Samsung NX100 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX1: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In the ever-evolving world of digital cameras, choices abound - some dazzling, some duds. Today, we pit two rather unusual contenders against each other: the Samsung NX100, a ground-breaking entry-level mirrorless camera from 2010, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1, a formidable small-sensor superzoom bridge camera launched in 2009. Sounds like a mismatch, right? But therein lies the intrigue: how do a compact mirrorless system and a bridge superzoom stack up in real-world photography, technical finesse, and user experience? Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Shape, and Handling

Starting with the physical form, size, and ergonomics, the disparity is immediately apparent. The Samsung NX100 sports a sleek, rangefinder-style mirrorless body measuring just 120x71x35 mm and tipping the scales at a featherlight 282 grams (without lens). By contrast, the Sony HX1 is a chunky bridge-style body (115x83x92 mm) with significant heft at 544 grams, thanks to its integrated superzoom lens.

This lightweight, compact design of the NX100 offers a discrete shooting experience optimal for street or travel photography. The HX1’s bulkier frame - with its pronounced grip and extensive physical controls - appeals more to users craving DSLR-like handling without moving to interchangeable lenses.

Both cameras feature a 3-inch display, but the NX100’s fixed VGA AMOLED screen edges out the slightly lower-resolution tilting LCD on the HX1 in vibrancy and clarity. This gives the Samsung a modern feel and better live-view experience (a crucial consideration in composition). For a visual side-by-side of their top profiles and control layouts, check out the next snapshot.

Both cameras offer manual focus and exposure controls but approach user interfaces differently: The NX100 has a clean, minimalistic layout typical for mirrorless models favoring lightweight portability, whereas the HX1’s SLR-esque controls foster a tactile feel for photographers who prefer physical dials and buttons.

Sensor: The Heart of Image Quality

Here’s where the story takes a fascinating turn. The NX100 boasts a 15MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring roughly 23.4 x 15.6 mm - quite large for a consumer camera of its generation, especially compared to the HX1’s modest 9MP 1/2.4" sensor sized 6.1 x 4.6 mm.

What does this mean? A larger sensor typically yields superior image quality: better dynamic range, improved low-light sensitivity, and richer color depth. The Samsung shines here with a DxOMark overall score of 62, demonstrating excellent color depth (22.6 bits) and an impressive dynamic range of 10.7 EV.

The Sony, lacking official DxOMark evaluations, relies heavily on optical zoom prowess but cannot compete sensor-wise. The smaller sensor limits ISO performance (max native ISO 3200 for HX1 vs. 6400 for NX100), dynamic range, and introduces more image noise at higher sensitivities.

In landscape or portrait photography, where image quality reigns supreme, the NX100 is the clear winner, producing cleaner, sharper images with more detail fidelity.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed - Catering to Fast-Paced Moments

A camera can take only so much beautiful photos if it can’t lock focus swiftly and accurately. The NX100 uses a 15-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection, suitable for precise focusing in good light but quieter and slower compared to phase-detection systems.

The HX1, on the other hand, packs a 9-point contrast AF with center-weighted priority - a bit basic but complemented by highly responsive manual focus rings on its superzoom lens. The HX1 supports a continuous shooting speed of 10fps in single AF mode, notably faster than the NX100's 3fps burst capability.

For wildlife or sports photography requiring refined tracking and high frame-rate bursts, neither camera stars. Their older AF tech and limited buffer capacities make them better suited for more deliberate shooting styles.

Versatility in Lenses and Focal Reach

One key advantage of the NX100 is its interchangeable Samsung NX mount system with 32 lenses (both primes and zooms) available. This flexibility allows photographers to adapt from wide-angle landscapes to creamy portraits and even macro work with the right glass.

The HX1, meanwhile, sports a built-in 28–560mm (20x) optical zoom with an aperture range of f/2.8-5.2, perfect for all-in-one convenience and capturing distant subjects without carrying extra lenses. It’s particularly appealing to travel photographers who prize the “one camera, one lens” philosophy.

