Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 vs Samsung NX1100: A Hands-On Entry-Level Mirrorless Showdown

Choosing your next mirrorless camera means parsing many details from specs to real-world usability. Today, we’re diving deep into two accessible entry-level mirrorless cameras that made waves in their time: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 and the Samsung NX1100. Our hands-on testing and expert insights will help you understand how these cameras compare in build, image quality, autofocus, and more - enabling you to pick the right fit for your photography style and aspirations.

Getting a Feel: Design and Ergonomics

The first impression often comes down to how the camera feels in your hands - does it suit your grip and shooting style? The Panasonic G10 embraces a classic SLR-style body with a defined grip, making handling comfortable for extended shooting. In contrast, Samsung’s NX1100 opts for a compact, rangefinder-style design aimed at discretion and portability.

Panasonic G10:

• Dimensions: 124x90x74 mm; Weight: 388g
• SLR-style grip provides solid hold
• Built-in flash included for spontaneous fill light
• Electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202k-dot resolution, 100% coverage
• Fixed 3-inch, 460k-dot TFT LCD screen
• No touchscreen nor top LCD panel

Samsung NX1100:

• Dimensions: 114x63x37 mm; Weight: 222g
• Slim, streamlined body ideal for travel or street photography where carrying light matters
• No built-in flash (external flash supported)
• No electronic viewfinder; relies solely on a 3-inch 921k-dot TFT LCD screen
• Screen lacks touchscreen functionality but offers finer resolution

The ergonomics favor traditionalists with the Panasonic, who appreciate a substantial grip and an EVF for eye-level composition, especially useful in bright light. Meanwhile, Samsung sacrifices some handling heft for sleekness and portability.

Our tests confirm the G10’s stronger grip allows steadier handheld shooting, essential in telephoto or low-light scenarios. The NX1100’s slim profile fits neatly in a jacket pocket but can feel less secure with heavier lenses.

Controls and User Interface: Intuitive or Minimalist?

Control layout affects your creative flow - quick access to settings lets you capture decisive moments with confidence.

Panasonic G10:

• Traditional SLR control dial with shutter speed, aperture priority, manual mode
• Exposure compensation dial and dedicated buttons for flash, ISO, white balance
• Rear LCD does not support touch
• Menus logically arranged, but dated compared to modern mirrorless UI

Samsung NX1100:

• Simplified top controls with easy mode dial and command dial
• No dedicated joystick or AF area selector - focus points controlled via screen buttons
• Higher-res rear LCD facilitates easier manual focusing and review
• Lacks a viewfinder, making the LCD essential for composition, especially outdoors

The Panasonic’s tactile dials lend themselves well to photographers who prefer manual control without fumbling through menus. The Samsung, focused on casual users, opts for fewer physical controls and a more screen-driven operation.

In action, the G10’s physical buttons accelerated workflow during portrait and landscape shoots. The NX1100’s reliance on the LCD worked well indoors or in shade, but struggled when bright sun diminished screen visibility.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Sensor size is critically linked to image quality, depth of field control, and low-light performance.

The NX1100 sports a substantially larger APS-C sensor, typical of mid-range DSLRs, with 20 megapixels delivering higher resolution and notable improvements in dynamic range and color depth. This translates to finer details, smoother gradations in shadows and highlights, and more punch in color reproduction - vital for portrait skin tones and rich landscapes.

Though smaller, the G10’s Four Thirds sensor produces respectable images at 12MP, with competitive sharpness and adequate dynamic range for entry-level users, especially under good lighting.

Real-World Insight:

• Portraits: The NX1100’s larger sensor and higher megapixels handle skin textures and subtle bokeh transitions more naturally, making it a stronger choice. Panasonic’s sensor shows less shallow depth of field, which can be limiting if you desire creamy background blur.
• Landscape: High resolution and dynamic range in NX1100 allow greater flexibility in post-processing shadow recovery and highlight retention.
• Low Light: The NX1100’s superior high ISO handling grants cleaner images in dimly lit sports venues or night photography.

Viewing and Composing: LCD and Viewfinders in Practice

The Panasonic G10 offers a 202k-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, an advantage when shooting in bright outdoor conditions where LCD glare can impair composition. The NX1100 lacks any EVF, relying fully on its sharp 921k-dot LCD screen.

• Panasonic G10 EVF + 3" LCD (460k dots): EVF aids framing and quick adjustments; LCD quality adequate but shows motion blur in live view pans.
• Samsung NX1100 3" LCD (921k dots): Sharp and high-resolution LCD offers detailed playback; lacks an EVF, risking difficulty in bright light.

When shooting street or travel scenes, Panasonic’s EVF gives you confidence in framing and exposure, especially with fast-moving subjects. Samsung’s screen delivers excellent clarity indoors or shaded environments, but we recommend a hood or shade for outdoor shooting.

Panasonic G10 front Panasonic G10 screen back Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back

Image Quality in the Wild: Sample Galleries

Our side-by-side shooting confirms the sensor specs translate into clear visible differences:

• Portrait Skin Tones: NX1100’s images show smoother tones with finer gradation and natural bokeh falloff using fast lenses. Panasonic’s images are slightly more contrasty but less creamy in background blur.
• Landscape Details: Sharpness and noise handling in NX1100 stand out, especially in shadowed areas. Panasonic shots are clean but reveal softness when pushed in post.
• Low-Light Shots: NX1100 edges ahead with cleaner files at ISO 1600 and 3200, while G10’s files exhibit visible grain and noise.
• Video Capture: Panasonic’s max video resolution is 720p at 30fps (Motion JPEG), whereas Samsung offers Full HD 1080p at 30fps with H.264 compression - better suited for casual videographers.

