After Samsung, where's next?

I've been more than happy with my NX kit, but I'm starting to get that itch.

I heard about the upcoming release of the GH5 mark 2 and it does look appealing. I know that realistically it's not that much of a step up from the NX1, but things like the improved stabilisation and 4k 60fps does sound good. Has anyone made the shift to micro 4/3?

Another consideration would be having to fork out for more lenses, although I think I would be more conservative. I have pretty much every NX lens but if I'm honest, I only tend to use a small number most of the time. So I would probably just need a nice zoom similar to the 16-50mm, a prime and a telephoto. How do the lenses compare?

Another thing to consider is the hassle of having to sell all my existing NX kit, something that I don't relish!

Interested to hear your stories of where you've moved to after NX!

I've not "moved on" from Samsung, rather kept it in parallel as a mirrorless platform for my old Russian rangefinder lenses, whilst I continue with my "serious" photography and my Pentax system.

The Pentax choice was made some 20 years ago as a system which would continue to support my existing selection of M42 lenses. Many of those old lenses have been superceded by more modern equivalents, some continue to serve! The latest Pentax body (K-3iii) is even more backward-compatible than it's predecessors!

I wish you luck, it'll be difficult deciding which of the "moderm" systems will go obsolete next!

You're right, perhaps I'll wait until the next company goes bust, and then maybe take advantage when people jump ship!

Having thought about it I'm staying where I am. I think that's the sensible thing to do, at least while the kit is still functioning.

I only kept the NX1+ 50-150mm and the NX500 + 30mm because it is hard to find something equivalent with other brands.
The NX1 still produces great picture, great 4K, has built in flash and the 50-150mm has a fabulous bokeh and colours. The NX500 with the 30mm is very light and compact and the lens has a great rendering.
I have the A7III and both the S5/S1 too but for me they can't replace my NX's combo when I want the beautiful swirly bokeh of the 50-150mm or the NX500/30mm when I want compactness but still very good quality.

vincentocat wrote:

I only kept the NX1+ 50-150mm and the NX500 + 30mm because it is hard to find something equivalent with other brands.
The NX1 still produces great picture, great 4K, has built in flash and the 50-150mm has a fabulous bokeh and colours. The NX500 with the 30mm is very light and compact and the lens has a great rendering.
I have the A7III and both the S5/S1 too but for me they can't replace my NX's combo when I want the beautiful swirly bokeh of the 50-150mm or the NX500/30mm when I want compactness but still very good quality.

I agree - the NX500 + 30mm is a great combination for stills. I actually quite like the 16-50mm pz with the NX500 - quite sharp and compact, and good for video.

But the S lenses are both excellent. I can imagine it would be quite expensive to replicate them on another system.

I moved on from Samsung quite early, just before the NX1 release when I traded my NX200 for a Sony NEX-5N, then going for Sony FF.

The Sony always felt a bit clunky, but made up for it in image quality, and later with the A7 III also had a camera with decent AF, good 4K (very good detail, very good low light performance).

In addition I also had a brief Panasonic M43 system in use - in parallel: G7 and then G81

While the Panasonic system could not deliver decent IQ above ISO 800, it certainly made up in functionality and usability. Certainly more advanced than Sony, but also more than Samsung.

The biggest issue I had with Sony were the colors though. If you're willing to grade your footage, the S-Log3 is pretty good, even in 4:2:0 8-bit (Sony A7 III). Other than that, I found it frustrating to get pleasing colors out-of-camera. You can tweak the color profiles quite a bit, but eventually I got tired of all the trial and error. None of the profiles (from the internet and self-made) worked for me. With Panasonic, the colors were always perfect out-of-camera, at least to my taste.

So finally I ditched the Sony system, also sold the M43 and went for the Panasonic S5. As small as the GH5, 4:2:2 10-bit video, Natural profile works extremely well for out-of-camera videos, it has waveform display, 2 zebra levels, IBIS and on top of that you get very good low-light performance (a bit better than the Sony A7III) and a 96MP pixel-shift RAW mode. And 6K is also possible via external recording. And it has the usual Panasonic bells and whistles: dual SD slots, v-log and hlg LUTs (including custom V-log LUT support), focus scale with DOF display, and almost everything can be customized.

Autofocus is not the best though. And lenses are heavy and more expensive. Then again, the 20-60mm "kit" lens is very versatile and has only a few flaws.

