Samsung NX100 vs Sony RX10: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Serious Shooters

When it comes to choosing your next camera, the decision can be daunting - especially when considering options from well-respected brands like Samsung and Sony, whose models cater to distinctly different photographic needs. Today, I’m putting side-by-side the Samsung NX100, an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera that debuted in 2010, against the Sony RX10, a 2014 large-sensor superzoom bridge camera with an impressive 24-200mm fixed lens. Both have unique strengths and weaknesses shaped by their class, era, and technological ambitions.

I’ve spent many hours testing each under varied shooting conditions, from controlled lab tests to unpredictable field trials, scrutinizing every element from sensor performance to user experience. This comprehensive comparison will cover all critical photography genres and use cases, technical specifications, real-world shooting impressions, and ultimately, clear recommendations on who should consider each camera.

Feeling the Build: Compactness and Handling Insights

Let’s start with basics: size and physical ergonomics. The Samsung NX100 is a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera. Its slim, lightweight body weighs only 282 grams and measures 120x71x35mm, making it genuinely pocketable and appealing for those prioritizing portability. Its Spartan, minimalist design eschews bulk for simplicity.

Conversely, Sony’s RX10 is an SLR-style bridge camera, significantly larger and heavier at 813 grams and 129x88x102mm - nearly three times the weight of the NX100. This heft reflects its extensive built-in lens with a versatile focal length range and its bigger battery. The RX10's grip is generous, comfortable for extended shoots, particularly important given the camera’s pro-oriented features.

While smaller size can boost street and travel photography appeal for the Samsung, the Sony feels more substantial and reassuring in hand, especially benefiting those who shoot longer or require greater control.

Their control layouts reinforce these roles: NX100’s top plate offers minimalist dials and buttons tailored to beginners or enthusiasts adapting from compact cameras. The RX10, meanwhile, has an extensive array of dedicated controls - dials for ISO, exposure, and dedicated focusing assist buttons - catering to advanced users demanding rapid, tactile adjustments.

Sensor and Image Quality: Profound Differences in Imaging Core

The two cameras employ very different sensor formats, a fundamental determinant of image quality. The Samsung NX100 uses an APS-C CMOS sensor sized 23.4 x 15.6 mm with 15 megapixels resolution - typical of entry-level DSLRs/mirrorless cameras that aim to balance detail with noise performance.

Sony’s RX10 features a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 13.2 x 8.8 mm but offers a higher resolution of 20 megapixels. Being a back-illuminated sensor helps it gather light more efficiently, which partially compensates for the smaller physical size.

In my comprehensive lab tests and outdoor shoots, the APS-C sensor in the NX100 delivers richer dynamic range (about 10.7 EV measured on DxOMark) and stronger color depth (22.6 bits). This translates into smoother tone gradations and better highlight retention in challenging lighting. The jump to the Sony RX10 brings about a slightly higher overall DxOMark score of 69, reflecting improvements in sensor technology - especially in resolution and noise control at mid ISOs. Yet, its 1-inch sensor remains limited in low-light scenarios compared to the larger APS-C format.

Practically, the NX100’s sensor excels in landscape and portrait work where leveraging fine detail and tonal nuances is paramount. The RX10 shines with excellent sharpness due to modern sensor design and lens performance, excelling in scenarios demanding versatility across focal lengths.

Autofocus: Precision and Speed in Real World

Both cameras rely exclusively on contrast-detection autofocus systems; neither incorporates phase detection, unsurprisingly given their eras and class.

The NX100 sported 15 focus points with face detection, but continuous and tracking autofocus are limited (no tracking AF). The RX10 offers a bump to 25 AF points, including center-weighted and multi-area AF modes with face detection, enhancing its versatility.

From field trials shooting moving subjects, the RX10 clearly outpaces the NX100. At 10 frames per second continuous shooting (vs 3fps on NX100), and with faster AF acquisition, the RX10 handles sports and wildlife better by locking focus swiftly and sustaining focus on subjects in motion. The NX100 often struggles maintaining sharp focus on dynamic subjects, although it is adequate for still scenes and posed portraits.

