, or FF), RAW files will tend to show a lot more noise (obviously) than the corresponding JPG versions. And that’s because nothing has been done to the RAW file.

What was most interesting was that even at ISO 1600, I was getting clean images - looking like they were shot at ISO 200 - 400. Very surprising indeed. On some of the image examples on the next posting, you’ll see what I’m talking about with some ISO 1600 shots. I didn’t go higher - probably will in the future.

3. IQ and color qualities. Let’s face it, we love (loved) our Samsung cameras for their way of rendering colors (color tonality). Some of the nicest scenic shots I’ve taken in the past have been with various NX cameras, not to mention the superb little EX2F. There is just something about those Samsung NX colors that stand out of the crowd. Well, the NX Mini does not disappoint here - to be sure. That same gorgeous color tonality is here. Add in the expanded headroom capabilities of the RAW files, and you have the ingredients for capturing some superb images. I’ll be posting IQ samples on the next post (reply) to this OP - so stay tuned.

OK - So what do I like and what don’t I like?

Obviously, our preferences are all subjective, so I don’t like to make blanket statements. As I’ve said in my opener, I can often overlook operational issues as long as the end result - IQ levels - are superb. And such is the case for the NX Mini. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule with any camera, in particular when operational quirks are severe enough to prevent you from getting the shot.

What I personally like about the NX Mini:

1. The Size. Look, I’m not one of those “got to have a pocket sized camera” persons. Sure, I like smaller, but I don’t put cameras in my pockets - never have. As I mentioned, the NX Mini is small enough, and without a lens attached, looks like a small mobile phone. With the add-on camera case, the camera is easy to hold.

2. Exceptional Dynamic Range Capabilities - alluded to above.

3. Fast AF in most scenarios.

4. Familiar NX menu system.

5. Excellent touch screen capabilities.

6. Actually very long battery life, considering you’re using a Samsung cell phone battery in the Mini. On a recently trip, I got around 540 photos before showing one bar left on the battery level indicator on the screen.

7. Superb IQ results.

What I’m not crazy about with the NX Mini, but I can live with them:

1. Just 3 lenses available at launch and then nothing else. And although I found the lenses to be quite good, they all have a silver shiny metal finish. I personally would have loved to see some rubber on the lenses - subjective, I know. But I get what Samsung was trying to do with the Mini - their attempt to make the Mini appear a bit Avant-garde-like with regards to style. So when you’re zooming with the 8-27, you are turning an all metal lens.

2. A lower rez LCD with only 461K dots of resolution. Like many LCD’s (even though with a much higher resolution), viewing the screen in bright conditions is almost impossible. I’ve learned to use it in such situations, and I’ve managed to compose and get the shots I needed. But yes, it could have been much better at the time. Other than that, I found the LCD screen to be no different than others.

3. A very small shutter release button. At first, I had a frustrating time to depress the shutter release button, so I added an add-on stick-on after-market soft shutter release button to take care of this issue.

4. No dials to be able to adjust aperture or shutter speeds like many cameras do now-a-days. But using the touch screen, you touch the area showing the aperture (or shutter speed), and it brings up a menu item, allowing you to change your menu using the arrow keys on the right side of the camera.

So, would I recommend the NX Mini in 2019?

By all means, YES - because you can get some great deals. Whenever I factor in a camera/lens performance vs cost ratio, I determine if a given camera is worth it or not.  Looking at current prices, and considering the strong IQ capabilities, getting the NX Mini in 2019 is a no-brainer really, unless some of the issues I mentioned are strong factors against it (again, all are subjective).  If you want the kit 9-27 lens, you have to find a package that includes both the body or lens. If not, there are also plenty of 9-27 kit lenses for sale separately for very good prices. As for IQ capabilities, the NX Mini still keeps up with the best of them, and in some cases, even beats out some larger sensor cameras on the market.

I give it 4 stars out of 5, only as a result of the LCD and the issues I mentioned. These are “keeper” cameras for me - thus I purchased two of them.

Image samples on the next posting.

