Canon R50 vs Samsung NX100

Canon EOS R50 vs. Samsung NX100: A Tale of Two Entry-Level Mirrorless Innovators

Choosing a camera can sometimes feel like facepalming in a tech buffet - how do you pick the best dish when everything looks good? Today, I'll take you through an in-depth hands-on comparison of two entry-level mirrorless contenders from very different eras and philosophies: Canon’s modern 2023 EOS R50 and Samsung’s 2010 NX100. This duo offers a fascinating study in how much camera technology has evolved while highlighting the trade-offs that still matter to the discerning photographer.

Drawing on years of field testing and lab processes, we’ll cover everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, shooting versatility, and real-world performance in various genres. Expect no fluff - just honest, savvy insights with a wink of enthusiasm that only someone who’s held thousands of cameras can provide.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Anyone stepping from the Samsung NX100 to the Canon R50 instantly feels the generational leap. The R50’s SLR-style body is chunkier but ergonomically refined, catering to a diverse grip range with an assured handhold. At 116x86x69mm and 375g, it strikes a solid balance between portability and control. The NX100 is slimmer at 120x71x35mm and lighter at 282g, its rangefinder style lending a sleek silhouette perfect for street photographers craving discretion.

While the NX100’s minimalistic design charms with simplicity, it lacks the ergonomic robustness of the R50, which benefits from improved button placement and weather resilience despite neither camera boasting official sealing. In hands, the R50 feels ready for extended shoots; the NX100 is better suited for grab-and-go casual situations.

Control Layout: Modern Convenience vs. Vintage Minimalism

Looking top-down, the Canon EOS R50 is a clear winner in terms of controls and accessibility. It sports a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1040k-dot resolution - touch interface and live-view AF make framing effortless. The camera features dedicated dials and customizable buttons, plus a built-in flash, HDMI, and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports that scream “modern convenience.”

Contrast that with the Samsung NX100’s fixed 3-inch AMOLED screen at a modest 614k dots, no touchscreen, and no built-in flash. The NX100 relies on an optional electronic viewfinder attachment, and the control scheme is sparse, reflecting its 2010 roots.

While the NX100’s interface can still satisfy someone comfortable with manual settings and limited automation, the Canon R50 is purpose-built for intuitive usability, especially for those transitioning from smartphones or compact cameras.

Sensor Showdown: Resolution and Image Quality

Behind the scenes is where Canon flexes its muscle. The R50 features a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor (22.3 x 14.9mm) with a 1.6x crop factor. This delivers 6000x4000 max resolution images with a respectable native ISO range of 100-32,000, expandable to 51,200. Importantly, Canon’s sensor technology is coupled with the latest image processor, promising excellent noise control, color depth, and dynamic range improvements.

Samsung’s NX100 provides a 15MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6mm) with a 1.5x crop factor. While the sensor area is slightly larger (365.04mm² vs. Canon’s 328.56mm²), its lower resolution and aging DRIMe Engine processor mean images are less sharp and noisier at higher ISO values - with a max native ISO of 6400.

In practical terms, the EOS R50 will produce crisper photos with richer detail and better overall image quality - vital whether you print large landscapes or crop tightly for portraits.

Autofocus Capabilities: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

For autofocus, the R50 is out of the park. It employs a hybrid autofocus system boasting 651 focus points with face and eye detection, including animal eye AF - a boon for wildlife and pet portraiture. This system supports continuous AF, selective AF, and AF tracking, making it flexible and highly reliable under different shooting conditions.

The NX100, by contrast, relies on contrast-detection autofocus with just 15 AF points and no phase detection. While the AF covers multiple areas and includes face detection, it lacks the speed and precision modern AF systems deliver. Continuous AF and AI subject tracking are notably absent.

If you shoot fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife, the Canon’s autofocus presents a significant advantage. The NX100 may still be adequate for static subjects or controlled environments but don’t expect silky smooth tracking or rapid acquisition.

Burst Rates and Shutter Performance

Both cameras provide shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/4000s. The R50 also offers a fully electronic shutter option at up to 1/8000s, including a silent shutter mode - ideal for discreet shooting scenarios or shutter sound-sensitive environments like weddings.

Continuous shooting on the R50 peaks at 12fps via mechanical shutter and a blistering 15fps electronically. The NX100 manages a modest 3fps, reflecting the technology of its launch era.

In fast-paced shooting - sports, wildlife, or events - the Canon’s burst rate allows you to capture critical moments effortlessly, outpacing the NX100’s more leisurely tempo.

Video Recording: Breaking the 4K Barrier

Canon brings 4K video (up to 3840x2160) at various frame rates (24, 30, 60 fps), with both H.264 and efficient H.265 codecs, providing flexibility for filmmakers and vloggers alike. It supports microphone input (though no headphone jack), has excellent bitrate options, and offers timelapse recording - a welcome bonus.

The NX100 maxes out at 720p HD (1280x720 at 30fps). This is fine for casual video but woefully outdated by today’s standards, lacking external mic support and stabilization.

Video shooters will find the Canon EOS R50 far more capable and future-proof, ready for high-quality content creation straight out of the box.