For photographers prioritizing autofocus performance with action or wildlife, the RX10 is the clear winner. The NX100 is better suited for static compositions and more deliberate shooting.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Navigating Intuitively

While the NX100 opts for a fixed 3-inch AMOLED screen with limited 614k dot resolution, the Sony RX10 sports a tilting, higher-resolution 3-inch WhiteMagic LCD with 1290k dots, preserving visibility under harsh lighting. This extra fidelity in display avoids squinting and aids precise framing and reviewing.

Neither camera supports touchscreens, though their menu structures are logical. Sony’s RX10 interface is geared toward the enthusiast/pro spectrum, featuring illuminated buttons and knobs for a tactile shooting experience. The NX100’s interface resembles a beginner’s toolset but does not stifle creative manual control - practical aperture and shutter priority modes, exposure compensation, and bracketing round out a capable system.

The RX10’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) resolution at 1440 dots with 100% coverage is a crucial differentiator - essential for bright light or deliberate compositions - whereas the NX100 offers an optional EVF accessory (not built-in), making Sony’s design more complete in this department.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Interchangeable Flexibility vs All-in-One Convenience

The Samsung NX100’s biggest strength lies in the Samsung NX mount ecosystem, boasting 32 lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to specialized macro and telephoto optics. This flexibility empowers photographers to adapt the camera to any genre, from landscapes to wildlife, and experiment extensively with depth of field.

In contrast, the Sony RX10 has a fixed, high-quality Zeiss 24-200mm F2.8 zoom lens - a rare feature combination for a bridge camera. This lens covers an 8.3x zoom range while maintaining a constant, bright F2.8 aperture throughout. While lacking interchangeable options, this lens provides exceptional versatility for travel and event shooters who want a one-camera solution without juggling multiple lenses.

Photographers valuing adaptability and future lens investments will favor the NX100’s interchangeable system. Those needing immediate versatility in focal length and aperture, particularly for travel or walk-around shooting, will appreciate the RX10’s “all-in-one” lens.

Real-World Photography: How Do They Perform Across Genres?

Portrait Photography

The NX100’s APS-C sensor and 32-lens collection support shallow depth of field and attractive background separation. Face detection autofocus, combined with manual focus overrides, aid capturing pleasing skin tones and sharp eyes. Its 15MP sensor maintains excellent detail without overwhelming file sizes.

The RX10’s fixed lens F2.8 aperture permits smooth bokeh at telephoto ends but its smaller sensor naturally limits depth of field control. Yet, its robust autofocus and high-res EVF assist precise framing. Portraits look crisp and color rendition is pleasing but less creamy than the APS-C NX100.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution give the NX100 an edge here, critical for capturing extended tonal gradations and fine detail. Its APS-C sensor is ideal for shooting wide vistas, and paired with appropriate wide-angle lenses, it outperforms RX10’s smaller sensor and fixed zoom.

Weather sealing is absent on NX100, however, limiting outdoor rugged use. The RX10 offers mild environmental sealing, making it better suited to inclement conditions despite its smaller sensor. Its zoom range covers wide to moderate telephoto focal lengths, allowing flexible composition in landscapes too.

Wildlife Photography

The Sony RX10, with 10fps burst shooting and rapid autofocus, excels here. Though its sensor is smaller, the 200mm effective telephoto and constant aperture aid capturing erratic animal behavior. The NX100, with its slower shooting speed and basic autofocus, struggles in this demanding genre unless paired with long lenses and tripod.

Sports Photography

Again, the RX10’s faster frame rate, responsive AF, and robust build favor sports shooters who need rapid continuous shooting and tracking. The NX100 falls short in frame rate and AF tracking, making it less reliable for capturing fast action.

Street Photography

The NX100’s small form factor and discrete design make it ideal for street shooting. Its quiet shutter and ability for manual control help craft candid images without startling subjects.

While the RX10 provides better image stabilization and extended zoom, its bulk and louder zoom operations can impede discreet shooting - though the EVF helps with composing in busy, bright outdoor spaces.

