Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung NX100: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

When navigating through the vast sea of cameras on the market, especially in the bridge and entry-level mirrorless categories, it helps immensely to rely on thorough, experience-driven guidance. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I bring keen insight into how the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung NX100 stack up - both in terms of pure specifications and, more importantly, real-world performance. This detailed comparison aims to cut through marketing fluff and provide you with a clear understanding of which camera suits your photographic ambitions.

Let's dive deep into their build, technology, and shooting prowess across photography genres and use cases, followed by practical buying recommendations tailored to different skill levels and budgets.

Getting to Know the Cameras: What Are We Comparing?

Both cameras serve distinct roles with varied feature sets, so an upfront picture helps set expectations.

• Pentax XG-1: Announced in mid-2014, this is a small sensor superzoom bridge camera that mimics an SLR’s handling with a fixed, non-interchangeable lens offering a heroic 52× optical zoom (24–1248mm equivalent). It targets users seeking extraordinary zoom reach in a budget-friendly package.

• Samsung NX100: Released four years earlier in 2010, this is an entry-level mirrorless system camera featuring an APS-C sensor (significantly larger than Pentax’s) with interchangeable lens support (Samsung NX mount). It aims to deliver DSLR-like image quality in a compact form.

Below is the physical comparison to highlight their size and ergonomics which immediately impacts usage comfort and portability.

As you can see, the Pentax is noticeably chunkier due to its extensive zoom lens, while the NX100 sports a slim, rangefinder-style body emphasizing portability.

Design, Controls, and User Interface: Hands-on Handling

Ergonomics play an undervalued but critical role in everyday shooting, affecting your stamina, speed, and joy.

Take a look at their top control layouts:

• Pentax XG-1: I found the physical buttons and mode dial intuitive but somewhat basic. The SLR-like grip feels substantial, giving confidence to steady the long zoom, though the lack of customizable buttons can slow workflows. Its electronic viewfinder is a modest 200k dots, adequate for composing but not a delight for critical focus confirmation.

• Samsung NX100: The NX100’s minimalist top plate and compact, rangefinder form favor discretion and ease of carry. The 614k-dot AMOLED rear screen impressed me with vibrant colors and sharpness, enhancing image review clarity. Unlike the Pentax, the NX100 lacks a built-in EVF altogether, relying solely on the LCD (no option for an electronic viewfinder), which could be a compromise in bright outdoor conditions.

The back screen comparison reinforces this point well:

Ergonomically, the NX100 excels in portability and screen quality, while the XG-1 offers a firmer grip and SLR familiarity at the expense of bulk and lower-resolution EVF.

Sensor and Image Quality: Crunching the Numbers and Real Images

At the heart of any camera is the sensor - influencing detail, dynamic range, low-light capability, and overall image fidelity.

• Pentax XG-1: Equipped with a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring roughly 6.17x4.55mm and 16MP resolution, this sensor is small and common among superzoom bridge cameras. Its native ISO tops at 3200, suitable for daylight and moderate lighting but struggles with noise as ISO climbs. It does not support shooting in RAW - a major limitation for post-processing flexibility.

• Samsung NX100: Packs a larger APS-C-sized CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6mm) with 15MP resolution, allowing vastly improved image quality. The DXO Mark rated it with an overall score of 62 (not world-class, but respectable for its age). Low-light ISO performance is better, with a max ISO of 6400 and RAW output support, massively benefiting creative control in editing.

To put the differences into perspective, compare these sample images taken side-by-side:

Pentax XG 1 front Pentax XG 1 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Not surprisingly, the NX100 produces cleaner, more detailed images with better color depth and shadow recovery. The XG-1’s output suffices for casual use and long zoom reach but lacks the finesse and dynamic range of the larger sensor.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Action

For any camera, autofocus (AF) system robustness is pivotal, influenced by sensor technology, processing power, and focus point architecture.

• Pentax XG-1: It relies on basic fixed lens contrast-detection AF without phase detection or face/eye tracking features. AF point selection isn’t user-selectable, which limits creative focus control. I noticed relatively sluggish autofocus response, particularly in low contrast or low light, and no continuous AF for subject tracking. Maximum burst speed is an impressive 9 fps, but only with limited buffer depth and reduced resolution options.

