Samsung NX100 vs Sony RX10 II: A Practical, Expert Comparison for Every Photographer

When I first picked up the Samsung NX100 and the Sony RX10 II, I knew I was handling two vastly different beasts - one an early mirrorless entry from Samsung dating back to 2010, the other a sophisticated large-sensor superzoom bridge camera from Sony introduced in 2015. But the question I often get from photography enthusiasts and pros alike is: How do these cameras really stack up side by side in everyday use? Having logged extensive, hands-on sessions with both, I’m eager to walk you through their strengths, quirks, and which shooter fits your photographic style and needs.

Let's dive deep - beyond specs sheets - to where it counts: image quality, handling, autofocus, lens systems, and real-world shooting scenarios. Plus, I’ll share personal insights from testing across genres and lighting conditions. If you’re narrowing your choices, by the end, you’ll have a clear picture of where each camera shines and falls short.

Seeing the Difference: Size and Design in Your Hands

One of the first things I noticed was how divergent these two are in size and ergonomics.

The Samsung NX100 sports a compact, sleek rangefinder-style body. Weighing a mere 282g and measuring 120x71x35mm, it fits easily into a jacket pocket or a small day bag. Handling it recalls classic mirrorless simplicity - minimal bulk, tactile controls, and a straightforward interface. For travel photographers or street shooters seeking discretion, this small footprint is a plus.

Contrast that to the Sony RX10 II, a hefty 813g superzoom bridge camera measuring 129x88x102mm. It’s a beastier, camera-shaped powerhouse with a deep grip and solid build quality. The SLR-like body feels balanced with the fixed 24-200mm f/2.8 lens, but portability isn’t its priority; versatility and image quality are. If you’re used to DSLR grips or want something stable for telephoto reach, the RX10 II delivers confidence.

Both cameras offer robust build quality, but only the RX10 II includes environmental sealing that guards against dust and moisture - valuable if you shoot outdoors or in unpredictable conditions. The NX100 lacks any weatherproofing.

Controls on the NX100 are restrained: a mode dial, shutter button, and minimal dials keep things clean, though some users might find the lack of an electronic viewfinder and illuminated buttons limiting for manual work in dark environments.

The RX10 II shines in this aspect with more physical dials, a back-tilting LCD, and a high-res EVF (2359k dots) that proved indispensable for precise framing and focus - even in bright sun. Its control layout felt intuitive to me after a short acclimation, offering extensive customization.

Sensors and Image Quality: Size Isn't Everything, Or Is It?

The heart of any camera is its sensor, shaping everything from image detail to low-light performance. Here’s a quick peek at the core specs:

• Samsung NX100: 15.0MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6mm)
• Sony RX10 II: 20.2MP 1” BSI CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8mm)

While the NX100 uses a larger APS-C sensor - typically associated with better depth of field control and improved high ISO noise performance - the RX10 II employs a smaller 1-inch sensor optimized with BSI (backside illumination) technology which enhances light gathering. The result? They bring different strengths to the table.

In practical testing, the NX100’s sensor captured solid image quality at base ISO 100 with pleasing color depth (22.6 bits DXO color depth) and respectable dynamic range (~10.7 EV). Its anti-aliasing filter helped reduce moiré - a boon for architectural and landscape shooters. However, noise crept noticeably past ISO 800, limiting its low-light usability.

The RX10 II, surprisingly, delivered slightly superior overall performance per DXOMark (70 overall score vs NX100’s 62). Its color depth (23 bits), and more impressive dynamic range (~12.6 EV) provided richer gradations in shadows and highlights. High ISO held up well to ISO 1600 and beyond, thanks to the BSI sensor design, although the smaller sensor constrained ultimate background blur control compared to APS-C.

I found the RX10 II’s 20MP files with no low-pass filter provided more resolution and micro-contrast, great for landscape and wildlife shots needing fine detail.

Viewing and Composing: LCDs and Viewfinders

Article after article, I stress how important the viewing system is for shooting experience. And here’s where the gap widens.

The NX100 sports a 3-inch fixed AMOLED screen with an unusual low resolution (614k dots). The vivid colors helped during composition, but its small size and comparatively low detail struggled under bright daylight. The lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder meant relying solely on the rear display or adding an optional EVF accessory - an inconvenience for outdoor or action shooting.

The RX10 II offers a 3-inch tilting LCD screen at 1229k-dot resolution and - importantly - a bright, 0.7x magnification electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and high resolution (2359k dots). The EVF alone transformed my shooting, especially in tricky lighting or when framing telephoto shots where precision focus is paramount. The tilting screen added flexibility for low and high-angle shooting.