Macro Photography

The NX100’s broad native lens options include dedicated macro lenses, providing precise focusing and high magnification for close-up work. The RX10’s fixed lens lacks true macro capability, limiting it mostly to close-focus but not extreme macro.

Night and Astro Photography

The NX100’s larger sensor with usable 6400 max ISO and clean highlight roll-off delivers superior low-light images with deeper blacks - a crucial factor in nightscape photography.

The RX10’s 1-inch sensor is noisier at high ISO but benefits from advanced in-camera noise reduction and optical stabilization for handheld night shots. However, for astro work demanding maximum sensor sensitivity, APS-C remains advantageous.

Video Capabilities

Samsung’s NX100 supports 720p video at 30fps (H.264 codec) but lacks microphone and headphone ports, limiting sound options.

The RX10 offers full HD 1080p recording at multiple frame rates up to 60fps, with high-quality MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. Importantly, it includes microphone and headphone jacks, enabling better audio capture - a boon for hybrid shooters.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

The RX10 provides some weather sealing - a rare feature in this segment - allowing more confidence shooting in challenging environments. The NX100 lacks weather or dust sealing, demanding extra care in the field.

Neither camera is waterproof, crushproof, or freezeproof, so their lifespan depends largely on user conditions.

Power, Storage, and Connectivity: What About Modern Convenience?

Both cameras share similar battery endurance, rated at roughly 420 shots. Real-world use reflects this equivalently, allowing a day of moderate shooting without exhausting reserves.

The NX100 utilizes the BP1130 battery, while the RX10 uses Sony’s NP-FW50 - both readily available.

In terms of storage, the NX100 supports SD/SDHC cards; the RX10 adds SDXC and Memory Stick options, extending capacity flexibility.

Connectivity is a stark contrast. Samsung’s NX100 lacks wireless features altogether, with only USB 2.0 and an HDMI port for wired transfers. The RX10, by contrast, incorporates built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for streamlined image sharing and remote control via smartphone apps - critical conveniences today’s photographers appreciate.

Pricing and Value Assessment: What Do You Get for Your Money?

The NX100 launched around $385 (now increasingly affordable on the secondhand market), positioning it as an accessible entry to mirrorless photography with APS-C perks.

The RX10, priced near $700 on release, commands a premium for its all-in-one zoom capability, built-in EVF, and pro-level features.

Our holistic performance rating (based on sensor quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and features) reflects this pricing gap.

Genre-Specific Performance Wrap-Up

To crystallize the comparison, here’s a quick snapshot of where each camera shines or struggles across popular photography types:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Choosing Your Best Fit

Who should consider the Samsung NX100?

If you’re stepping up from a compact camera or smartphone, desire a lightweight and affordable APS-C mirrorless system, and prioritize image quality and flexibility over speed, the NX100 is a solid entry point. Its interchangeable lens mount and classic controls empower creative growth in portrait, landscape, and macro photography without overwhelming complexity. The absence of wireless connectivity and basic video features should be factored in, but it remains a competent stills shooter.

Who is the Sony RX10 for?

The RX10 appeals to serious enthusiasts who want an all-in-one solution without juggling multiple lenses - particularly ideal for travel, event, wildlife, and sports shooting where versatility and rapid capture matter. The constant F2.8 aperture zoom lens, superior autofocus speed, and better video capabilities justify its higher price and bulk. Its modest weather sealing adds reliability in more adverse shooting conditions.

Summing Up My Experience

Over dozens of shoots, the NX100 impressed me with its image clarity and the joy of lens-swapping, but I often felt constrained by its slower performance envelope. The Sony RX10 won me over with responsiveness, flexibility, and video implementation suited for hybrid storytellers, although I was mindful that its smaller 1-inch sensor limits ultimate image quality, especially in low light.

Ultimately, these cameras deliver distinct value propositions tailored to different photographers. Armed with this detailed comparison and your specific needs, making the right call should be far less intimidating.

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back

I hope this in-depth, unbiased evaluation helps you in your quest for the perfect camera. If you have questions about particular use cases or want further insight into lens options or shooting techniques, feel free to ask - photography is a journey best taken with trusted guidance.

Happy shooting!