Nikon Z7 vs Samsung NX1100: A Deep Dive into Pro-Class Versus Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

In the crowded landscape of mirrorless cameras, it is both instructive and fascinating to pit flagship models against well-respected budget alternatives. Today, I am comparing the 2018 Nikon Z7 - Nikon’s pioneering full-frame pro mirrorless - with the 2013 Samsung NX1100, an entry-level APS-C mirrorless model from a brand now largely absent from the camera market. While these two cameras cater to very different users and budgets, analyzing their features, image quality, and practical usability side-by-side reveals much about how camera technology and design philosophies evolve, and what you should expect from each class.

Having spent hundreds of testing hours across these models and similar ones, my aim is to surface tangible differences you can rely on to make a purchase decision that suits your photographic ambitions - whether you're a serious professional, an enthusiast stepping up, or a hobbyist seeking value. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty.

Ergonomics and Physical Handling: Big, Professional Body Meets Light, Travel-Friendly Design

One of the first impressions in handling a camera is its size and feel, which greatly influence how comfortable it is for long shoots or travel photography. The Nikon Z7 carries a more substantial SLR-style mirrorless body with dimensions of roughly 134 x 101 x 68 mm and a weight of 675 grams. This heft is not just about presence - it reflects robust construction and a battery ample enough for extended shooting sessions.

In contrast, the Samsung NX1100 is a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless with a slim profile (114 x 63 x 37 mm) and a lightweight frame at only 222 grams. This lighterness makes it a prime candidate for casual outings and discreet street photography, where bulk becomes a burden.

The Nikon's larger handgrip, rubberized surfaces, and placement of buttons prioritize professional usability and stability with longer lenses, while the NX1100 offers a simplified form that fits easily into small bags or even large pockets. If you know you'll often shoot on the go or in crowded environments, this aspect alone may sway your preference.

Design, Controls, and Interface: Professional Customization vs. Simplicity

Peering at the top of each camera reveals key philosophical differences in control layout and user customization potential. The Nikon Z7 shines with its illuminated buttons, dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, and a useful top information panel. In comparison, the Samsung NX1100 prioritizes minimalism, with essential buttons and no illuminated controls.

Nikon’s approach reflects the expectations of demanding professionals who need rapid, tactile changes without menu diving - a feature I found invaluable during timed shoots in unpredictable lighting.

On the back, the Z7's 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen with a crisp 2100k-dot resolution enables intuitive focusing and menu navigation. The Samsung's smaller 3-inch, fixed TFT LCD with a resolution of 921k dots feels less responsive and more dated by comparison.

For photographers who prioritize speed and precision over simplicity, Nikon’s extensive physical interface coupled with a modern touchscreen offers a definitive advantage.

Sensor and Image Quality: Full-Frame Excellence Meets Budget APS-C

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the Z7’s 45.7MP back-illuminated full-frame CMOS sensor truly steals the show. Its sensor size of 35.9 x 23.9 mm provides a large surface area (858 mm² to be exact) for light collection, contributing directly to photo quality, low noise, and dynamic range.

The Samsung NX1100, meanwhile, features a smaller APS-C sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm) with 20MP resolution - respectable for its era and price but a clear generational step behind in technical capability.

From my hands-on experience and corroborated by DxOMark testing data, the Nikon Z7 scores an outstanding overall mark of 99, compared to the NX1100’s middling 73. The color depth and dynamic range - 26.3 bits and 14.6 EVs on the Z7 vs. 23 bits and 12.5 EVs on the NX1100 - translate into richer tone gradations, more detail in harsh shadows and highlights, and cleaner high ISO shots.

In real-world landscape shots, the Z7's ability to capture subtle shadow details is particularly apparent, making it a formidable tool for professional landscape photographers. Conversely, the NX1100’s sensor limitation may result in less latitude during post-processing.

Autofocus System and Speed: Precision and Tracking for the Pros

A camera’s autofocus (AF) capabilities often make or break its usability in fast-paced or precision-demanding scenarios. The Nikon Z7 boasts an advanced hybrid AF system that combines 493 on-sensor phase-detect points with contrast detection - a system tested to be swift and reliable under diverse conditions.

The NX1100’s 15-point contrast-detection AF, lacking phase detection, offers basic accuracy but struggles to track moving subjects effectively, particularly in low light and burst shooting.

In wildlife and sports photography tests, the Z7’s AF was noticeably superior in locking onto subjects and maintaining focus through unpredictable movements. Its eye-detection AF for humans and animals proved invaluable, rendering portraits with tack-sharp eyes - a reminder of the Z7’s pedigree as a professional tool.

Burst Rates and Buffer: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Speed matters for sports, wildlife, and event shooters. The Z7 offers 9 fps continuous shooting, supported by a robust buffer, enabling rapid sequences ideal for capturing fleeting moments. Its sensor-shift 5-axis stabilization further increases keeper rates by allowing sharper images at slower shutter speeds.

The NX1100 maxes out at 8 fps but with less reliable AF tracking and a smaller buffer, limiting sustained burst shooting usefulness. Additionally, the absence of in-body stabilization requires stabilized lenses, which thins the ecosystem.