• Samsung NX100: Employs a 15-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection, selectable AF areas, single and continuous AF modes, providing versatility. Although no phase detection, AF speed is reasonable for the class thanks to the DRIMe Engine processor. Continuous shooting tops at 3 fps, a bit slower, but adequate for casual action photography.

For sports and wildlife shooters, these autofocus nuances matter greatly, an aspect explored further in the genre-specific section below.

Build Quality and Durability: Toughness for the Field

Neither camera claims environmental sealing but their build quality is solid for their categories:

• Pentax XG-1: Weighs 567 grams with dimensions 119x89x98mm, featuring a robust plastic body with leathery grip surfaces. The lens extends quite a bit, which may expose it to physical damage unless you’re careful. No weather sealing means avoid rain and dusty environments.

• Samsung NX100: Compact and lightweight at just 282 grams and 120x71x35mm size, the NX100 feels less rugged but its metal chassis adds a premium touch. Lack of weatherproofing limits use in harsh conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

• Pentax XG-1: Fixed single zoom lens, so no option to change optics. The extraordinary 24–1248mm (equivalent) range is unmatched by most cameras, making it a powerhouse for travel, wildlife, and distant subject photography - but image quality at extreme telephoto ends shrinks in crispness. The lens features optical stabilization via sensor-shift.

• Samsung NX100: Uses interchangeable Samsung NX mount lenses, with 32 lens models available including primes, zooms, and macros. This flexibility allows tailoring the system to varied photography styles - from wide-angle landscapes to portraits and macro. Image stabilization depends on lens, as the camera body lacks in-body stabilization.

Battery Life and Storage

• Pentax XG-1: Powered by the battery pack LB-060, rated approximately 240 shots per charge - modest given its size and power requirements. It uses SD/SDHC cards via a single slot.

• Samsung NX100: Uses BP1130 battery offering about 420 shots on one charge, an excellent endurance reflecting system camera efficiencies. Storage is via a single SD/SDHC card slot as well.

Connectivity and Extras

• Pentax XG-1: Supports Eye-Fi wireless card connectivity for photo transfer but lacks built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. USB 2.0 for tethering or data download, but no HDMI output limits viewing on external displays. No microphone or headphone jacks restrict video audio capability.

• Samsung NX100: No wireless connectivity but includes HDMI output for external monitors, which aids video and photo review. No mic or headphone ports either; USB 2.0 is standard. Offers optional GPS accessory for location tagging.

Video Capabilities: Full HD or HD?

• Pentax XG-1: Records up to 1920x1080 full HD at 30 fps using Motion JPEG, with additional 720p at 60 fps. Despite decent resolution, file format limits editing flexibility and compressed codec impacts quality.

• Samsung NX100: Lower video resolution capped at 1280x720 HD at 30 fps using H.264 codec - more efficient compression. While not competitive with modern standards, still useful as an HD camcorder substitute. Lack of microphone jack limits audio control.

How They Perform Across Photography Types

Understanding camera suitability means mapping features to your photography genre or needs. Here’s how the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung NX100 stack up evaluated through exhaustive field testing.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX100: Benefits from APS-C sensor’s shallow depth of field potential and wider aperture lens options (down to f/1.4 in primes). Face detection AF is reliable for sharp eyes, and the RAW files allow excellent skin tone adjustments.

• Pentax XG-1: The superzoom lens’s max aperture varies from f/2.8 at wide to f/5.6 at telephoto, limiting shallow depth of field. No face or eye AF makes critical focusing harder. Color rendition is decent but not optimal for subtle skin tone tweaks due to the JPEG-only capture.

My verdict: If portraits and subject isolation are priorities, NX100 excels.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung NX100: Large sensor and 15MP resolution deliver crisp images with impressive dynamic range. Interchangeable ultra-wide lenses open creative vistas. Its weather sensitivity demands care, but detailed RAW files compensate with processing flexibility.

• Pentax XG-1: Small sensor restricts ultimate image resolving power. Zoom versatility helps capture distant scenes but image quality softens markedly at maximum zoom. Absence of bracketing and limited ISO range hamper HDR or long exposure landscape work.

My verdict: NX100 is preferable for serious landscapes; XG-1 suits casual travel snaps.

Wildlife Photography

• Pentax XG-1: Massive 52× zoom lens is a unique asset for distant wildlife without carrying telephoto lenses. 9 fps continuous shooting helps capture fleeting moments. However, slow autofocus and lack of tracking AF reduce hit rate.

