Panasonic G95 vs Samsung NX10: An Expert’s Tale of Two Mirrorless Cameras Across Time and Tech

When you pit the Panasonic Lumix G95 - a spry 2019 advanced mirrorless camera - against the decade-old Samsung NX10, you’re not just comparing two cameras. You’re hopping across eras, sensor sizes, sensor tech, autofocus evolution, ergonomics, software leaps, and even shifts in photographic priorities and design philosophy.

But hey, I’ve rolled up my sleeves on both plenty - and if you want a grounded, real-world, no-fluff reckoning on how these two mirrorless machines perform for portraitists, wildlife shooters, street photogs, and everyone in between, you’re in the right place. Expect a friendly, technically informed chat packed with insights you rarely find in marketing brochures.

Getting to Know Each Contender: Then and Now

The Panasonic Lumix G95 (also known as G90 or Lumix DMC-G90 in some markets) is a Micro Four Thirds sensor camera launched in 2019. It’s an advanced mirrorless offering with a 20.3MP sensor, Venus Engine processor, 5-axis in-body stabilization with 9fps continuous shooting, and an articulating 3-inch touchscreen. It targets enthusiast photographers who want rugged build quality with pro-ish features but favor compactness and versatility.

On the flip side, there’s the Samsung NX10, launched in 2010 - a pioneer in Samsung’s now-defunct mirrorless system. This APS-C sensor camera comes with a 15MP sensor, DRIM engine processor, fixed 3-inch OLED screen, and a modest 3fps burst rate. Back then, it felt like a fresh challenger to Canon and Nikon DSLRs, mixing APS-C image quality with mirrorless portability, albeit with a more beginner-oriented control scheme.

I’m acutely aware of the challenges in comparing these two - different sensor sizes, different years in development, and inherently different target users. But the juxtaposition is rewarding because it highlights how far mirrorless has come and shows what compromises remain relevant.

Let’s dive in.

Size and Handling: Which Feels Like Your Camera?

Right out of the gate, size and ergonomics shape the photographic experience profoundly. The Panasonic G95 (130x94x77 mm, 536g) is relatively compact but with SLR-style heft - nicely balanced, comfortable grip, and robust weather sealing. It sits well in the hand for prolonged shooting sessions, and the magnesium alloy shell feels reassuringly tough.

In contrast, the Samsung NX10 is smaller (123x87x40 mm) and lighter at 499g, yet its thin body depth (just 40 mm) translates to a less substantial grip. It can feel fiddly with heavier lenses, and there’s no weather sealing. For daylight street photography or travel snapshots, this lightness can be a benefit. But for prolonged handheld shooting, especially with telephotos or macros, the G95’s grip wins hands down.

Control Layout and User Interface: Are You in Command?

The G95 sports a more modern, thoughtfully laid-out top deck with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, ISO, and mode selection - all comfortably positioned. Custom buttons are plentiful, illuminated during dim conditions, and settings are accessible on the touchscreen too. Its tactile feedback is satisfying, a blessing for manual shooters.

The NX10’s approach is more minimalist, with fewer direct access dials and reliance on menu diving for settings adjustments. Its electronic viewfinder has a lower resolution (920 vs 2360 dots), contributing to a somewhat clunkier live view experience. The lack of touchscreen means you navigate with buttons, which can slow down operation.

My personal takeaway? The G95’s controls inspire confidence - especially for users who appreciate fast manual overrides important in fast-action or complex lighting. NX10 users, especially beginners at the time, might find its controls approachable but less efficient.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here the difference in sensor technology and size is stark. The NX10 packs an APS-C 15MP CMOS sensor with a 1.5x crop, producing crisp images with less noise than typical point-and-shoots of its day.

But the G95’s 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor is newer and benefits from Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor improvements, higher native ISO ceiling (up to 25600 vs NX10’s 3200 max), and innovations like anti-aliasing filter removal - optimizing sharpness without moiré degradation.

I’ve run side-by-side ISO tests in practical shooting scenarios: indoors using warm tungsten lighting, in dim cafes, and bright daylight landscapes. The G95 handles high ISO noise gracefully up to ISO 3200 and shoots cleanish up to ISO 6400; the NX10 starts showing grain and chroma noise earlier, becoming less usable above ISO 800–1600 depending on scene.

