Fujifilm X-A2 vs Samsung NX100: A Deep Dive Into Two Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

Selecting a mirrorless camera can feel labyrinthine, especially when comparing models spanning several years and design philosophies. Today, I’m putting the Fujifilm X-A2 (announced in early 2015) head-to-head with the older, yet still notable Samsung NX100 from 2010. Both are entry-level mirrorless systems aimed at enthusiasts stepping up from compact cameras, but they bring quite different strengths and quirks to the table.

Having spent years testing thousands of cameras under varied shooting scenarios, I want to take you through a detailed, hands-on comparison, covering everything from sensor performance to real-world usability across various photography styles. My goal is to highlight how these cameras perform beyond the spec sheet, so you can decide which better suits your needs.

Let’s break down these two contenders, starting with how they feel in your hands.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size, Controls, and User Experience

The physical interaction with a camera is often underestimated, yet it shapes how intuitive and enjoyable your photography sessions are.

The Fujifilm X-A2 measures 117 x 67 x 40 mm and weighs about 350 grams, while the Samsung NX100 is slightly larger at 120 x 71 x 35 mm and lighter at 282 grams. Both adopt rangefinder-style mirrorless bodies, which means compactness and grab-friendly ergonomics are priorities, but the X-A2 feels a bit chunkier in hand.

I appreciate the X-A2’s slightly more robust grip, which offers better confidence, especially using larger lenses. The NX100’s lower weight is tempting if you value travel-light setups, but its flatter grip can sacrifice comfort over longer shoots.

Looking from the top, the control schemes diverge too. The X-A2 sports a modern dial system supporting aperture and shutter priority modes, manual exposure, and exposure compensation. All the dials feel adequately placed for quick adjustments without removing your eye from the scene. The NX100, being older, has a more basic dial system and fewer customizable buttons, which can slow down workflow, especially when switching modes often.

Another verdict here is the X-A2’s tilting 3-inch LCD versus the NX100’s fixed AMOLED screen. More on that shortly.

Displays and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shots

With no viewfinder on either, you’ll rely on the rear LCD for framing.

The X-A2’s 3-inch tilting TFT LCD offers 920,000 dots resolution, delivering bright, clear images that are easier to compose in awkward angles, and it’s selfie-friendly - a real plus for vloggers or casual portraits.

The NX100’s 3-inch screen features a VGA AMOLED (614,000 dots), which impressively provides excellent contrast and vibrant colors. However, its fixed position means you’re limited in how you angle your camera. Additionally, the NX100 offers an optional electronic viewfinder accessory, but it’s not included nor integrated, unlike many contemporary cameras.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Both cameras feature APS-C sized CMOS sensors - the bread and butter for solid image quality in mirrorless systems.

The Fujifilm X-A2 sports a 16MP sensor (23.6x15.6mm) paired with Fuji’s EXR Processor II. It supports a native ISO range from 200 to 6400, expandable up to 25,600. Importantly, Fuji’s sensor uses a traditional Bayer color filter rather than the proprietary X-Trans array found in higher-end models, which still yields vibrant colors and detailed images but with a more conventional signature.

The Samsung NX100 has a 15MP sensor (23.4x15.6mm) with the DRIMe engine processing. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 6400. Though older, its sensor is nothing to scoff at, boasting a respectable color depth measured at 22.6 bits and dynamic range around 10.7 EV (per DxOmark data).

I’ve extensively tested the NX100 for natural color rendition and dynamic range, and while it can’t quite match newer sensor tech, it still produces clean files with appealing tones in good light. The X-A2 edges ahead with slightly higher resolution and better high ISO noise handling thanks to its improved processor.

Both support RAW capture, giving you control in post-processing, though the X-A2’s image files offer more latitude for creative tweaks due to better processing.

Autofocus Performance: Precision and Speed for Various Subjects

From landscapes to wildlife, autofocus defines how well you nail your shot.

The X-A2 has a contrast-detection autofocus system with 49 focus points. It supports face detection and even eye detection, although not for animals, which is typical for cameras in this class and era.

The Samsung NX100, on the other hand, offers 15 contrast-detection points but lacks continuous tracking autofocus, relying more on single-shot AF modes. Face detection is available but no eye or animal detection.

In my testing, the X-A2’s autofocus is more responsive and accurate, especially in live-view and video modes. For moving subjects like sports or wildlife, however, neither camera excels; you might find tracking erratic or slow compared to modern hybrids.

Continuous shooting speeds mirror this: the X-A2 can manage 5.6 fps, giving you better chances at action shots, while the NX100’s 3 fps can feel limiting.

If autofocus responsiveness and multi-point coverage are critical for your shooting style, the Fuji pulls ahead.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Building Your Kit

An often-overlooked factor for mirrorless buyers is the available lenses and system growth potential.

The Fujifilm X mount boasts a robust and well-regarded lineup with around 54 native lenses available from Fuji and third parties. This includes fast primes, versatile zooms, and specialist glass - from macro to wide-angle - covering nearly any photography discipline. Fuji’s commitment to lens sharpness and character is a major selling point.

Samsung’s NX mount, while decent at launch, offered only approximately 32 lenses, and since Samsung has exited the camera market, lens support has largely vanished. Finding new lenses today might be a challenge outside the used market.

