Samsung NX10 vs Sony A55: A Hands-On Comparison of 2010’s Entry-Level Contenders

Back in the early 2010s, the race to capture the hearts of photography enthusiasts was heating up. Mirrorless cameras were making their debut in earnest, and DSLRs remained the strongholds of image quality and speed. Amid this vibrant shootout emerged two notable models: Samsung’s NX10 and Sony’s SLT-A55 (known simply here as the A55). Both launched in 2010, they sit on the entry-level spectrum but represent very different approaches in a transitional era of camera technology.

Having taken both for lengthy spins across various shooting disciplines, I’m excited to unpack how these cameras compare in real-world use - not just on paper. From sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus to video, we’ll dig deep to understand who wins at what, and ultimately help you decide which one, if either, deserves a spot in your camera bag.

Getting Acquainted: Design, Size, and Handling

First impressions are important - and this is where the subjective nature of camera choice often kicks in. The Samsung NX10 adopts a classic SLR-style mirrorless body, surprisingly compact and lightweight at 499 grams and measuring 123x87x40mm. The customization level isn’t high, but its simplified controls and muted styling feel friendly for those stepping up from compact cameras or dipping toes into interchangeable-lens systems.

Conversely, the Sony A55’s "Compact SLR" label is well-earned; it sports a more robust, DSLR-esque form factor, slightly heavier at 500 grams and chunkier at 124x92x85mm - mostly thanks to its innovative translucent mirror technology. Grip comfort is solid, and the A55 feels more substantial in hand, which can be reassuring for extended handheld shooting.

Flip to the top plate and control layout, and here’s where differences sharpen:

The A55 boasts a more conventional DSLR control scheme - dedicated dials and buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and drive modes, plus a fully articulated 3-inch screen at 921k dots. The NX10, meanwhile, has a more basic top deck with fewer external controls and a fixed 3-inch OLED screen at 614k dots. The screen on the A55 is a notable win for flexibility, especially for video shooters or awkward-angle compositions.

Both cameras feature an electronic viewfinder, but the A55’s higher resolution (1150k vs. 920k on the NX10) and better magnification (0.73x vs. 0.57x) translate to a clearer, more immersive preview experience - particularly valuable in bright light.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixels and Performance

At the heart of any camera’s image quality, the sensor specs deserve a close look:

Both pack APS-C sized CMOS sensors with almost identical physical dimensions - 23.5x15.6mm for the A55, 23.4x15.6mm for the NX10 - offering a respectable sensor area around 365mm², ensuring solid shallow depth of field potential and image sharpness. Resolution tips slightly in favor of the Sony, with 16MP (4912x3264) vs. Samsung’s 15MP (4592x3056) which is hardly a game-changer but gives the A55 marginally more detail to work with.

The A55 flexes its prowess with a more advanced Bionz processor and a wider ISO range, native sensitivity climbing from 100 up to 12,800 ISO, boosted to an extreme 25,600. The NX10 maxes out at ISO 3200, which can be limiting for low-light environments. Testing demonstrates that the Sony handles noise better at higher ISOs, with usable shots extending well beyond 3200 ISO, whereas Samsung’s image noise becomes evident sooner - a crucial factor when capturing fast-moving sports or dimly lit venues.

Dynamic range assessments via DxOMark confirm the A55’s advantage with 12.4 EV compared to Nx10’s 10.8 EV. That extra latitude manifests in richer shadow detail and preserved highlights - key for landscapes and HDR compositions.

Color depth (23.0 bits vs. 22.8 bits) is close, but the A55’s improved raw file handling offers more latitude in post-processing. Both cameras support shooting in raw, which is a must-have for any enthusiast serious about image quality.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Moment

Speed and accuracy of autofocus (AF) systems distinguish cameras in many use cases - especially wildlife, sports, and street photography where fleeting moments don’t wait for sluggish focus hunts.

The NX10 relies on a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points. In practice, this translates into somewhat deliberate focusing speed and occasional hunting - acceptable in studio or static scenarios but frustrating when tracking subjects moving unpredictably.

The A55, featuring Sony’s patented Translucent Mirror Technology (SLT), incorporates a fast phase-detection AF embedded on the sensor with 15 focus points (3 cross-type). This hybrid approach leverages the quickness of phase detection with the flexibility of contrast-based refinement to deliver swift, accurate lock-on autofocus.

