The Samsung NX210 is, apart from the addition of a Wi-Fi mode, as good as identical to its predecessor Samsung NX200. In this article we have therefore concentrated on the new features of the camera but also included our usual studio test scene. However, to get the full set of test data and information that you expect from a dpreview review please also read our Samsung NX200 review from earlier this year in addition to this article.
The Samsung NX210 was announced in April 2012, only 7 months after its predecessor, the NX200. This very short product cycle (even by digital camera standards) is explained by the fact that the NX210 is near-identical to its predecessor in terms of both design and technology. The only major difference between the two models is the addition of Wi-Fi connectivity on the NX210. It allows you to share images wirelessly, transfer them to a smartphone, or use a smartphone to remote-control the camera.
This upgrade is part of Samsung's strategic move toward a entirely Wi-Fi-enabled NX mirrorless system line. Along with the NX210 the Korean manufacturer announced two more 'Smart' cameras - the top-of the line NX20 (successor to the NX10), and the new entry-level model NX1000. All three cameras are built around Samsung's 20MP sensor that debuted in the NX200.
Other, more minor changes include a slightly increased maximum frame rate in continuous shooting (8 vs 7 fps), optional USB remote control and hot-shoe mounted external microphone, a selective color shooting mode, and compressed raw files on the new model. The latter should help reduce the NX200's very long processing and write times. The new 18-55mm OIS kit lens has also been slightly modified, and version III now comes with a metal, rather than plastic mount.
Visually there are no differences between the two cameras, apart from a Wi-Fi position on the NX210's mode dial. Both models come in an attractive all-metal body that looks classy and is described by Samsung as 'Retro Modern'. It's a great improvement on the slightly unlovable NX100, which looked less like it had been styled and more like the NX10's internals had been dipped in molten plastic. Instead the NX200 and NX210 have a sleek black metal body with a soft-feel paint coating to the grip, that gives a real impression of quality.
The NX210 can shoot stills at up to 8 fps, and on the video side of things is capable of capturing 1080p30 footage with control over shutter speed and aperture. The user interface offers the 'Smart Panel' option that we've first seen on the NX200. This is a simple interactive control screen that allows for clear and quick access to all the key shooting settings.
While the NX210 produces image quality that is identical to its predecessor, and is also identical in most other aspects, it should be an interesting option for those who want to share their images on the go. We've tested it's Wi-Fi capabilities and shot our usual studio scene with the camera. You can see on the following pages how the camera performed, but if you are interested in the NX210 please make sure you also read our NX200 review to get the full picture.
- 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-12800
- 1080p30 HD video
- 8 fps continuous shooting
- Clip-on external flash supplied
- 641k dot VGA-equivalent 3" OLED screen
- Wi-Fi connectivity