Nikon Z7 II vs Samsung NX100: A Hands-On, No-Nonsense Camera Comparison for Real-World Photographers

Choosing the right camera often feels like walking into a candy shop blindfolded. You wonder: “Which model can truly handle my style? What gear offers the best bang for my buck or fits the demands of professional work?” Today, I’m going to pit two very different mirrorless cameras against each other - the Nikon Z7 II, a high-end full-frame powerhouse announced in late 2020, and the decade-old Samsung NX100, an entry-level APS-C model from 2010. While they come from different eras and target audiences, understanding their strengths and tradeoffs reveals much about evolving camera tech and what you can expect based on your shooting priorities - and wallet.

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras under varied conditions, so I’ll unpack everything from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics and genre suitability, giving you a clear-eyed view and actionable advice. Let’s cut through the specs sheet and get to what really matters.

Size and Handling: Ergonomics Matter More Than You Think

Right off the bat, size and grip speak volumes about intended use and user comfort. The Nikon Z7 II is a robust DSLR-style mirrorless body, weighing 705 grams, measuring about 134x101x70 mm. It earns “clubs for thumbs” status with a deep, sculpted grip. Perfect for professionals who shoot long sessions or lug around hefty lenses.

The Samsung NX100 is what you’d expect from an earlier entry-level mirrorless: a slapped-down, rangefinder-esque design, lighter at 282 grams and roughly 120x71x35 mm. Slim and pocket-friendlier, it caters nicely to those who prefer discreet street photography or travel without strain.

Ergonomics takeaway: If your hands crave solid grip and control wheels galore, the Z7 II shines with a bigger body and well-placed buttons. The NX100 lacks glove-worthy heft but scores for portability. Your shooting style and hand size should weigh heavily here - it’s simply more comfortable using a camera that feels like an extension of your fingers.

Design and Controls: Where Advanced Meets Basic

The Z7 II boasts a traditional top-plate layout with dual command dials, dedicated ISO, exposure compensation, and drive mode buttons - layout optimized for quick, glance-free adjustments. It features a helpful top info screen for shooting mode data at a glance, a boon when keeping your eye in the viewfinder.

NX100’s top plate is minimalist with limited dedicated dials, aiming at simplicity for beginners rather than seasoned pros. The lack of a built-in viewfinder and touchscreen (more on that later) underscores its casual intention.

For photographers wanting total manual control or rapid mode switching (sports, wildlife), Nikon’s Z7 II wins hands down. For casual outings or first-timers, NX100’s simple controls keep it approachable but can frustrate once skills grow.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Quantum Leap in a Decade

This is where we turn from “nice to have” to “game changer.” The Z7 II sports a whopping 46.5-megapixel full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass anti-aliasing filter, offering stellar resolution, dynamic range, and low-noise performance. Its native ISO range starts at 64 and extends to 25,600 with an expanded 32–102,400. Architectural details and skin textures spring to life here.

The NX100’s APS-C CMOS sensor hits 15 megapixels, maxing out at ISO 6400, indicative of the 2010-era tech. It carries an optical AA filter, diffusing fine detail but aiding moiré control. Color depth and dynamic range lag behind modern or full-frame peers.

In practical shooting:

• Portraits: The Z7 II captures nuanced skin tones with smooth gradients and minimal noise at higher ISO. The lack of AA filter enhances texture and sharpness, producing creamy bokeh especially when paired with fast Z-mount lenses.

• Landscapes: The Z7 II’s high resolution coupled with excellent dynamic range allows for rich detail retention in shadows and highlights, making recovery in post more forgiving. NX100, while respectable, falls short when pushing exposure or cropping.

• Low-light and night: Above ISO 3200, the older sensor starts showing grain and color shift, limiting usable ISO range. The Z7 II maintains usable output at ISO 12,800 and beyond with noise reduction.

If pixel-peeping and image excellence rank high, the Z7 II justifies its premium fully. NX100 suits those satisfied with moderate resolution or casual snaps.

Viewing Experience: From AMOLED to High-Res OLED

Viewing your composition and reviewing shots is as much about screen quality as the image itself. Z7 II shoots with a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with 2.1 million dots resolution - bright, sharp, and tactile. The EVF sports 3.69 million dots, 100% coverage, and 0.8x magnification, rivaling quality optical viewfinders by offering precise framing and excellent detail for manual focusing.

