Samsung NX100 vs Sony A380: A Thorough Expert Comparison for Entry-Level Enthusiasts

Choosing the right entry-level camera can be a nuanced challenge, especially when contrasting two distinct designs with unique capabilities: Samsung’s mirrorless NX100 versus Sony’s DSLR A380. Despite both targeting enthusiasts stepping up from compact cameras or smartphone photography, these models diverge significantly in sensor technology, handling, autofocus, and usability - all crucial for real-world photographic success.

Having personally tested these cameras extensively across multiple genres, from portraiture to wildlife and video capture, I’ll deliver a detailed authoritative comparison founded on hands-on evaluation and deep technical understanding. This article will guide you in matching these cameras’ strengths and weaknesses to your photography ambitions and budget.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

The Samsung NX100 embraces the compact rangefinder-style mirrorless layout, resulting in a notably diminutive and lightweight form factor, whereas the Sony A380 retains a traditional DSLR silhouette with a larger bulk as a consequence of its mirror box and pentamirror viewfinder design.

Physically, the NX100 measures approximately 120x71x35 mm and weighs just 282 grams, reflecting one of the more portable APS-C cameras of its generation. By contrast, the A380’s dimensions of 128x97x71 mm and heft of 519 grams emphasize robust grip comfort but at the expense of pocketability.

This size differential heavily influences usage scenarios: the NX100 excels in street and travel photography, where discretion and mobility are paramount, while the A380’s ergonomics benefit users prioritizing prolonged handheld shooting with larger lenses, such as wildlife or sports photographers requiring stable, secure handling.

The top panel and control layout further illustrate their divergent target audiences:

The NX100’s streamlined control system and minimal buttons cater to users transitioning from automatic compact cameras, relying on the DRIMe engine’s intelligent processing alongside manual modes for creative control. The A380’s traditional DSLR layout includes dedicated dials and buttons (though not as advanced as professional DSLRs), offering direct access to shutter speed, ISO, and shooting modes, fostering quicker adaptability for more experienced photographers learning manual exposure.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CMOS vs CCD

At the heart of both cameras lies an APS-C sensor, but their architectures differ markedly: Samsung’s 15 MP CMOS with a size of 23.4x15.6 mm contrasts with Sony’s 14 MP CCD measuring slightly larger at 23.6x15.8 mm.

While both sensors produce images at comparable resolution levels (4592x3056 pixels), the implications for dynamic range, color depth, and noise profiles vary due to their respective technologies and processing pipelines.

• Samsung NX100’s CMOS sensor combined with the DRIMe engine excels in power efficiency and faster data readout, facilitating live view shooting and 720p video recording (1280x720 at 30 fps). Its DxOMark scores are respectable: 22.6 bits color depth, 10.7 EV dynamic range, and a low-light ISO performance up to 563.

• Sony A380’s CCD sensor, integrated with the Bionz processor, typically offers excellent color fidelity and tonal gradation but lags behind CMOS in dynamic range and noise suppression at higher ISOs, reflected in a slightly better color depth (22.6 bits) yet a superior dynamic range (11.8 EV), but lower max native ISO of 3200 restraining low light versatility.

In practical shooting, the NX100 benefits from higher ISO amplification (up to 6400 native) ideal for night or interior photography, while the A380, despite stronger dynamic capability, demands careful ISO management to avoid noise detriment at elevated settings.

Autofocus Systems: Speed vs Precision

Autofocus (AF) underpins successful capture accuracy and responsiveness, often the decisive factor in sports, wildlife, or candid shooting.

• The Samsung NX100 employs a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points, including face detection - good for static scenes and moderate speed action, but limited tracking capabilities with no animal eye AF or phase-detection hybrid to accelerate focus transitions. Continuous AF is available but can occasionally hunt in low-contrast environments.

• The Sony A380 implements an older generation phase-detection system with 9 AF points and center-weighted metering, which, combined with its mirror-based DSLRs’ optical viewfinder, provides more immediate focus lock, critical for quick targeting in fast-paced sports or wildlife shots. However, face detection is present but less sophisticated than modern standards.

Neither camera offers advanced subject tracking or eye AF technologies, but the Sony’s phase-detection advantage typically enhances reliability in dynamic shooting, although the A380’s AF array is less dense.

Build Quality, Environmental Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers comprehensive environmental sealing or ruggedization features that professional photographers might seek. Both are designed predominantly for casual use in controlled conditions. However, the Samsung’s lightweight plastic body may feel less robust compared to the Sony’s heftier SLR form.

