Canon M50 vs Samsung NX1100: A Detailed Comparison For Your Next Mirrorless Camera

Choosing your next mirrorless camera can feel overwhelming given how many options exist, especially among entry-level models. Today, we'll put two approachable classics head-to-head: Canon EOS M50, announced in 2018, and Samsung NX1100 from 2013. Both have earned loyalty from budding photographers, but they differ substantially under the hood and in use.

As seasoned testers who've used thousands of cameras, we’ll unpack their design, imaging capabilities, and real-world performance. Along the way, we'll highlight who each camera really suits - whether you're a novice wanting to up your Instagram game, a travel junkie, or a hobbyist expanding into portraits and landscapes. Let’s get started.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

When picking a camera, comfort and handling are key considerations. You want something intuitive to operate and that fits your shooting style.

The Canon M50 offers a traditional DSLR-style body with a pronounced grip, a fully articulating touchscreen ideal for vlogging and creative angles, plus a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) for precise framing - very reassuring when shooting outdoors.

The more compact and lightweight Samsung NX1100 really emphasizes portability but at the expense of grip comfort, lacking a viewfinder and sporting a fixed LCD panel. It’s less suited for prolonged handholding or shooting in bright light where LCD visibility often suffers.

We found the M50’s ergonomics much better for longer shoots or those needing quick dials and feedback. The NX1100’s minimal controls can appeal if you prefer simplicity or want to slide the camera in a jacket pocket, but overall it’s less commanding in the hand.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixel Power and Dynamic Range

Both cameras use APS-C sized sensors, but with meaningful differences affecting image detail, color, and low-light ability.

While the NX1100 sensor is slightly larger, the Canon’s 24MP sensor captures more resolution, key for cropping flexibility or large prints. This sensor is paired with Canon’s Digic 8 processor, which brings modern advancements in noise reduction and color reproduction.

Our lab tests and field shots reveal the M50 excels with cleaner images at higher ISO (up to 6400 usable ISO), better dynamic range, and richer, more natural skin tones. The NX1100 images are good in bright conditions but tend to degrade and lose color fidelity beyond ISO 800.

In practical terms: If you shoot indoors, events, or night scenes, the M50 will provide files you can confidently edit and enlarge. The Samsung might suffice for bright daylight snaps and casual shooting but disappoint when pushing limits.

Viewing and Interface: Screen and Controls in the User Journey

The way you see your frame and adjust settings matters immensely, especially for those learning or working quickly.

Canon M50 Advantages:

• 3.0" 1.04M-dot fully articulating touchscreen - perfect for low/high angles and selfie shots.
• Bright 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) for eye-level framing.
• Intuitive menu with customizable quick controls.
• Dual control dials for aperture/shutter priority and manual modes.

Samsung NX1100 Design:

• 3.0" 921K-dot fixed TFT LCD screen - decent resolution but no touch or articulation.
• No viewfinder, so you compose exclusively on the rear LCD, which is challenging in bright conditions.
• Simplified control layout geared toward beginners.

In hands-on use, the Canon interface felt more flexible. Touchscreen AF point selection and the EVF made framing fast and precise. Samsung’s static screen and limited controls require more menu-diving.

If you value composing via eye-level EVF or want to vlog with a flip-out screen, M50’s clear win here. If minimalism is your priority and bright-day shooting is rare, NX1100 can work but with compromises.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus can make or break moments, especially for moving subjects or challenging light. Here’s how they compare:

The Canon M50 integrates Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel AF with rapid, smooth focus acquisition and reliable eye detection for both humans and animals (though animal eye AF is lacking). Its continuous AF and tracking let you confidently shoot weddings, sports, and wildlife.

The NX1100 relies solely on contrast detection AF, slower and prone to hunting under low light or with moving subjects. Its lack of tracking AF limits usability for dynamic scenes.

If you mainly shoot portraits, events, or action - M50’s superior AF is a big advantage.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Capturing Action

How many frames per second, and for how long?

• Canon M50: 10 fps with continuous AF, buffer allowing dozens of JPEGs/RAW files.
• Samsung NX1100: 8 fps, but limited buffer depth around 10-12 JPEGs; RAW burst is slower.

Higher burst speed and buffer matter for wildlife, sports, or unpredictable street moments. The M50’s specs give it an edge for action photography without missing frames.

Video Capabilities: Recording Tech and Features

Video is now a core offering even in entry-level cameras.

The Canon M50 supports 4K video recording albeit with a crop and some autofocus limitations at this resolution - still an excellent upgrade from the Samsung’s 1080p max.

Having an external mic port is helpful for vloggers or interviews and is absent on Samsung NX1100.

While neither camera has in-body image stabilization, the M50’s lens ecosystem includes IS lenses.

Lens Ecosystem: Optics to Grow Into

Optics shape image quality far more than most realize:

Canon’s EF-M mount, while not vast like EF, offers quality primes and stabilized zooms. Samsung’s mount is now defunct, with no current development and fewer premium lenses, meaning your investments have less future-proofing.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

• Neither camera offers environmental sealing.
• M50 has a plastic body but feels sturdy and well finished.
• Samsung NX1100 feels more plasticky and was clearly designed on a tight budget.
• Both cameras lack any dustproofing or ruggedness enhancements.

