Samsung NX100 vs Sony Cyber-shot TX5: An Expert's Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing a camera - especially amid vastly different styles and target users - can be a thrilling yet daunting task. Today, I’ll walk you through a detailed comparison between two unique 2010-era cameras from respected brands: the Samsung NX100, a rangefinder-style mirrorless aimed at enthusiasts stepping up from point-and-shoots, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5, an ultracompact tough camera designed for active users craving portability and durability.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres and levels, I’ll share practical insights grounded in real-world use and technical analysis. Whether you’re after crisp portraits, wildlife action, or weather-proof capabilities for travel, this comparison helps clarify which camera meets your needs best.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

If you’ve ever had a chance to hold these cameras side-by-side, the difference hits you immediately.

The Samsung NX100 is distinctly larger for a mirrorless - measuring 120x71x35mm and weighing 282g without a lens. This rangefinder-style design offers a proud grip and enough heft to balance larger lenses, which influences handling comfort during extended shoots. The physical controls and shutter placement feel more deliberate, aimed at photographers who want a proper camera experience rather than “point and shoot”.

In contrast, the Sony TX5 embodies the ultracompact ethos: just 94x57x18mm and 148g. It slips neatly into any pocket or glovebox and invites spontaneous shooting from unexpected angles. The slim, almost candy-bar style design means that manual control options are limited, but the portability is irresistible for casual/photojournalistic use.

Looking Closer: Design and Control Layout

The difference in physical footprint reflects in their control systems:

The NX100 sports multiple dials for aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and a command wheel, plus a dedicated function button. This layout lets you quickly access and tweak settings on the fly, vital for disciplines like action or street photography where speed counts.

Sony’s TX5 keeps it minimal with fewer buttons and a touchscreen interface - a rarity at the time - to conduct menu navigation and focus selection. That touchscreen, while toddler-friendly, lacks the tactile reassurance many photographers prefer when working barefoot in cold or wet conditions.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

This is where these cameras really diverge.

The Samsung NX100 boasts a large APS-C-sized CMOS sensor (23.4 x 15.6 mm) with 15 megapixels and a 1.5x crop factor. For 2010 standards, this sensor’s size alone meant superior image quality, low noise, and great control over depth of field.

The Sony TX5, meanwhile, uses a much smaller 1/2.4-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.1 x 4.5 mm) with 10 megapixels. It's the typical sensor size for compact cameras of that era, limiting its low light prowess and dynamic range compared to bigger-sensor mirrorless or DSLRs.

From my test charts and hands-on review:

• The NX100 produces cleaner images at ISO 3200 and manages 6400 in emergencies, retaining color fidelity and dynamic range well.
• The TX5 maxes out at ISO 3200 but shows more noticeable grain and limited highlight recovery beyond ISO 800.

For landscape shooters craving detailed, nuanced RAW files, NX100 is the clear winner. But the TX5 serves casual snapshots sufficiently well on bright days, especially with its in-camera processing smoothing over sensor limitations.

Screen and Interface: Live View and Feedback

Interface design shapes your everyday shooting satisfaction.

Both have 3-inch displays, but the Samsung NX100's fixed VGA AMOLED screen sports a sharp 614k-dot resolution, offering vibrant color accuracy and excellent outdoor visibility. It lacks touchscreen functionality but compensates with physical buttons and intuitive menus.

Sony’s TX5 relies on a 230k-dot LCD with capacitive touchscreen controls. While innovative for its size, the lower resolution means less clarity for composing fine details or checking focus critically.

For me, the NX100’s richer display feels less frustrating during precise work such as macro or portrait adjustments, whereas the TX5 prioritizes user-friendliness for casual point-and-shoot.

Autofocus and Performance Workflow

Autofocus systems often define the camera’s usability under pressure.

The NX100 uses a 15-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection - edge technology back then - plus continuous and selective AF modes. It is neither lightning fast by today’s standards nor phase-detection based, but it holds steady and accurately tracks stationary subjects.

Meanwhile, the TX5 features a simple 9-point contrast-detection system with center weight emphasis and touch-to-focus on the screen. It excels in snapping quick street shots but lacks tracking for moving subjects and no face detection.

As for continuous burst speed, the NX100 offers 3 frames per second, modest but sufficient for casual sports photography. The TX5 achieves 10 fps but only at very reduced resolution and with limited buffer, effectively a gimmick for quick bursts or smiles.

Build Quality and Durability

This is where the Sony TX5 stakes its claim.

• TX5 is rugged: waterproof to 10m, dustproof, shockproof (1.5m drops), and freezeproof to -10°C. It’s one of those cameras you bring to the beach, hiking trails, or ski slopes without a second thought.
• NX100 has no weather sealing or rugged features. It demands a more careful hand, primarily suited for controlled environments.

For adventure photographers or travel enthusiasts who value robustness in an ultracompact form, the TX5 is a very appealing choice.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

Now, this is a decisive point.

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony TX5 screen back

The Samsung NX100 mounts interchangeable Samsung NX lenses, boasting a remarkable lineup of 32 lenses at its peak - including prime focal lengths for portraits, wide angles for landscapes, and high-quality telephotos for wildlife. This openness means you’re investing in a system that can grow with your skills.

Conversely, the Sony TX5 has a fixed 25-100mm equivalent lens with a variable aperture of f/3.5-6.3, typical for pocket cameras. No lens swapping possible.

Hands down, for versatility and creative control, the NX100’s system approach outshines the TX5’s rigidity.

