Samsung NX1 vs Panasonic GH4
Samsung NX1 and Panasonic GH4 are both mirrorless SLR-style cameras, but beyond that, there are more differences than similarities between them. The Samsung NX1 is a newer camera that was introduced in September 2014 whereas, the Panasonic GH4 was introduced in February 2014. We will look at other features these cameras offer in detail, in order to understand the differences between Samsung NX1 and Panasonic GH4.
How to select a digital camera? What are the important features of a digital camera?
Panasonic GH4 Review – Features of Panasonic GH4
The Panasonic GH4 is powered by a 16 megapixel Four Thirds Live MOS sensor that features a Venus Engine IX processor. The size of the sensor is (17.3 x 13 mm). The supported ISO range is 200 – 25600 where files can be saved in RAW format for later processing. The low noise high ISO value is 791. The mount used for lenses is Micro Four Thirds Mount. There are 65 lenses for the Micro Four Third mount in which 17 lenses come with optical image stabilization. The Panasonic GH4 has 49 focus points. Contrast Detection Autofocus is available with this camera. Face detection is also available which is handy for portraits. This camera supports continuous shooting at a rate of 12 frames per second. The video resolution that the camera supports is 4096 x 2160
The camera also comes with a 3 inches articulated screen. This screen is an OLED touch screen that reduced the amounts of buttons on the camera. This gives you the flexibility to use the camera in non-traditional positions and increase creativity. The Panasonic GH4 has 2359k dot Electronic Viewfinder that is useful for the photographer to stabilize the camera without shaking as it will be close to the body. It is also useful when it is hard to see the LCD in bright sunlight. .
The weight of Panasonic GH4 camera is 560g. The dimensions of the camera are 133 x 93 x 84 mm. The camera has good ergonomics and handling. Due to environment sealing this camera can function in any type of weather condition. The Panasonic GH4 is capable of combining multiple images to create a 3D photo. The camera has both built in flash and also an external flash shoe. The Panasonic GH4 has an external microphone port and also an external headphone port for high-quality audio recording and video control. It also consists of these features built into the camera. With the use of wireless connectivity, files can be transferred without the need of removing the memory card that is convenient. One of the disadvantages of this camera is it does not support Image stabilization.
Samsung NX1 Review – Features of Samsung NX1
The Samsung NX1 consists of a 28 megapixel BSI APS-C CMOS sensor which features DRIMe V processor that is the fastest and powerful image processor so far from Samsung. The size of the sensor is (23.5 x 15.7 mm). The supported ISO range is 100 – 51200 where files can be saved in RAW format for later processing. The low noise high ISO value is 1363. The mount used for lenses is Samsung NX Mount. There are 29 lenses for the Samsung NX Mount in which 7 lenses come with optical image stabilization. The Samsung NX1 has 209 focus points. Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus are rare features that are available with this camera. Face detection is also available which is handy for portraits. This camera also supports continuous shooting at a rate of 15 frames per second. The video resolution that the camera support is 4096 x 2160.
The Samsung NX1 camera also comes with a 3 inches tilted screen. This screen is a Super AMOLED touch screen that reduced the amounts of buttons on the camera. This gives you the flexibility to use the camera in non-traditional positions and increase creativity. The Samsung NX1 has 2360k dot Electronic Viewfinder that is useful for the photographer to stabilize the camera without shaking as it is close to the body. It is also useful when it is hard to see the LCD in bright sunlight.
The weight of the Samsung NX1 camera is 550g. The dimensions of the camera are 139 x 102 x 66. Because this camera has weather sealing, it is capable of operating in dust and watery environments. The camera has good ergonomics and handling. A special feature of this camera is its capability of stitching up photos to create a panorama in the camera itself. The camera has both built in flash and also an external flash shoe. The Samsung NX1 has an external microphone port and also an external headphone port for high-quality audio recording and video control. Both of these features are also built-in. In Samsung NX1, with the use of wireless connectivity, the files can be transferred without the need of removing the memory card that is convenient. No image stabilization support is available in this camera.
What is the difference between Samsung NX1 and Panasonic GH4?
Maximum Resolution of Sensor (True Resolution):
Panasonic GH4: 16 megapixels
Samsung NX1: 28 megapixels
The Samsung consists of 75 % more pixels. This enables to print images in a larger format and to crop them as wished. Also, it captures more detail in the image than the Panasonic GH4.
Sensor Type and Size:
Panasonic GH4: 17.3 x 13 mm Live MOS sensor
Samsung NX1: 23.5 x 15.7 mm BSI APS-C CMOS Sensor
The Samsung NX1 has a sensor that is 1.6 times larger than the sensor on the Panasonic GH4. With a larger sensor, the photographers get more control of the depth and background blur of the photo compared to a smaller sensor.
Max Light Sensitivity – ISO (Boost):
Panasonic GH4: 25600
Samsung NX1: 51200
The ISO boost is used to pass the normal ISO level. It uses the full sensor to capture few pixels with enough light to reduce the noise per pixel. Boost modes are useful when you cannot use the flash.
Interchangeable Lenses:
Panasonic GH4: 65, 17 with IS
Samsung NX1: 29, 07 IS
The amounts of interchangeable lenses for the Panasonic GH4 is higher than the Samsung NX1. The image stabilization (IS) lenses also show the same pattern.