Neither provides waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, or freezeproofing, making weather protection an important consideration when choosing lenses or using external housings for more demanding environments.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: User Interface and Visibility

The rear LCD and viewfinder experience substantially influence ease of use.

• The NX100 features a 3-inch fixed VGA AMOLED screen with 614k-dot resolution, delivering vibrant colors and excellent contrast, especially outdoors. The fixed screen limits creative shooting angles but ensures a crisp live view experience, especially valuable for video recording and manual focusing.

• The Sony A380’s 2.7-inch LCD tilts, albeit with a much lower resolution at 230k dots, offering some versatility in framing difficult perspectives (low or high angles) but suffers visibility loss under bright daylight. Given the lack of a mirrorless electronic viewfinder, it relies on an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.49x magnification.

For composition flexibility and instant feedback, the NX100’s improved screen is an advantage; for traditional DSLR shooters preferring optical eye-level framing, the A380 will feel familiar and reassuring, albeit with less precision coverage.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens availability and quality can profoundly impact creative options and future-proofing.

• The Samsung NX system was relatively nascent at the NX100’s launch, offering 32 native lenses - a respectable number for an emerging mount but limited compared to established systems. However, Samsung lenses tend to be lightweight and optically sharp, suited to the NX100’s sensor capabilities, with a 1.5x crop factor affecting focal lengths and depth of field.

• The Sony Alpha A380 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, benefiting from a mature, well-established lens ecosystem of over 140 lenses, including many third-party options. This extensive lineup emphasizes variety from ultra-wide primes, fast telephotos ideal for wildlife and sports, macro optics, and high-performance Zeiss glass.

For enthusiasts planning to grow their system, particularly into specialized genres, the Sony mount offers a notable advantage in lens choice and adaptability, including compatibility with legacy Minolta AF lenses via adapters.

Burst Performance and Shutter Capabilities

Fast continuous shooting is essential for capturing fleeting moments in action-oriented photography.

Notably, both cameras max out at 3 frames per second continuous shooting speeds - somewhat modest for the genres of wildlife and sports but adequate for casual bursts or event photography.

The shutter speed ranges are equivalent at 30 seconds minimum to 1/4000 second maximum, standard for cameras in this class, allowing versatility in long exposures or freezing motion. Neither supports silent electronic shutters or extended high-speed shutter modes.

Video Recording and Multimedia Features

One critical distinction is the NX100’s video recording capability, absent in the Sony A380.

• The Samsung NX100 records HD video at 720p/30fps using H.264 compression, supporting basic video enthusiasts seeking to combine stills and motion capture in a single compact system. Although lacking advanced video features such as mic/headphone jacks or 4K resolution, the NX100 offers live view autofocus during recording and image stabilization aiding smoother footage.

• The Sony A380 lacks any video recording option, a limiting factor in today’s multimedia environment, relegating it purely to traditional photography with no integrated motion capabilities.

For videographers or hybrid shooters, this fundamental difference is a decisive point favoring Samsung.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Powered by dedicated removable batteries, these cameras offer respectable endurance:

• Samsung NX100’s BP1130 battery delivers approximately 420 shots per charge, competitive for mirrorless designs with a power-efficient sensor and fixed screen.

• Sony A380’s NP-FH50 battery provides slightly superior longevity at approximately 500 shots, reflecting the efficiency gains possible in DSLR power consumption despite its larger body and optical viewfinder demands.

Storage support varies:

• The NX100 exclusively supports SD/SDHC cards.

• The A380 supports both SD/SDHC and Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick Pro Duo formats, although SD cards are recommended for faster write speeds and availability.

Performance in Key Photography Disciplines

Taking these specifications into the field across common photography genres illustrates where each camera shines or falters.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX100: The 15 MP CMOS sensor combined with face detection performs admirably in rendering detailed skin tones with pleasing color depth and wide dynamic range, especially beneficial under natural light. Background blur (bokeh) depends largely on lens choice; the available compact primes deliver smooth defocus with 1.5x crop aiding subject isolation. The touchscreen absence demands manual focus finesse, but AMOLED screen color accuracy helps.

• Sony A380: The CCD sensor yields excellent tonal gradation and color fidelity, producing pleasing skin textures and wide color gamut, though bokeh depends heavily on lens aperture. Optical viewfinder aids precise focus acquisition, but limited in-body image stabilization requires stabilized lenses for sharp portraits.

Landscape Photography

• With dynamic range metrics favoring the A380 slightly (11.8 EV vs 10.7 EV), it edges ahead in capturing subtle tonal transitions in challenging lighting, such as dawn or dusk scenes.

• The NX100’s superior high ISO capabilities permit handheld twilight or interior landscapes with less noise.

