Fujifilm X-T10 vs Samsung NX1100: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Enthusiasts

Choosing the right mirrorless camera can be a head-scratcher, especially when entry-level models from different brands promise so much in seemingly similar packages. Today, I’ll take you through a detailed, experience-backed comparison between two such competitors from the mid-2010s - the Fujifilm X-T10 and the Samsung NX1100. Both aimed to deliver solid image quality and modern functionalities for enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or point-and-shoots, but their approaches differ significantly.

Having spent hours shooting test scenes, portraits, landscapes, and a gamut of subjects with these cameras, I’ll share insights rooted in hands-on testing: sensor performance, autofocus, ergonomics, usability, and their fit for different photography genres. Along the way, you’ll find my no-nonsense take on value and practical real-world use.

Before we dive in, here’s a quick size and shape comparison to set the scene.

Design and Ergonomics: Fujifilm’s Classic SLR Flair vs Samsung’s Rangefinder Simplicity

Right off the bat, the X-T10 exudes a heftier, more solid feel, with a traditional SLR-style body that many manual-focus lovers will appreciate. The finely textured grip feels secure in hand, helping you stay steady during long shoots. The Samsung NX1100, by contrast, is a more compact, lightweight rangefinder-style mirrorless, built for portability and casual shooting.

Looking at the top view layout, the difference in usability philosophy is clear:

The X-T10 boasts well-positioned manual dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, speeding up adjustments for experienced shooters who like tactile feedback. It also includes an external hot shoe, built-in flash, and status LCD displays (though not a dedicated top screen). The NX1100 takes a more stripped-down, minimal approach with fewer physical controls - focused more on ease for beginners but offering less quick-access control.

From my testing: The X-T10’s button layout strikes a nice balance between retro charm and practical command, while the NX1100 feels a little more constrained if you want to tweak settings quickly on the fly.

Sensor and Image Quality: Fujifilm’s X-Trans II vs Samsung’s Conventional CMOS

Both cameras feature APS-C sensors close in size (around 23.6 x 15.6 mm), so theoretically, they have similar light-gathering potential. But sensor design and pixel count tell a more subtle story:

• Fujifilm X-T10: 16MP X-Trans II CMOS sensor with EXR Processor II, featuring a unique color filter array designed to reduce moiré and false colors without an optical low-pass filter.

• Samsung NX1100: 20MP conventional CMOS sensor, standard Bayer array, paired with Samsung’s (less advanced) image processing.

Real-World Image Performance

In controlled lab tests and real shooting scenarios, the X-T10’s sensor produces notably cleaner images at high ISO values, with less noise and better color fidelity. Skin tones look natural and pleasing - a big plus for portrait work. The NX1100, while offering higher resolution, tends to show more noise and color shifts at ISOs above 1600.

Dynamic range also favors the Fujifilm, retaining more highlight and shadow detail in challenging lighting - essential for landscapes and HDR scenes.

Worth noting is that Fujifilm offers excellent film simulation modes that add creative flexibility without extra post-processing. Samsung’s JPEG engine is serviceable but doesn’t offer the same level of in-camera character.

That said, the NX1100’s 20MP shots provide more cropping room, which can be handy if you don’t mind some noise tradeoffs.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder: Articulating EVF vs Fixed LCD

If you prefer composing via viewfinder, the X-T10 comes with a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36M-dot resolution and 100% coverage. The NX1100 lacks an EVF entirely, relying solely on a rear LCD.

Here’s how their displays compare:

The X-T10’s 3" tilting screen is handy for low or high-angle shooting, and the EVF removes the glare and lag issues you can get with LCD-only use. The NX1100’s fixed 3" TFT LCD is bright and sharp but less versatile outdoors on sunny days, and you’ll need to hold the camera away from your eye.

During street and travel photography trials, I found the tilting screen on the X-T10 better for dynamic angles, while the NX1100’s lighter weight helps for unobtrusive shooting but at the cost of compositional finesse without a viewfinder.

Autofocus and Speed: Hybrid Focus vs Contrast-Only

Autofocus speed and accuracy are crucial for nearly all photography styles, particularly action, wildlife, and sports. Here, the cameras diverge notably:

• X-T10: Hybrid AF system with 77 focus points combining contrast and phase detection.

• NX1100: Contrast-detection-only AF with just 15 focus points.

The X-T10’s hybrid AF is noticeably faster to lock, more accurate tracking moving subjects, and capable of continuous AF during burst shooting at up to 8fps. Samsung’s NX1100 feels sluggish by comparison, struggling somewhat with fast or erratic subjects.

Face Detection and Eye AF

The X-T10 supports face detection but lacks animal eye AF, a newer tech not common back then. Samsung also offers face detection, but its performance is less reliable, especially under lower contrast conditions.

If sports or wildlife are your main interests, the Fujifilm’s autofocus system will save you headaches. For casual or landscape shooters who rarely track motion, the NX1100 is passable.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera features environmental sealing, waterproofing, or ruggedization - they’re aimed at entry-level usage. That said, the X-T10’s more robust metal chassis and grip materials suggest it will endure everyday wear better than the lightweight, mostly plastic NX1100.

The X-T10’s shutter mechanism feels crisper and quieter, with shutter speeds available up to 1/4000s and electronic shutter mode up to 1/32000s - useful for bright shooting with wide apertures. The NX1100 offers similar max shutter speeds but no electronic shutter.

Lens Ecosystem

You want a camera with options, right? Fujifilm’s X-mount boasts an extensive lineup - 54 lenses at last count - including fast primes, versatile zooms, and specialty optics like macro and tilt-shift. Many lenses are compact and optically impressive.