User Interface and Rear Screen Experience

The EOS R50’s touchscreen interface is a joy - responsive, bright, and fully articulating. Composing from high or low angles, selfie-friendly modes, and in-depth menu customization put control literally at your fingertips.

Samsung’s NX100 retains a fixed, non-touch 3-inch AMOLED screen. While color-rich at launch, its 614k resolution pales compared to Canon’s crisp display. The lack of articulation means shooting from awkward angles is more cumbersome.

This difference is more than cosmetic - it impacts usability and creative flexibility, especially for solo travelers or vloggers who rely on flip-out screens.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Canon’s RF mount enjoys robust growth with a diverse selection of over 37 native lenses ranging from affordable primes to advanced L-series optics. The mount also supports adaptors for Canon’s extensive EF and EF-S lens libraries, making it a powerhouse for both beginners and pros seeking versatility.

Samsung’s NX system never achieved similar lens diversity. Its 32 native lenses cover basic focal lengths, but third-party support is limited, and many lenses are now discontinued.

If lens options and future-proofing are in your shopping criteria, the Canon R50 clearly offers a more attractive platform.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras use battery packs with single SD card slots - the Canon supports fast UHS-II cards, enhancing write speeds critical for high-res images and 4K video, whereas the Samsung is confined to SD/SDHC cards.

Battery life is comparable in shoot counts - Canon rated for 370 shots and Samsung slightly better at 420, though real-world performance sees the Canon’s newer battery chemistry and power management edging ahead, especially with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

Connectivity and Extras

Canon leans into modern connectivity with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling seamless image transfer and remote camera control via smartphone apps - a dream feature for fast-paced workflows.

Samsung NX100 is more minimalist: no wireless options, USB 2.0, and optional GPS. This reflects a 2010 design ethos but feels limiting for today’s photographers who expect instant sharing and remote functionality.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Canon’s EOS R50 scores significantly higher on overall performance indicators, particularly in autofocus, image quality, and video capability. The Samsung NX100 holds value as an early mirrorless pioneer with decent image control but falls short in features and speed.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

• Portrait Photography: Canon’s eye detection and 24MP sensor create beautifully sharp portraits with pleasant bokeh potential using RF lenses. Samsung can do basic portraits but lacks depth and detail finesse.

• Landscape Photography: The higher resolution and dynamic range in the R50 deliver expansive detail and shadow recovery. Samsung’s 15MP sensor with less dynamic range suits casual landscapes but lacks punch.

• Wildlife/Sports: The Canon’s swift AF tracking and 12-15fps burst capabilities are big wins. The NX100’s slow AF and 3fps burst severely limit action shooting.

• Street Photography: Here, the Samsung’s compactness and quiet design shine, though the Canon is still manageable. Canon’s articulating screen and superior low-light AF can aid street shooting after sunset.

• Macro Photography: Canon’s interchangeable RF lenses include strong macro options, but neither camera excels natively without extension tubes or specialized lenses.

• Night/Astro: Canon's larger sensor and better noise control coupled with silent shutter modes give it an advantage. Samsung’s limited high-ISO capability is a barrier here.

• Video: Canon is the clear champion, boasting 4K capabilities and external audio support; Samsung’s 720p output is largely obsolete.

• Travel: Both are relatively lightweight, but Canon's battery life and connectivity make it more practical for today’s traveler.

• Professional Work: Canon supports RAW, robust workflow integration, and offers higher reliability; Samsung is suitable for hobbyists only in this regard.

Real-World Sample Comparisons

Canon R50 front Canon R50 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Testing under varied lighting and subject conditions reaffirms expectations: The R50’s images exhibit stronger detail, cleaner high ISO performance, and truer skin tones. Samsung photos, while charming in daylight, appear softer and noisier as light drops.

Wrapping It Up: Who Should Buy What?

If you want a solid, modern entry-point into mirrorless photography with strong future-proofing, versatile video, and excellent autofocus, the Canon EOS R50 should be top of your list. It's perfect for enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or DSLRs, travel, portrait, and wildlife photographers looking to invest in an expandable system without breaking the bank (~$679).

The Samsung NX100 is a nostalgic nod to early mirrorless days. It can still satisfy beginners on tight budgets who prefer simplicity and want a lightweight camera mainly for casual day shooting. However, it’s a camera you’ll likely outgrow quickly due to limited lens support, dated AF, and video performance (~$385). A collector’s curiosity or occasional shooter might find it intriguing, but for serious photography, its limitations are glaring.

Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Entry-Level Mirrorless

The Canon R50 and Samsung NX100 are snapshots of mirrorless history - NX100 as a pioneering spark, and R50 as a mature, refined flame. While the NX100 proves how far camera technology has come, the Canon R50 encapsulates what modern entry-level mirrorless can achieve: a thoughtful blend of usability, performance, and flexibility that invites photographers to explore, create, and grow their craft.

No matter which you lean toward, remember: the best camera is the one in your hands that inspires you to shoot more and learn faster. For everyone, I hope this detailed guide lights your path toward a choice you’ll relish and a photography journey full of exciting images.

If you want to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of sensor tech, autofocus intricacies, or lens choices for these systems, just let me know - I’m happy to geek out further!