Continuous Shooting:
Panasonic GH4: 12 fps
Samsung NX1: 15 fps
When it comes to taking rapid shots in quick succession, the Samsung NX1 has the upper hand. When there is movement, and the need is to get as many shots as possible of the event, continuous shooting is useful. With the Samsung, we will be able to get 15 frames per second.
Lower Noise at High ISO:
Panasonic GH4: 791 ISO
Samsung NX1: 1,363 ISO
The value of the ISO above refers to the maximum ISO that can be used to capture excellent quality images. The Samsung NX1 has the better ISO to capture a picture as the above values suggest. The above value is referred to as low-noise high ISO as well.
Focus Points:
Panasonic GH4: 49
Samsung NX1: 209
The Samsung NX1 has 160 more focus points. Having more focus points gives the advantage of picking more positions on the image to focus in. This feature also gives a better chance of focusing on the right selected scene.
Panoramas:
Panasonic GH4: No
Samsung NX1: Yes
The Samsung NX1 is capable of stitching up multiple images to create panoramas in the camera itself.
3D Photos:
Panasonic GH4: Yes.
Samsung NX1: No.
The Panasonic GH4 is capable of taking 3D photos. The camera combines multiple photos to create a three-dimensional effect.
Color Depth:
Panasonic GH4: 23.2 bits
Samsung NX1: 24.2 bits
The color depth is a measurement that is used to distinguish the difference between different colors. The Samsung has the upper hand with a better value than the Panasonic GH4.
Dynamic Range:
Panasonic GH4: 12.8 EV
Samsung NX1: 13.2 EV
The value of the dynamic range is the ability of it to capture the range from dark to light that also in turn defines the details of shadow and highlights as well. The Samsung NX1 has a better value in this regard.
Exposure:
Panasonic GH4: 60s
Samsung NX1: 30s
With the use of long shutter speeds, both the cameras are able to capture exposure shots. The Panasonic GH4 has two times longer exposure than the Samsung NX1.
Higher Resolution Movies:
Panasonic GH4: UHD at 30fps
Samsung NX1: 4K at 24fps
The Samsung NX1 shoots at 4K with a lower frame rate. The high-resolution videos can playback on high definition TV but consume a lot of space.
Dimensions:
Panasonic GH4: 132 x 93 x 84 mm
Samsung NX1: 139 x 102 x 66 mm
The Samsung NX1 is comparatively smaller. Both are thicker than the average class.
Weight:
Panasonic GH4: 560 g
Samsung NX1: 550 g
The Samsung NX1 is 10g Lighter that the Panasonic GH4. The average mirrorless type cameras have a weight of 363g. Both cameras are comparatively higher.
Flash Coverage:
Panasonic GH4: 17.0 m
Samsung NX1: 11.0 m
The flash coverage of Panasonic GH4 has a 6m longer range than that of the Samsung NX1.
Maximum Resolution Support:
Panasonic GH4: 4608 x 3456 pixels
Samsung NX1: 6480 x 4320 pixels
The Samsung NX1 has a higher resolution that will lead to detailed and sharper image.
Summary:
Samsung NX1 vs Panasonic GH4
Pros and Cons:
Samsung NX1: If we are to compare the imaging quality of both of these mirrorless cameras, the Samsung NX1 has the upper hand with higher resolution, bigger sensor, better low noise high ISO value, better color depth and dynamic range. The Samsung NX1 also provides great value for money with its features.
Panasonic GH4: From the features perspective, the Panasonic GH4 score higher with additional lenses that could be attached, the ability to take 3D photos, and better exposure time.
Both cameras are on the heftier side compared to other cameras of similar type.
The deciding factor would be the user preference as to which features they are interested in. For an imaging camera, the choice should definitely be the Samsung NX1. Not to mention that the Samsung NX1 also has unique features like panorama in the camera itself.
Panasonic GH4 | Samsung NX1 | |
Megapixels | 16 megapixels | 28 megapixels |
Sensor Type and Size | 17.3 x 13 mm Live MOS | 23.5 x 15.7 mm BSI APS-C CMOS |
Image Processor | Venus Engine IX | DRIMe V |
Max Resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 6480 x 4320 |
ISO Range | 200 – 25,600 | 100 – 51,200 |
Lower Noise High ISO | 791 | 1,363 |
Continuous Shooting | 12.0 fps | 15.0 fps |
AutoFocus | Contrast Detection, Face detection | Contrast Detection, Phase Detection, Face detection |
Focus Points | 49 | 209 |
Flash Coverage | 17 m | 11 m |
Color Depth | 23.2 | 24.2 |
Dynamic Range | 12.8 | 13.2 |
Exposure | 60s | 30s |
Higher Resolution Movies | UHD @ 30fps | 4K @ 24fps |
Storage | SD, SDSC, UHS-I | SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I |
File Transfer | USB 2.0 HS, HDMI & Wireless: WiFi, NFC, QR Code | USB 3.0, HDMI & Wireless: WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC |
Special Features | 3D Photos | Panoramas |
Battery | 500 shots | 500 shots |
Display | 3″ articulated OLED static touch-screen | 3″ tilted Super-AMOLED touch-screen |
Dimensions & Weight | 133 x 93 x 84 mm, 560 g | 139 x 102 x 66 mm, 550 g |
Images Courtesy:
- Panasonic GH4 via Panasonic Website
- Samsung NX1 via Samsung Website
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