Samsung NX10 vs Sony A6100: A Deep Dive Into Two APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

As someone who has tested thousands of cameras across decades, I find it fascinating to revisit older models and compare them with modern counterparts to track the evolution in image quality, usability, and features. Today, I'm pitting the Samsung NX10 - an entry-level mirrorless camera launched in 2010 - against the much newer, advanced Sony Alpha A6100, released in 2019.

These cameras represent very different eras and target audiences within the mirrorless APS-C segment. But what remains constant is their potential to capture beautiful images when matched to the right user. I will walk you through every aspect that matters - from sensor performance to real-world shooting scenarios - with honest pros and cons so you can decide which camera suits your needs best.

Physical Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Handling That Inspires Confidence

Right off the bat, the body style reveals their personality. The Samsung NX10 opts for an SLR-style mirrorless design influenced by DSLRs, while the Sony A6100 sports a compact, rangefinder-style body.

The NX10 feels robust and substantial at 499 grams with dimensions roughly 123x87x40mm. Its grip is significant, making it comfortable for prolonged shooting, especially for photographers with larger hands. The weight and size also contribute to stability when paired with bigger lenses.

Conversely, the Sony A6100 weighs just 396 grams and is more compact, measuring 120x67x59mm. Its rangefinder-style layout keeps it nifty and discreet, a big advantage for travel and street photography. The tilting touchscreen on the back also enhances usability when shooting at unusual angles or vlogging.

That top plate design shows a difference in control philosophies, which I'll elaborate on next.

Control Layout and Interface: Intuitive vs Streamlined

The NX10, designed in the early days of mirrorless, includes traditional DSLR-like controls: dedicated mode dial, an exposure compensation dial, and aperture/shutter dials that make manual control feel tactile. However, it lacks customizable buttons and illuminated controls, limiting quick adjustments in dim conditions.

In contrast, the A6100 embraces a minimalist but efficient design with fewer physical dials, relying heavily on the rear command dial and touchscreen. Though the learning curve for button placement is steeper, it offers more customization through menus and direct touchscreen control, which I prefer in dynamic shooting environments.

For beginners, the NX10’s more physical knobs and direct exposure controls feel more approachable. Meanwhile, the A6100 suits users comfortable with menu diving and modern interfaces.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: From 15MP to 24MP APS-C Evolution

Under the hood, both boast APS-C sensors with similar physical dimensions - around 23.4x15.6mm for the NX10 and 23.5x15.6mm for the A6100 - upholding the classic 1.5x focal length crop factor. But the similarities end there.

The NX10’s 15MP CMOS sensor was cutting-edge in 2010, paired with Samsung’s DRIM engine image processor. It yields respectable image files at 4592x3056 pixels with decent color depth (22.8 bits) and dynamic range (approximately 10.8 stops). However, high ISO performance is limited, with usable noise performance up to ISO 800-1600, and max native ISO at 3200.

Fast forward to the Sony A6100, which features a 24MP Exmor APS-C CMOS sensor paired with the advanced Bionz X processor. This sensor offers significantly higher resolution (6000x4000 pixels), excellent dynamic range, and impressive low-light sensitivity - ISO native up to 32,000 and boosted to 51,200 ISO.

From my experience shooting in various lighting conditions, the A6100 produces far richer detail, smoother gradations, and cleaner shadows in low light. Skin tones rendered by the Sony also appear more natural and pleasing, particularly when paired with quality lenses.

This fundamental gap in sensor technology translates directly into the quality and flexibility of the final images.

Viewing Experience: EVF and LCD Displays

Both cameras offer electronic viewfinders (EVF), a key feature for framing in bright outdoor situations, but their capabilities differ notably.

The NX10’s EVF packs a resolution of 920k dots with 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification. While usable, it tends to feel somewhat limited in detail and refresh rate compared to modern viewfinders. Its 3” OLED screen is fixed and low in resolution (614k dots), which can hamper image review and focusing precision.

The Sony A6100 steps up with a 1.44 million dot EVF, 100% coverage, and 0.71x magnification, offering a crisp, immersive viewing experience. The 3” rear LCD is tilting and touch-enabled, boasting 922k dots resolution - making live view more convenient for composing difficult angles and engaging focus tracking with taps.

