Samsung NX100 vs Sony QX100: A Detailed Comparison to Guide Your Next Camera Purchase

In the ever-evolving world of digital cameras, choosing the right gear can be overwhelming, especially when faced with options as distinct as the Samsung NX100 and the Sony Cyber-shot QX100. Both were innovative in their own right at launch - Samsung’s NX100 serving as an entry-level mirrorless option in 2010, while Sony's QX100 broke new ground in 2013 with an unprecedented lens-style design targeted at smartphone users wanting superior image quality. After putting both through extensive hands-on evaluations, ranging from technical lab testing to real-world photographic challenges, I’m here to break down their strengths, limitations, and ideal uses, helping you navigate which camera might best suit your photographic ambitions.

Understanding the Physical Design and User Ergonomics

The first point of encounter with any camera is its physicality - a factor that often predicts usability, comfort, and intuitive control.

The Samsung NX100's rangefinder-style mirrorless body is compact but substantial - at 120x71x35 mm and 282 grams, it strikes a balance between portability and a confident grip. The body shape provides tactile feedback reminiscent of classic mirrorless systems, with easy access to manual dials for aperture and shutter speed. This was a mature design choice for its time, catering especially to entry-level users who sought more control without intimidating bulk.

In contrast, the Sony QX100 is a lens-style camera, essentially a lens with a built-in sensor that lacks an integrated screen or viewfinder. At a compact 63x63x56 mm and just 179 grams, it is designed to be mounted on or tethered wirelessly to a smartphone - your phone becomes the control hub and screen. The QX100 challenges traditional camera form factors by forgoing physical intuition in favor of gadgetry and minimalism.

For photographers who value a handheld, complete camera experience with physical controls, the NX100 feels far more natural. The QX100, while intriguing, requires a shift in shooting style - integrating with the smartphone app’s touchscreen interface, which can introduce latency or connection glitches in practical use.

Control Layout and Top-Panel Intuitiveness

Control accessibility significantly affects shooting efficiency, especially when working quickly or in manual modes.

Samsung’s NX100 offers a structured top plate with a mode dial and shutter release positioned for immediate reach. While the buttons are non-illuminated - a sign of its era - the ergonomics are sound, reducing fumbling when adjusting settings on the fly. The NX100's physical aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual modes give a novice or enthusiast direct creative control without menu diving.

The Sony QX100, on the other hand, features no physical buttons outside basic shutter and power toggles on the lens module itself. This simplicity reflects its smartphone-dependent design - settings adjustments happen exclusively on the paired device’s touch interface. While this design minimizes bulk and mechanical complexity, it hampers rapid exposure changes and makes it impractical for traditional photographers desiring hands-on engagement.

In summary, the NX100 offers a more conventional and efficient control scheme, whereas the QX100 feels avant-garde but lacks tactile responsiveness.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Heart of the Capture

Of paramount importance is the image sensor: size, resolution, capability, and how these translate into final image quality.

The Samsung NX100 leverages a 15.0MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4x15.6 mm (365 mm²) - a respectable size by 2010 standards, delivering solid detail, dynamic range, and low-light aptitude. The APS-C format’s larger sensor area generally ensures better control over depth of field and higher image quality than the smaller sensors found in compact cameras or lens modules.

Sony’s QX100 is equipped with a 20MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8 mm, 116 mm²), notably smaller but equipped with backside illumination for enhanced light-gathering efficiency. Its fixed 28-100mm equivalent F1.8-4.9 lens complements the sensor, delivering sharp optics and shallow depth of field effects. While 1-inch sensors are smaller than APS-C, the QX100’s sensor outperforms typical smartphone imagers significantly - this was a major leap for mobile photographers seeking quality beyond pocket compacts.

In practical use, the NX100’s APS-C sensor creates images with richer tonality and better high ISO performance, evident in dynamic range tests where it scores around 10.7 EV (DxO Mark). The QX100, while crisper than standard smartphone cameras, falls behind in shadows and noise at high ISO due to sensor size and lens brightness limitations.

If ultimate image quality and versatility in diverse lighting are your priorities, the NX100 generally produces superior stills. The QX100 excels in portability and convenience but at the expense of noise control and dynamic range at the pixel level.

Viewing and Composing Your Shots: Screens and Viewfinders

How you frame and review images shapes the shooting experience deeply.

One major difference between these cameras lies in their live-view and composition methods. The NX100 sports a 3-inch AMOLED fixed screen with 614K-dot resolution - a vivid display for 2010. Its vibrant color and brightness help in framing and post-shot review, though the lack of touch sensitivity is a downside by modern standards. The optional external electronic viewfinder is absent, meaning composition relies on the LCD or external accessory.

Conversely, the QX100 has no built-in display or viewfinder at all. Users connect the unit wirelessly to their smartphone’s screen via the PlayMemories app, which streams the live view. This approach enables a large, familiar touch interface, offering manual or autofocus, zoom, and settings controls.

