Samsung NX3000 brings the NX compact system camera range to a new entry level

Samsung has expanded its NX range of compact system cameras with the NX3000, a new entry-level model that takes an existing design and trims back a few features in order to bring down costs further than ever, putting interchangeable lens cameras within reach of customers that would normally opt for a compact fixed lens camera instead.

The NX3000 is based on the NX2000, although the 3.7in touchscreen of the older model has been replaced with a smaller 3in screen without touch. A set of physical buttons have been added to the side to make up for the lack of a touchscreen, but otherwise the two cameras look very similar; both have delightfully retro two-tone silver and black styling, a 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a 16-50mm optically image stabilised (OIS) kit lens.

The 3in screen can flip up 180 degrees for selfie shooting, with Samsung’s Wink Shot which can trigger the shutter hands-free just by winking at the lens.

Capable of 5fps continuous shooting, with an ISO range of 100-25,600 and up to 1/4000 shutter speeds, the NX3000 certainly doesn’t sacrifice camera performance to keep costs low. It can still shoot in RAW as well as JPEG, record Full HD video clips and shoot in PASM modes, but includes a 16-function SMART auto
mode for anyone not yet ready to start experimenting with aperture or shutter speed.

It also includes built-in near field communication (NFC) and Wi-Fi for quick pairing and sharing with a smartphone or tablet. Download the supporting Remote Viewfinder Pro app and you’ll be able to control the shutter remotely using your Android handset too.

Samsung has yet to reveal a UK price, but the NX3000 is set to cost $479 with a standard 20-50mm kit lens or $549 with the new 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 Power Zoom OIS lens – roughly £282 and £323 respectively before tax and VAT. The NX3000 is due to go on sale int he UK from mid-June.