Samsung NX mini Review

Main Features

20MP - 1" BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 160 - 12800( expands to 100-25600)

3" Tilting Screen

6 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video

Built-in Wireless

196g. 110 x 62 x 23 mm

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Samsung NX mini Overview

First introduced in March 2014 , Samsung NX mini is a 20.5MP Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a 1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor.

Samsung NX mini Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Lens Mount and Lenses
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Samsung NX mini has an Overall Score of 66/100 and ranked #94 out of 204 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #196 out of 1212 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Samsung NX mini Type Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras

Samsung NX mini Compared to other Mirrorless Cameras

Now let's get in to more details of our Samsung NX mini review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Built-in Wireless (Wi-fi)

Articulating Screen

Full HD Video

Touch Screen

Face Detection Focusing

20.5MP - High Resolution Sensor

12.800 Max ISO

21 Focus Points

461k dots LCD Resolution

1/16000s High Shutter Speed

6.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter

Long Battery Life (650 shots)

196g Light Body

External Microphone Port

Panorama Shooting

Flash Sync Port

Report a correction

Buy Samsung NX mini from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Image Stabilization

No Built-in Viewfinder

No External Viewfinder Option

x magnification - Small Viewfinder

Low Screen Resolution ( 460.8kdots )

No Environmental Sealing

Report a correction

Samsung NX mini Lens Mount and Lenses

Samsung NX mini has a Samsung NX-M lens mount and currently there are 2 native lenses available for this mount. Samsung created the NX-M mount to reduce the size of the overall system and create and alternative to its NX mount but current selection of lenses are so limited that users better use NX mount adapters to use other Samsung lenses.

Samsung NX mini doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 1 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization.

Here are some of the most popular Samsung NX mini Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Samsung NX-M Mount Lenses for Samsung NX mini

	Model	Focal Length on NX mini	Coverage	Weight	Focusing	Street Price
	Samsung NX-M 9-27mm F3.5-5.6 ED OIS	24.3-72.9mm	1"	73gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo
	Samsung NX-M 9mm F3.5 ED	24.3mm	1"	31gr	AF	Amazon B&H Photo

Check our Samsung NX mini Lenses page or use our Smart Lens Finder tool for more detailed lens search.

Samsung NX mini Sensor and Photography Features

Samsung NX mini has a 20.5MP 1" (13.2 x 8.8 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9. NX mini has a native ISO range of 160 - 12800 which can be boosted to 100-25600 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Samsung NX mini is not the highest resolution 1 inch Sensor camera. Nikon 1 J5 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Samsung NX mini vs Nikon 1 J5 or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Samsung NX mini's 1" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Samsung NX mini Physical Specs

Samsung NX mini weighs 196 g (0.43 lb / 6.91 oz) and has external dimensions of 110 x 62 x 23 mm (4.33 x 2.44 x 0.91″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 435g, Samsung NX mini is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 23mm, it is also quite small, 26mm thinner than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

Samsung NX mini

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

Samsung NX mini

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Samsung NX mini with the dimensions:

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Samsung NX mini with its main competitors:

Samsung NX mini Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs NX mini	Thickness	vs NX mini
Samsung NX300 Compare	331g	135g heavier	41mm	18mm thicker
Samsung NX1000 Compare	222g	26g heavier	37mm	14mm thicker
Samsung NX3000 Compare	230g	34g heavier	39mm	16mm thicker
Canon SX740 HS Compare	299g	103g heavier	40mm	17mm thicker
Sony a5100 Compare	283g	87g heavier	36mm	13mm thicker
Samsung NX2000 Compare	228g	32g heavier	36mm	13mm thicker
Nikon 1 J5 Compare	231g	35g heavier	32mm	9mm thicker
Samsung NX500 Compare	287g	91g heavier	43mm	20mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Samsung NX mini doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

Samsung NX mini LCD

Samsung NX mini has a Tilting 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 461k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

NX mini doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Mirrorless camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider (Compare) or (Compare).
If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

Samsung NX mini Connectivity, Storage and Battery

Samsung NX mini features built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity ( 802.11b/g/n with Smart Camera 3.0 features) which lets you transfer your photos directly to compatible devices without any physical connection.

You can connect NX mini to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Battery

Samsung NX mini is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 650 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 366 shots, Samsung NX mini has a good battery life for its class.

Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

Samsung NX mini

Min

Average

Max

Samsung NX mini is the longest battery life Entry-Level Mirrorless camera in our database. The closest competitor in this class is Pentax K-01 with its 540 shots battery life. Check the comparison of Samsung NX mini vs Pentax K-01 or take a look at Longest battery life Mirrorless cameras list.

