Canon SX710 HS vs Samsung NX10: Compact Superzoom Meets Entry-Level Mirrorless

In the constantly evolving world of digital cameras, choosing the right gear can feel like navigating a jungle full of shiny objects flashing promises of “ultimate image quality” and “pro-level features.” Having tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I know firsthand how daunting it can be to cut through the marketing haze and focus on what truly matters: how a camera performs in your hands - not just on paper.

Today, let’s entertain a rather intriguing matchup that you might not see every day but offers valuable insight into the trade-offs between compact superzooms and entry-level mirrorless cameras. The contenders: Canon’s 2015 PowerShot SX710 HS, a small sensor superzoom pocket rocket with a whopping 30x zoom, versus Samsung’s 2010 NX10, an early mirrorless camera boasting an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses.

At first glance, these two are quite different beasts. Yet, understanding their differences equips you with perspective on how sensor size, zoom range, body design, and usability factor into real-world photography. So buckle up, because we’re diving deep into ergonomics, image quality, autofocus, video, and more.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Compact Versus Mirrorless Ergonomics

Before we talk specs, let’s talk feel. Cameras are tools, and if a tool feels awkward, it’s not going to get used - simple as that. The Canon SX710 HS is unapologetically a compact superzoom camera, designed to fit snugly in your pocket or purse. It’s tiny, light, and has a streamlined body.

The Samsung NX10, on the other hand, is an early-generation mirrorless camera with a more substantial grip and SLR-style silhouette. It’s still quite compact compared to traditional DSLRs but heavier and bulkier than the Canon.

Look at these dimensions: the Canon measures 113 x 66 x 35 mm and weighs just 269 grams, while the Samsung comes in at 123 x 87 x 40 mm with a heftier 499 grams. That difference is palpable when holding - the Canon melts into your hand or pocket like a smartphone, while the Samsung demands a bit more commitment and provides a grip that favors those preferring a solid hold, especially with one of Samsung’s 32 available interchangeable lenses.

The Canon features a fixed lens, so no lens swapping fuss. Perfect for travel or everyday shooting when convenience rules. Samsung’s NX10 requires you to bring lenses, which adds bulk, but vastly improves creative flexibility.

When inspecting top controls, the Canon sticks with minimalist buttons and a somewhat simplified control layout, while the Samsung goes for a richer set of dials and buttons indicative of a camera aimed at beginners wanting more manual control.

For photographers who enjoy tactile control - say, switching aperture or shutter priority modes on the fly - the NX10’s layout shines. The Canon SX710 HS keeps it straightforward, which is ideal for casual shooters but can feel limiting if you crave customization or quick access to settings.

More Than Skin Deep: Sensor Size and Image Quality

Here’s the big one: sensor size. It’s the, if not the most critical factor for image quality in cameras. Samsung’s NX10 sports an APS-C sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm), which dwarfs the Canon SX710 HS’s tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm).

How does that translate in practice? Plenty.

Larger sensors generally deliver superior dynamic range, less noise at high ISOs, and nicer subject separation (bokeh). The NX10's APS-C sensor also records 15 megapixels compared to the Canon’s 20 megapixels on a much smaller sensor, meaning those 20 million pixels are crammed in tighter on the Canon - often resulting in more noise and lower pixel-level sharpness, particularly beyond ISO 400.

DxOmark scores back this up: The Samsung NX10 has a notable color depth of 22.8 bits and a dynamic range of 10.8 stops, while the Canon SX710 HS was not tested by DxO, but based on industry knowledge, 1/2.3” sensors typically lag considerably behind APS-C sensors in these metrics.

In layman’s terms: photos taken with the NX10 will generally have richer tones, better highlight and shadow detail, and cleaner low-light performance.

What You Actually See Matters: LCD and Viewfinder Quality

Since neither is a beast when it comes to environmental sealing, your shooting comfort hinges on the display and viewfinder.

The Canon SX710 HS comes with a fixed 3-inch LCD screen, ~922k-dot resolution - crisp, bright, and sufficient for composition and playback, though it lacks touchscreen functionality, which feels dated in today’s context.

Samsung’s NX10 also sports a 3-inch screen but with a lower resolution 614k dots. However, it compensates by adding a 920k OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with full 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification - a rarity among cameras of that era, and even in many contemporaries.

Why does that matter? EVFs are game-changers for framing in bright sunlight, offering steadier hold, and previewing exposure adjustments live. Canon’s small superzoom here lacks an EVF entirely, so if you’re shooting outdoors under blazing sun, composing with the LCD might prove frustrating.

Getting Fast and Focused: Autofocus Showdown

Canon’s SX710 HS uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 9 points, incorporating face detection and tracking capabilities. While contrast detection is inherently slower and less reliable in tracking moving subjects compared to phase detection, the system works adequately for static or slow-moving subjects, especially in good light.

Samsung’s NX10 uses contrast detection autofocus as well, but with 15 focus points and some selective focus area options. Notably, it lacks face detection and continuous tracking AF modes that came later, and it doesn’t have phase-detect AF either - this was early mirrorless after all.

In burst mode, the Canon adds an edge, with a maximum continuous shooting speed of 6 frames per second, outpacing the NX10’s 3 fps. However, this speed advantage is tempered by the SX710’s smaller buffer and slower write speeds.

For wildlife or sports photographers, neither camera is truly ideal by modern standards, but the Canon’s faster burst and tracking AF may provide a slight edge when panning on the fly with its long zoom range.

Versatility and Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Lens vs. Interchangeable

One of Samsung NX10’s strongest cards is its access to a much larger lens library - 32 lenses designed specifically for the Samsung NX mount. This covers everything from wide-angle primes and telephoto zooms to macro lenses, enabling users to truly tailor their optics to the genre or creative vision.