• Samsung NX100: Interchangeable telephoto lenses and faster AF help, but max burst rate (3 fps) may miss peak moments. Lens size and weight may be burdensome in the field.

My verdict: For casual wildlife photographers prioritizing zoom reach, XG-1 is a toolkit game-changer; pros may favor NX100 paired with quality tele lenses.

Sports Photography

• Pentax XG-1: Fast burst mode suits action, but single-point AF and no tracking limit accuracy on fast subjects.

• Samsung NX100: Slower frame rate, but better AF management and more precise exposure controls improve odds.

My verdict: Neither camera shines for serious sports shooting, but if forced, the XG-1’s speed edges ahead.

Street Photography

• Samsung NX100: Compact, quiet shutter, and discrete design fit candid street shooting. Wide aperture primes help in low light.

• Pentax XG-1: Bulkier, obvious superzoom shape draws attention; slower AF is a detriment in spontaneous frames.

My verdict: NX100 is street-smart; XG-1 is not.

Macro Photography

• Samsung NX100: Dedicated macro lenses allow close focusing with rich details.

• Pentax XG-1: Claims 1cm macro focusing, impressive for casual close-ups but image quality is limited.

My verdict: Serious macro photographers choose NX100, casual users may enjoy XG-1’s convenience.

Night and Astrophotography

• Samsung NX100: APS-C sensor and RAW support facilitate creative long exposures and noise reduction. Min shutter speed 30 seconds suits star trails.

• Pentax XG-1: Max shutter speed only 2 seconds, limiting night photography drastically.

My verdict: NX100 is your pick for night skies.

Video Usage

• Pentax XG-1: Full HD and higher frame rate options make it better suited for basic video.

• Samsung NX100: Limited to HD 720p but uses a better codec.

My verdict: XG-1 edges ahead for video novices.

Travel Photography

• Pentax XG-1: All-in-one zoom lens eliminates the need for multiple lenses; blast away wide landscapes or zoom in on details without lens changes. Moderate battery life and larger size are compromises.

• Samsung NX100: Lightweight, great image quality, and versatile lens system. Battery life is better.

My verdict: Choose XG-1 for convenience; NX100 for image quality and lower weight.

Professional Work

• Samsung NX100: RAW output, superior sensor, lens options, exposure bracketing, and external flash support enable professional workflows.

• Pentax XG-1: JPEG-only, limited manuals, and fixed lens restrict professional use.

My verdict: NX100 is the professional starter.

Explaining Overall Performance Scores

Here, you see that the NX100 leads in sensor performance and base image quality, while the XG-1’s strength lies in zoom and burst speed capabilities.

Final Recommendation: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Pentax XG-1

• Pros:
  • Unmatched 52× zoom range
  • Fast 9 fps burst rate
  • Full HD video recording
  • Sensor-shift stabilization
• Cons:
  • Small sensor limits image quality
  • No RAW file support
  • Slow autofocus, no face detection
  • Bulky with limited build ruggedness
  • No HDMI or advanced connectivity

Samsung NX100

• Pros:
  • Larger APS-C sensor with superior IQ
  • Interchangeable lenses (32+ options)
  • RAW image capture supported
  • Face detection and versatile AF points
  • Longer battery life, HDMI output
• Cons:
  • No built-in EVF (electronic viewfinder sold separately)
  • Lower burst rate (3 fps)
  • HD video resolution capped at 720p
  • Older model means limited ongoing support

Why You Can Trust This Review

I personally tested both cameras extensively in controlled and real-world environments, employing standard photographic test charts and field scenarios for objective measurement, complemented by subjective image quality appraisal. This ensures the recommendations go beyond specs, reflecting everyday practicality and your photography goals.

Conclusion

The Pentax XG-1 is a compelling superzoom bridge camera ideal if zoom reach with acceptable image quality and video is your top priority. Meanwhile, the Samsung NX100’s strengths lie in cleaner image quality, creative flexibility with interchangeable lenses, and suitability for enthusiasts ready to step up image quality without breaking the bank.

Choosing between these two hinges on your priorities: portability and image quality versus all-in-one zoom power. Equipped with this deep comparison, you can make an informed purchase that will fuel your photographic exploration for years to come.

Happy shooting!

Pentax XG 1 front Pentax XG 1 screen back Samsung NX100 screen back