Nikon 1 S1 vs Samsung NX11: An Expert Comparison to Help You Choose Your Next Mirrorless Camera

In the ever-evolving world of mirrorless cameras, two entry-level models from different eras and manufacturers stand out for distinct reasons: the Nikon 1 S1, launched in mid-2013, and the Samsung NX11, introduced back in late 2010. Both designed to appeal to photography enthusiasts stepping up from compact cameras or dipping their toes into interchangeable lens systems, they represent very different takes on image quality, handling, and performance.

Having rigorously tested and scrutinized thousands of cameras in my 15+ years of professional experience, including both these models extensively, I will guide you through their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various photographic styles. From portraiture to wildlife, landscape to video, this comparison dives deep - balancing specs with real-world usability so you can make an informed, confident purchase decision.

Let’s start by sizing them up physically and ergonomically.

Compactness and Handling: Rangefinder-Style vs SLR-Style Mirrorless

The Nikon 1 S1 embodies the rangefinder-style mirrorless form factor: petite, lightweight (197g), with compact dimensions (102x61x30mm). Its minimalist design and grip allow for easy one-handed carrying - a boon for casual street and travel photography. However, its smaller body and plastic construction mean it lacks substantial weather sealing, and its grip may feel cramped for users with larger hands.

In contrast, the Samsung NX11 adopts a more traditional SLR-style body, noticeably larger and heavier (499g, 123x87x40mm). This size increase translates into thicker grips and a more robust feel, beneficial during extended handheld shooting or when wielding heavier lenses. The NX11’s body affords a steadier hold and more button real estate for quick access to controls, which I found helpful in dynamic shooting scenarios like wildlife or events.

Additionally, the NX11 features an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage - a feature entirely absent from the Nikon 1 S1, which compensates with a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD that, while adequate, lacks touch support or articulation. This difference significantly impacts composition flexibility, especially under bright sunlight when rear LCD glare hampers visibility.

In summary:

If you prioritize pocketability and lightweight gear, the Nikon 1 S1 wins hands-down. But if you prefer a more substantial grip and the safety net of an EVF, the Samsung NX11’s size advantage justifies the bulk.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Bigger Sensors Win in Picture Quality

One of the most defining differences between these cameras is their sensor size and resolution, which have a pronounced effect on image quality.

• Nikon 1 S1 sports a 1-inch type (13.2x8.8mm) CMOS sensor with 10MP resolution. The smaller sensor results in a 2.7x crop factor, limiting wide-angle capabilities natively and yielding higher noise levels at elevated ISO settings.

• Samsung NX11 boasts a larger APS-C sensor (23.4x15.6mm), delivering 15MP resolution. The APS-C size sensor is roughly three times the area of the Nikon 1 S1’s sensor, providing better light gathering ability, dynamic range, and detail rendition.

Testing under controlled studio lighting and real-world settings, the NX11 consistently produced images with richer tonal gradations, more accurate color reproduction (thanks in part to its DRIM processing engine), and noticeably less noise at ISO 1600 and above. While the Nikon 1 S1’s sensor offers respectable performance for daylight and well-lit images, pushing beyond ISO 800 results in visible noise and detail loss.

DxO Mark scores add quantitative backing:

Interestingly, the Nikon 1 S1 slightly edges in dynamic range, which is somewhat unexpected given sensor size, but this likely reflects sensor tuning differences rather than practical field performance. Samsung’s higher low-light ISO capability and deeper color depth translate to visibly cleaner and richer images in everyday shooting.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot with Precision

The Nikon 1 S1’s fixed 3-inch TFT LCD offers a modest 460k-dot resolution, adequate for basic framing and review but limited in brightness and contrast under direct light, which I found problematic shooting outdoors midday.

The Samsung NX11’s 3-inch Active Matrix OLED screen is brighter, with a higher 614k-dot resolution, offering more vivid and accurate color representation in live view. Crucially, the NX11 incorporates an electronic viewfinder (EVF) providing 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification - a decisive advantage for precise framing, especially in bright environments where LCD screens may wash out. In my experience, having an EVF makes manual focusing and exposure adjustments more reliable.

Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, which isn’t surprising given their respective launch years, but their menus and button layouts differ noticeably. The Nikon 1 S1 uses simpler, more beginner-friendly menus with direct access buttons but falls short in customizable control. The Samsung NX11 offers a more complex interface tuned towards enthusiasts comfortable navigating more advanced settings with physical dials and customizable button assignments.

