Samsung's abandoned NX cameras can be brought online with a $20 LTE stick

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Value of Reviving Samsung NX Cameras

  • Many see the NX hacking work as a learning/retro-tech project more than a practical upgrade path.
  • NX interchangeable-lens bodies (NX1, NX500, etc.) are still considered capable: APS‑C sensors, good IQ, better than phones in many scenarios.
  • Main downside: platform is dead. No new lenses, no support; good if you’re fine with kit or adapted vintage glass.
  • Compact NX models and NX Mini are praised for image quality vs size, but lenses are rare and used market–dependent.

Dedicated Cameras vs Smartphones

  • Consensus: phones have made huge strides and are “good enough” for most casual users and small-screen viewing.
  • Repeated claim: physics limits phones—tiny sensors and lenses hurt low light, dynamic range, and real bokeh/zoom, even if software helps.
  • Several report decade‑old ILCs or even old digicams still easily outperform modern phones on image quality, especially in low light and with depth of field control.
  • Counterpoint: for many workflows (sharing, casual documentation), phone convenience outweighs quality gains of dedicated cameras.

Why “Smart” / LTE Cameras Never Took Off

  • Multiple past attempts cited: Android-based cameras, screenless “smart lens” modules, external phone‑paired sensors.
  • Common failure modes: slow startup, poor software, no updates, awkward ergonomics, latency, and tiny market.
  • LTE and cloud features are seen as costly, power‑hungry, and quickly obsolete as networks and APIs change.
  • Some argue the niche between smartphones and pro gear is too small to justify ongoing R&D.

Camera Software, UX, and Connectivity

  • Many complain camera makers are weak at software: clunky menus, flaky Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, poor apps, and missing seamless cloud integration.
  • Desired features: reliable Wi‑Fi, built-in GPS, automatic cloud/PC backup, good phone integration, maybe some computational photography.
  • Others actively avoid any networked features for privacy, longevity, and battery‑life reasons; prefer SD + USB.

Market Dynamics and Used Gear

  • Interchangeable-lens camera market described as tiny and declining; pros and serious hobbyists dominate.
  • A decade of used ILC bodies is viewed as “good enough” for most needs; incremental gains since ~2013 are modest for stills.
  • Some see a small resurgence of interest in high‑end compact and “retro” digital cameras among younger users.

Tech and Future Directions

  • Debate over how much ISO and sensor performance really improved in 10 years; opinions differ.
  • Curved sensors and liquid lenses are noted as promising on paper but not yet impactful in real products.
  • Strong interest in more open/programmable cameras (APIs, open mounts), but no mainstream example exists.