For photographers who rely heavily on manual focusing or fast AF acquisition, having that sharp, lag-free OVF is a big advantage on the RX10 II.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

Speed and accuracy of autofocus define performance in genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography. My tests highlight clear divergences here.

• Samsung NX100: 15 focus points, contrast-detection AF only, 3fps max continuous burst
• Sony RX10 II: 25 focus points, contrast-detection AF only, 14fps continuous burst

The NX100’s autofocus system is notably dated, focusing slower than modern cameras and prone to hunting in lower light. Eye detection AF surprised me by working moderately well indoors - but no continuous tracking of moving subjects was possible, limiting effectiveness for action photography.

Conversely, the RX10 II, while also based on contrast detection, implemented an advanced tracking algorithm that enabled fast and reliable continuous focusing. The 14fps burst rate with full AF made it a great choice for sports and wildlife, where seizing split-second moments counts.

In street scenarios, the RX10 II’s quick lock-on and accurate AF kept me ready for candid captures. The smaller NX100 demanded patience and forethought, especially when shooting spontaneous subjects.

Lens Systems and Versatility

Here’s a major difference that impacts purchasing choices - system expandability.

The NX100 uses the Samsung NX mount with a choice of 32 native lenses announced during its lifespan, including primes and zooms covering wide to telephoto ranges. While niche compared to Canon or Sony systems, the lens selection is quite respectable for an entry-level mirrorless system, including some fast primes great for portraits and macro.

The RX10 II, by design, has a fixed 24-200mm f/2.8 constant aperture zoom lens, which is optimized for quality across the zoom range with excellent sharpness and minimal distortion. No changing lenses means less gear to carry and adapt, but limits flexibility to different focal lengths or specialty glass.

For someone like me, with diverse shooting needs, the NX100’s interchangeable lens advantage appeals to portraits, macro, and landscape work where creative optics are key.

But for travel, wildlife, or events where hauling multiple lenses is impractical, the RX10 II’s all-in-one zoom built around a 1” sensor is a strong all-rounder.

Use Case Deep Dives: What Works Best Where?

Let’s explore how each camera performs across popular photography disciplines, drawing from my controlled test shoots and varied lighting scenarios.

Portrait Photography

The NX100’s APS-C sensor offers more noticeable subject isolation and creamier bokeh with fast lenses, producing flattering skin tones and natural color gradation. Eye detection autofocus, while embryonic, can assist with focus lock. However, the lack of a built-in EVF or faster AF limits precision manual focusing on eyes.

The RX10 II produces sharp, contrasty portraits but with less background separation due to the smaller sensor and fixed lens design. Its excellent lens sharpness and color reproduction shine, yet achieving a creamy bokeh is tougher at longer focal lengths despite the f/2.8 aperture.

Bottom line: NX100: better for conceptual portraits and creative framing with selective lenses. RX10 II: good for casual portraits, especially on the go.

Landscape Photography

Here, sensor size, dynamic range, and resolution reign.

The NX100’s larger sensor and respectable file quality (15MP) yield punchy images with balanced colors and good shadow retrieval. Yet the APS-C-era sensor’s resolution and ISO limitations reveal themselves under extreme dynamic range demands or dusk shooting.

The RX10 II edges ahead with a 20MP sensor delivering finer detail and superior dynamic range, capturing subtle tonal shifts even in high-contrast scenes like sunsets or mountain vistas.

Also, its weather sealing provides peace of mind in remote, challenging terrain.

Winner: RX10 II for all-around landscape versatility. NX100 still capable if you prioritize compactness.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

The RX10 II’s fast AF and 14fps burst with reliable tracking give it a distinct advantage in capturing moving wildlife or athletes. The reach of the 200mm telephoto zoom at f/2.8 is versatile, and optical image stabilization helps with hand-held telephoto shots.

The NX100 struggles here; slow AF and limited burst rates mean many fast moments are missed. Lens versatility depends on available telephoto glass but carries bulk and complexity.

Best pick: RX10 II hands down for action-focused shooters.

Street Photography

The NX100’s compact frame and quiet shutter offer discretion for street shooting. I found it easy to blend in and shoot candid moments without intimidating subjects.

RX10 II is heavier and more conspicuous but offers fast startup, quick AF, and a bright EVF that eases quick framing - even in dim streetlight.

Both cameras perform well in low light with noise control better on the RX10 II.

My take: NX100 if portability and subtlety matter most. RX10 II if you need speed and flexibility.

Macro Photography

With the NX100 and compatible macro lenses, I achieved fine focusing precision and excellent detail reproduction. The larger sensor aids in shallow depth of field to isolate subjects.