While app integration offers flexibility, it introduces dependency on wireless connectivity and smartphone compatibility - a double-edged sword affecting reliability in professional or fast-paced scenarios.

Manual and Autofocus Capabilities in Real-World Use

Mastering focus precision differentiates a competent photographer from an average shooter.

The Samsung NX100 provides a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points, including face detection. Despite lacking phase detection or animal eye AF, it handles static subjects well with reasonable speed. Continuous autofocus is supported but limited to slower burst rates (3 fps), constraining its use in fast action.

I found autofocus faster and more reliable outdoors under ample light but sluggish in low-light or challenging contrast conditions - a common trait in early mirrorless systems.

The Sony QX100, relying on contrast-detection AF as well, offers touch-to-focus on the smartphone screen. The fast 28-100mm lens aids subject isolation, but autofocus speed is moderate and not designed for tracking rapid movement. Its maximum shutter speed caps at 1/2000s, limiting capture of very fast motion.

For portraits or static scenes, both cameras perform adequately. However, wildlife or sports photographers will find neither truly responsive enough for advanced tracking needs.

Shooting Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s parse how each camera stands across primary photography disciplines to identify their sweet spots and compromises.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendition and eye detection robustness are crucial here.

The NX100 delivers warm yet neutral color profiles, helped by its APS-C sensor’s broad color depth (22.6 bits DxO). Facial recognition autofocus works solidly, helping maintain sharp eyes. The camera’s ability to pair with several Samsung NX lenses with wide apertures means achievable bokeh and subject isolation.

The QX100’s bright F1.8 aperture at 28mm translates to soft background blur for headshots but limited longer focal bokeh due to the smaller sensor and lens speed tapering to F4.9 at telephoto. While face detection works, dependence on smartphone latency makes precise focus sometimes less intuitive.

Verdict: For portrait enthusiasts wanting control and pleasing skin tones, NX100 stands out.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands dynamic range, sharpness, and weatherproof reliability.

Neither camera offers environmental sealing (no dust or moisture resistance), restricting use in harsh conditions.

The NX100’s larger sensor gives it an advantage in dynamic range (10.7 stops), valuable for capturing wide tonal ranges from shadows to highlights. The 15MP resolution means prints or crops retain texture and detail.

The QX100’s 20MP sensor has higher resolution but less dynamic range; coupled with a smaller sensor, it struggles with shadow detail in high contrast scenes. Its fixed lens focal range covers wide to moderate telephoto, but manual exception of ND filters or graduated filters is limited due to lack of native lens accessories.

Overall, the NX100 suits serious landscapes better; the QX100 serves casual travel landscapes well.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed and burst capacity matter most here.

The NX100’s 3 fps burst and 15 AF points are modest. Autofocus lacks dedicated tracking algorithms or cross-type sensors, so it’s unreliable for fast wildlife or sports action. The lens ecosystem is somewhat limited, and the camera lacks built-in stabilization, though some lenses provide optical IS.

The QX100 doesn’t support burst shooting or continuous AF, rendering it unsuitable for demanding action photography.

If you shoot wildlife or sports seriously, neither is optimal, but the NX100 affords more flexibility with lenses and manual modes.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and quick responsiveness define street cameras.

Here, the QX100 shines due to its small size and silent operation when wirelessly driven. When mounted on a smartphone, it blends into typical device use, avoiding unwanted attention.

The NX100 is bulkier and less discreet but offers faster operational readiness and physical control.

If stealth and mobility are crucial, the QX100 edges ahead, provided you accept some latency.

Macro Photography

Macro demands precision focusing and close-range capabilities.

The NX100's manual focusing and compatible lenses enable closer focusing distances, though dedicated macro lenses are necessary for truly high magnification.

The QX100’s lens can focus as close as 5 cm, a decent macro capability for casual use. However, lack of manual focus precision and app control delays can affect framing exactness.

Neither camera is a dedicated macro specialist, but the NX100 offers more growth potential via lenses.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and exposure control are vital here.

The NX100, with native ISO 100–6400, delivers better noise control and longer exposure via shutter speeds up to 1/4000 second and 30-second bulb modes. It supports manual exposure modes and offers custom white balance and raw shooting.

The QX100 max shutter speed is 1/2000 second; longest exposure unclear, lacking manual exposure control. ISO starts at 160, and raw mode is unavailable, limiting post processing.

Hence, NX100 is more attuned to night photography's demands.

Video Recording Capabilities

Videographers will note stark contrasts.

The NX100 offers HD video (720p) at 30 fps with H.264 encoding. No microphone input exists, and stabilization details are unclear, limiting prosumer video applications.

The QX100 records full HD 1080p @30 fps via MPEG-4, optimized for smartphone integration. Optical image stabilization improves handheld footage stability marginally.

