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Samsung NX mini Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Samsung NX mini

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    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
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    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, Tilting touch screen and Samsung NX-M lens mount.

    Samsung NX mini Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Samsung NX mini has an Overall Score of 66/100 and ranked #102 out of 212 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #203 out of 1221 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main 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 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 443g, Samsung NX mini is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 23mm, it is also quite small, 27mm 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:

    Samsung NX mini Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Samsung NX mini Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Samsung NX mini, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Samsung NX mini Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Samsung NX mini Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    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 NX mini Camera Samsung NX3000
    Compare
    230g 34g heavier 39mm 16mm thicker
    Samsung NX mini Camera Samsung NX1000
    Compare
    222g 26g heavier 37mm 14mm thicker
    Samsung NX mini Camera Samsung NX300
    Compare
    331g 135g heavier 41mm 18mm thicker
    Samsung NX mini Camera Samsung NX500
    Compare
    287g 91g heavier 43mm 20mm thicker
    Samsung NX mini Camera Sony RX100 III
    Compare
    290g 94g heavier 41mm 18mm thicker
    Samsung NX mini Camera Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    231g 35g heavier 32mm 9mm thicker
    Samsung NX mini Camera Canon M100
    Compare
    302g 106g heavier 35mm 12mm thicker
    Samsung NX mini Camera Canon M10
    Compare
    301g 105g heavier 35mm 12mm 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 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 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Samsung NX mini Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    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 Lens 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 Lens Samsung NX-M 9mm F3.5 ED
    24.3mm 1" 31gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Samsung NX mini Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    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.

    Samsung NX mini back view and LCD

    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 Sony Alpha A7R (Compare) or Canon EOS M50 Mark II (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 369 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 NX mini Camera Samsung NX3000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 370shots Yes No Yes
    Samsung NX mini Camera Samsung NX1000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 320shots Yes No No
    Samsung NX mini Camera Samsung NX300
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots Yes No Yes
    Samsung NX mini Camera Samsung NX500
    Compare
    4096 x 2160 370shots Yes Yes Yes
    Samsung NX mini Camera Sony RX100 III
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 320shots Yes No Yes
    Samsung NX mini Camera Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 250shots Yes No Yes
    Samsung NX mini Camera Canon M100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 295shots Yes Yes Yes
    Samsung NX mini Camera Canon M10
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 255shots Yes No 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.

    Samsung NX mini PROs and CONs Review

    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
    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 58 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.
    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 NX3000
    Samsung NX3000
    Compare
    Samsung NX1000
    Samsung NX1000
    Compare
    Samsung NX300
    Samsung NX300
    Compare
    Samsung NX500
    Samsung NX500
    Compare
    Sony RX100 III
    Sony RX100 III
    Compare
    Nikon 1 J5
    Nikon 1 J5
    Compare
    Canon M100
    Canon M100
    Compare
    Canon M10
    Canon M10
    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.

    Sony A77 II
    Sony A77 II
    Compare
    Sony A99
    Sony A99
    Compare
    Pentax K-3
    Pentax K-3
    Compare
    Pentax K-S2
    Pentax K-S2
    Compare
    Pentax K-70
    Pentax K-70
    Compare
    Nikon D7200
    Nikon D7200
    Compare
    Pentax K-3 II
    Pentax K-3 II
    Compare
    Canon SL3
    Canon SL3
    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?
    What is the Weight of Samsung NX mini?
    What are the Dimensions 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


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