Movie/Video Mode & Quality

Samsung NX100 review – Movie Mode

Samsung NX100 – Movie/Video Quality

Although a 1280x720p resolution is offered, the compression rate can be rather high – with many clips showing a low 9.29Mbit/sec rate (consider that around 20-24Mbit/sec should be regarded as a minimum (high) quality for HD). As a result there’s noticeable compression artifacts that appear in a moving image-noise-like form whichever ISO setting is being used to record.

The 30 frames per second record rate is also more closely aligned with NTSC systems, as opposed to a UK PAL standard. This doesn’t cause any issues in operation or playback, but a variety of frame rate choices would provide greater control of the final playback fluidity.

Although the resolution is there and the specs sound good on paper, the NX100’s final video quality is a little disappointing when considering some competitor models out there.

Samsung NX100 – Movie/Video Record Time

There are three recording resolutions – 1280×720, 640×480 and 320×240 – that are all limited to a maximum 25minute record time in a single take.

Samsung NX100 – Movie/Video Focusing modes

When not in manual focus (MF), movie mode by default records using a fixed single focus point (SAF) that remains focused on that single plane. This can be overridden with by pressing the ‘C’ button on the left side of the camera to toggle between this and continuous focusing (CAF). The button placement lends itself very well to easy toggling without hindering the framing, though the contrast-detect AF system can still suffer from over- and under-focusing that relays itself back during final playback.

Samsung NX100 – Movie/Video Manual Control

The two main movie record modes are ‘P’ (Program Auto) and ‘A’ (Aperture Priority). P allows for metering, ISO and White Balance settings to be adjusted, but the aperture is automatically selected. A allows for the same level of option adjustments but adds aperture selection control which can even be adjusted during recording – though this adjustment will cause a ‘flicker’ of light and is best used only to preset the depth of field prior to recording.

Samsung NX100 – Movie/Video Sound

Mono sound is recorded from a microphone on the camera’s body as there is no external input. The ACC format captures at 48,000Hz and is of good quality, though no further information of sound bitrate is available.

Internal menus offer a ‘Fader’ option to control sound fading in, out, or both during recording and a Wind Cut option is also available.

The main issue with sound is that any lens focusing noise is quite clearly picked up during recording and, in quiet environments, is a distraction.