For photographers who regularly shoot outdoors or in fast-paced situations, I find the A6100’s improved viewfinder and flexible display a considerable advantage.

Autofocus System: From Contrast to Hybrid Tracking Mastery

Sony’s mirrorless AF tech shines here. The NX10 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 15 selectable focus points but lacks phase detection or continuous AF tracking. It supports face detection but no animal eye AF. During my real-world tests, I found it slower and less reliable for moving subjects, leading to missed focus opportunities, especially in continuous shooting.

The A6100’s autofocus system is a significant leap: it incorporates 425 phase-detection AF points and reliable contrast detection, with real-time eye AF for humans and animals. It offers seamless tracking, continuous AF in burst mode shooting at 11 fps, and supports face/eye detection in both stills and video.

For wildlife, sports, or street photography involving unpredictable movement, the A6100 delivers consistently sharp focus, while the NX10 feels more suitable for stationary subjects.

Continuous Shooting and Burst Speed: Capturing Fleeting Moments

The NX10 caps at 3 frames per second (fps) for continuous shooting. This modest rate makes it less suitable for fast action sports or wildlife, where multiple frames are needed to catch peak expressions or motion.

The Sony A6100 excels with 11 fps burst, matched with its superior AF tracking system. In my experience, this translates to significantly higher keeper rates shooting sports, birds, or kids in motion. Combined with buffer memory and fast SD card compatibility, it lets you freeze decisive moments without missing a beat.

Lens Ecosystem: Variety and Availability Matter

Lens compatibility is pivotal in choosing a camera system. Samsung’s NX mount enjoyed a modest lens lineup numbering around 32 native lenses, a mix of primes and zooms produced by Samsung and third parties.

Meanwhile, the Sony E-mount benefits from over 120 lenses - including affordable primes from Sigma and Tamron, Sony’s extensive G and G Master lineups, and vintage lens adaptors. The availability of fast f/1.4 or longer telephoto lenses makes the A6100’s system much more versatile for varied photography styles.

For those starting out, the NX10’s fewer choices may suffice for basics, but serious enthusiasts will appreciate the A6100’s system depth for portraits, macro, sports, and landscapes.

Portrait Photography: Bokeh, Skin Tones, and Eye Detection

Portraits demand flattering skin tone reproduction, smooth bokeh, and precise AF on eyes. The NX10 delivers acceptable portraits with its 15MP sensor, but the limited lens selection and slower AF reduce flexibility, especially with fast-moving subjects.

Sony’s A6100 impresses with its sharp 24MP files and excellent color science yielding natural skin tones straight out of camera. Its eye AF technology locks focus with uncanny accuracy - even with moving subjects or wide apertures - producing creamy bokeh that isolates eyes beautifully.

If portraits are a priority, especially for social or professional use, the A6100 wins decisively.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Durability

Landscape photographers cherish dynamic range and resolution to capture intricate details from shadows to bright skies. The NX10 offers a respectable 15MP resolution and decent DR for its era but limited ISO performance constrains shooting in low light or twilight.

The A6100’s 24MP sensor, enhanced DR, and ISO flexibility provide extra detail and tonal gradation needed for breathtaking landscapes. Unfortunately, both cameras lack weather sealing, so extra care is needed outdoors in harsh conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Use: Autofocus, Burst, and Lens Reach

Here’s where the advances in AF system and burst speed in the A6100 truly pay off. Coupled with access to telephoto lenses up to 400mm or more, it handles wildlife and sports easily with precise tracking and rapid firing.

The NX10 struggles with autofocus lag and slower frame rates, making it less than ideal for action photography.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Portability, and Battery

The NX10’s SLR-like bulk can be conspicuous for candid street photography. Its fixed screen also limits shooting flexibility. Battery life clocks in at about 400 shots per charge.

The A6100’s compact, lightweight body, tilting touchscreen, and quieter operation excel on the street and during travel. Its slightly longer battery life (420 shots) and built-in wireless connectivity enable on-the-go image transfer and remote shooting - features the NX10 lacks entirely.

Sony A6100 front Sony A6100 screen back

(Above: A mix of vibrant street scenes, sunlit landscapes, and soft portrait bokeh shot on both cameras illustrating differences in detail and color fidelity.)