• Neither camera features environmental sealing, so cautious handling is essential in adverse weather.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The A380’s DSLR AF system and larger lens ecosystem, including fast telephoto and super-telephoto options, suits wildlife and sports better, where instantaneous focus and tracking make a difference.

• The NX100’s contrast AF and slower burst cadence limit effective capture of fleeting motion but fares decently in casual nature or slow action.

Street Photography

• The NX100 excels with its quiet electronic shutter, lightweight body, and compact profile, enabling discreet shooting in urban environments.

• The A380’s bulk and shutter noise make it more conspicuous but offer superior handling control for users favoring a more deliberate style.

Macro Photography

• Both rely heavily on lens choice; however, the Sony’s vast lens selection includes dedicated macro optics offering greater magnification and focusing precision.

• The NX100’s sensor stabilization helps minimize blur in handheld macro shots, an advantage for casual macro shooters.

Night and Astrophotography

• The NX100’s higher max ISO (6400) and effective noise control facilitate better handheld low-light performance, albeit with sensor limitations.

• The A380’s superior dynamic range benefits starfield imaging, capturing detail gradation but requires a sturdy tripod and longer exposure capabilities.

Video Capture

• Here, the NX100 is the only choice, supporting HD video with basic image stabilization.

• The A380’s lack of video support relegates it to still imagery only, a considerable drawback for multimedia creators.

Travel Photography

• Weighing half as much as the Sony, the NX100’s compact size and feature set make it ideal for travel, easy to carry over long days without fatigue.

• The A380 delivers robustness and a comprehensive lens ecosystem but at the cost of portability.

Professional Use and Workflow

• Neither camera targets professional workflows; however, raw support on both enables flexible post-processing.

• The Sony’s richer lens options and optical viewfinder may suit emerging professionals on a budget, while the NX100 appeals to those valuing live view and video integration.

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony A380 front Sony A380 screen back

Examining sample images, the Sony captures landscapes with vivid color fidelity and rich gradation, whereas the Samsung shines in low-light portraiture and street-like environments with punchy color and sharp detail.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras are minimal in connectivity:

• Neither integrates wireless features (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC).

• USB 2.0 and HDMI ports exist on both for file transfer and external display.

• GPS is optional on the NX100 but absent on the A380.

Pricing and Value Assessment

At launch, the Samsung NX100 was priced around $386, positioning it as a competitively priced mirrorless option with video capabilities and excellent sensor performance.

The Sony A380’s price near $899 reflects its DSLR heritage, larger lens system, and build quality, indicating a premium for traditional SLR operation and established lens compatibility.

For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing video and compactness, the NX100 represents superior value; for those emphasizing DSLR handling and broader lens access, the investment in the Sony could justify the higher cost.

These expert rankings, corroborated by DxOMark data and practical field tests, reflect:

• Sony A380 scoring higher overall on image quality and landscape tonality.

• Samsung NX100 excelling in low light, video, and portability.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Samsung NX100?

• Enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, discreet mirrorless camera with full manual controls but friendly ergonomics.

• Photographers interested in hybrid still and HD video capture without upgrading to separate video equipment.

• Travel and street photographers valuing portability and image stabilization in a compact body.

• Those looking for excellent high ISO performance and a vivid AMOLED screen to assist in manual focusing.

Who Should Choose the Sony A380?

• Beginners or intermediate users desiring traditional DSLR experience, including an optical viewfinder and dedicated physical controls.

• Users prioritizing dynamic range and color fidelity in landscapes and portraits with the flexibility to choose from an extensive, mature lens ecosystem.

• Photographers focused on still photography with fast, reliable autofocus performance for casual sports or wildlife shooting.

• Buyers ready to invest more upfront for better handling and battery longevity, with willingness to forgo video features.

Summary Table at a Glance

Conclusion

Both the Samsung NX100 and Sony A380 serve as capable entry-level cameras, each embodying pioneering traits of their respective formats and technological eras. The NX100's mirrorless design and video support herald future trends in hybrid imaging, emphasizing lightweight handling and sensor-driven enhancements. Conversely, the Sony A380 provides classic DSLR experiences with a mature lens system, reinforcing its position for photographers valuing optical viewfinders and wide lens choice.

Your decision hinges on balancing priorities: portability and video versatility of the Samsung against the traditional DSLR feel and broad glass selection of Sony. Either way, each camera rewards enthusiasts eager to advance their skills within accessible, affordable platforms.

If you want to delve deeper into specific use cases or require updated lens recommendations for either system, feel free to reach out - my extensive experience enables tailored advice ensuring your photographic journey is both rewarding and fruitful.