So, if video is important, if I would move away from Samsung NX today, I'd definitely give Panasonic a closer look. Either the m43 system (the GH5 II looks great, but so does the GH5s, if stills are not so important), or the FF system.

As I don't need super-fast AF-C, I'm very happy to stay with Samsung till the bulk of my kit fails. Given that the prices dropped soon after Samsung pulled out, there were bargains to be had. Sadly I missed out on these. Prices have started to edge up in the last year or so due to scarcity I assume. My real concern was/is spare parts and repair bills. Realistically now, repairs are not possible or economically not feasible. To mitigate against this I bought multiple copies. It might seem excessive but I currently have;

1 x NX1 body (looking for a backup)

3 x NX500 bodies. This base is covered.

1 x NX20 body. Hardly ever used.

1 x NX1100 & 2 x NX1000. Casual walk-about or party cameras where I don't mind the odd knock or so.

2 * NX Mini with 9mm & 9-27mm. Would love to have the 17mm.

3 x 16-50mm S (two of which are like new)

3 x 16-50mm PZ

2 x 20-50mm, my least favourite but still capable kit lens.

3 * 18-55mm

1 * 12-24mm (would like a back-up)

1 * 50-200mm

1 * 18-200mm

2 * 30mm, great lens.

2 * 20mm, good, under-rated lens.

2 * 16mm, very good, under-rated lens.

1 * 45mm (2D/3D), don't use the gimmicky 3D feature, but a fine prime.

1 * 60mm, great macro lens.

I've acquired most of this gear in the last 12-24 months after making a conscious decision to stay with the NX range. I still can't find anything that gives me significantly better IQ for the same price range.

Touch wood, to date not a single piece (body or lens) has failed on me yet. Mind, I am careful with all my toys.

So to answer the question, 'After Samsung, where next?'. I'm staying put. However if I were to start over without being heavily invested in Pentax, then Samsung, I really find the Olympus m4/3 system attractive. Small, robust, weather-sealed bodies and lens with excellent IQ.

Wow that's quite a collection! I thought I had a lot! I have virtually all the lenses apart from 18-50,20-50 and 50-200.

You're right about the 20mm. This doesn't get talked about much but there's something about its output that makes it stand out.

Christian Unger wrote:

I moved on from Samsung quite early, just before the NX1 release when I traded my NX200 for a Sony NEX-5N, then going for Sony FF.

The Sony always felt a bit clunky, but made up for it in image quality, and later with the A7 III also had a camera with decent AF, good 4K (very good detail, very good low light performance).

In addition I also had a brief Panasonic M43 system in use - in parallel: G7 and then G81

While the Panasonic system could not deliver decent IQ above ISO 800, it certainly made up in functionality and usability. Certainly more advanced than Sony, but also more than Samsung.

The biggest issue I had with Sony were the colors though. If you're willing to grade your footage, the S-Log3 is pretty good, even in 4:2:0 8-bit (Sony A7 III). Other than that, I found it frustrating to get pleasing colors out-of-camera. You can tweak the color profiles quite a bit, but eventually I got tired of all the trial and error. None of the profiles (from the internet and self-made) worked for me. With Panasonic, the colors were always perfect out-of-camera, at least to my taste.

So finally I ditched the Sony system, also sold the M43 and went for the Panasonic S5. As small as the GH5, 4:2:2 10-bit video, Natural profile works extremely well for out-of-camera videos, it has waveform display, 2 zebra levels, IBIS and on top of that you get very good low-light performance (a bit better than the Sony A7III) and a 96MP pixel-shift RAW mode. And 6K is also possible via external recording. And it has the usual Panasonic bells and whistles: dual SD slots, v-log and hlg LUTs (including custom V-log LUT support), focus scale with DOF display, and almost everything can be customized.

Autofocus is not the best though. And lenses are heavy and more expensive. Then again, the 20-60mm "kit" lens is very versatile and has only a few flaws.

So, if video is important, if I would move away from Samsung NX today, I'd definitely give Panasonic a closer look. Either the m43 system (the GH5 II looks great, but so does the GH5s, if stills are not so important), or the FF system.

To add to this is that S5 has lower prices for the body than A7 III both new and used. You can definitely get a bargain. Sony's resale value is the highest. I mean.. Even in 2021 people want  £1200 for a used a7iii body whilst you can get an s5 for £900 which is a newer camera.

Siralgovia wrote:

Amazing collection! Now you're just missing the Galaxy NX

I just got myself two Galaxy NX cameras (one still brand new in box). For some reason I never connected with the NX500 of which I had three and sold them all. It's jpeg output did not inspire me, though that of course is just personal preference. I always preferred jpegs from the NX300 and NX3000.