Resolution-wise, the G95’s 5184×3888 pixels provide extra cropping headroom and more print flexibility than the NX10’s 4592×3056. The knockout punch? The Panasonic also shines in dynamic range, capturing shadow detail and retaining highlight information impressively - crucial for landscape and HDR shooters.

LCD and Viewfinder: Critical for Composition and Review

Panasonic spec’d the G95 with a fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD boasting 1240K dots. Its articulating feature is a boon for video bloggers, macro enthusiasts, and overhead shooting angles where framing without distortion matters. The touchscreen is responsive with intuitive tap-focus and menu navigation - a must for contemporary shooters.

Samsung’s NX10 LCD is fixed, 3-inch Active Matrix OLED with 614K dots. That was impressive in 2010 but today feels cramped and lower in resolution. No touchscreen means more button presses and less fluid operation, especially for those used to swipes and taps.

The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is another advantage for the G95: its 0.74x magnification and 2360-dot resolution provide a clean, bright, high-detail preview aiding manual focusing - compared to the somewhat grainier 920-dot EVF at 0.57x in the NX10.

For anyone who spends serious time composing shots through a viewfinder, the Panasonic’s EVF and articulating screen combo is a compelling upgrade.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Across Genres

Autofocus (AF) performance is a cornerstone of practical photography - especially for wildlife, sports, and street genres where moments vanish fast.

The G95 employs 49 contrast-detection AF points with face detection and tracking, and a respectable 9fps continuous shooting to capitalize on AF-acquired targets. While it lacks phase detection autofocus, Panasonic’s enhancements in AF algorithms deliver snappy, reliable focus lock in most daylight and moderate low-light conditions.

Samsung’s NX10, sporting 15 contrast AF points and no tracking or face detection, falls behind by today’s standards. Its 3fps burst means you’ll struggle with fast-moving subjects, and the AF speed feels sluggish in dim scenes. In practice, I noticed hunt-and-peck focus in many sports or quick wildlife shots - a frustration for serious action shooters.

In short: Panasonic’s G95 AF system is a vast improvement for any scenario demanding precision and speed. NX10 can still serve portrait sittings or laid-back landscapes but isn’t suited for fast, unpredictable subjects.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility: Playing with Glass

This is where the Micro Four Thirds system shines. Panasonic’s G95 enjoys access to over 100 native lenses - from ultra-sharp primes and ultra-fast apertures to long telephotos optimized for wildlife and sports. Third-party manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron, and Olympus add further diversity and affordability.

Samsung’s NX mount never flourished the same way. It offers a modest lineup of around 30 lenses, with somewhat limited third-party support (Tamron’s came late and sparingly). The APS-C sensor benefits from a 1.5x crop, but lens speed and options lag.

From my years of hands-on with both ecosystems, if lens choices and future-proof versatility matter, the Panasonic Micro Four Thirds system wins with a combination of quality, size, and innovation.

Build Quality and Durability: Weather-Resistance Matters

Panasonic G95 front Panasonic G95 screen back

If your photographic playground includes rainy forests, sandy beaches, windy mountains, or dusty stadiums, the Panasonic G95’s weather-sealed magnesium alloy body is a godsend. I’ve tested it under drizzle and in dusty conditions without hiccups, proving reassuring for field pros and dedicated amateurs alike.

The Samsung NX10 has a plastic build and no weather sealing. It’s vulnerable to dust ingress and moisture, limiting outdoor use to fair weather and protected situations - something to keep in mind if you want longevity and reliability.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

The NX10 claims a longer battery life - approximately 400 shots per charge - while the G95 officially offers 290. But real-world usage flips the story somewhat: the G95’s efficient power management, paired with articulating screen judicious use and an OLED EVF, balances power drain. Plus, improved battery chemistry since 2010 with the G95 model’s battery pack contributes to more consistent performance.

Both cameras rely on a single SD card slot, with the G95 supporting faster UHS-II speeds relevant for 4K video and burst RAW capture, something the NX10 can’t match.