Samsung’s NX system, limited by fewer lens manufacturers, supports around 32 lenses - adequate but lacking some specialty modern optics. The native lenses tend to be bulkier for the same focal lengths.

This matters depending on your photography genres - landscape shooters will appreciate Fujifilm’s high-quality wide-angle primes, portrait lovers love the creamy vintage-style fast primes, and macro enthusiasts have better support overall.

Battery Life and Storage

• Fujifilm X-T10: Uses the NP-W126 battery, rated approximately 350 shots per charge.

• Samsung NX1100: Uses the BC1030 battery, rated ~320 shots.

Neither is a marathon runner, but the Fujifilm generally lasts a bit longer in mixed-use tests. Both use a single slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (UHS-I compatible theoretically for the X-T10).

Wireless Features and Connectivity

Both cameras include built-in Wi-Fi, enabling image transfer and remote shutter control via smartphone apps. Neither supports Bluetooth or NFC, and only the X-T10 has an external microphone port for better audio recording in video.

HDMI output is available on both; USB is USB 2.0 only - no fast charging or tethered capture options here.

For tethered studio work, neither camera is optimal in 2024 standards but will suffice for casual remote shutter needs.

Video Capabilities: Modest Yet Serviceable

Both cameras offer full HD 1080p video recording, but the Fujifilm X-T10 supports 60p frame rates, whereas the NX1100 maxes out at 30p. Audio input options are better on the X-T10 thanks to the mic port.

Neither delivers 4K or advanced video features like log color profiles. With no in-body stabilization on either body (lens stabilization optional depending on glass), handheld video demands careful technique or gimbals.

If you want hybrid photo/video capability in a compact body, the X-T10 edges ahead with smoother autofocus in video mode and better frame rate options.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: How They Stack Up

Let’s break down the cameras’ strengths across key genres, incorporating real shots and lab metrics.

Fujifilm X T10 front Fujifilm X T10 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back

Portraits

• Fujifilm X-T10: Natural skin rendering and soft, detailed bokeh thanks to X-Trans sensor and firmware. Fast, reliable face detection helps lock sharpness on eyes.

• Samsung NX1100: Higher megapixels allow cropping but smoother backgrounds are harder to achieve due to lens options and contrast AF limitations.

Winner: Fujifilm X-T10

Landscapes

• X-T10: Superior dynamic range retains highlight and shadow detail; weather resistance not present but build is sturdy.

• NX1100: Good resolution but slightly narrower dynamic range; more limited lens choices for ultrawides.

Winner: Fujifilm X-T10

Wildlife

• X-T10: Hybrid AF and 8fps burst make action captures easier.

• NX1100: Slower AF and fewer focus points make tracking birds or animals challenging.

Winner: Fujifilm X-T10

Sports

• X-T10: Same AF and burst advantage; lacks professional-grade tracking but sufficient for casual sports.

• NX1100: Less suitable for fast-moving subjects or low light.

Winner: Fujifilm X-T10

Street Photography

• X-T10: Bulkier but retro styling can be less intrusive; tilting screen helps.

• NX1100: Lightweight, stealthier; no viewfinder reduces eye-level discretion.

Winner: Tie, depending on user preference.

Macro

• Lens availability tips this toward Fujifilm, with excellent dedicated macro lenses and focusing aids.

Night and Astrophotography

• Fujifilm’s higher ISO performance and lower noise give it a clear edge.

Video

• Fujifilm’s variable frame rates, mic port, and faster autofocus are clear advantages.

Travel and General Use

• Samsung’s smaller size and weight win points for portability.

• Fujifilm offers a more robust set of features and higher image quality.

Professional Workflows

• Fujifilm’s raw file support, color depth, and tethering software compatibility favor professionals.

Bottom Line: Which Camera Should You Buy?

If you want the better camera for image quality, autofocus, and versatility, the Fujifilm X-T10 is the clear winner. It’s a fantastic choice for enthusiasts who prioritize portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and video in a reasonably compact body with solid manual controls. Its larger lens ecosystem and firmware refinements ensure longer-term viability.

The Samsung NX1100 still appeals if budget, size, and simplicity are your primary concerns - and you mainly shoot static subjects in well-lit conditions. However, the smaller lens lineup and slower AF make it less compelling for demanding users today.

Recommendations for Different Users:

• Beginner enthusiasts wanting solid image quality and manual control: X-T10

• Casual shooters needing a small, lightweight camera for travel and street: NX1100

• Portrait-focused users seeking pleasing skin tones and bokeh: X-T10

• Action-sports and wildlife photographers needing fast AF and bursts: X-T10

• Video amateurs requiring better audio input and higher frame rates: X-T10

• Budget-conscious shoppers prioritizing low cost over advanced features: NX1100

My Testing Methodology and Final Thoughts

Over the years, I test cameras across multiple conditions: daylight, low light, motion, and various lenses to see how consistently they perform. I prioritize realistic shooting over synthetic benchmarks - because what truly matters is how your images and user experience turn out in the real world.

The X-T10 impressed me consistently, reflecting Fujifilm’s reputation for marrying retro style with modern tech. The NX1100 offers a stepping stone into mirrorless but shows its age and limitations, especially compared to newer or more mature systems.

Dear Samsung, I hope we see a revival of your excellent mirrorless efforts someday. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm X-T10 remains a strong contender in the affordable mirrorless market.

If you found this comparison helpful and want to see side-by-side image samples or in-depth settings walkthroughs, check my accompanying video review linked above. Happy shooting!