Interestingly, the Samsung’s 1.5x crop factor means that buying a 35mm lens results in a 52.5mm effective focal length, while Sony’s much smaller sensor results in a super-telephoto reach at 560mm but with compromised image quality in the telephoto range due to sensor size limitations.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

Neither camera offers extensive weather sealing or ruggedized build. The NX100 lacks dust or moisture resistance, which will give pause to professionals shooting in harsh conditions. The HX1, with a solid plastic shell and moderate robustness, fares similarly.

In terms of flash capabilities, the HX1 sports a convenient built-in flash with a 9.2m range, handy for fill light on gloomy days. The NX100 foregoes a built-in flash entirely, instead relying on external units via its hot shoe - something more advanced users will appreciate but beginners might find less convenient.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras lean into electronic viewfinders to address their rangefinder and bridge-style bodies, but only the HX1 includes a built-in EVF (resolution not specified). The NX100 leaves it as an optional accessory.

The NX100's VGA AMOLED screen delivers crisp contrast and vibrant colors, improving focus confirmation and manual adjustments. The HX1’s 230k-dot tilting LCD allows flexibility in composing shots at various angles but falls behind in sharpness.

For those shooting outdoors in bright light, the HX1’s tilting screen adds some compositional versatility. However, serious photographers might find the NX100’s superior display more comforting for critical focus and exposure decisions.

Image Sample Quality: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Let's cut to the chase by looking at sample images from both cameras under various conditions. The NX100’s larger sensor delivers cleaner JPEGs and excellent color rendition, with smooth bokeh for portraiture and remarkable details in shadow areas for landscapes.

Conversely, the HX1’s images shine in versatility but show more noise in low-light scenarios and struggle with sharpness at full telephoto zoom - a predictable compromise for bridge cameras with tiny sensors.

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony HX1 front Sony HX1 screen back

Burst Rates, Video, and Multimedia Capabilities

The HX1 impresses with a 10fps continuous shooting mode and video recording up to 1440x1080 at 30fps, slightly higher resolution than the NX100's 1280x720 HD video. Both cameras use H.264 video compression. However, neither model supports advanced video features like microphone input, headphone ports, or 4K recording.

The NX100’s 3fps burst rate may frustrate sports photographers or wildlife shooters needing rapid-fire capture, but its manual exposure modes and exposure bracketing are useful for creative stills in challenging lighting.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life is decent on the NX100, rated for approximately 420 shots per charge using its proprietary BP1130 battery. The Sony HX1’s official battery life specification is absent but users have noted it lasts around 300 shots per charge (using the NP-FH50 battery). Given the HX1’s power-hungry 20x zoom lens and electronic viewfinder, this is understandable.

Regarding storage, the NX100 relies on SD/SDHC cards, a more universal and economical choice. The HX1, inconveniently, uses the more proprietary Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo format alongside internal flash - a mild drawback for many photographers.

Both cameras lack wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or NFC, so image transfer requires cables or card readers - still par for the course for gear of this era.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s break down their strengths and weaknesses across popular photography genres.

Portraiture

The NX100’s large APS-C sensor and 15MP resolution yield flattering skin tones and superior background blur (bokeh) for portraits. Its face detection AF helps nail sharp focus on eyes, a critical factor many beginners overlook. The HX1 can do portrait duty but with more depth of field and less subject isolation.

Winner: Samsung NX100

Landscape

Dynamic range is king in landscapes, and the NX100 with its 10.7 EV range bests the HX1 by a wide margin. Its APS-C sensor also captures finer detail. However, the HX1’s built-in superzoom can reach distant landscape elements without changing lenses.

Winner: Samsung NX100, with the HX1 as a convenient secondary option

Wildlife

While the HX1’s 20x zoom could suggest wildlife suitability, the smaller sensor and modest AF system limit image quality and focusing reliability, especially with fast-moving animals. The NX100 offers interchangeable telephoto lenses but a slower continuous shooting speed.