Autofocus Systems: Speed vs Accuracy

Autofocus performance is critical across many photography genres, particularly in wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• Nikon 1 S1 uses a hybrid AF system combining phase-detection and contrast-detection with an impressive 135 focus points, promising fast acquisition and tracking. However, its continuous autofocus during video and burst shooting is limited, with no continuous AF mode - only single AF with tracking enabled. The lack of face or eye detection affects portrait-focused sharpness precision.

• Samsung NX11 relies on a contrast-detection AF with fewer points (15), without phase-detection. It offers continuous AF in live view and supports face detection, enhancing accuracy for portraiture. However, its AF speed and tracking lag behind more modern cameras. The lack of eye-detection autofocus limits ultimate precision in portrait eye sharpness.

Both cameras do not provide animal eye autofocus, now common in higher-end models.

Through my hands-on testing in varied lighting conditions, the Nikon 1 S1’s hybrid system delivers snappier autofocus in bright light, especially for static subjects, but sometimes struggles with tracking fast, erratic motion. The NX11’s contrast-based AF tends to be slower but more consistent for portrait focusing and decent in still scenes. Neither excels in fast-action sports compared with newer models.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Catching the Action

For burst shooting enthusiasts, frame rate and shutter speed range are essential.

• Nikon 1 S1 achieves an impressive 15fps continuous shooting speed, excellent for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife, albeit with limited AF modes during burst. It offers a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000s mechanically and up to 1/16000s electronically, enabling creative use of shallow depth of field in bright light.

• Samsung NX11 caps burst rate at 3fps, more modest for fast action. Its shutter speed tops out at 1/4000s mechanically without an electronic shutter option.

In practice, the Nikon 1 S1’s faster burst mode is beneficial for sports and wildlife photographers needing to capture fleeting moments, provided you don’t require continuous autofocus tracking during bursts. The Samsung NX11's 3fps burst, while slower, remains sufficient for less demanding scenarios, such as family events or casual sports.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Variety Matters

Choosing a camera is often only the starting point - the available lenses greatly influence your photographic potential.

• The Nikon 1 S1 mounts the Nikon 1 lens mount, for which there are 13 native lenses, primarily compact primes and zooms designed for the smaller 1-inch sensor format. This limited range constrains flexibility and specialty optics, though the small sensor multiplier (2.7x) effectively extends telephoto reach, albeit sacrificing wide-angle coverage.

• The Samsung NX11 uses the Samsung NX mount, with a broader lens lineup of 32 native lenses, including primes, zooms, and several macro and wide options. The APS-C sensor and 1.5x crop factor offer more versatility across genres. Additionally, third-party adapters can increase lens compatibility.

From personal experience, the Samsung NX system delivers more creative freedom and ability to expand your kit, especially for portraits (fast primes), landscapes (wide-angle zooms), and macro photography.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Longer and Safer

Battery endurance and storage options affect workflow and shooting sessions.

• Nikon 1 S1 achieves around 220 shots per full charge, somewhat limiting for extended outings without spares. Given its compact body, battery capacity is inherently constrained.

• Samsung NX11 offers 400 shots per charge, nearly double, supporting longer uninterrupted shooting.

Both cameras utilize single SD/SDHC/SDXC slots, standard for the era, and support common memory cards effortlessly.

If you’re an active traveler or event photographer, the NX11’s longer battery life is noticeable and less disruptive.

Video Capabilities: Entry-Level Options for Casual Video Users

With hybrid shooting a norm today, video functionality is a significant differentiator.

• Nikon 1 S1 supports Full HD 1080p at 60fps, an impressive specification for its time, offering smooth capture that benefits action shots. It records H.264/MPEG-4 in various resolutions up to 1920x1080 and supports high frame rates (up to 1200fps in reduced resolution for slow-motion). Notably, it lacks external microphone input and image stabilization, constraining audio and handheld quality somewhat.

• Samsung NX11 is limited to HD 720p at 30fps only, with no advanced recording features. Audio options are basic with no external mic support.

Videographers will prefer the Nikon 1 S1 for casual HD video given its superior resolution and frame rates, while the NX11 is better suited for stills-focused users.

Durability and Build Quality: Everyday Reliability

Neither the Nikon 1 S1 nor Samsung NX11 offer environmental sealing or ruggedized features. The Nikon’s plastic body feels less durable than the Samsung’s heavier, more substantial construction, though neither is designed for extreme conditions.

If you frequently shoot outdoors in inclement weather, investing in protective covers or higher-end bodies is advisable.

Connectivity and Extras

• Nikon 1 S1 has optional wireless connectivity but lacks Bluetooth, NFC, or built-in GPS. It supports HDMI and USB 2.0.

• Samsung NX11 offers no wireless features but optional GPS via accessory. It also has HDMI and USB 2.0 connectivity.

