Samsung NX500 / NX1 Mods

KS pack page and downloads:

https://www.facebook.com/NXKS2/

Otto team hacks pages:

• initial installer - https://github.com/ottokiksmaler/nx500_nx1_modding/tree/master/nx-on-wake
• hacks themselves - https://github.com/ottokiksmaler/nx500_nx1_modding/tree/master/video-bitrate-mods/nx-patch
• general - https://github.com/ottokiksmaler/nx500_nx1_modding

Firmware format info - https://sites.google.com/site/nxcryptophotography/diy-firmware

Developers menu access information - http://www.personal-view.com/faqs/samsung-hack/developers-menu

Samsung NX300 Open Source Hack

As most of you probably know, Samsung has released the source code for their NX300 camera. This camera produces an amazing picture, as good if not better than the GH2/3.

And here's the link to download the source code:

http://opensource.samsung.com/

Type "NX300" in the search box and you'll go to the download page.

The archive is 2.2 GB and it expands to 4.55 GB with 282,385 files in 16,329 folders. It's massive. I have no idea how to navigate through this thing. I hope somebody more knowledgable will take a look at it. In particular, where is the code for the H264 compression?

Stupid me for thinking that USB-C PD is a totally compatible standard, so I got a 65 watt charger from Hama. Howeve, this 65 watt PD charger only charges the S22 Ultra phone with <18 watts. No other non genuine USB-C PD charger gives anything other than <18 watts either.

I also tried the USB-C PD port on my Ecoflow power pack: just 15 watts while the USB-A "fast charge" port gives 16 watts. On camping trips I mostly use the Ecoflow, so the fact that the USB-C PD port only manages 15 watts (and not the advertised 45 watt charging speed on the S22 Ultra is a real bummer).

Entering the Samsung genuine 25 watt USB-C power brick with my step-son uses: The S22 Ultra charges with "super fast" for the first time.

Is the genuine Samsung PD chargers (25/45 watt) the only one which works with the Samsung S22 phones?

What happened to the USB-C PD universal specs?

Specs:

• 28MP BSI APS-C sensor, same as in NX!
• D5s image engine
• ISO range: 100-25,600
• New hybrid AF with PD
• 55ms super fast AF
• 9fps with AF
• 1/6000s shutter speed
• Easy sharing with BT/Wi-Fi/NFC
• 3" 1.036kdots Super AMOLED tilt &flip LCD screen (FVGA)
• Dual command dial
• 2160p30, UHDp24p, 1080p60/50/30/25/24...
• 287 g
• 120 x 64 x 43mm
• $530 for body on deals - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-NX500-4K-Camera-White-Only-Body-SD-Card-/322285566382

Difference with NX1 - no 4K output via HDMI. no 1080p120 mode, no mic input and headphone output, no UHS-II support, no 802.11ac.

Previews

• http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/samsung-nx500/samsung-nx500A.HTM

Specs:

• 28Mp APS-C back illuminated sensor
• DRIMe Image Processor
• 15 fps burst, with tracking
• 1080p60, UHD 4K Video 2160p30/p24
• H.265 encoder
• 3″ AMOLED Touch Display, can be titled
• OLED 1366x768 viewfinder
• Water and dust proof magnesium body
• Wi-Fi
• NFC

Available at:

• $1300 body - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Wireless-Compact-System-Camera/dp/B00NFDZRRA/
• 16-50mm kit - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Wireless-Compact-16-50mm-2-0-2-8/dp/B00NFDZS10/

• 20.3MP CMOS sensor
• 1.6GHz quad core CPU
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB storage
• Android 4.2
• Wi-Fi
• LTE
• SVGA viewfinder
• 1080p24/1080p25, 720p50
• 8.6fps stills
• maximum shutter speed of 1/6000th of a second
• 4,360mAh battery
• $999 kit price

Previews and such:

• http://photocomment.net/reviews/testing-the-samsung-galaxy-nx/
• http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=5336&news=samsung+galaxy+nx+camera+ilc
• http://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2013/06/20/samsung-galaxy-nx-review-hands-on-with-the-worlds-first-android-based-mirro

Available at:

• http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FB2X0B8/

Main sensor 108 MP 1/1,33" capable of 8K 30p video and 4K 60p, 48 MP telephoto sensor, 12 MP ultra wide sensor, 10x optical zoom range, 40 MP wide front camera with 4K 60p.

https://fdn.gsmarena.com/imgroot/news/20/01/s20-series-full-specs/-727/gsmarena_002.jpg

...meat the entry LV dedicated camera killer, course Japanese camera manufactures love to iterate in microscopic steps until they run out of business. :)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ydzbv8pfthldynm/Screenshot%202018-06-10%2007.15.22.png?dl=0

Included: - Samsung NX1 body - 16-50mm zoom lens - Vertical battery grip with 2 batteries - Original Samsung camera strap - USB charging cable

locked down, still getting exposure drift

Here's the results:

your opinion?