Neither is ideal for serious wildlife photography; newer cameras with advanced autofocus and higher burst rates dominate here.

Winner: Draw, with caveats - maybe lean HX1 for reach, NX100 for quality

Sports

The HX1’s 10fps offers more burst fire power, but slow AF and lack of tracking put it at a disadvantage. The NX100’s 3fps and limited AF tracking are a hindrance for action.

Winner: No clear winner; both underpowered for modern sports photography

Street Photography

Compact size, discreet shutter noise, and excellent image quality make the NX100 a natural for street shooters. The HX1’s bulk and zoom lens make it more conspicuous, though the built-in zoom offers framing flexibility without lens changes.

Winner: Samsung NX100

Macro

Neither camera excels at true macro; the HX1 can focus as close as 1cm, which is convenient, but limited sensor and optics result in modest image quality. The NX100 depends on dedicated macro lenses for high-quality close-ups.

Winner: HX1 for convenience, NX100 for quality with proper lenses

Night and Astro

The NX100’s larger sensor and higher ISO sensitivity give it the edge in low light shooting - less noise at elevated ISOs and more detail in shadows. The HX1 struggles as ISO climbs above 800.

Winner: Samsung NX100

Video

Both cameras support HD video with H.264 compression but at modest resolutions (NX100 up to 720p; HX1 up to 1440x1080). Neither supports advanced video controls or input ports, limiting professional use.

Winner: Slight edge to HX1 for higher resolution and tilting screen

Travel

Lightweight, interchangeable lens flexibility, and image quality make the NX100 appealing for travel. However, the HX1’s all-in-one superzoom simplifies gear needs and has a tilting screen advantageous for varied shooting angles.

Winner: Depends on user preference - NX100 for quality, HX1 for convenience

Professional Use

Neither camera suits demanding professional workflows due to their entry-level status, limited burst speeds, or lack of pro-grade features like weather sealing, dual card slots, and advanced AF. The NX100’s RAW support and external flash capability offer more creative control.

Winner: Samsung NX100 for creative professionalism

Bringing it All Together: Ratings and Summary

Let's review overall and genre-specific performance based on my extended testing sessions with both cameras.

The NX100 consistently scores higher across imaging metrics and manual controls, whereas the HX1’s strengths lie in zoom versatility and faster burst shooting.

These scores reflect the cameras’ intended markets: NX100 for image quality enthusiasts stepping into mirrorless systems; HX1 for zoom-hungry users seeking a do-it-all bridge camera.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, who should buy what? Here’s my recommendation:

• If image quality, creative control, and a lightweight camera with potential for future lens upgrades top your wish list, the Samsung NX100 is a solid, budget-friendly mirrorless option - even by today’s standards it holds up surprisingly well.

• If you crave extensive zoom reach without swapping lenses, want an intuitive bridge camera with decent video, and don’t mind sacrificing some image fidelity, the Sony HX1 provides versatile performance in one package.

Budget-wise, the NX100 generally retails lower, making it a better entry point into interchangeable lenses. The HX1’s all-in-one nature justifies its higher price point for those prioritizing convenience.

For professional photographers or advanced enthusiasts, both models feel dated compared to modern APS-C mirrorless cameras like the Sony a6400 or Fujifilm X-T30. However, for hobbyists or collectors, these cameras offer an appealing mix of nostalgia and practical capabilities.

In closing, the Samsung NX100 and Sony HX1 are emblematic of a transitional era in digital photography - progressive sensor technology meets superzoom practicality. Each will serve its photographer well when matched to the right shooting style and needs. Choose thoughtfully, and happy shooting!

All specifications sourced from manufacturer and DxOMark data. Testing carried out under controlled lighting and field conditions, with calibrated color targets and real-world subject trials.