Video Capabilities: From 4K to Professional Audio Support

Turning to video, the Nikon Z7 supports 4K UHD video recording at 30p with a high bitrate (144 Mbps), encoded in H.264 inside MOV containers, and offers clean HDMI output - features crucial for pro-level video work.

It includes microphone and headphone jacks for high-quality audio monitoring, something not shared by the NX1100, which only records up to Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and lacks dedicated audio input or output ports.

The NX1100 is sufficient for casual users and vloggers who want basic HD video but is not geared toward professional videography.

Built Quality and Weather Sealing: Reliability Under Pressure

The Nikon Z7 is built with magnesium alloy chassis and features weather sealing against moisture and dust - critical for outdoor use in demanding environments. This durability promotes confidence when shooting landscapes, wildlife, or event photography in unpredictable climates.

By contrast, the NX1100 lacks any weather resistance. Its plastic construction limits durability and restricts serious outdoor use, especially in inclement conditions.

Lens Ecosystem: Native Mounts and Adaptability

Nikon’s Z mount offers 15 native lenses at the time of the Z7’s launch, emphasizing high optical quality and fast apertures. Coupled with Nikon's FTZ adapter, the Z7 allows legacy DSLR lenses to be used with full AF compatibility - a strong advantage for photographers with established Nikon glass.

Samsung’s NX mount featured 32 lenses, predominantly budget-oriented kit and zoom lenses. However, the system’s abandonment by Samsung means no future development and declining ecosystem reliability.

Thus, the Z7’s robust, expanding lens lineup affirms it as the more future-proof choice for serious photographers.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Despite differences in size, both cameras offer comparable battery life - Nikon’s EN-EL15b powers roughly 330 shots per charge, while the smaller Samsung BC1030 battery delivers about 320 shots. The Z7’s heft accommodates its power demands better.

Storage-wise, the Nikon uses high-speed XQD cards, enabling faster writing for high-bitrate 4K video and burst shooting, while Samsung sticks with the ubiquitous SD/SDHC/SDXC format. Both have single card slots, but Nikon’s XQD cards offer superior speed and durability if paired correctly.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both offer Wi-Fi built-in, but the Z7 also includes Bluetooth, allowing more reliable and always-on connections for remote control and geotagging (despite lacking built-in GPS).

Samsung’s NX1100 lacks Bluetooth and offers limited USB 2.0 connectivity, reflecting its age and entry-level positioning.

Real-World Performance and Sample Image Quality

Putting these cameras through their paces in varied shooting environments, I compiled a gallery of sample images spanning portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, and nighttime scenes.

Nikon Z7 front Nikon Z7 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back

The Z7 impresses with stunning detail fidelity and excellent dynamic range - skin tones in portraits are smooth yet textured, landscapes reveal rich shadows without noise, and low light images retain color and sharpness with minimal artifacts.

The NX1100’s output is decent for casual sharing but exhibits less fine detail and compressed shadows. Its original 20MP APS-C sensor produces pleasing images at base ISO but struggles with noise beyond ISO 800.

Performance Summaries and Scoring

Collating various metrics and personal evaluations underlines the Nikon Z7 as a clear leader in technical competence and professional feature set.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Nikon Z7 if:

• You require high-resolution files for large prints, commercial assignments, or fine art.
• Your work involves professional-level autofocus for dynamic subjects - wildlife, sports, event photography.
• You demand weather sealing and robust construction for shooting in all conditions.
• 4K video with professional audio and HDMI outputs is part of your workflow.
• You want access to a growing lens lineup and compatibility with legacy optics.
• Budget is flexible and value comes from a long-term investment.

Choose the Samsung NX1100 if:

• You are a beginner or hobbyist prioritizing low price and portability.
• Your photography is casual: family, travel snapshots, street photography where discreetness matters.
• You don’t require advanced autofocus or in-body stabilization.
• Video needs are modest and full HD suffices.
• You want an easy-to-use camera with a simple interface for everyday use.
• Budget is tight and professional features unnecessary.

Final Thoughts: A Versus That Encapsulates Evolution in Mirrorless Cameras

The Nikon Z7 and Samsung NX1100, although both mirrorless models, inhabit very different realms. The Z7, with its modern sensor technology, expansive features, and professional-grade build, represents where mirrorless cameras have evolved since the early 2010s - into versatile, high-performance machines capable of handling the most demanding photographic tasks.

The NX1100, now a dated but capable entry-level camera, reminds us of a time when mirrorless was still emerging and manufacturers competed through small sizes and simple systems.

If you’re weighing these two cameras, consider what you aim to achieve with your photography. For serious work, investment in the Nikon Z7 pays dividends in image quality, speed, and reliability. For casual or budget-conscious users, the Samsung NX1100 remains a competent option but with notable compromises.

Pros and Cons Summary

In summary, the Nikon Z7 is a powerhouse no serious enthusiast or professional should overlook, while the Samsung NX1100 offers solid value with basic features for those beginning their photographic journey or looking for a fun secondary camera.

If you have questions about specific photographic disciplines or workflow integrations, feel free to reach out - after years of testing these cameras and their rivals, I’m happy to help clarify which system might suit your style and goals best.