Samsung NX100 vs Sony NEX-F3: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts on a Budget

Choosing your next mirrorless camera can get tricky, especially when looking at older but still capable entry-level models like the Samsung NX100 and the Sony NEX-F3. Both were aimed at beginners and hobbyists craving more than a point-and-shoot, offering interchangeable lenses and reasonably competent specs for their time. But how do they hold up in today’s real-world shooting scenarios across popular photography genres? And which makes the smarter buy for your money?

Having spent many hours with both cameras in my test studio and out in the field, I want to walk you through their practical performance, ergonomic design, and image quality – beyond the spec sheets. My goal here is to help you figure out which one suits your photography style and workflow best - so you can stop agonizing and start shooting.

First Impressions: Size, Grip, and Controls

The very first thing you notice handling any camera is how it feels in your hands, because no matter how good the sensor, won’t you be happier with a camera that invites you to shoot?

The Samsung NX100 boasts a compact, rangefinder-style body with a very minimalist design. It’s pretty slim (120x71x35mm) and light (282g), making it great for travel or street photographers who prefer stealth and portability. However, the downside to this svelt design is that the grip can feel a little shallow if you have bigger hands or add a hefty lens. It’s a case of style versus long shooting comfort. The physical dials and buttons are fewer and more minimal - some may find this clean look cool, others feel it lacks quick access to critical controls.

On the other hand, Sony’s NEX-F3 is ever so slightly chunkier at 117x67x42mm and weighs in at 314g, tipping the scales with a somewhat thicker, more deliberate grip that provides a better hold for long shooting sessions - especially with larger telephoto or zoom lenses attached. The NEX-F3 has a traditional cluster of buttons and dials that beginners will appreciate as they learn manual controls, plus a flip-up screen that swivels for creative angles and selfies (though no touchscreen).

Check out the top-down design in this image:

Sony opts for a more classic DSLR-like layout, with physical exposure compensation, mode dial, and a dedicated Fn button. Samsung keeps it simpler, offering exposure adjustments through fewer buttons and menus. These differences matter when you need to change settings on the fly - the NEX-F3 feels more like a camera built for evolution, while the NX100 sticks to streamlined basics.

Ergonomic takeaway: For casual shooting and travel, Samsung’s smaller body wins. For learning manual shooting or longer workdays, Sony's grip and control layout are more comfortable and friendly.

Under The Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras pack APS-C sized sensors measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm, which is excellent for delivering DSLR-level image quality from a mirrorless platform shot decades ago. However, sensor technology and image processing engines tell a different story.

• Samsung NX100 uses a 15MP CMOS sensor paired with Samsung’s DRIMe engine. This delivers decent resolution at 4592x3056 pixels and supports native ISOs from 100 to 6400.
• Sony NEX-F3 bumps that to 16MP resolution at 4912x3264, processed through the tried-and-true Bionz engine, with an impressive ISO range up to 16000.

According to DxOMark scores, the NX100 clocks a score of 62 overall, with a color depth of 22.6 bits and dynamic range of 10.7 EV. Meanwhile, the NEX-F3 fairs better with an overall score of 73, a slightly higher color depth of 22.7 bits, and notably higher dynamic range of 12.3 EV. Low-light ISO performance doubles in Sony’s favor (1114 vs. 563).

Having tested both side-by-side, the NX100 gives you punchy, vivid colors with good detail - perfect for casual landscapes or portraits in decent light. But once you push past ISO 1600, noise creeps in and detail starts to degrade noticeably. The NEX-F3, however, handles low light better, preserving finer details and smoother gradients even at ISO 3200 and beyond.

For those after the nuts and bolts, Sony’s sensor benefits from slightly better microlens design and image processing algorithms that help with noise control and dynamic range preservation - especially in tricky lighting situations.

Image quality takeaway: Sony's NEX-F3 produces better dynamic range and low-light performance, making it the better choice for shooting in varied or challenging lighting - landscapes, events, or indoor scenes. Samsung still holds its own for bright daylight and casual use.

The Screen and Viewfinder: Feeding Your Eye

These entry-level mirrorless cameras don’t include built-in electronic viewfinders, but they both offer live view via their rear LCD. How the screen performs affects usability, especially in bright sunlight or tricky compositions.

The Samsung NX100 features a fixed 3-inch AMOLED VGA screen with a resolution of 614k dots. The AMOLED panel offers rich contrast and vibrant colors but is fixed faced forward and thus less versatile for varying shooting angles.