I need your help. I want to build a lens set from affordable but superb vintage lenses for cinematography. These 3 brands would be adapted via an passive adapter onto my Samsung NX1.

Focal lengths I am generally interested in: 24 or 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm

I'll need some experts opinion on which brand to go for. I don't know wether to go for Contax Yashica, Canon FD or Minolta vintage lenses so hit me up with your knowledge and recommendation. It is much appreciated.

The card is said to be sold starting in May for ~ 250,- € a piece, and is said to be water protected according to IPX7, enduring temperatures from -25°C bis +85°C.

Samyang 8mm 1:2.8 UMC Fish-eye is currently the smallest and the brightest Fish-eye lens compatible with compact cameras featuring APS-C sensor. It perfectly combines high optical value, impressive lens speed and exceptionally compact sizes.

Its sophisticated optical construction relies on the system of 10 lenses arranged in 8 groups. They include, among others, one aspherical (AS) lens and two lenses made of extra low dispersion glass (ED). This provides perfect sharpness for the entire field of view and maximum aperture of f/2.8. Obviously all surfaces of the lenses were covered with multi-layered UMC anti-reflective coatings adding to the high contrast and splendid light transmission.

Samyang 8mm 1:2.8 UMC Fish-eye will be marketed with Sony E (NEX) and Samsung NX mount. In both cases its maximum angle of view will amount to 180 degree, with the minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters.

Release date and the expected price will be separately announced on a later date

Available at:

• http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=Samyang+8mm&_sacat=0

• 16-50mm F2-2.8 S
• 18 elements in 12 groups
• 82.6°- 31.4° Angle of View
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• Around $1200

Available at:

• http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-16-50mm-2-0-2-8-Series-Camera/dp/B00HV6KMQ8/
• http://www.adorama.com/ISG1650S.html

Specifications:

• 21.6Mp APS-C sensor
• 768,000 pixels AMOLED tilting touch screen
• Hybrid AF with Phase and Contrast Detection, fastest among all cameras
• 3D Still and movie capture
• 1080p60 video
• Wi-Fi
• Optional GPS
• 280 g
• 122 x 64 x 41 mm
• $749 expected price

Links

• http://www.thephoblographer.com/2013/01/03/first-impressions-samsung-nx300-and-45mm-f1-8-3d/
• http://reviews.photographyreview.com/samsung-nx300-compact-system-camera
• http://www.theverge.com/2013/1/3/3832082/samsung-nx300-mirrorless-camera-coming-in-march-for-749
• http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/01/03/Samsung-announces-NX300-3D-capable-20MP-mirrorless-camera-with-WVGA-touchscreen

Available at:

• http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NX300-Digital-Camera-20-50mm/dp/B00C20KWP4/
• http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-NX300-Digital-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B00COZRKCK/
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909669-REG/Samsung__NX_300_DIGITAL_CAMERA_.html

NX1 camera body

50-150s 2.8

16-50s 2.0-2.8

3 total batteries and standard charger

Schott Glass 72mm variable ND filter

All in good condition, the on/off switch is a little stiff but continues works fine. The 16-50s zoom could be little quieter and smoother when zooming but is probably within spec. Can sell components separately, but would prefer to have someone pay cash and pick this up from me in Sunnyvale CA. If I can clear $3,000 after all is said and done I will do the deal... I would prefer a bit more but that's what I would consider a great deal so that's my firm asking price.

PM me if you are interested and have the funds as I'm not looking for trades, just a cash transaction.

Thanks,

Mark

Now Samsung NX system is underdog with great value. Something that Pentax years ago.

Interesting bodies

• Samsung NX1 - video king for APS-C cameras, current top camera
• Samsung NX30 - ex top camera, available for $460 and up on ebay . It is hard to get such good camera with EVF and AMOLED screen for so cheap in any other system.
• Samsung NX20 - early top camera, available for $260 and up on ebay . Still with good EVF and AMOLED. FullHD video and Wi-Fi. Steal.
• Samsung NX300. Little gem. Amazing build, AMOLED tilting screen. From around $280 on ebay.

Optics

Most optics is of very good quality, quite cheap, except one ultrazoom (but it is very ok for video).

Best ones: 16-50mm F2-2.8 zoom, 60mm macro, 85mm F1.4 S, 30mm F2, 12-24mm wide zoom, 16-50mm PZ lens.