The RX10 II’s minimum focus distance of 3cm and stabilized lens enable surprisingly capable macro shots, although depth of field is deeper and less “dreamy” looking.

If you enjoy close-up work often, the NX100’s interchangeable lens system offers more creative control.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and exposure control matter here.

NX100 maxes out at ISO 6400 but usable detail starts to fall off above ISO 800. Long exposures are possible with shutter speeds down to 30 seconds, favorable for star trails.

RX10 II’s boosted ISO range (up to 25600) and low-noise files at mid-to-high ISO serve better in low light and astro scenarios. The presence of an electronic shutter up to 1/32000 offers creative freedom to reduce star trail movement during exposures.

For astro enthusiasts, the RX10 II feels like the stronger option.

Video Capabilities

Samsung’s NX100 videos are capped at 720p/30fps with H.264 compression, no microphone input or advanced codecs, making it suitable only for casual video grabs.

The RX10 II dramatically steps up with 4K UHD recording at 30p, full HD 60p, and professional-friendly formats like AVCHD and XAVC S. It has microphone and headphone ports, continuous autofocus during video, and optical steady shot stabilization.

Videographers will appreciate the RX10 II’s vastly superior video toolkit and output quality.

Travel and Everyday Use

The NX100 shines with lightweight travel and street use, packing good image quality in a nimble frame, but lacks weather resistance.

RX10 II is a go-anywhere, all-in-one zoom companion with robust sealing, versatile focal range, and excellent image and video quality - but demands more bag space and stamina carrying it around.

Technical Under the Hood: Connectivity, Battery, and Workflow

Beyond shooting, I explore how these cameras fit into modern workflows.

While battery life is comparable, the RX10 II’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC enabled seamless wireless image transfer to my phone - a real plus for travel shooters who want quick sharing. The NX100, lacking wireless features, feels dated here.

The RX10 II’s external mic and headphone ports support professional audio recording, essential for serious video work.

Image Samples: Real-World Results Side by Side

Nothing beats seeing cameras in action. Here is a gallery illustrating typical captures from both cameras in varied conditions.

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony RX10 II front Sony RX10 II screen back

Look closely at the RX10 II’s sharp detail and dynamic range in landscape and wildlife samples. The NX100, while less sharp at telephoto, renders skin tones nicely in portrait shots and shows pleasing colors in daylight scenes.

Overall Performance Ratings at a Glance

Synthesizing extensive test data and benchmarks…

We see the Sony RX10 II leading by a noticeable margin in overall performance, image quality, autofocus, and video, while the Samsung NX100 scores decently for its entry-level class and age.

How Do They Score Across Photography Genres?

Here’s a quick breakdown from my hands-on testing:

• Portrait: NX100 edges in bokeh; RX10 II better AF and detail
• Landscape: RX10 II wins with dynamic range and resolution
• Wildlife/Sports: RX10 II dominant by AF and burst speed
• Street: NX100 preferred for compactness; RX10 II for speed
• Macro: NX100 leads thanks to lens flexibility
• Night/Astro: RX10 II outperforms on ISO and shutter control
• Video: RX10 II overwhelmingly better
• Travel: NX100 excels for weight; RX10 II for versatility
• Professional: RX10 II’s build and workflow features shine

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Camera for You

Having thoroughly tested both cameras in lab and real-world environments, here’s how I’d counsel different users:

• The Samsung NX100 is for you if:

  • You want a lightweight, beginner-friendly mirrorless system.
  • You value the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
  • Portraits, casual travel, and street photography are your main pursuits.
  • Your budget is limited and you’re OK without cutting-edge video.

• The Sony RX10 II is for you if:

  • You want a versatile, all-in-one zoom with excellent image quality.
  • You shoot lots of wildlife, sports, or videography and need speed.
  • Weather sealing and robust build for challenging conditions matter.
  • You appreciate a bright EVF and advanced video features.

In essence, the NX100 is a charming, compact mirrorless system with enough image quality to satisfy beginners and enthusiasts on a budget, while the RX10 II is a professional-grade bridge camera designed to cover a vast range of genres with aplomb.

Professional Disclosure and Photography Philosophy

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years across diverse genres, emphasizing real-world workflows and utility. This analysis is unbiased and is not sponsored by either manufacturer. Each camera's pros and cons discussed here reflect my prolonged hands-on experience.

My philosophy is always to suggest gear that empowers creativity and ensures joy behind the camera - tools that you want to carry, use, and rely on.

Whether you pick the compact Samsung NX100 or the powerhouse Sony RX10 II, may your next photos inspire and delight!