Our tests recommend the NX1100 if image quality and versatility are priorities, though both cameras deliver satisfying results within their price ranges.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Precise and responsive autofocus (AF) is paramount across many photography genres.

Panasonic Lumix G10:

• Uses contrast-detection AF only; no phase detection
• Features face detection and basic tracking
• Continuous AF shooting up to 3fps
• AF points: unspecified but offers multi-area and selective AF modes

Samsung NX1100:

• Also contrast-detection only with face detection; no phase detection
• Faster burst shooting at 8fps continuous
• Multiple selectable AF points (15 points)
• Lacks continuous AF tracking for moving subjects

Practical Implications:

• Sports/Wildlife: Neither camera is tailored for fast action; however, the NX1100’s faster burst rate allows slightly better chances to capture peak moments. Lack of advanced tracking limits success with erratic subjects.
• Portraits: Both cameras reliably lock on faces in well-lit environments, but Panasonic’s AF tends to be slower and hunt more in low light.
• Macro: AF precision can be an issue on both; manual focus is recommended for close-up work due to limited AF fine-tuning.

Our experience shows the NX1100 is more usable for casual action photography, while G10 suits deliberate compositions and slower subjects.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Factor

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged build suitable for harsh outdoor conditions. Both are constructed primarily of polycarbonate with metal components at the mount.

• Panasonic G10 weighs nearly twice as much, indicating a denser build but not necessarily more robust.
• Samsung NX1100’s lighter frame favors portability but is more vulnerable to bumps.
• Neither model is freeze-, dust-, or splash-proof - avoid exposure to inclement weather without protection.

If durability outdoors is a key concern, neither camera excels, so investing in protective gear or weather-sealed lenses may be necessary.

Lens Ecosystem: What’s Your Glass Options?

Lens availability heavily influences camera longevity and creative scope.

Panasonic Lumix G10 – Micro Four Thirds mount:

• Approximately 107 native lenses available, including Panasonic and Olympus options
• Extensive choice from ultra-wide to telephoto primes and zooms
• Micro Four Thirds mount is well supported by third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron
• Focal length multiplier: 2.1x (multiply lens focal length by 2.1 for 35mm equivalent)

Samsung NX1100 – Samsung NX mount:

• Only about 32 lenses available, mostly Samsung branded
• Lens selection includes primes and zooms but fewer options overall compared to Micro Four Thirds
• Focal length multiplier: 1.5x

The Panasonic system wins decisively on lens diversity. If you envision growing your kit or challenging yourself with specialized glass (macro, tilt-shift, super telephoto), G10’s ecosystem is more future-proof.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Battery life is modest in both cameras - expect to carry spares if shooting a full day. The G10’s slightly higher rating and larger body may accommodate more comfortable grip with extra batteries.

Connectivity: Sharing and Workflow Integration

Connectivity marks the gulf between cameras built for the modern content creator and those designed in earlier digital eras.

• Panasonic G10: No wireless or Bluetooth connectivity; USB 2.0 and HDMI for tethered transfers or external displays. No GPS.
• Samsung NX1100: Built-in Wi-Fi allows quick image transfer to smartphones or PCs - ideal for social shooters. USB 2.0 and HDMI also present. GPS offered as optional accessory.

If instant sharing or wireless backup is part of your workflow, Samsung’s NX1100 holds the edge.

Performance Scores: Who Comes Out on Top?

Based on our lab testing and DxOMark scores consolidated with field experience:

• Samsung NX1100: Overall score 73 - excelling in image quality, resolution, and video capabilities.
• Panasonic Lumix G10: Overall score 52 - solid entry-level performer with comfortable ergonomics but dated sensor tech.

Strengths by Photography Type: Tailoring Your Choice

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose Panasonic Lumix G10 if:

  • You prioritize a classic DSLR-style body with an EVF
  • You want access to a broad Micro Four Thirds lens lineup
  • You’re focusing on deliberate, manual-style photography
  • You value a physical control layout for exposure and flash

• Choose Samsung NX1100 if:

  • You want higher image resolution and better low-light performance
  • Portability and discreet shooting are important
  • You require Full HD video recording with efficient codecs
  • Wireless connectivity and social sharing ease matter
  • You intend to shoot faster-paced subjects with 8fps bursts

Getting the Most from Your Camera: Starter Tips

Both cameras benefit immensely from pairing with good lenses, proper lighting, and understanding manual controls like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Always:

• Experiment with aperture priority mode to control depth of field
• Use manual focus for macro shots to get sharp details
• Practice framing with the EVF (Panasonic) or LCD (Samsung)
• Invest in SD cards with fast write speeds for burst shooting and video

Wrapping Up

Both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 and Samsung NX1100 hold merit as capable entry-level mirrorless cameras, each serving different creative aims. While the G10 leans into the familiar DSLR-shaped form and a highly versatile lens ecosystem, the NX1100 offers advanced imaging technology and modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and Full HD video.

Whether you prioritize creative control, compactness, or innovative features, exploring these cameras hands-on through rentals or store demo units can be invaluable. Pair your chosen model with lenses reflecting your creative ambitions and let your photographic journey begin!

If you’re looking to dive deeper, check out full lens reviews for Micro Four Thirds or Samsung NX glass, and consider refurbished deals to maximize value. Get started capturing your vision with confidence.

Happy shooting!