The Sony NEX-F3 improves on this with a 3-inch tiltable TFT LCD with 920k dots resolution. The higher resolution brings sharper image previews and better color accuracy, while the tilting mechanism allows overhead shots or low angles without awkward body contortions. This tilt screen is a boon for street photographers or vloggers wanting different perspectives.

Neither camera has touchscreen controls or built-in EVFs, but both allow attaching optional electronic viewfinders via hot shoe for more precise framing.

User interface-wise, Sony’s menus feel a little more polished and intuitive - their multi-selector wheel speeds navigation through settings vs. Samsung’s more button-press dependent approach.

Screen takeaway: Sony’s sharper, tiltable screen gives it a user-experience advantage, especially if you like flexibility when composing shots.

Autofocus System and Shooting Speed

Autofocus systems can make or break shooting wildlife, sports, or any fast-moving subject. Let’s see how these two stack up in terms of AF points, mode variety, and frames per second.

Samsung equips the NX100 with 15 autofocus points and face detection, which is a nice bonus for portrait or casual shooting. However, the contrast-detect AF tends to be slower and less reliable in lower light or fast-action scenes. Tracking autofocus is absent, so capturing birds or sports action won’t be its forte.

Sony’s NEX-F3 offers 25 AF points, spreading coverage across a wider area that enhances lock-on capability, despite using the same contrast-detection technology. Its 6 frames per second burst mode also doubles Samsung’s slower continuous shooting rate. In practice, the NEX-F3’s AF feels quicker and more decisive when shooting moving subjects in good light but still trails modern hybrid phase-detection systems by a wide margin.

Real-world AF takeaway: Sony is better suited to wildlife and sports shooting due to faster burst rates and more AF points. Samsung is fine for portraits, street, or travel photography with less motion.

Photography Genres in Action: How They Perform

Let’s bring this technical info back to familiar ground by exploring performance across popular photography types. I’ve spent time testing both on assignments and walks to see where each camera shines or sputters.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The Samsung NX100’s APS-C sensor paired with Samsung’s excellent 45mm f/1.8 lens creates pleasing skin tones with natural saturation and creamy bokeh. Samsung’s face detection improves focus accuracy on eyes in single shots, making portraits easier for beginners.

Sony lacks built-in face detection here, requiring more focus manuality, but the wider E-mount lens ecosystem (121 lenses vs. 32 for Samsung) gives access to fast primes and portrait-optimized optics that compensate well.

If you want smooth skin rendering and straightforward focusing right out of the box, Samsung nudges ahead slightly. For those willing to explore lens options and manual focus, Sony can produce equally striking portraits with more creative control.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Sony’s higher dynamic range (12.3 EV vs 10.7 EV) and resolution favors landscape photographers capturing scenes with bright skies and deep shadows. The NEX-F3 also supports higher native ISO up to 16000, allowing cleaner nightscapes and improved flexibility when shooting at smaller apertures.

Samsung’s NX100 may struggle a bit with shadow details but still delivers solid 15MP files for large prints and cropping.

Unfortunately, neither camera offers environmental sealing, so be mindful of weather conditions - bring protective gear to keep dust and moisture away in outdoor shoots.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Speed

For wildlife and sports enthusiasts, the NEX-F3’s 6 fps burst and 25 AF points provide a significantly better foundation for fast-paced shooting than Samsung’s 3 fps and fewer AF points. Despite lacking advanced tracking or phase-detect AF, the NEX-F3’s system is more dependable.

Samsung falls short here; it’s better to let it sit in the hiking backpack unless capturing slow-moving subjects or landscape vistas.

Street Photography: Portability and Discreteness

The NX100’s slimmer profile and lighter weight make it less conspicuous in urban environments - great for blending into crowds. The fixed AMOLED screen is bright and responsive, but fixed-position might limit your flexibility for some shooting angles.

Sony’s flip-up screen can be handy for unique compositions but adds bulk and camera movement risk when shooting candidly. Battery life slightly favors Sony (470 shots vs 420), helpful for all-day street sessions.

Macro Photography: Precision and Stabilization

While neither camera is known for macro specialty, Samsung’s built-in optical image stabilization (OIS) gives an edge when using macro lenses handheld. Sony requires lenses with built-in stabilization or tripods for similar results.

Focusing precision is similar on both via contrast-detect AF, so lens choice impacts final sharpness more than the camera body.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Sony’s superior high ISO performance and broader native ISO range make it better suited for night scenes and astrophotography, where noise control and exposure latitude are critical.