These scenes were captured in the historical towns of both Washington and Bath, North Carolina.

All images captured with the NX Mini and kit 9-27 F3.5-5.6 IS lens. All images captured in RAW file mode, AWB, Aperture Priority (F5.6-6.3). RAW files were imported and converted using ACR within Photoshop CC. Subsequent completed files were saved as TIF files (for my master files). JPG's were created from these TIF files using the superb (free) program known as "Irfanview."

Do note the following:

1. Although Irfanview does a superb job of converting and creating JPG files with many options available (more so than most conversion programs), when converting from TIF to JPG, the exif data is unfortunately stripped.

2. The weather conditions at the time these images were absolutely horrible, meaning hot, typical Southern USA high humidity, strong haze, and horrible contrasts. As a result, they would have looked much better (color balance-wise) in the Spring or Fall.

TO BEST APPRECIATE IMAGES, CLICK ON THE "ORIGINAL SIZE" LINK BELOW EACH IMAGE TO BRING UP A MUCH LARGER AND SHARPER VERSION.

The Pamlico River waterfront in Washington, NC has around 3 miles worth of board walks and walk-ways, ideal for early morning and early evening walks along the waterfront.

Another example of the many walkways along the waterfront.

The NC Estuarium museum in Washington, showcasing a variety of environmental concerns and issues, along with wildlife.

A typical Washington, NC downtown scene. Many of these small, historical downtown areas in various NC smaller towns are seeing a revitalization in both business and tourism.

The Historic St. Peter's Episcopal church. Some of the graves there date back to the late 1600's, with many graves marked by Revolutionary war and civil war participants.

A typical scene from a river boat tour - Washington, NC

These old buildings served as ammunition and weapons storage for the Union forces who occupied Washngton, NC during the civil war.

Taken at ISO 1600 - one of the many scenes inside the Estuarium museum. This turned out brighter than I thought it would be. Sorry about that.

The historic (and well kept) historic residence known as the Palmer-Marsh home. Col. Robert Palmer, surveyor general, collector for the Port of Bath, and member of the Governor's council during the Revolutionary period in American history, later owned the house.

Taken at ISO 1000 - one of the scenes inside the Palmer-Marsh home.

Some more image samples:

TO BEST APPRECIATE IMAGES, CLICK ON THE "ORIGINAL SIZE" LINK BELOW EACH IMAGE TO BRING UP A MUCH LARGER AND SHARPER VERSION.

Typical of the many historical colonial period renovated homes that frequent both Washington and Bath, North Carolina.

The old are also balanced with the new as seen here.

This old grain storage facility - used to load the ships of 100+ years ago is now a rowing club habitat.

An old 120 year old (still works) turning railroad bridge.

Many historical home projects are underway in Washington, NC.

When you drive across the bridge coming into the small sleepy town of Bath, NC, you are greeted with this scene.

Taken on a river boat tour - this area was a huge bald eagle habitat - further up the Tar river.

Folks bring their boats and sail them through the Pamlico sound and into the Pamlico river and moor them along the board walk area.

Many river offshoots from the Tar river lead to unbelievably rich fishing holes like this scene. We were on the riverboat tour and we can upon these folks who knew the secrets of where to fish.

A history of Washington, NC - named after George Washington.

Exceptional post; like so many, very good coincide detail yet simple to read. Read it twice each time a different day.
Thank you Ben
Tu Vu

Excellent review; many thanks for sharing

Yes, unfortunately, I've also heard of the stories regarding that kit zoom lens.  All I can say at the moment is that I treat all of my gear with unbelievable care and hope that it doesn't happen to two 9-27's.

...feel sluggish.  Look, this camera (like many others) is not designed for sports or very fast moving scenarios.  For a general purpose (general photography) instrument, however, it does just fine.  Where it shines (given its small sensor size) is in the areas of DR, color tonality, and joy of use (IMO, that is).

...would I ever use a smart phone for photography work, so I can't attest to any of your inquiries in this regard.