Samsung NX mini Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Samsung NX300 Compare	1920 x 1080	330shots	Yes	No	Yes
Samsung NX1000 Compare	1920 x 1080	320shots	Yes	No	No
Samsung NX3000 Compare	1920 x 1080	370shots	Yes	No	Yes
Canon SX740 HS Compare	3840 x 2160	265shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sony a5100 Compare	1920 x 1080	400shots	Yes	No	Yes
Samsung NX2000 Compare	1920 x 1080	340shots	Yes	No	Yes
Nikon 1 J5 Compare	3840 x 2160	250shots	Yes	No	Yes
Samsung NX500 Compare	4096 x 2160	370shots	Yes	Yes	Yes

Samsung NX mini Video Features

With Samsung NX mini, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Samsung NX mini will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

NX mini has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. Samsung NX mini also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

Samsung NX mini Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Samsung NX mini can shoot continuously at max speed of 6 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/16000 sec.

Flash

NX mini has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

Focusing

Samsung NX mini features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 21 points to choose from.

Samsung NX mini also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Samsung NX mini Good for?

In this section, we review and score Samsung NX mini in 5 different photography areas.

Samsung NX mini for Portrait Photography

Samsung NX mini has a score of 46 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.5MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling

No Image Stabilization
No Built-in Viewfinder

Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX mini for Portrait Photography

Samsung NX mini for Street Photography

Samsung NX mini has a score of 59 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Street Photography list.

Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Medium sized Body

Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX mini for Street Photography

Samsung NX mini for Sports Photography

Samsung NX mini has a score of 61 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.

Fast Max shutter speed: 1/16000s
21 Focus Points
Good Battery Life: 650 shots
Wireless Connection
Average Continuous Shooting: 6.0fps

Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization

Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX mini for Sports Photography

Samsung NX mini for Daily Photography

Samsung NX mini has a score of 60 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.

196g
Medium size Body

Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX mini for Daily Photography

Samsung NX mini for Landscape Photography

Samsung NX mini has a score of 39 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theNX mini.

Live-view
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.5MP

Average sized 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX mini for Landscape Photography

Samsung NX mini Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Samsung NX mini compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of NX mini and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.

Read a more detailed analysis of Samsung NX mini alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Samsung NX mini

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Samsung NX mini amongst Camera Decision readers.

Samsung NX300

Compare

Samsung NX1000

Compare

Samsung NX3000

Compare

Canon SX740 HS

Compare

Sony a5100

Compare

Samsung NX2000

Compare

Nikon 1 J5

Compare

Samsung NX500

Compare

Samsung NX mini Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Samsung NX mini with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Samsung NX mini's price range.

Pentax K-1

Compare

Nikon D780

Compare

Pentax K-1 II

Compare

Nikon D750

Compare

Nikon D810

Compare

Nikon D500

Compare

Canon 5D MIV

Compare

Canon 90D

Compare

Frequently Asked Questions about Samsung NX mini

Does the Samsung NX mini have Image Stabilization?
Does the Samsung NX mini have RAW support?
Does the Samsung NX mini have Weather Sealing?
Does the Samsung NX mini have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Samsung NX mini?
What is the Sensor Size of Samsung NX mini?
is the Samsung NX mini a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Samsung NX mini have Touch Screen?
Does the Samsung NX mini have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Samsung NX mini?

Samsung NX mini Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Samsung
Model	Samsung NX mini
Announced	2014-03-19
Body Type	Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	Samsung NX-M
Number of Lenses	2
Focal Length Multiplier	2.7×
Macro Focus Range	n/a
Screen
Screen Type	Tilting
Screen Technology	TFT-LCD (180 degree tilt)
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	461k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	30s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/16000s
Continuous Shooting	6.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	n/a
Max Flash Sync	1/200s
Flash Modes	Smart Flash, auto, auto + redeye reduction, fill-in, fill-in + redeye reduction, 1st curtain, 2nd curtain
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size	1"
Sensor Dimensions	13.2 x 8.8 mm
Sensor Area	116.16mm²
Sensor Resolution	20.5 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	5472 x 3648
Max Native ISO	12,800
Max Boosted ISO	25600
Min Native ISO	160
Min Boosted ISO	100
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	21
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 (all 30 fps)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Built-In
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	196g
Physical Dimensions	110 x 62 x 23mm
Battery Life	650 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	B740
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2-30 sec)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC
Storage Slots	1