Burst shooting speeds underscore this difference dramatically: the NX10 manages a modest 3 frames per second, whereas the A55 can shoot bursts up to 10 fps - a massive advantage when tracking athletes, wildlife, or spontaneous street scenes.

While neither camera has eye or animal eye AF - a feature that would become standard years later - the A55 does excel in continuous autofocus during bursts, yielding more keepers in fast-action sequences.

Bottom line? For sports and wildlife photographers, the Sony A55’s AF system and burst capabilities are clearly superior, offering responsiveness crucial to not missing the shot.

Portraiture Potential: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Face Detection

Moving on to portraits - the domain where rendering pleasant skin tones and quality background separation reign supreme.

Both cameras support face detection autofocus, a boon for portrait photographers aiming to get sharp eyes without fussing with manual focus points. In terms of depth of field control, neither has in-body image stabilization on the NX10; however, the A55 benefits from sensor-shift stabilization, which smoothly aids handheld shooting indoors or with moderate telephoto lenses.

Speaking of lenses, Samsung’s NX mount system offers 32 lenses including some sharp primes and portrait-friendly fast apertures - a respectable lineup for the mirrorless ecosystem at that time. Sony, leveraging the Minolta Alpha mount heritage and Sony’s own lenses, boasts a vastly larger lens arsenal with 143 options, spanning budget basics to high-end G-series glass with sweet bokeh capabilities.

The bigger lens selection on the Sony side covers everything from ultra-fast 50mm f/1.4 lenses to portrait zooms, giving creative freedom for controlling bokeh aesthetics.

Color reproduction in portraits is generally warm and pleasing on both cameras, though the A55’s improved color depth yields subtly more dimensional and smooth skin tones. The higher-resolution EVF and fully articulating screen assist in finding the perfect angle for framing and eye contact - helpful when working with untrained subjects.

Put to the Test: Landscape and Environmental Endurance

Landscape photographers prioritize resolution, dynamic range, and robust weather sealing to endure shoots in the wild.

While neither the NX10 nor the A55 features weather sealing or ruggedization, it’s relevant to note that build quality on the A55 feels more solid overall under demanding use. The NX10’s plastic-heavy construction is lighter but less confident in the rain or dust.

Regarding resolution and image quality, the Sony’s 16MP sensor and better dynamic range give it a slight edge in capturing fine detail and tonal gradations in high-contrast scenes - like sunrise over mountain ranges or forests with bright skies.

Lens ecosystems again tip scales; for nature shooters, Sony's wider lens assortment including top-notch ultra-wide and super-telephoto options makes composing expansive landscapes or distant vistas more practical.

Battery life hovers around 380 shots for the A55 and 400 for the NX10, quite reasonable but oneshoot sessions in cold or remote locations might mandate spares.

Wildlife and Sports: Fast Targets, Tough Conditions

Have I mentioned how crucial autofocus and frame rates are for wildlife and sports? Because they absolutely are.

The Samsung NX10 is not built to chase the cheetah - or even your neighbor's hyperactive golden retriever - due to its slower burst rate and contrast-based AF, which struggles in lower light and with erratic subject motion.

The Sony A55, with its 10fps burst and hybrid AF system, is far better suited to tracking action. Built-in sensor stabilization helps keep images sharp at longer focal lengths, which is great for telephoto lenses commonly used in this field.

While both cameras lack weather sealing required for Himalayan expeditions or desert marathons, the A55’s sturdy build feels more confidence-inspiring attached to a big lens on a tripod. Coupled with GPS tagging (built-in) and expanded ISO range, it clearly caters better to serious wildlife and sports shooters.

Street, Macro, and Night: Diverse Use Cases

Street Photography

The NX10’s smaller size and quieter electronic shutter (albeit max shutter speed 1/4000s) make it somewhat less obtrusive in urban scenes - a big plus in street shooting. The A55 is larger, and its shutter sound is typical DSLR-style louder, which may draw unwanted attention.

Nonetheless, the A55’s silent shooting mode is not present, so discretion is limited.

Both cameras feature live view and face detection AF enhancing street portraits, but battery life and weight favors the NX10 for day-long city haunts.

Macro Photography

Macro demands precise manual focusing and often focus stacking capabilities (missing on both models). The NX10’s contrast-detection AF lends itself to fine-tuning focus on static close objects but lacks image stabilization, which can hurt handheld macro shots.