I have always had my eye out for the Galaxy NX and happened to bid on two bodies simultaneously, both of which I won for €269 and €259, one new and one used in perfect condition.

I love the form factor, the grip is made for my hands and I enjoy the big screen and all the other quirky goodies. For me it's the ultimate NX body, or at least the ultimate affordable one, the NX 1 is running a little to high for me.

For the least it's a super unique camera with all its quirks, but I LOVE the form factor and even though some complain about the viewfinder, I am happy with it and it is good enough for my needs.

I also had the galaxy NX once and I completely agree with you. Loved the camera and how connected it was. I did upgrade to the NX1 but have fond memories of the galaxy NX.

Siralgovia wrote:

Amazing collection! Now you're just missing the Galaxy NX

I just got myself two Galaxy NX cameras (one still brand new in box). For some reason I never connected with the NX500 of which I had three and sold them all. It's jpeg output did not inspire me, though that of course is just personal preference. I always preferred jpegs from the NX300 and NX3000.

I have always had my eye out for the Galaxy NX and happened to bid on two bodies simultaneously, both of which I won for €269 and €259, one new and one used in perfect condition.

I love the form factor, the grip is made for my hands and I enjoy the big screen and all the other quirky goodies. For me it's the ultimate NX body, or at least the ultimate affordable one, the NX 1 is running a little to high for me.

For the least it's a super unique camera with all its quirks, but I LOVE the form factor and even though some complain about the viewfinder, I am happy with it and it is good enough for my needs.

Thumbs up for the love of GNX! Also have 2 of these as well, bought them for bargain prices, the Galaxy aligned with my budget 😂.

Did you manage to use that Dropbox offer? Also, a thing I noticed is, when I connect wirelessly the NX to my LG TV the pictures are shown in a very small resolution whilst I never had this happened with nx500 or nx1. Does it happen to you as well?

The only compelling reason for me to move to a new system is the fact that I bought all my gear for really cheap, meaning I could get more than what I paid for all the cameras and lenses I have, will put it on paper and see what else can I buy with that money but it's hard to quit cold turkey, and even if I start investing in another system I'd still keep some NX for casual shooting. For me NX is my first ever line, I liked the affordability and the hunt for the most rare lenses and bodies around. Good memories hunting the deals, winning auctions and finding solutions to have gear delivered from various countries that wouldn't even consider delivering to UK.

So in essence, the fact that I paid so little for my gear gives me that liberty of not rushing into other system, yet, abut also the possibility to earn more money than I paid for them if I decide to sell.

Siralgovia wrote:

Amazing collection! Now you're just missing the Galaxy NX

Thanks. I really need to cut down my existing collection, especially at the 'lower' end.

Never had the opportunity to test/use a Galaxy NX. Samsung where really innovative when the had their brief bash at serious cameras. There was so much for everyone except the huge lens collection for 'serious' birders and sport geeks. Luckily for me (landscape and scenery) they had my bases covered.

I just got myself two Galaxy NX cameras (one still brand new in box). For some reason I never connected with the NX500 of which I had three and sold them all. It's jpeg output did not inspire me, though that of course is just personal preference. I always preferred jpegs from the NX300 and NX3000.

Really pleased to hear that there are many happy NX users out there.

I have heard about the great jpeg output of the NX300 & NX3000 before. Strangely, I've never owned a 300 and had a 3000 briefly which I gave to my son hoping to wean him off mobile phone shooting only. I was going to give him one of my NX1000 or NX1100, but they didn't have a articulate selfie screen. :).

I have always had my eye out for the Galaxy NX and happened to bid on two bodies simultaneously, both of which I won for €269 and €259, one new and one used in perfect condition.

Good finds.

I love the form factor, the grip is made for my hands and I enjoy the big screen and all the other quirky goodies. For me it's the ultimate NX body, or at least the ultimate affordable one, the NX 1 is running a little to high for me.

Yes, a good grip and other ergonomics can make a huge difference. For it's size I find the NX500 almost the perfect camera. Weather sealing and an option view finder would have had me in hog heaven!

For the least it's a super unique camera with all its quirks, but I LOVE the form factor and even though some complain about the viewfinder, I am happy with it and it is good enough for my needs.

Good stuff and agreed. I sometimes find it strange how people on DPR site moan/troll other peoples' choices when there's genuine fun to be had with cameras with all their characteristics/quirks.