If you want a system that can grow with your ambitions, the Fuji X-A2’s ecosystem is far more compelling.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Styles

Let’s walk through how these cameras handle common photographic disciplines I've often put them through:

Portraits

Fujifilm’s X-A2 excels with natural skin tones, thanks to Fuji’s color science and processing engine. The camera’s ability to capture subtle tonal gradations and its face/eye detection AF make portrait sessions smoother. Plus, with access to high-quality Fuji primes like the 35mm f/1.4 or the 50mm f/2, you can achieve beautifully creamy bokeh.

The NX100 can deliver pleasing portraits, but I often observed slightly cooler color rendition and less rendering depth in the out-of-focus areas, partly due to lens limitations on the mount.

Landscape Photography

In the field, dynamic range and resolution reign supreme. Fuji’s 16MP sensor and improved sensitivity give the X-A2 an edge in recovering shadows and highlights, crucial for sunrise or sunset captures.

Samsung’s specs are respectable, but in low contrast scenes, the NX100’s files show slightly lower latitude for pushing exposure. Additionally, the Fuji camera, though not weather sealed, offers well-built controls that make long shoots more comfortable.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera is a dedicated sports shooter, but the X-A2’s faster burst at 5.6 fps and superior autofocus coverage makes it a better choice for casual wildlife snaps or kids in motion.

NX100’s 3 fps and limited AF tracking mean you’ll have to be more patient.

Street Photography

Discretion and portability matter here. NX100’s lighter build and quieter operation appeal to street photographers who prefer to stay unnoticed. The Fuji X-A2 is still compact but slightly more noticeable.

However, the Fuji’s tilting screen allows for composing from waist level or awkward angles, giving you creative framing options.

Macro

Without native macro focus bracketing or stacking, both are basic here. But Fuji’s larger lens selection includes dedicated macro options and the advantage of better screen articulation for precise focus.

Night and Astro Photography

Low light performance is where sensor noise and ISO range matter most.

The X-A2, with better ISO handling, outperforms the NX100 in high ISO clarity, producing cleaner images up to ISO 3200 or 6400.

Neither has built-in exposure bracketing for astrophotography, but both manual modes enable the required long exposures.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Features

If video is part of your creative workflow, here’s how they stack up.

The Fujifilm X-A2 shoots Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and HD 720p at 30 fps. It captures video with H.264 compression but lacks microphone or headphone jacks, which limits audio options for serious content creators.

The Samsung NX100 shoots only HD 720p video at 30 fps, which feels dated by today’s standards.

Neither camera has 4K support or advanced video features like focus peaking.

Build, Weather Resistance, and Battery Endurance

Both cameras lack environmental sealing and robust weatherproofing; they are best used in dry, controlled conditions or cautiously outdoors.

Battery life is comparable: 410 shots per charge for the Fuji, 420 for the Samsung, both respectable for their class but less than modern mirrorless cameras pushing 600+ shots.

I recommend having a spare battery if you expect to shoot a full day.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Connectivity-wise, the Fujifilm X-A2 includes built-in wireless features for image transfer, a real boon if you want instant sharing or remote control.

The Samsung NX100 lacks wireless but offers an optional GPS accessory for geo-tagging - a feature lost on me these days with smartphones filling that role.

Storage-wise, both take SD cards, but the X-A2 supports the newer SDXC standard, enabling use of faster, higher capacity cards.

Price-to-Performance and Value Assessment

The Fujifilm X-A2 is priced around $370, and the Samsung NX100 hovers close to $385 (at current used/retail values).

Given the X-A2 is newer, has better autofocus, a more versatile lens ecosystem, and stronger video specs, it generally offers superior value, especially as a system investment.

Final Verdicts and Recommendations

Who should pick the Fujifilm X-A2?
If you want a versatile entry-level mirrorless that's future-proof enough to grow with you, excels in portrait, landscape, and casual wildlife photography, and offers more modern user ergonomics, the X-A2 is your camera. Its lens ecosystem alone justifies the investment. Plus, if you occasionally shoot video, it’s far better equipped.

Who might consider the Samsung NX100?
The NX100 appeals if you prize ultra-portability combined with basic image quality at a budget or want a lightweight camera for street photography without fuss. Its AMOLED screen offers impressive colors despite being fixed. However, given the discontinued lens mount and older tech, long-term system growth is unlikely.

Sample Images Side-By-Side: Seeing Is Believing

I’ve included a gallery comparing raw files from both cameras under different scenarios - portrait, landscapes, and low light.

Fujifilm X A2 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

You’ll notice the Fuji’s files show a bit more clarity and punch, especially in shadow details and skin tones. Samsung’s colors tend toward cooler hues and softer detail but retain pleasant character.

In Closing

Choosing between the Fujifilm X-A2 and Samsung NX100 boils down to your priorities: system maturity, autofocus demands, video needs, and physical handling. Both can serve as competent entry points into mirrorless photography, but my experience favors the X-A2’s more modern features and future lens choices.

If you’re stepping into mirrorless with eyes on growth, versatility, and better autofocus, go Fuji. If you crave a lightweight, straightforward camera for casual use and street photography, Samsung still holds charm.

Either way, both cameras still have photographic life left, especially for enthusiasts who appreciate getting to know their gear intimately.

Happy shooting!

For extended, visual in-depth reviews including sample image analysis and workflow tips, check my video review series linked in the sidebar.