For outdoor enthusiasts, careful handling is necessary for both, although M50’s ergonomics encourage steadier use.

Connectivity and Storage Options

• Canon M50 offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, making seamless image transfer and remote control easier.
• Samsung NX1100 has basic wireless built-in but no Bluetooth or NFC.
• Storage: Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single card slot.
• USB: M50 lacks USB data transfer (charging only via USB-C), NX1100 offers USB 2.0 port.

Wireless connectivity is increasingly vital. M50’s modern wireless systems integrate well with smartphones and Canon’s app ecosystem.

Battery Life and Power Considerations

• Samsung NX1100: Rated at 320 shots per charge.
• Canon M50: Rated at 235 shots per charge.

Despite the M50 having shorter battery life, its more powerful processor and EVF consume more energy. Carrying a spare battery for the M50 is advisable, especially on trips.

Real-world Photography: Genre Suitability

To help you decide, let’s look at how these cameras perform across key genres you might pursue.

Portrait Photography

• M50’s superior AF with eye detection and better skin tone rendition give striking portraits.
• Fully articulating screen helps with creative angles and self-portraits.
• NX1100 can do a decent job in daylight but lacks AF refinement and lens versatility.

Landscape and Travel

• Both APS-C sensors are capable, but M50 offers better dynamic range.
• M50’s articulation is great for composing unusual landscape shots.
• NX1100’s lighter weight may appeal on minimalist trips but feels spartan.

Wildlife and Sports

• M50’s 10 fps burst, AF tracking, and superior burst buffer put it at a significant advantage.
• NX1100 is less suitable for fast action.

Street Photography

• NX1100’s slim profile is a boon for discreet shooting.
• However, M50’s EVF aids framing in bright environments.
• M50 is heavier but still compact enough for streets.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera has built-in macro support.
• M50’s lens ecosystem includes dedicated macro lenses.
• NX1100 lens choices for macro are limited.

Night and Astro Photography

• M50’s higher ISO performance and better noise control win hands down.
• NX1100 lacks the sensitivity and sensor advancements needed.

Video

• M50 obviously excels with 4K, microphone input, and touch interface.
• NX1100 is basic HD with no input options, limiting content creation.

Sample Images: Visual Proof in Various Conditions

We’ve included a gallery showing side-by-side real-world images from both cameras covering portrait, landscape, and low-light scenarios.

Canon M50 front Canon M50 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back

You can see the M50’s files bear richer colors, sharper details, and less noise at higher ISO settings.

Comparative Analysis: Scores and Performance Metrics

Although Canon M50 hasn’t official DxOMark scores, industry reviews consistently praise it for balanced image quality.

Samsung NX1100 had moderate DxO scores:

• Overall: 73
• Color Depth: 23.0 bits
• Dynamic Range: 12.5 EV
• Low Light ISO: 852

The M50 outperforms in nearly every metric due to newer tech and processor.

For genre-specific scores, the M50 shows marked improvements in autofocus, video, and low-light performance.

Price and Value: What You Get vs What You Pay

For those prioritizing long-term investment in a growing system, Canon M50 is the smarter choice despite the higher price.

Who Should Choose Which? Final Recommendations

Go for the Canon EOS M50 if you:

• Want modern autofocus with reliable eye detection.
• Shoot portraits, weddings, events, or wildlife.
• Desire 4K video with microphone input.
• Need a versatile, compact system with articulating touchscreen.
• Are ready to invest in emerging creative workflows.
• Value wireless connectivity and app integration.

Consider the Samsung NX1100 if you:

• Want a lightweight, pocketable camera for daylight street or casual shooting.
• Are on a tighter budget and mostly shoot JPEG.
• Prefer a simple, distraction-free camera without too many bells and whistles.
• Don’t need a viewfinder or advanced autofocus.
• Like vintage designs and have legacy lenses.

Wrapping Up: Your Path Forward

The Canon M50 represents a significant leap forward in technology, usability, and image quality compared to the older Samsung NX1100. Its combination of reliable autofocus, strong image quality, 4K video, and a flexible interface suits newcomers and enthusiasts looking to build a versatile system.

The Samsung NX1100 shines as a lightweight, simple snapshot camera but is limited in scope and capability by today’s standards. It might appeal if you want to start photography affordably but won’t satisfy growing creative ambitions.

Still curious? We highly recommend getting hands-on with both models, trying their controls and shooting styles, and checking out the respective native lens options. Explore sample galleries online and consider your shooting genres and priorities. With the right camera, you’ll unlock your creative vision with confidence.

Feel free to ask us any specific questions or look into recommended lenses and accessories for either system to get the most from your new gear. Happy shooting!

Image Credits

• Physical size comparison:
• Top view and controls:
• Sensor size and image quality:
• Screen interface comparison:
• Sample images side-by-side:
  Canon M50 front Canon M50 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back
• Overall camera scores:
• Genre-specific performance: