The NX100 follows on from the DSLR-styled NX10 as Samsung’s second-generation CSC. It resembles the expensive Leica X1 thanks to its similar proportions, though it’s more plasticky and also slightly larger overall than the Olympus Pens, Sony NEX and Panasonic GF2. Given this, and to keep proportions as compact as possible nevertheless, the 14.6-megapixel NX100 comes with a stubby 20-55mm kit zoom, a focal range equivalent to 30.8-77mm on a 35mm film camera. Even so, the combo is still too large for any pocket, in truth also down to the DSLR-sized APS-C type sensor at its heart.

Like a DSLR, the NX100 powers up in a second, enabling users to start shooting very quickly. The Samsung’s controls are large and obvious for ease of use, a chunky shooting mode dial being the most prominent. This features both manual control courtesy of program, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes, alongside fully auto operation. This in itself makes it easier to use than the Sony NEX, and although it lacks a proper handgrip, a gentle curve to the front and indentation for the thumb at the rear aids purchase.

But the NX100 is most notable for shifting a degree of control over to the lens itself; a system Samsung has christened iFunction. With a press of the iFn button and a rotation of the lens, ring exposure can be incrementally tweaked – the lightening or dimming effects shown in real time on its AMOLED (as opposed to LCD) screen. It’s very sensitive, so though adjustments are quick, they’re best made gingerly.

There’s no built-in flash, which is both a surprise and a potential deal-breaker. Also there’s no dedicated video record button. You do, however, get shortcut buttons for white balance and light sensitivity, here up to ISO6400.

With the combination of a larger sensor than usually found in a compact plus interchangeable optic, we were able to achieve some cracking shots with the Samsung. At maximum wide angle, focus was consistently sharp across the frame, and colours were especially sharp and vivid, both on the back screen and when downloaded.