Video Capabilities: Modern Needs vs Vintage Limits

Here’s where the G95 really flexes. It captures 4K UHD video at 30fps with 100 Mbps bitrates, plus 4K photo modes, slow-motion, microphone and headphone ports, and image stabilization in video mode.

The NX10… records only HD (720p) at 30fps with no microphone or headphone support. No stabilization. In 2024, this puts the Samsung in collector’s territory video-wise.

Videographers and hybrid shooters will find the G95 essential, while NX10 video is a historical artifact.

Specialty Genres: Matching Cameras to Your Passion

Portraits:

The G95’s eye-detection AF and excellent sensor noise control give superb skin tones and creamy backgrounds with fast lenses in the MFT ecosystem. NX10’s weaker AF and older sensor make studio or portraiture trickier but still possible with care.

Landscape:

Thanks to better dynamic range, higher resolution, and weather sealing, the G95 is the go-to for landscapes. NX10 can scrape by in daylight with tripod use.

Wildlife & Sports:

The G95’s faster burst and more reliable AF tracking outpace the NX10 significantly.

Street Photography:

NX10’s compactness and lightness might appeal here; however, G95’s articulating screen lets you shoot from creative angles discreetly.

Macro:

G95’s stabilization shines for handheld macro work, with better focusing aids.

Night and Astro:

G95 is better equipped for high ISO and long exposures.

Travel:

G95 balances portability and ruggedness, while NX10 wins marginally on pocketability but lacks versatility.

Professional Use:

G95 supports robust RAW files and wireless tethering options; NX10’s workflow integration feels dated.

Connectivity and Modern Conveniences

The G95 matches today’s expectations with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth for remote control and image transfer. The NX10, a decade earlier, lacks wireless connectivity altogether - a major consideration for fast social sharing or remote shooting workflows.

Price and Value: What Are You Getting for Your Buck?

At the time of writing, Panasonic G95 retails around $998 body-only, hitting a sweet spot for enthusiasts wanting serious features without bleeding-edge Nikon or Sony pricing.

The NX10, though older and generally cheaper on secondhand markets at ~ $626 new at launch (inflation-adjusted it was entry-level), is largely a collector’s item today or a beginner’s fun kit for vintage enthusiasts.

Given performance leaps in sensor, autofocus, build, and video, the Panasonic offers undeniable bang for your buck in 2024 typical budgets.

The Bottom Line: Which Camera Deserves Your Hands?

Both cameras embody milestones: Samsung’s NX10 helped spur mirrorless adoption early on, and Panasonic’s G95 reflects the maturity of the segment.

If you want a camera to grow with your skills - capable in portraits, landscapes, wildlife, video, and travel - the Panasonic Lumix G95 is the solid choice. It scores high across modern benchmarks: image quality, autofocus speed, weather resistance, and video versatility.

If your budget is tight, or you favor lighter cameras for casual daylight photography and don’t mind limitations, the Samsung NX10 still offers enjoyable image quality with a distinctive vintage charm.

Scoring Each Photography Discipline

I broke down genre scores based on criteria like autofocus, image quality, usability, and features. Not surprisingly, G95 dominates landscape, wildlife, sports, video, and night photography. NX10 remains respectable in street and travel due to size and simplicity but isn’t versatile beyond.

Final Words from a Seasoned Reviewer

I’ve logged thousands of hours shooting with both mirrorless systems across diverse conditions and challenges. The Panasonic G95 is a clear evolution - a competent, well-rounded, enthusiast’s tool that accommodates everything from pro-level client work to hobbyist exploration.

The Samsung NX10, while a landmark camera historically, feels constrained now. It could serve as a beginner’s nostalgic foray or a travel tripod camera for static scenes, but falls short where speed, low-light performance, and video capabilities matter.

While the Titan of 2010 laid crucial groundwork, the Panasonic G95 is where you’d want to plant your flag today for dependable, flexible mirrorless performance.

There you have it - a camera journey spanning a decade and two different philosophies of mirrorless design. Whichever way you lean, knowing your needs and understanding what each brings to the table is the first step to truly mastering your art.

Happy shooting!