Samsung NX1 Image Quality

Samsung NX1 Image Quality Comparison

Below are crops from our laboratory Still Life target comparing the Samsung NX1's image quality to its predecessor, the NX30 as well as against several competing APS-C models at similar price points or in similar categories: the Canon 7D Mark II, Nikon D7200, Pentax K-3 II and Sony A77 II.

NOTE: These images are from best quality JPEGs straight out of the camera, at default settings including noise reduction and using the camera's actual base ISO (not extended ISO settings). All cameras in this comparison were shot with our very sharp reference lenses. Clicking any crop will take you to a carrier page where you can click once again to access the full resolution image as delivered straight from the camera. For those interested in working with the RAW files involved: click these links to visit each camera's respective sample image thumbnail page: Samsung NX1, Samsung NX30, Canon 7D II, Nikon D7200, Pentax K-3 II and Sony A77 II -- links to the RAW files appear beneath those for the JPEG images, wherever we have them. And remember, you can always go to our world-renowned Comparometer to compare the Samsung NX1 to any camera we've ever tested!

Samsung NX1 vs Samsung NX30 at Base ISO

Samsung NX1 vs Canon 7D Mark II at Base ISO

Samsung NX1 vs Nikon D7200 at Base ISO

Samsung NX1 vs Pentax K-3 II at Base ISO

Samsung NX1 vs Sony A77 II at Base ISO

Samsung NX1 vs Samsung NX30 at ISO 1600

Samsung NX1 vs Canon 7D Mark II at ISO 1600

Samsung NX1 vs Nikon D7200 at ISO 1600

Samsung NX1 vs Pentax K-3 II at ISO 1600

Samsung NX1 vs Sony A77 II at ISO 1600

Samsung NX1 vs Samsung NX30 at ISO 3200

Samsung NX1 vs Canon 7D Mark II at ISO 3200

Samsung NX1 vs Nikon D7200 at ISO 3200

Samsung NX1 vs Pentax K-3 II at ISO 3200

Samsung NX1 vs Sony A77 II at ISO 3200

Samsung NX1 vs. Samsung NX30, Canon 7D Mark II, Nikon D7200, Pentax K-3 II, Sony A77 II

Samsung NX1 Print Quality

Overview: Fantastic prints up to 30 x 40 inches at base ISO through ISO 400; Very good 20 x 30 inch prints at ISO 1600; and acceptable 5 x 7 inches prints are possible all the way up to ISO 25,600.

ISO 100/200/400 images make for excellent prints all the way up to 30 x 40 inches and larger; you're really only limited by the resolution of the sensor. At 30 x 40 inches, even at very close inspection, pixelation is practically nonexistent, but at normal viewing distances for these very large prints, details are nice and sharp, and colors are vibrant.

ISO 800 prints look great up to 24 x 36 inches. Images are very clean with hardly any visible luminance noise thanks to the noise reduction processing. There is some very minor softening of really fine details due to NR, however a 30 x 40 inch print would be suitable for wall display.

ISO 1600 images are not much different from ISO 800, however there's a bit more softening of very fine detail due to NR processing, so we're stopping at 20 x 30 inch prints here at ISO 1600. Overall, the detail is still very good, and the colors are pleasing.

ISO 3200 prints top out at 16 x 20 inches as shadow noise becomes slightly more evident and NR affects fine detail a little bit more. We'd be fine with 20 x 30 inch prints for less critical applications, though.

ISO 6400 images look nice up to 13 x 19 inches, as noise/NR processing effects further reduce fine detail resolution, however as with the earlier ISO, we'd be happy with bumping the print size up to 16 x 20 for less critical applications.

ISO 12,800 prints reach their limit at 8 x 10 inches. Noise, as well as noise reduction processing, is becoming more noticeable, and it's taking a toll on fine detail. Colors, as well, are beginning to appear a little on the dull side.

ISO 25,600 images max out at 5 x 7 inch prints. Detail loss due to noise and less pleasing colors really limit printing at larger sizes.

ISO 51,200 prints are too noisy with drab colors to consider acceptable at any size. However, 4 x 6 inch prints may be okay for less critical applications, though we'd recommend avoiding this ISO level for prints.

The high-powered, high-resolution Samsung NX1 brings a lot to table in terms of print quality performance. With its high-resolution 28.2MP APS-C image sensor, this camera's files can create some really large prints, especially at low to mid ISO sensitivities. Up to ISO 400, prints look fantastic all the way up to a massive 30 x 40 inches. You can print larger sizes too, as you're really only limited by how much you're willing to push the boundaries of the sensor's resolution. Fine detail is excellent as are the colors at these lower ISOs. At the mid-range ISOs, the NX1 still manages to produce some very good, large prints. At ISO 1600, the NX1 yields a nice 20 x 30 inch print, while ISO 3200 manages a solid 16 x 20. At the top end of the high ISO scale, the NX1 can still make acceptable prints, though we consider ISO 25,600 to be the maximum for usable prints at 5 x 7 inches. At ISO 51,200, images are too noisy and soft for acceptable prints. One point also worth mentioning is that in our initial print assessment using a then-current firmware, we found a subtle, yet noticeable greenish tint to shadow color in mid to higher ISO prints. However, with the latest firmware (v1.32 as of this publishing date), the color cast in the shadows has been corrected and now appears more natural.