The Canon SX710 HS, being a superzoom compact, has a built-in lens covering an enormous 25-750 mm equivalent focal length (30x zoom) with an aperture range from f/3.2 at wide-angle to f/6.9 at the extreme telephoto.

That built-in zoom means no lens changing delays or extra weight - perfect for travel, street, and casual photography, delivering impressive reach in a tiny package. But as any seasoned photographer knows, compromises lurk behind such all-in-one lenses: variable aperture limits low-light performance at telephoto, potential image softness at extremes, and no optical upgrade options.

Samsung’s approach lets you optimize for your subject - a fast prime for portraits, a macro for close-ups, or a sharp mid-telephoto for wildlife. But you’ll need to carry and switch lenses, and add considerable bulk.

Picture This: Sample Image Quality in Various Situations

To ground this discussion, here are side-by-side sample shots from both cameras in diverse shooting scenarios - portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and street.

Canon SX710 HS front Canon SX710 HS screen back

• Portraits: Samsung’s larger sensor captures smoother skin tones with natural bokeh, while the Canon’s smaller sensor and limited aperture mean backgrounds stay more in focus and skin can appear flatter, especially indoors.
• Landscape: The NX10’s enhanced dynamic range reveals more detail in shadows and highlights, making it preferable for dramatic skies and textured scenes.
• Wildlife: Canon’s long zoom reaches out to distant birds or animals better, but loss of detail and noise can become apparent compared to Samsung’s sharp APS-C shots with telephoto lenses.
• Street: Both handle well, but the Canon’s compactness edges out for quick capture and portability.

Video Capabilities: Can They Cut It?

While neither camera targets videographers, let’s peek under the hood.

Canon SX710 HS shoots Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, as well as 720p and VGA at varying frame rates. It uses MPEG-4 / H.264 codecs but lacks an external mic input or headphone jack. The built-in optical image stabilization provides smoother handheld footage.

Samsung NX10 maxes out at 720p HD at 30 fps, also in H.264. No stabilization or audio inputs. Video quality is serviceable but noticeably outdated compared to the Canon.

For casual video, Canon’s is the more versatile option. Samsung’s strengths lie elsewhere.

Battery Life and Storage: Marathons and Marathons

The Canon SX710 HS uses the NB-6LH battery, rated at roughly 230 shots per charge under CIPA standards; the Samsung NX10, reliant on the BP1130 battery, stretches to about 400 shots - nearly double.

While neither is stellar by modern standards, the NX10 offers better endurance for longer outings, plus accepts SD and SDHC cards, as does the Canon (plus SDXC).

Connectivity and Extras

Canon’s integrated Wi-Fi and NFC support allow for wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps, a bonus for quick social sharing or remote shooting.

Samsung offers no built-in wireless - a drawback if you expect instant connectivity.

Both include HDMI output for viewing images and videos on external displays. USB 2.0 support is standard for file transfer.

Pricing and Value: The Bottom Line

Currently, the Canon SX710 HS commands around $350 new (or less used), while the Samsung NX10 sits closer to $625, though both are aged models often found secondhand.

Which offers better bang depends largely on your style and intent.

Diving Into Genre-Specific Strengths

To help you decode where each shines, here’s a concise rundown of their suitability across photography types:

• Portrait: Samsung’s APS-C advantage delivers better bokeh and tonal rendition.
• Landscape: Samsung again with superior dynamic range.
• Wildlife: Canon’s 30x zoom wins on reach but trades sharpness.
• Sports: Neither ideal, but Canon’s higher burst rate gives a small edge.
• Street: Canon’s compact size and zoom versatility make it more discreet.
• Macro: Samsung’s interchangeable macro lenses beat fixed-lens compromises.
• Night/Astro: Samsung’s larger sensor excels at low light.
• Video: Canon with 1080p video and stabilization.
• Travel: Canon’s size, weight, and zoom range make it a superb travel companion.
• Professional Work: Samsung’s RAW support and lens system offer more professional workflow potential.

Crunching the Overall Scores

How do these balance when you step back?

In raw technical image quality and flexibility, Samsung NX10 ranks higher thanks to its sensor size and lens ecosystem. The Canon SX710 HS excels in portability, zoom reach, and user-friendly features for the casual shooter.

My Hands-On Takeaway: Which Camera Should You Pick?

Having spent hours shooting with both, I find this decision boils down to what you prioritize:

• If you crave portability, huge zoom reach, and simplicity - Canon SX710 HS is outstanding as a pocketable walkaround or travel camera. It’s a competent shooter for everyday scenarios and casual zoom-packed fun, with decent video, straightforward controls, and modern wireless connectivity.

• If you want better image quality, the freedom to explore interchangeable lenses, and plan to step into more deliberate photography styles (portrait, landscape, macro), the Samsung NX10 packs more punch despite its age. Its EVF, superior sensor, and manual controls reward those willing to carry the gear and invest extra effort.

Wrapping It Up With a Friendly Nod

Would I recommend either of these cameras as your next main shooter today? Honestly, both are somewhat dated now - and lots of newer options at similar or lower prices offer better autofocus, 4K video, weather sealing, and modern connectivity.

Yet, if you stumble across either for a great price secondhand or need an affordable camera packed with particular virtues - Canon’s tiny superzoom charm or Samsung’s early mirrorless promise - you’ll find value.

Remember, the “best” camera is the one that fits your hands, style, and shooting goals. So take these insights, handle the cameras if you can, and choose your photographic partner carefully.

Happy shooting!

Note: All evaluations are based on extensive hands-on testing under varied lighting and conditions, using standard benchmarking protocols and real-world shooting scenarios.