WEAPON OF CHOICE

  


The first chance I had to own a good quality digital camera, was way back in 2013. Prior to this, I had relied on borrowing a succession of digital compacts or DSLRs, or just using my phone or tablet camera. I knew I wanted something suitable for my diverse needs and which would no break the bank, or leave me marooned on a truncated upgrade path. As a result, I chose a Samsung NX1000 for its interchangeability, mirrorless body and it’s ability to connect to Wi-Fi and the internet directly. 

It was something of a gimmick on release, being made available in pink, black and white. Being a sci-fi fan, I went for the white version, as it reminded me of space hardware. It came as a kit, with body and two lenses, a 50mm and a telephoto. The standard lens was the Samsung 20-50mm F3.5-5.6 , a nice chunky lens, not desperately fast, but very capable. All NX lenses have special functions built in too, such as presets for Landscape, Night, Portrait, Sports etc, as well as a host of artistic effects that can be applied in camera. A small button on the side activates the function which can then be selected using the jog dial or turning the front ring on the camera.

Alongside the 50, I also got the Samsung 50-200mm F4-5.6, a large solid telephoto, with Optical Image Stabilisation and the usual host of extra features. Both lenses have the ability to change to manual focus and can zoom in for pin sharp adjustments, at a further 8x magnification.

For a number of years, I was happy with this combination, but then after the camera line was upgraded and eventually discontinued, prices dropped considerably and I looked into optional extra lenses and also bought a second body.

The first lens which caught my eye, mostly due its its super compact size, was the wide angle pancake Samsung 16mm F2.4. Ideally suited to landscapes and street work, it made the small camera even more easy to handle and performed really well.

My final and most recent purchase was the Samsung 18-55mm F3.5-5.6, a mid size lens which was great for both portraiture and landscape work. Once more it was fitted with OIS and the usual special features, but offered a good zoom ratio, without having to cart the big tele around too.

So this was my base kit, but being naturally being inclined to tinker and customise, I was never content to just stick with the factory settings, so I began to look at the possibilities for expansion and alteration.

On to part two...


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