JanMatthys wrote:

Ben Herrmann wrote:

...would I ever use a smart phone for photography work, so I can't attest to any of your inquiries in this regard.

But my inquiry was not about the photography quality, it was about operational responsiveness.

Samsung obviously intended this camera to be a step up from cel-phones in terms of IQ, which you've convinced me that it is. However, is it a step up or down as far as operational responsiveness?

None of the reviews I've seen mention operational responsiveness, but if it's anything like any of the other cameras in the NX line, that wouldn't be something I'd be worried about.

markyboy81 wrote:

JanMatthys wrote:

Samsung obviously intended this camera to be a step up from cel-phones in terms of IQ, which you've convinced me that it is. However, is it a step up or down as far as operational responsiveness?

None of the reviews I've seen mention operational responsiveness, but if it's anything like any of the other cameras in the NX line, that wouldn't be something I'd be worried about.

DPR covered this in some detail in the review:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/samsung-nx-mini/6

JanMatthys wrote:

Heritage Cameras wrote:

markyboy81 wrote:

JanMatthys wrote:

Samsung obviously intended this camera to be a step up from cel-phones in terms of IQ, which you've convinced me that it is. However, is it a step up or down as far as operational responsiveness?

None of the reviews I've seen mention operational responsiveness, but if it's anything like any of the other cameras in the NX line, that wouldn't be something I'd be worried about.

DPR covered this in some detail in the review:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/samsung-nx-mini/6

Thank you for the link! I've owned every Samsung NX camera except the mini, will give it try since prices are so low.

I've been tempted with one recently but overall I'm put off by the reported build quality issues of the the zoom lens,the difficulty in getting hold of and the cost of the 17mm lens, not having 4k and the single mic. Even with all these 'issues' I'm still tempted.

We are talking about a camera that is 4-5 years old and quite a few advancements have been made since.  However, as I mentioned in my review, this camera can still be competitive.  It's AF seems very fast (like other NX cameras), it's touch screen is superb and quite responsive, and the IQ capabilities are up there.  As a photographic tool, this camera has superb DR and higher ISO capabilities given the earlier 1" sensor.

As for build quality, the body feels nice and I'm having no issues with the two 9-27 kit lenses that I have.  I treat them gently - not that I feel I have to - and these two copies are quite nice for the genre.

I guess the bottom line is that if you're an NX aficionado and still want to maintain the system, the NX Mini is an interesting (and perhaps welcomed) addition to the mix.

At least I found it so - but as they say, "there are different strokes for different folks."

DPReview wrote:

Samsung NX mini :
21 Megapixels • 3" Screen • 1" + [ BSI ] + Sensor

Ben Herrmann wrote:

Kids and / or Pets....... good
Action and/or Sport... okay
Landscape Scenery.... excellent
Portraits Portraits...... excellent
Low Light w/o flash... great
Flash Photo (social.... unrated
Studio a/o still life...... excellent

7. Superb IQ Results...

Thanks for your very informative review, Ben !
... if I was not already a fan of NX mini,
after reading, I would buy one

What I can say, you're Not exagerating at all,
I would even increase your -
' Low Light w/o flash ' rating - from Great to Excellent !

The responsibility comes from dpreview :
the exact type of CMos sensor, ie BSI
is missing in their presentation

See the results in very Low Light Conditions...
at Sea Level in a Well Lit City w/ SkyWatcher std reflector :
https://www.dpreview.com/galleries/tags/nx-mini
its IR-Cut Filter is more than easy to remove :
http://mecastronics.free.fr/SamsungNXminiTopIR.html

https://www.chassimages.com/forum/index.php/topic,236962.100.html

trying to convince Pentaxians to require a 'Q+' from Pentax
... with the Same Excellent imx183 BSI Cmos Sensor :
Samsung NX mini, a Top Infra-Red ILC for $125€

Pentax could release a 'Q+' w/ Sony 1" BSI sensor

I wonder : when will Pentax release new product ?

at least, Pentax to release a 'Q+' w/ Sony 1" BSI sensor

as you see, not so easy...