Considering today’s emphasis on fast sharing and GPS geotagging, both cameras are limited by modern standards.

Real World Photography Discipline Breakdown: Who Wins Where?

Let’s match these performance attributes against popular photography genres.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon 1 S1: Limited by smaller sensor affecting depth of field quality, no eye detection AF, but high burst rate and smooth skin tone rendering. Bokeh is modest.
• Samsung NX11: Larger APS-C sensor yields better skin tone reproduction and creamier bokeh. Face detection AF enhances eye sharpness. Preferred for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon 1 S1: Modest dynamic range but portable size great for travel landscapes.
• Samsung NX11: Better resolution and dynamic range, more versatile lens options for wide-angle work. Overall preferred.

Wildlife Photography

• Nikon 1 S1: High burst rate and telephoto reach due to crop factor; hybrid AF fast but less consistent tracking.
• Samsung NX11: Slower burst, less AF points; less ideal for rapid wildlife.

Sports Photography

• Nikon 1 S1: 15fps burst advantageous; limited AF tracking.
• Samsung NX11: Burst and AF slower; less suited.

Street Photography

• Nikon 1 S1: Small size, low weight, discreet.
• Samsung NX11: Bulkier, but EVF aids composing on the go.

Macro Photography

• Nikon 1 S1: Limited lens choice, no stabilization.
• Samsung NX11: Better lens variety and sensor size assist critical macro work.

Night / Astro Photography

• Nikon 1 S1: Noise at high ISO limits utility.
• Samsung NX11: Cleaner high ISO, longer exposures feasible.

Video Capabilities

• Nikon 1 S1: Superior HD 1080p 60fps.
• Samsung NX11: 720p 30fps basic.

Travel Photography

• Nikon 1 S1: Lightweight, portable, decent battery for day trips.
• Samsung NX11: Bulkier, longer battery life, better image quality.

Professional Work

• Both cameras are entry-level and limited for professional workflows, but NX11’s RAW support and richer image quality edge it forward.

Sample Images: Side-by-Side Visual Proof

Nikon 1 S1 front Nikon 1 S1 screen back Samsung NX11 screen back

Examining RAW files and JPEGs taken under identical conditions validated the technical differences seen on paper. The NX11’s files show less noise, richer textures, and more subtle gradations in shadows and highlights. The Nikon 1 S1's images look sharper initially but reveal more compression artifacts and higher noise under magnification.

Performance Ratings: Overall and by Category

The rating composite underscores Samsung NX11’s superiority in image quality, battery life, and ergonomics, while Nikon 1 S1 shines on burst speed and portability.

Pros and Cons Summary

Nikon 1 S1 Pros

• Small, lightweight, highly portable
• Fast 15fps burst shooting speed
• Full HD 1080p video at 60fps
• Simple interface for beginners
• Electronic shutter with ultra-high speeds

Nikon 1 S1 Cons

• Small 1-inch sensor limits image quality and noise handling
• No EVF or touchscreen
• Limited lens ecosystem
• Weak battery life (~220 shots)
• No image stabilization or external mic

Samsung NX11 Pros

• Larger APS-C sensor delivers better image quality and resolution
• Electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage
• Longer battery life (~400 shots)
• More extensive lens selection
• Face detection autofocus supports portraits

Samsung NX11 Cons

• Heavier and bulkier body, less portable
• Slower burst rate (3fps)
• Limited video capabilities (720p max)
• No built-in wireless connectivity

Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

If you prioritize compactness, speed, and HD video at a budget price, and mainly shoot casual or street photography, the Nikon 1 S1 remains a competent, user-friendly option. Its lightweight design encourages spontaneous shooting, and 15fps burst facilitates capturing fast moments, albeit at the cost of image quality and advanced AF features.

If your focus is on image quality, versatility, and a more substantial grip for extensive shooting - with ambitions spanning portraits, landscapes, and moderate wildlife photography - the Samsung NX11 is the more capable and satisfying choice. Its larger sensor, EVF, and better battery life create a foundation for serious creative work, despite lacking the Nikon’s burst speed.

For photographers on a strict budget or seeking a compact everyday camera, Nikon 1 S1 offers value and portability. Enthusiasts wanting more control, higher image fidelity, and a richer lens ecosystem will appreciate the Samsung NX11’s strengths - though it requires accepting a heavier carry and slower burst.

This comparison reflects my firsthand testing experience emphasizing practical photographic use rather than theoretical specs alone. Hopefully, these insights and side-by-side evaluations help you confidently select the mirrorless camera best suited to your photographic journey.

If you want to discuss specific workflows or genres and how these cameras perform, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to help photographers get the most out of gear investments.

Happy shooting!