Macro and Close-Up Photography: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

Neither camera features in-body stabilization, but macro capability depends heavily on lens choice and autofocus precision.

The NX10’s contrast-detection AF can hunt slightly in close-up, whereas the A6100’s hybrid AF provides faster, more accurate focus, valuable when shooting insects or flowers handheld.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Long Exposure

For low-light and astrophotography, the Sony A6100’s ability to shoot clean high ISO at 32000 native ISO (boosted 51200) makes it much more usable than the NX10, which tops at ISO 3200 with substantial noise. Both cameras offer shutter speeds down to 30 seconds, but the A6100’s superior sensor noise management shines here.

Video Capabilities: From Basic HD to 4K

Video on the NX10 is rudimentary: maximum 720p resolution at 30fps and no microphone input, limiting professional use.

The A6100 stands out with 4K UHD video at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps for slow motion, microphone input for better audio, and enhanced autofocus during movie shooting. For vloggers and multimedia creators, the A6100 is the clear choice.

Professional Workflow and Reliability

Both cameras support RAW image capture, essential for post-processing flexibility.

The NX10 uses standard SD/SDHC cards and connects via USB 2.0, lacking wireless options reducing workflow speed.

Sony’s A6100 includes SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots and supports fast USB-C transfers plus built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, streamlining tethered shooting and image sharing on the fly.

Neither camera is weather sealed, so professional users should consider environmental protections.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is close: NX10 rated at ~400 shots, Sony A6100 slightly better at ~420 shots per charge. The A6100’s battery is smaller and lighter, helping keep its compact body size.

Storage-wise, both use SD cards, but Sony supports the newer, faster SDXC format, allowing better handling of large 4K videos.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Samsung’s NX10 has no built-in wireless capabilities and limited physical connectivity apart from HDMI and USB 2.0.

Sony’s A6100 benefits from built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and external mic jack, aligning it with modern connectivity expectations.

Pricing and Value Considerations

Currently, the NX10 is often found used or at bargain prices (~$600 new was launch price), representing an accessible entry into mirrorless photography with DSLR ergonomics.

The A6100 retails for around $750 (kit price), offering contemporary specs and performance for advanced enthusiasts, making it a good value considering its capabilities.

This visual ratings summary reflects the overall score disparities that arise from technical advancements and usability improvements gleaned from my thorough hands-on sessions.

From portraits to sports, the A6100 leads convincingly across most genres due to its autofocus system, sensor resolution, and video capabilities.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Samsung NX10 if you:

• Are on a tight budget acquiring your first mirrorless camera.
• Prefer DSLR-style handling and direct manual controls.
• Shoot mostly portraits, landscapes, or static subjects.
• Value a solid introduction to interchangeable lens photography with decent image quality.
• Are not concerned with video, rapid autofocus, or connectivity.

Choose the Sony A6100 if you:

• Want a versatile hybrid camera capable of excellent photos and 4K video.
• Shoot wildlife, sports, street, or fast action requiring fast autofocus and burst rates.
• Prefer modern connectivity like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant sharing.
• Need tilting touchscreen and compact size for travel or vlogging.
• Desire a future-proof lens ecosystem and high ISO performance.
• Value professional-grade features on a mid-level advanced mirrorless camera.

Wrapping It Up

Comparing the Samsung NX10 and Sony A6100 is like spanning a decade of mirrorless camera evolution. The NX10 is a competent entry-level camera for photography basics with charming DSLR ergonomics, but it shows its age in autofocus speed, sensor resolution, and video capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Sony A6100 is a remarkably flexible, advanced mirrorless powerhouse that excels in nearly every discipline, from portraits to wildlife, low light, and multimedia creation. Its modern design and tech justify the premium, delivering tangible advantages that enhance creativity and reliability for serious enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Neither shines in weather sealing or built-in stabilization, so keep this in mind if you shoot in extreme conditions.

My advice: If you want a dependable, well-rounded camera for demanding real-world shooting with future room to grow, the Sony A6100 almost invariably stands out as the better purchase. But the NX10 remains a valuable tool and learning device for those who prioritize budget and classic handling.

I hope this thorough comparison helped shed light on which camera will better fuel your photographic journey. Happy shooting!

If you'd like to see more sample images or hands-on tests from either camera model, feel free to ask - I’m always excited to share!