Samyang and Rokinon optics can be got with good discount with NX mount (check $235 35mm F1.4 I posted in NX1 topic).

Connectivity

Samsung is known for best connectivity options and very good Wi-Fi speed (as they are pro in implementing Wi-Fi in smartphones).

Firmware

Bodies before NX1 can have small issues with video compression. It is BaseLine profile, 1 ReFrame only, no CABAC. Ala GH1.

Software

Samsung cameras come with full fledged Adobe Lightroom (except newest NX500). Take it into account also, looking at the prices.

Sound

On some bodies it is no mic input as well as headphones out.

Yet unusual hack to this exist, you will need small Samsung EM10 microphone.
It has headphone output and internal ADC. If you want to attach dynamic or electret lavalier mikes you'll need to rip it apart and solder wires to the original capsules.

Available at (around $1500):

• http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-50-150mm-Zoom-Camera-Black/dp/B00NYQY22Y/
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1081863-REG/samsung_ex_zs50150abus_50_150mm_f2_8_ed_ois.html

PR

Expanding upon Samsung’s premium line of “S” lenses, the new Samsung 50-150mm F2.8 S lens is the second in the series and affords photographers the opportunity to capture telephoto images with crisp clarity and tack sharp focus in a variety of scenarios. Its fast aperture provides excellent low light performance and beautiful bokeh, making it perfect for sports, nature and wedding photography. The lens features an Ultra-Precise Stepping Motor (UPSM), improved from the conventional Stepping Motor (SM), it is three times more precise in its ability to control and focus on subjects. Photographers can capture sharp photos at low shutter speeds using advanced multi-axis Optical Imaging Stabilization (OIS) with four-axis control and a six-axis sensor array. These sensors detect camera motion, and help the lens to make the precision corrections necessary.

The new telephoto lens features a dust and water resistant build making it both durable and reliable. All of the lens controls, focus, zoom and OIS, are located in a single “function zone” on the side of the lens, making it easy to control.

• 20.5MP 1" inch CMOS sensor
• NX-M mount (new!)
• 460k dot touch and tiltable LCD screen
• Wi-Fi and NFC
• Magnesium body
• Contrast AF only
• up to 1/16,000 shutter speed
• 21 AF points
• up to ISO 12,800 tops
• 6fps shooting
• only 1080p 30p HD video
• Comes with Lightroom 5
• Standard kit with 9mm - $449
• 9mm lens + 27mm lens + flash kit will be $549
• 9mm and 9-27mm lenses will go for $179 and $279 respectively

Available at:

• http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_410239242_3?ie=UTF8&docId=1002402361&plgroup=1&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Previews and such:

• http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=5550&news=samsung+nx+mini+compact+1-inch+type+sensor
• http://www.thephoblographer.com/2014/03/18/first-impressions-samsung-nx-mini/
• http://www.dpreview.com/previews/samsung-nx-mini
• http://www.theverge.com/2014/3/18/5523468/samsung-nx-mini-camera-announcement
• http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/18/samsung-nx-mini/?ncid=rss_truncated

At 12mm and maximum aperture, sharpness is already excellent across the frame, and even outstanding in the center. At this focal length, diffraction appears to be the limiting factor on clarity, with the performance of the lens reducing as the aperture is stopped down.

18mm show similar performance, with outstanding sharpness in the center of the frame at maximum aperture, although excellent sharpness isn’t achieved towards the edges of the frame until the aperture is stopped down to f/5.6 for this focal length.

At 24mm, sharpness remains excellent in the center of the frame at maximum aperture, and is still very good towards the edges of the frame.

12-24mm optic performs well, delivering excellent, or even outstanding sharpness from a compact, lightweight lens that doesn't cost the earth.

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/samsung-nx-12-24mm-f-4-5-6-ed-lens-review-26895

Specs:

• 20.3Mp APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 21 Point Contrast AF
• M7MU LSI
• 3.0" 460,800 dot flip up LCD
• 1/4,000 – 30 sec shutter
• 5fps shooting
• 100-25,600 ISO
• 1080p30 video only
• MicroSD Card slot (sic!)
• 230 grams • 11.74cm x 6.59cm x 3.9cm
• Price - $479 for kit

Preorder:

• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1050700-REG/samsung_nx3000_mirrorless_digital_camera.html
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1050699-REG/samsung_nx3000_mirrorless_digital_camera.html

Previews:

• http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/samsung/nx3000/samsung-nx3000-smart-review.html
• http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/samsung-nx3000/samsung-nx3000A.HTM

PR

The new NX3000 is the latest edition to Samsung’s award winning NX series of compact system cameras. Featuring state-of-the-art technical specifications and a retro design, the premium NX3000 is the perfect choice for photography enthusiasts who want a stylish camera to capture life’s most important moments in stunning detail.

