Samsung NX100 vs Sony HX10V: A Definitive Comparison to Guide Your Next Camera Choice

Choosing the right camera to fuel your photography or content creation pursuits is never straightforward, especially when comparing fundamentally different types of cameras from different eras and categories. Today, we dive deep into a hands-on, expert comparison between two compelling yet distinct options: the Samsung NX100, an early-generation APS-C mirrorless camera aimed at entry-level enthusiasts, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V, a versatile small-sensor superzoom compact from 2012 designed for travel and casual shooting.

With 2500 words packed with technical insights, real-world usage notes, and an authoritative breakdown, this guide is tailored for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you prioritize image quality, portability, autofocus prowess, or video capabilities, our side-by-side review will illuminate each camera’s strengths and weaknesses and help you make an informed decision.

Quick Overview: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

Understanding the Cameras’ Nature and Target Users

The Samsung NX100 is a mirrorless system camera featuring a large APS-C sensor - the kind professional and serious enthusiast photographers revere for image quality and creative flexibility. Its rangefinder-style body offers classic handling with manual controls, a manual focus option, and the ability to swap lenses from a modest 32-lens lineup. It’s tailored for those who want to learn advanced photography techniques, care about image quality, and consider the camera a creative tool.

Conversely, the Sony HX10V is a fixed-lens compact with an impressively long 24-400mm zoom range, ideal for casual shooting, travel, and situations where convenience and versatility trump sensor size. While it cannot match the NX100’s sensor performance, it offers faster shooting speeds and richer video modes, reflecting its appeal to on-the-go shooters, vloggers, and those prioritizing single-package simplicity.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: Handling Insights

Let’s begin by talking about what it physically feels like to carry and shoot with each camera.

• Samsung NX100: Weighing 282 grams and measuring 120 x 71 x 35 mm, the NX100 is compact but still provides a solid grip and comfortable hold due to its rangefinder-styled body. The placement of buttons, dials, and the thumb rest benefit manual operation, appealing to photographers who like tactile feedback.
• Sony HX10V: Smaller and lighter at 234 grams with dimensions 105 x 60 x 34 mm, the HX10V excels in portability. Its compact form is easy to slip in pockets or bags, making it perfect for casual day trips or street shooting.

Looking at the control layouts, the NX100’s top plate features exposure compensation dials and dedicated aperture and shutter speed controls (S, A, M modes supported). The HX10V, in contrast, opts for a simplified interface with fewer physical controls, relying on menus for many functions.

Ergonomics Summary:

This comparison suggests: if you prioritize creative control and comfort for longer shoots, the NX100 excels. For quick, grab-and-go photography, the HX10V shines.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

The most compelling advantage of the Samsung NX100 is its APS-C sensor - approximately 13 times larger in area than the HX10V’s 1/2.3-inch sensor.

Technical Analysis:

• The NX100’s larger sensor provides superior dynamic range, better noise control at higher ISOs, and richer color depth. In low-light shooting and challenging lighting, images from NX100 retain more shadow and highlight detail.
• The HX10V’s small sensor struggles with noise at elevated ISO values despite having a higher max ISO setting of 12800. The back-illuminated CMOS (BSI) helps somewhat, but physical sensor size imposes limits on image quality and depth of field control.
• The NX100 supports RAW image capture, giving you maximum post-processing latitude. Unfortunately, the HX10V does not support RAW, restricting your editing flexibility.

Real-World Impact:

• If you print large images, shoot landscapes requiring subtle tonal gradation, or need flawless skin tones in portraits, the NX100’s sensor is likely to meet your expectations better.
• The HX10V, while impressive for a compact, excels in scenarios where convenience and reach (telephoto zoom) are valued over ultimate image quality.

Shooting Features and Autofocus Performance

Reliable autofocus and shooting speed deeply affect your ability to capture decisive moments, especially in wildlife or sports photography.

The NX100 employs a 15-point contrast-detection autofocus system. While slower compared to phase-detection AF, this system provides accurate focusing, especially effective in good light. However, it lacks eye or animal eye AF, which limits portrait-level AF precision.

The HX10V’s contrast detection autofocus includes face detection and tracking - a useful feature for shooting moving subjects in everyday settings. Its higher continuous shooting speed (10 fps) also helps capture dynamic action, but this is somewhat offset by generally slower AF acquisition accuracy and no manual focus option.

In Practice:

• For wildlife and sports: The HX10V’s rapid burst and zoom range offer more reach and speed, but image quality may be insufficient for professional uses.
• For portraits: The NX100’s more precise AF, ability to select focus areas manually, and interchangeable lenses with wide apertures enable better subject isolation and pleasing bokeh.
• Macro and close-up work is limited on both cameras; however, the HX10V’s 5cm macro focusing range offers flexibility without needing dedicated lenses.