Samsung’s ISO ceiling of 6400 limits flexibility somewhat but still yields pleasing results with longer exposures in stable conditions.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Formats

The NX100 records HD video at 1280x720p at 30fps, using H.264 encoding. It’s basic but serviceable for casual video.

Sony steps it up substantially - the NEX-F3 supports Full HD 1920x1080p at 60fps and 24fps, in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. This flexibility benefits users wanting smoother slow-motion or cinematic frame rate options.

Both lack microphone/headphone jacks and 4K support, limiting semi-pro video work. Also, neither offers 5-axis in-body stabilization, so shake can be an issue.

Travel and Everyday Use: Versatility and Battery

Both cameras use rechargeable battery packs (Samsung’s BP1130 and Sony’s NP-FW50). Sony’s higher battery life (470 shots) is a modest plus for travelers who shoot extensively without extra cells.

Samsung’s smaller size is a travel-friendly bonus for light packing.

Both support SD and SDHC cards; Sony adds Memory Stick support too for legacy users.

Connectivity is sparse on the NX100 (no wireless), while Sony offers Eye-Fi wireless SD card support to transfer images on the fly.

Professional Workflow Compatibility

Both cameras output RAW files, facilitating post-processing with Adobe Lightroom or Capture One, but Sony’s newer sensor and processor slightly edge Samsung in achievable image quality for clients needing pro-grade files.

Neither model possesses pro-level environmental sealing or ruggedness, so professionals should weigh these tradeoffs carefully.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera claims weather sealing or rugged protections - typical for budget rangefinder-style mirrorless bodies from their era. Plastic construction dominates but both feel reasonably sturdy given the price.

Sony’s slightly chunkier build inspires a bit more confidence for extended use, but users in harsh conditions should add protective cases.

Lens Ecosystem: What You Can Mount Matters

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony NEX F3 front Sony NEX F3 screen back

Samsung’s NX mount hosts about 32 lenses, covering primes, zooms, and specialty optics. However, the system didn't grow as robustly and is largely discontinued, limiting future-proofing and lens options.

Sony’s E-mount platform is a game-changer here, boasting over 120 native lenses from Sony and third parties like Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss. Hobbyists and professionals benefit from having access to a broad array of primes, zooms, macro, and telephoto lenses, often with optical stabilization built-in.

If lens variety, availability, and future upgrades are priorities, Sony wins hands down.

Price and Value: What Will You Pay?

At launch, the Samsung NX100 was priced around $385, while the Sony NEX-F3 commanded roughly $470. Today, on the used market, the price gap narrows but Sony typically retains a marginal premium reflecting its technological edge and lens lineup.

Given the performance advantage, better screen, faster AF, superior sensor, and wider lens ecosystem, the Sony NEX-F3 offers better bang for your buck to enthusiasts serious about growing their photographic skills. But for those on a strict budget seeking an easy-to-use, compact mirrorless solution focused on casual shooting and portraits, the NX100 remains attractive.

Summing It Up: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Samsung NX100 if:

• You want a small, stylish, and lightweight mirrorless camera for travel and casual portraits.
• You mainly shoot in good light and prioritize simplicity over speed.
• On a tight budget or want entry-level shooting with stabilization built-in.
• You prefer straightforward menus and minimal controls.

Opt for the Sony NEX-F3 if:

• You want better image quality overall, especially in tricky light or for landscapes.
• You plan to expand your lens collection extensively.
• You shoot sports, wildlife, or fast-moving subjects needing faster burst rates.
• You value a flexible tilting screen for creative framing.
• You need superior video features and better battery endurance.
• Wireless image transfer and modern processing are important.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Mirrorless Choice Count

In 2024 terms, both the Samsung NX100 and Sony NEX-F3 are aging platforms, but for beginners or budget-conscious mountaineers into photography, their entry-level mirrorless capabilities remain compelling.

Personally, I lean toward the Sony NEX-F3 as a more versatile tool with stronger technical merits and room to grow your photography skill set - assuming you can handle the marginally larger body and pricier lens options. It feels like a better investment in photographic growth.

For cheapskates or those wanting a straightforward "set it and forget it" mirrorless shooter for snapshots or portraits, the Samsung NX100 delivers enjoyable image quality within a sleeker package.

Regardless of which you pick, neither camera will match modern hybrid autofocus or video functions found in current midrange mirrorless bodies. But with manual controls, RAW support, and decent image quality, both serve as fantastic learning cameras or affordable backups.

Happy shooting, and I hope this comparison helps you pull the trigger with confidence!