The NX3000 comes with a powerful 20.3MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, 1/4000 shutter speed and 5fps continuous shooting, allowing you to capture beautiful photos in perfect clarity, at any time from any location.

The Samsung NX3000 features a convenient 3.0-inch Flip-up Display with Wink Shot. By simply opening the screen and turning the device towards your face and winking, you can capture the perfect selfie in one hassle-free motion.

As is standard for all of Samsung’s recently released SMART cameras, the NX3000 features industry-leading Tag & Go integration so you can seamlessly share images via Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity as well as take advantage of advanced features including; Photo Beam, Remote Viewfinder Pro and Mobile Link.

The NX3000 will be available in White, Black and Brown, and will feature Samsung’s new compact 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS Lens. This powerful yet compact, lightweight lens offers easy and convenient zoom-shooting, delivering stunning detail in every shot. Additionally, with the 16-50mm Power Zoom lens, you can control the camera’s zoom function on a mobile device via Remote Viewfinder Pro, allowing you to be even more creative with your shots. Available from mid June, RRP TBC.

Pin Out

• Pin 1: SPI Clock - Body (Master) generates clock signal to synchronize SPI communication. (Normal High)
• Pin 2: SPI MOSI - (Master Out Slave In) Body sends data to Lens. (Normal Low)
• Pin 3: SPI MISO - (Master In Slave Out) Lens sends data to Body. (Normal High)
• Pin 4: AF Tick - This line is used only when AF is performed. This tick commands lens report the lens status (AF location, moving status, etc). (Normal High)
• Pin 5: Lens Data Ready - (Normal High) Lens set this line LOW when lens has data ready to send Body. Once this signal set LOW by lens, body will generate SPI Clock, and Lens will transfer prepared data with the clock signal.
• Pin 6: GND (0V)
• Pin 7: Power (3.3V) - It is a power source for microcontroller in Lens.
• Pin 8: Power (5.0V) * It is a power source for motors in Lens (AF and Aperture motor)

His posts in Korean about making adapter (also contains some protocol details):

http://www.mydiyworld.net/?cat=108

Not produced yet

** Specs**:

• Advanced Optical Image Stabilization
• Magnesium alloy body
• Weather sealed
• Filter slot
• 2 meters minimum focus distance
• Custom focus range can be set
• iFunction button
• Super Sonic Focus Motor

Shot on the Samsung NX1 with crappy Nikon 35mm AIS lens. About leaving the stimulation for peace.

This is a test shooting the Samsung NX1 in UHD mode 23.98 FPS and 1080p 23.98 FPS - both in PRO mode to see how it handles rolling shutter and resolution loss. My test chart was one of those magazine insert things that always fall out of your magazine when you are trying to read in the subway and someone comes up to you and says, "hey you dropped your thingy." and they want you to pick it up because it's littering but they say it like maybe you want to hold onto the magazine insert, to avoid confrontation. I wonder if the world still needs these magazine insert thingies? Maybe it's time to stop littering, magazine people? Actually I shouldn't be so hard on the magazine people, I love magazines and I need them to keep existing and if it requires them to have these annoying insert thingies, let them be. I need to accept other people for who they are. I am working on this. But anyway back to the test.

I transcoded using wondershare at -25 contrast - sorry guys I can’t figure out iffmpeg!

Shot at 800 ASA, 1/60 shutter, 23.98 FPS

Shot with Leica R 50mm f/1.4 lens at F stop 2.8. Focued on center text with zoom tool.

I lit it with some weird LED light so that it would flicker a lot and cause even more rolling shutter shenanigans - to see what's going on with the rolling shutter from a scientific perspective. But I'm not a scientist, I'm mostly just faking it till I make it.

Shot at Gamma DR with master per up +10 and contrast down -3.

Then I increased resolution 200% then 300% then 400%

Results - the rolling shutter is so much better in 1080p mode, and the loss of resolution is there - is it enough to bother me ? No, actually I’m not that into resolution anyway - I think rolling shutter is a much greater evil.

How does 1080p affect the image beyond rolling shutter and sharpness - highlight handling looks similar from this weak test. Color looks similar too. Less resolution and maybe edges less defined might make the image more organic and smoother.

Woo hoo

I think we can help make the world love the little Samsung NX1. The little engine that could. The outsider. Next test - Sony A7S 4k to Odyssey 7q in Full frame mode vs Samsung NX1 in 1080p mode. Resolution and rolling shutter and dynamic range and highlight handling.