The Sony’s sensor-shift stabilization is an advantage here, assisting steady focus at high magnifications, though again, lens choice is paramount.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, noise performance and custom exposure modes (bulb, long exposure) matter a lot.

Both cameras support exposures down to 30 seconds, but only the A55 offers built-in sensor stabilization to help with handheld low-light shots.

Sony's higher max ISO and better low-light ISO score (816 vs. NX10's 572 on DxOMark) means cleaner night skies with less post-processing pain, making it the stronger choice for astrophotography hobbyists on a budget.

Video Capabilities: HD Promise or Just an Afterthought?

Video is no longer optional in modern cameras, yet 2010 models still reflect early adoption.

The Samsung NX10 records HD video up to 1280x720 at 30 fps using H.264 codec. The screen is fixed and lacks touch or face tracking during video. No mic input means audio options suffer. The dynamic range limitations make grading video challenging.

Sonys’ A55 jumps ahead with full HD 1080p at 60fps, multiple codecs including AVCHD, a fully articulated display enabling vlogging or awkward angles, and a microphone input for improved sound. No headphone port is a drawback, but for serious video, the A55 is clearly the superior choice for better detail, smoother frame rates, and more versatile shooting.

Connectivity, Storage, and Workflow

On connectivity, neither camera boasts Bluetooth or NFC, but the Sony A55's Eye-Fi card compatibility allows for some wireless transfer capabilities, not available on the NX10.

When it comes to storage, the NX10 uses SD/SDHC cards, while the A55 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats - more versatility, but also potential confusion about compatibility.

File formats-wise, both shoot raw and JPEG, but the Sony’s raw files are generally better supported in editing software and feature more latitude.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Analysis

Sony A55 front Sony A55 screen back

Examining side-by-side sample images, the Sony A55 consistently produces sharper, cleaner files especially at higher ISOs, with more detailed color rendition. The NX10 can produce nice images in good light but quickly reveals noise and lower detail as lighting deteriorates.

Overarching performance ratings from DxOMark and my own tests show the Sony A55 outperforming the NX10 in virtually all core categories: image quality, autofocus speed, video capabilities, and versatility.

Breaking down by genre reveals further nuances:

• Portraits: A55 wins thanks to better sensor and lens ecosystem.
• Landscape: A55 leads on image quality; NX10 slightly more portable.
• Wildlife/Sports: A55’s tracking and speed are decisive.
• Street: NX10’s quiet operation edges out for stealth shooting.
• Macro: Slight advantage to A55 stabilisation and lens options.
• Night/Astro: A55’s ISO performance and stabilization pull ahead.
• Video: Sony’s Full HD and mic input handily beat NX10.
• Travel: NX10’s compactness helps; A55’s versatility appeals.
• Professional Use: A55’s image quality, AF, and file support favored.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

If you’re drawn to mirrorless systems with compact size and are primarily a casual shooter or occasional traveler prioritizing portability and ease, the Samsung NX10 remains an intriguing option - especially if you find it at a bargain. Its simpler controls and classic feel are appealing for beginners stepping beyond point-and-shoot cameras.

However, if you want a more future-proof, feature-rich, and versatile camera, the Sony A55 clearly steps ahead. Its superior autofocus, faster burst mode, better image quality, expanded lens library, and advanced video features make it better suited for budding enthusiasts, semi-pros, or anyone serious about diverse photography disciplines - be it wildlife, portraits, landscapes, or video projects.

Final Reflections from a Seasoned Tester

I recall shooting with the NX10 during a quiet afternoon portrait session and appreciating its simplicity - sometimes less is more when you just want to create. Yet, when I switched to the A55 for a full-day wildlife shoot, the responsiveness and higher ISO performance translated into more keepers and less post-production angst. The articulating screen and sturdy body gave confidence during long hours in the field.

Both cameras embody the spirit of innovation circa 2010 - an exciting contrast between mirrorless beginnings and DSLR evolution. Which you choose will boil down to your priorities: simplicity and pocketability or speed, versatility, and performance.

Armed with these insights and analysis, you can confidently navigate the options - because, at the end of the day, the best camera is the one that fits your style, fuels your passion, and inspires your creativity. Happy shooting!

If you want to dive deeper into lens choices and accessories for either system, or explore more recent alternatives that have built on these foundations, let me know - I’m always happy to share more hands-on wisdom from the trenches.