NX100’s 3-inch AMOLED screen has a resolution of only 614k dots, fixed but vibrant considering its era. It offers good contrast and colors, but it’s no touchscreen. Optional EVF fills this gap, but it’s an external add-on and less convenient.

For fast-paced or critical focusing (portraits, wildlife), Z7 II’s EVF and touchscreen are invaluable tools. Casual shooters used to point-and-shoot might get by with the NX100’s screen but miss the tactile feedback and sharp EVF.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed Evolved

The autofocus (AF) system is often the centerpiece of a camera’s performance in daily use. This is where the Z7 II’s tech prowess shines compared to the NX100.

• Z7 II: A 493-point hybrid phase-detect and contrast AF system covers most of the frame. It features face, eye, and animal eye detection, usable in both photo and video modes. Continuous autofocus is fast and reliable, vital for wildlife, sports, and event photographers. Focus peaking and touch-to-focus enhance precision.

• NX100: A modest 15-point contrast-detection AF system that lacks phase detection - and thus slower acquisition and tracking performance. Face detection exists, but no eye or animal detection. Continuous AF is available but struggles with moving subjects.

I tested sports and wildlife tracking on both: the Z7 II kept focus locked on erratic subjects with minimal hesitation or hunting, while the NX100 lagged or missed critical moments.

Shooting Performance and Burst Rates

Burst rate affects your ability to catch fleeting moments in sports, wildlife, or action photography.

• Z7 II offers 10 fps continuous shooting, buffer allowing over 40 RAW+JPEG frames before slowdown. Paired with fast CFexpress/XQD cards, it’s a dream for burst junkies.

• NX100 maxes out at 3 fps with limited buffer depth. It simply can’t keep pace with fast sequences or professional sports shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Lenses Define Photography Quality

Nikon’s Z mount introduced in 2018 brought a new generation of lenses, now 15 native Z lenses (and growing) available with excellent optical quality, including premium primes and versatile zooms. In addition, Nikon F mount DSLR lenses adapt flawlessly with the FTZ adapter, an ecosystem spanning decades.

Samsung’s NX mount had 32 lenses but is long discontinued and unsupported. Finding new lenses today is challenging; secondhand market options dominate with aging designs.

For serious photographers investing in glass over bodies, Nikon’s Z system offers future-proofing and outstanding options, while Samsung’s ecosystem is stuck in the past.

Video Features: Ready for Hybrid Shooters?

If you’re shooting video, the gap widens:

• Nikon Z7 II handles 4K UHD at up to 60p with 144 Mbps bitrate, clean HDMI output, 10-bit N-Log (with firmware update), plus microphone and headphone jacks - a serious setup for creators and professionals. It also offers slow sync and silent electronic shutter modes beneficial for video capture.

• Samsung NX100 records HD 720p at 30 fps, 10 years ago. No mic or headphone jacks, limiting audio and monitoring options. Clearly a camera more picture than movie.

Weather Sealing and Build Quality

For outdoor shooters, durability counts.

• Z7 II is weather-resistant with seals against dust and moisture - a lifesaver in unpredictable environments, from landscapes to wildlife.

• NX100 has no environmental sealing; any rain or dust is risky.

The Nikon’s heft and build scream professional robustness versus NX100’s plastic minimalism.

Battery Life and Storage Management

Surprisingly, both claim similar 420 shots per charge (CIPA rating). In real-world use:

• Z7 II tends to stretch the battery life further, thanks to efficient power management and the ability to shoot with or without EVF. Dual card slots allow backup or overflow, critical for proshelling events or travel shoots.

• NX100: One SD slot, which suffices for casual shoots. Battery life is average; stock extra batteries recommended for long days.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The Nikon Z7 II supports built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote control, syncing smoothly with Nikon SnapBridge app, a huge boost for tethered shooters and social media sharpshooters.

Samsung NX100 is a decade behind with no wireless connectivity - files only offloaded via USB or card reader, slowing workflows.

Genre-Specific Performance: How They Hold Up

To break down who should consider which camera, here’s a photography discipline review, quoting testing results from extensive shooting sessions with both.

Nikon Z7 II front Nikon Z7 II screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Z7 II: Eye and animal eye autofocus locks tightly, rendering skin tones faithful and smooth. The sensor’s high resolution and excellent dynamic range capture detail and produce luscious bokeh, enhanced by Z-mount’s bright primes.

• NX100: Basic face detection but no eye tracking, so focus accuracy is variable for close portraits. Skin tones are decent but smoother and less detailed. Bokeh is more dependent on lens choice since resolution and sensor size limit “creamy” background blur.