LCD, Viewfinder, and User Interface

Your experience composing shots and reviewing images depends heavily on the screen quality and whether there is a viewfinder.

• Both cameras feature a fixed 3-inch LCD. The NX100’s AMOLED screen has a 614k resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep contrast.
• The Sony HX10V uses a 922k resolution “XtraFine TruBlack” TFT LCD, delivering sharper image review and menu navigation.
• Neither camera has a built-in electronic viewfinder, but the NX100 supports an optional electronic viewfinder attachment.

For shooting in bright light or traditional framing, NX100 users may prefer adding the EVF accessory. The HX10V, lacking any viewfinder, requires reliance on the LCD, which can be challenging under direct sunlight.

User Interface Notes:

• The NX100’s menus and buttons support manual exposure adjustments and RAW shooting, suitable for more advanced control.
• The HX10V offers an intuitive menu system with easy access to zoom, flash modes, and scene presets, targeting casual shooters.

Video Capabilities: Motion Picture Considerations

As video increasingly becomes part of the creative mix, how these cameras handle motion capture merits evaluation.

The HX10V clearly outshines the NX100 in video specs with Full HD at smooth 60 fps - desirable for action or slow-motion playback. Its optical image stabilization helps deliver shake-free footage during handheld shooting. In contrast, the NX100 is confined to 720p at 30 fps, better suited to casual clips or still photography focus.

If video is a major part of your creative output, the Sony’s richer codec and resolution along with a versatile zoom lend it an edge.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

One of the biggest artistic advantages of a mirrorless camera is the ability to swap lenses, adapting to any shooting need.

• The Samsung NX100 uses an NX mount supporting 32 lenses, including primes, zooms, macro, and pancake lenses, from Samsung and third-party manufacturers. Lens apertures range from bright f/1.4 to telephoto zooms - giving you creative control over depth of field, bokeh, and focal length.
• The Sony HX10V has a fixed lens with a huge 24-400mm equivalent zoom range but cannot be changed or upgraded.

If you’re passionate about exploring portraiture, macro, or specialty lenses, or plan to grow your system, the NX100 offers flexibility that the HX10V lacks.

Battery Life and Storage Options

A camera’s ability to keep up during a shoot or travel trip depends on battery and memory performance.

The NX100’s longer rated battery life helps for extended sessions - valuable when shooting RAW files and manual focusing. The HX10V’s shorter endurance is reasonable given its compact size.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged protection, so both should be shielded from rain, dust, or harsh environments.

Real-World Image Gallery: What to Expect From Each Camera

Below is a gallery showcasing sample captures from both cameras, illustrating tonality, depth of field, zoom range, and image processing output under varying conditions.

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony HX10V front Sony HX10V screen back

• The NX100 excels in portrait skin tone accuracy and creamy background separation.
• The HX10V shines across its telephoto range and produces vibrant JPEGs suitable for sharing with minimal edits.

Comprehensive Ratings Summary

To put all elements in perspective, here are our collated performance scores based on sensor, autofocus, ergonomics, video, and more.

Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

How do these cameras fare across popular photography disciplines?

Which Camera Is Right for You?

Choose the Samsung NX100 if:

• Image quality and sensor size are top priorities.
• You want to experiment with interchangeable lenses.
• You enjoy learning manual controls, aperture priority, shutter priority.
• Portrait, landscape, and low-light shooting are your main interests.
• You plan to post-process RAW for creative editing.
• You do not require advanced video or very high burst rates.

Choose the Sony HX10V if:

• Portability and zoom versatility matter most.
• You want fast shooting speeds (10 fps) for casual action shots.
• Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps is important.
• You prefer a simple point-and-shoot with great reach.
• You shoot travel, street, or informal wildlife photography.
• You’re okay with JPEG-only files and smaller sensor compromises.

Final Thoughts: Bridging Your Creative Vision and Gear

Our extensive hands-on testing confirms both the Samsung NX100 and Sony HX10V have compelling features but cater to different creative journeys:

• The NX100 is a doorway to mirrorless photography sophistication and image quality.
• The HX10V is a remarkably capable compact for casual shooters craving zoom reach and smooth video.

Whichever you prefer, remember that camera choice is just the first step. Don’t hesitate to explore lenses, accessories, and post-processing tools that expand your creative power. If possible, visit a local store to handle both cameras, understand their workflow, and match them to your shooting style.

Happy photographing!

Appendix: Detailed Side-by-Side Features Table

Thank you for joining us in this detailed exploration. If you want to dig deeper into other cameras or require personalized advice, feel free to explore more of our expert reviews and guides. Your perfect camera is out there - let’s find it together.