Of similar proportions to Panasonic’s two offerings, if disconcertingly slim in depth, is Samsung’s first ever hybrid camera, the NX10.

It doesn’t use the same Micro Four Thirds system but the control layout resembles a full-sized DSLR that’s been shrunk, although with lens attached, it’s too big for any pocket. Like the Leica X1, and as found in most consumer-targeted DSLRs, it features an APS-C sized sensor – here a 15.1-megapixel CMOS chip – plus the highest maximum image resolution of all our competitors, at 14.6 megapixels.

Also pushing the envelope – and again revealing its maker’s electronics background – is the inclusion of a 3in AMOLED display rather than a common LCD screen, with a claimed response rate 3,000 times faster, plus 1,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. Unsurprisingly then, this camera also features HD video at a resolution of 720p and, like the other models, has HDMI connectivity enabling it to be hooked up to a flat panel TV.

Unlike the rival cameras, there’s no button for swapping compositional views between electronic viewfinder and screen beneath. But bring your eye level with the viewfinder and after a brief pause it will switch on automatically (and turn the monitor off), courtesy of eye sensors. A half-press of the shutter release button determines focus and exposure, ready for the first shot to be taken. Otherwise, point the camera in the direction of your subject and it will automatically choose what to focus on for you.

So, as with the Olympus E-PL1, the NX10 is aimed at those who not only want increased portability over a DSLR while maintaining image quality, but also need a gentle introduction to picture taking at a more advanced level than a snapshot camera. Thus we get a graphical user interface rather than pages of tiny text to wade through. The supplied zoom is a standard-issue 18-55mm – perfectly adequate for beginners – and it’s optically stabilised to prevent soft shots if shooting handheld. Photographs delivered via the multipurpose lens are sharp and colourful, yet remain realistically natural in tone. We could have done with a slightly larger handgrip, however – a trade-off for overall smaller proportions.

The convenience of Samsung’s system is that you’re more likely to take this high quality camera out with you for casual shooting than a fully blown, marginally bulkier DSLR. Sling it over your shoulder when sightseeing and you’ll quickly forget it’s there. It adds up to a respectable showing for a relatively untried and untested system and recent price cuts make it something of a steal.