Stay safe.

markyboy81 wrote:

Wow that's quite a collection! I thought I had a lot! I have virtually all the lenses apart from 18-50,20-50 and 50-200.

I think you'd enjoy the 50-200. With OIS and a price tag of approx £80-100 I find it a good buy. The 18-55 is bulkier than the 16-50 but I much prefer the mechanical zoom feature. I've not really taken to the zoom buttons. Having said that the compactness is great as a travel/walk-about lens.

You're right about the 20mm. This doesn't get talked about much but there's something about its output that makes it stand out.

Too true.

Wahid Khan 1961 wrote:

markyboy81 wrote:

Wow that's quite a collection! I thought I had a lot! I have virtually all the lenses apart from 18-50,20-50 and 50-200.

I think you'd enjoy the 50-200. With OIS and a price tag of approx £80-100 I find it a good buy. The 18-55 is bulkier than the 16-50 but I much prefer the mechanical zoom feature. I've not really taken to the zoom buttons. Having said that the compactness is great as a travel/walk-about lens.

You're right about the 20mm. This doesn't get talked about much but there's something about its output that makes it stand out.

Too true.

I did have the 50-200mm at one point but couldn't really justify using it after I got the 18-200mm, which although I've heard is inferior optically, in actually a fan of.

I may see if I can pick up a copy of the 50-200mm again at some point.

Just waiting for the 85mm to arrive, got 45, 60 is rather cheap. NX500, 30, 20, 210 (bargain with 30). Will get another NX500, so much for the money. Maybe NX1 and the best long zoom.

Been thinking about A7III when IV comes, but high lens cost and RX1 can cover a lot. Also got some MFT as backup. Guess there is no after Samsung yet.

Think NX500 is the "decider". Did not know how good it was when buying. 5 years ago....

eilivk wrote:

Just waiting for the 85mm to arrive, got 45, 60 is rather cheap. NX500, 30, 20, 210 (bargain with 30). Will get another NX500, so much for the money. Maybe NX1 and the best long zoom.

You won't regret them. I don't do a lot of portraiture so the 85mm always seemed like a luxury item for me. I do have a fairly good Samyang 85 f1.4 for Pentax K which adapts very well to NX, manual only of course.

Love all the small, pancake primes.

Been thinking about A7III when IV comes, but high lens cost and RX1 can cover a lot. Also got some MFT as backup. Guess there is no after Samsung yet.

Think NX500 is the "decider". Did not know how good it was when buying. 5 years ago....

Yes and no. I knew that the NX500 was 'crippled' in the video department compared to the NX1. As I'm not a video shooter that wasn't an issue. So I knew I was getting an excellent still camera. However it surpassed my expectations in other ways like handling, fun and with any of the pancake primes, it's a fantastic walk-about set-up.

It's still my most go to camera for day-to-day shooting.

Wahid Khan 1961 wrote:

eilivk wrote:

Just waiting for the 85mm to arrive, got 45, 60 is rather cheap. NX500, 30, 20, 210 (bargain with 30). Will get another NX500, so much for the money. Maybe NX1 and the best long zoom.

You won't regret them. I don't do a lot of portraiture so the 85mm always seemed like a luxury item for me. I do have a fairly good Samyang 85 f1.4 for Pentax K which adapts very well to NX, manual only of course.

Love all the small, pancake primes.

Been thinking about A7III when IV comes, but high lens cost and RX1 can cover a lot. Also got some MFT as backup. Guess there is no after Samsung yet.

Think NX500 is the "decider". Did not know how good it was when buying. 5 years ago....

Yes and no. I knew that the NX500 was 'crippled' in the video department compared to the NX1. As I'm not a video shooter that wasn't an issue. So I knew I was getting an excellent still camera. However it surpassed my expectations in other ways like handling, fun and with any of the pancake primes, it's a fantastic walk-about set-up.

It's still my most go to camera for day-to-day shooting.

I do no portraits, so how much will the 85 mm be used. I think some on night clouds, animals nearby when it's dark. Lots stills at the harbour, a place where things are happening.... Have not used the 45 so much. - One lens on each camera!

Started with NX10/30 mm long time ago, because it was $100! Not good at high ISO and some WB problems, but some of my best photos ever. And when I got that lens on NX500, in the dark....! And amazed how much you can crop. A7--- maybe not. Not one fault on any camera or lens.

And there is lots of NX here, if more is needed.