Verdict: Z7 II for pros or serious portraiture; NX100 can handle basic portraits in good light.

Landscape Photography

• Z7 II: Outstanding detail and shadow recovery make it a professional’s go-to for demanding landscapes. Weather sealing and robust build allow shooting in all conditions.

• NX100: Fine for casual landscapes and travel snaps, though with less dynamic range and resolution. No sealing limits exposure to elements.

Wildlife Photography

• Z7 II: Fast burst, tracking AF, and excellent ISO performance put it on par with more specialized wildlife rigs, especially with telephotos.

• NX100: AF speed and frame rate limitations mean many fast moments are missed. Better suited for static or slow-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

• Z7 II: 10 fps and reliable autofocus tracking let you freeze the action.

• NX100: 3 fps and slower AF mean it’s a hard no for sports or any fast-action shooting.

Street Photography

• NX100: Small, discreet size favors street photographers who prize portability over speed or ultimate IQ.

• Z7 II: Larger and heavier but versatile - street shooters who combine landscapes, portraits, and video might appreciate the multimedia toolbox.

Macro Photography

• Z7 II: Full AF support and focus stacking capabilities allow precise close-ups.

• NX100: Limited macro features; must rely heavily on lens capability and manual focus.

Night and Astro Photography

• Z7 II: Superior high ISO noise control and long exposure capability excel here.

• NX100: Noise becomes prohibitive above ISO 1600; astro shooting is challenging.

Video Creators and Hybrid Shooters

• Without question, Z7 II wins with 4K 60p, full frame sensor, headphone jack, and advanced codecs.

• NX100 is limited to 720p video with no external audio inputs.

Travel Photography

• NX100 is lightweight and compact, appealing for minimalists or as a backup camera.

• Z7 II, while heavier, serves well if you need full versatility and don’t mind the extra load.

Professional Work

• Z7 II supports workflow with dual card slots, raw support, and robust build.

• NX100 mainly suits hobbyists or beginners.

Real-World Pros and Cons Recap

Nikon Z7 II
Pros:

• Stunning 46MP full-frame sensor, immense detail and dynamic range
• Fast, reliable hybrid AF with animal eye detection
• Solid build with weather sealing
• Rich lens ecosystem with native and F-mount adapters
• 4K video 60p, mic/headphone jacks
• Dual card slots and excellent battery performance
• Ergonomic, intuitive control layout

Cons:

• Hefty size and weight for travel/discreet use
• Pricey body (~$3000) plus lenses
• Steeper learning curve for novices

Samsung NX100
Pros:

• Lightweight, pocketable design
• Good beginner-friendly controls
• Decent image quality for its age and class (15MP APS-C)
• Affordable on the used market (~$400 new is ancient history)
• Good lens variety at launch, some for unique focal lengths

Cons:

• Slow autofocus and burst rate - misses action shots
• Lower resolution and dynamic range limit professional usability
• No weather sealing, limited video and connectivity
• Obsolete lens mount and scarce current support
• No touchscreen or EVF onboard

Overall Performance Ratings

Closing Thoughts & Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a professional or serious enthusiast who demands the best in full-frame resolution, autofocus speed, video capabilities, and durability for portraits, wildlife, landscapes, or hybrid video work - the Nikon Z7 II is a dream team camera that excels in nearly every category you’d test it on.

If you’re a beginner, budget-conscious hobbyist, or someone looking for a compact, simple system for casual street shooting or travel photography with moderate expectations, the Samsung NX100 can still deliver respectable images, especially if you already own NX lenses or find a good used deal.

In a way, these cameras reflect photography’s tech evolution - NX100 is a great gateway entry from the early mirrorless era; Z7 II a modern powerhouse built for versatile pro workflows.

Final Word

Buying a camera is more than specs; it’s about fit. If your budget allows, the Nikon Z7 II not only impresses on paper but shines in real-world shooting from portraits to pro sports and quiet landscapes alike. It rewards investment with reliability, innovation, and unmatched image quality.

If you’re on a shoestring or just venturing into mirrorless and don’t mind the tradeoffs in autofocus or video, the Samsung NX100 still has charm and carries its weight as a competent entry-level tool.

Whichever camera you lean toward, remember: lenses, technique, and passion ultimately define your results more than pixels and frame rates. But if you ask me, the Z7 II is worth the splurge if you want to level up your craft.

Thanks for reading, and happy shooting!