Samsung NX10

Speed and Timing

The Samsung NX10 came in exactly where it claimed in continuous mode shooting, an an unexciting 3 frames per second (2.99 to be precise) for full-resolution superfine JPEGs. For RAW files (without JPEG) we still got about 3 frames a second, but it wasn’t much of a run — after just three shots the camera slowed to offload files to the memory card, and that was a fast class SDHC card.

If you need blistering speed, you can get it, if you’re willing to settle for reduced resolution. The low-res burst mode promises up to 30 frames per second and delivered 28.6.

The NX10 promises a so-so 3 shots per second and delivers on that promise, and a reduced-resolution burst mode delivered very nearly the blazing-fast 30 shots per second promised on the spec sheet. There are two stumbling points here, though. Those rapid burst-mode shots are limited to 1472 × 976 resolution (about 1.4 megapixels), which isn’t bad for on-screen viewing but not suitable for printing at any decent size.The other oddity: press the shutter once and let go immediately, the camera still rattles off 30-plus exposures.

The self-timer is unusually flexible, allowing the user to set duration anywhere from 2 to 30 seconds, in one-second increments.

Focus Speed

Like other mirrorless cameras, the NX10 relies on contrast detect autofocus, using data directly from the image sensor, rather than the faster SLR-style phase-detect autofocus, which uses a mirror to bounce light to a separate autofocus sensor. On the plus side, the NX10 autofocus feels about as fast as the Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras, which are significantly faster than the Olympus models. At the same time, if you’re doing a lot of sports or nature photography, the hesitation between pressing the shutter halfway and acquiring focus is still irritating, especially if you’re used to shooting with a conventional SLR. For less action-packed scenes, like photographing guests at a party, it won’t be a problem.

The camera supports three focus modes: Single, Continuous, and Manual.

There are two basic focus area options, one which lets the camera choose multiple points, the other which leaves the focus area selection up to the user. In addition, face detection and self-portrait autofocus are provided.

There is a bright, green autofocus assist lamp located below the mode dial, which proved effective even in large rooms.

When using manual focus, the camera automatically enlarges the Live View display when you turn the focus ring, making accurate adjustment more practical. It would be better, though, if you could turn this behavior off if you find it annoying. And it certainly can be annoying, since you lose your view of the overall image every time the magnification kicks in.