Both lack advanced video codecs, frame rates, or professional audio control, restricting serious video work.

Travel Photography and Workflow Integration

For travel, weight, versatility, and battery life dictate convenience.

The NX100 weighs 282 g and handles various APS-C lenses, offering flexibility. Battery life is decent (420 shots per charge), and SD/SDHC storage options are straightforward.

The QX100, lighter at 179 g, rides on smartphone functionality, meaning you carry fewer physical accessories but rely on mobile battery and memory card formats (microSD, Memory Stick Micro). Battery life is limited (200 shots), meaning spares or power banks are practically mandatory.

When it comes to file formats, the NX100 supports raw files for in-depth post-processing - a boon for professionals - while the QX100 lacks raw capture, limiting editing breadth.

Build Quality and Durability Considerations

Neither camera boasts environmental sealing or rugged features. Both avoid moisture, dust, or shock resistance, making proper care necessary for outdoor use.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity is increasingly vital.

The NX100, introduced in 2010, lacks built-in wireless features, requiring tethering via USB or optional GPS. It features HDMI out with USB 2.0.

The QX100 embraces wireless integration with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling swift pairing with smartphones - a core design philosophy. It lacks HDMI but has USB 2.0 for charging or PC connection.

For seamless social media sharing or remote operation, the QX100 has a clear edge.

Battery Life and Storage Specifics

The NX100 uses a proprietary BP1130 battery rated for 420 shots per charge backed by a single SD/SDHC slot.

The QX100 relies on NP-BN batteries with half the endurance (200 shots), and can use microSD or Memory Stick Micro cards.

If extended shooting sessions are anticipated, the NX100’s larger battery life is preferable.

Evaluating the Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Samsung’s NX mount offers about 32 lenses (at time of writing), including primes and zooms, macro and telephoto, providing adaptability for all genres.

The QX100 is a fixed-lens system with no interchangeable options.

For photographers who prioritize flexibility and future lens upgrades, NX100 wins hands down.

Price-to-Performance and Overall Value

At launch, the NX100 was priced around $385, with the QX100 about $268, reflecting divergent design philosophies.

Our comprehensive performance index rates the NX100 higher overall thanks to sensor size, manual controls, and image quality, while the QX100 scores better in portability and wireless convenience.

Detailed Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

Notably:

• Portraits: NX100 excels due to lens versatility and skin tone management.
• Landscapes: NX100's larger sensor and dynamic range preferred.
• Wildlife/Sports: Neither ideal, but NX100's AF system marginally better.
• Street: QX100 favored for discreet operation.
• Macro: NX100 offers better lens options.
• Night/Astro: NX100 superior ISO and exposure control.
• Video: Both limited; QX100 marginally better resolution.
• Travel: QX100’s size is a strong point; NX100’s versatility is better overall.
• Professional Workflows: NX100 supports raw and manual control, critical for professionals.

Real-World Image Quality Samples: Side-by-Side Comparisons

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony QX100 front Sony QX100 screen back

Observing the samples, the NX100’s images reveal richer textures and better shadow detail, especially in challenging lighting. The QX100’s images are sharp with pleasant color rendition but show higher noise and restricted dynamic range in darker areas.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both the Samsung NX100 and Sony QX100 embody different philosophies - NX100 is an entry-level, traditional mirrorless camera offering broad manual control, larger sensor advantages, and a lens system suitable for growth. The QX100 is a clever, compact lens-style camera designed for integration with the smartphone-centric photographer seeking convenience and portability over full manual control and system extensibility.

Choose the Samsung NX100 if:

• You want hands-on control with physical dials and buttons.
• You prioritize image quality, especially in low light and challenging dynamic range situations.
• You plan to experiment with different lenses or pursue various photography genres.
• Raw file support and offline workflow are important.
• You’re comfortable with a more traditional camera body and ergonomics.

Choose the Sony QX100 if:

• You desire ultimate portability and seamless smartphone integration.
• Your primary goal is casual photography with significantly better quality than smartphone cameras without carrying a bulky system.
• You mainly shoot portraits, street, or travel images where stealth and ease of sharing are appreciated.
• You can accept limited manual controls and no raw support as trade-offs for convenience.

Closing Note

From my extensive hands-on evaluation - hours of shooting in diverse conditions, side-by-side sensor tests, usability assessments, and post-processing workflows - the Samsung NX100 emerges as the more capable traditional mirrorless camera for serious enthusiasts and prosumers. The Sony QX100 remains a remarkable concept, particularly groundbreaking in merging camera optics with mobile devices, but its niche use case limits appeal for photographers seeking full-featured control and professional-grade results.

I encourage readers to weigh these insights alongside their shooting style, priorities, and budget to make a choice that maximizes creative satisfaction and photographic growth.

For further technical deep dives and sample images, explore our expanded test galleries and metadata reports.

Thank you for trusting my experience and candid assessment. Happy shooting!