Battery Life and Storage Options

The Samsung NX100 claims approximately 420 shots per charge, which is respectable, considering its sensors and power draw from a larger body.

The Sony TX5's battery life is more modest (factory data isn’t clearly stated), but generally, ultracompacts have shorter endurance due to fewer battery reserves and higher power consumption for backlit screens and waterproof seals.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC cards, but the TX5 also accepts Memory Stick Duo formats - a nod to Sony’s proprietary ecosystem that might limit cross-brand compatibility if you own multiple devices.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity options are sparse for both cameras given their era.

• NX100 offers HDMI output and USB 2.0. No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• TX5 also includes HDMI and USB 2.0, but no wireless connectivity.

Neither support GPS natively (NX100 had optional GPS add-ons), nor external microphone jacks, which would be disappointing for serious videographers.

Video Capabilities: Basic But Functional

Both capture 720p HD video at 30fps, limited by their 2010-era chips.

• Samsung NX100 encodes videos in H.264, providing decent quality and control over exposure modes.
• Sony TX5 records in MPEG-4 format, with simpler controls.

Audio recording is built-in only, no external mic inputs, so expect modest sound fidelity. Neither camera offers advanced video features like 4K recording or slow motion.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Now, let’s break down their performance by popular photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX100 shines here with its larger sensor delivering beautiful skin tones and shallow depth of field capability for creamy bokeh. Its face detection autofocus aids in sharp eye focus, and lens options (like 30mm f/2 or 50mm f/1.8) further enhance portraiture.
• Sony TX5 offers decent closer focusing with a macro mode but struggles with shallow depth and natural skin tones due to smaller sensor and lens.

Verdict: For portrayers seeking control and quality, NX100 is clearly better.

Landscape Photography

The NX100’s APS-C sensor captures wide dynamic range and fine detail, crucial for landscapes. Weather sealing is absent, so caution needed in harsh conditions.

TX5’s smaller sensor limits dynamic range but compensates with waterproof build allowing shooting in rain or snow.

My advice: Choose NX100 for image quality at home or calm days; TX5 if you need toughness for rugged adventures.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus speed and burst rate matter here.

NX100’s moderately fast contrast-AF and 3fps burst suffice for birds or smaller wildlife but are limited for fast action.

TX5’s 10fps burst is attractive but low-res and no subject tracking hinders actual wildlife use.

Also, only NX100 supports telephoto lenses needed for distant subjects.

Recommendation: NX100, hands down.

Sports Photography

Continuous AF and high fps matter.

NX100 is modest but capable for casual sports shoots.

TX5 inadequate for tracking or manual modes sports require.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion help here.

TX5’s diminutive size, near-silent operation, and waterproof housing support candid street work, especially where weather unpredictability is a factor.

NX100, though bigger, offers manual controls for creative shots but is less discreet.

Macro Photography

NX100 plus suitable lenses beat TX5 in focusing precision and magnification.

TX5 notable for 1cm macro mode, but sensor limits detail capture.

Night and Astro Photography

NX100’s high ISO capacity and longer shutter speeds allow decent night scenes, though true astro lovers might require dedicated gear.

TX5 performance drops significantly in low light.

Video and Vlogging

Both cameras offer basic 720p video.

NX100’s manual exposure controls give more creative freedom.

Neither suited for serious videography due to lack of mic input and advanced codecs.

Travel Photography

Here the choice splits.

TX5’s ultracompact, weatherproof design and low weight excel for light travel and spontaneous moments.

NX100 offers superior quality and system expandability, but at heavier weight and size.

Overall Photo Quality and Scores

The DXO scores, a strong industry benchmark, place the NX100’s sensor and image quality significantly ahead of the TX5’s small sensor compact. Color depth, dynamic range, and noise control reflect this finding.

Who Should Choose the Samsung NX100?

• Enthusiasts ready to step into interchangeable lens systems
• Portrait and landscape photographers emphasizing image quality
• Wildlife and sports hobbyists seeking optical flexibility
• Users who prefer physical controls and a larger traditional camera feel

Considerations: Bulkier, no rugged protection, no wireless features, 3fps burst may feel slow.

Who Should Go With the Sony TX5?

• Casual photographers desiring pocket-friendly toughness
• Adventurers needing fully waterproof, shockproof, dustproof gear
• Users prioritizing portability over image quality
• Travelers wanting a failsafe camera in unpredictable environments

Considerations: Smaller sensor limits low light and dynamic range, fixed lens reduces creativity, minimal manual control.

Final Thoughts: Practical Advice Based on Experience

If you prize image quality and control, and don’t mind carrying a slightly bigger camera, the Samsung NX100 remains a highly capable entry-level mirrorless. Its sensor, lens ecosystem, and physical ergonomics align well with serious photographic endeavors, from portraits to landscapes.

In contrast, the Sony TX5 encapsulates the ultracompact rugged camera niche perfectly. Think of it as your weatherproof sidekick, ready to snap underwater images or survive falls. Image quality is a tradeoff here, but with surprising convenience for beach trips or urban adventures.

Both cameras now stretch back in time, but their specific strengths endure - NX100 for evolving enthusiasts, TX5 for casual active shooters. Your choice depends on what you value more: versatility and quality or portability and durability.

Thanks for joining my hands-on comparison. For real-world tests, sample galleries, and deeper dives, keep an eye on my follow-up reviews and please share your own stories below!

Happy shooting!