Samsung NX100 vs. Sony A33: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the right camera can be a challenging task, especially when weighing options that come from different design philosophies and target markets. Today, I bring my years of experience in testing and analyzing cameras to compare two notable entries from the 2010 era: the Samsung NX100, an entry-level mirrorless rangefinder-style camera, and the Sony SLT-A33 (Sony A33), a compact DSLR with a semi-transparent mirror. Both models appeal to beginners and enthusiasts looking for capable yet affordable cameras, but they differ significantly in design, functionality, and performance.

Having spent considerable time with each system, shooting across various genres and lighting conditions, I will unpack how these two devices perform in the real world, from portraiture to sports, alongside their technical strengths and weaknesses. This detailed analysis will help you understand which system best suits your photographic style and requirements.

Getting To Know The Contenders: Build, Controls, and Ergonomics

Before diving into image quality and performance, handling and interface are crucial considerations - I always encourage users to hold and operate a camera where possible. These factors directly impact shooting comfort during long sessions.

The Samsung NX100 sports a rangefinder-inspired mirrorless design that prioritizes portability over bulk. In contrast, the Sony A33 adopts a compact DSLR body with a traditional grip and the distinctive semi-transparent mirror mechanism.

• Samsung NX100 measures a modest 120 x 71 x 35 mm, weighing just 282 grams, making it a nimble companion for travel or street photography.
• Sony A33 is larger and bulkier at 124 x 92 x 85 mm and weighs 500 grams, roughly 75% heavier.

The size difference extends to control placement and handling:

• The NX100’s minimalistic top plate offers basic dials - though lacking a dedicated top display - fitting its entry-level mirrorless positioning.
• The A33 features a more robust layout with a mode dial, command wheels, and a built-in flash. This traditional control scheme may feel more familiar to DSLR users transitioning from film or standard DSLRs.

The Sony’s body robustness is evident but neither camera provides environmental sealing, which limits their use in harsh weather conditions. However, both exhibit quality construction for their class.

Ergonomics takeaway: If you prioritize compactness and unobtrusive design, the NX100 wins hands down. Those used to DSLR ergonomics or who want more direct control might prefer the Sony A33 despite the size.

Visual Feedback: LCD and Viewfinder Experience

As someone who frequently composes both through screens and viewfinders, I tested the LCD quality and EVF implementations extensively.

• The Samsung NX100 features a fixed 3-inch AMOLED screen at 614k-dot resolution. The AMOLED panel offers rich colors and great contrast, but its fixed position limits framing flexibility - especially in awkward angles.
• The Sony A33 has a fully articulated 3-inch LCD with a higher 921k-dot resolution, vastly improving framing versatility. This flexibility is a strong advantage for macro, video, and creative shooting.

Neither display is touch-enabled, so navigation depends on buttons and dials. Sony’s interface is more mature, providing a smoother live view experience with quicker autofocus feedback.

Looking through the viewfinder:

• The NX100 requires an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) accessory, which means you may rely mainly on the rear screen.
• The A33 includes a built-in EVF at 1,150k-dot resolution, covering 100% of the frame. This EVF mimics the DSLR experience without mirror noise, providing useful real-time exposure previews.

Screen and viewfinder verdict: If you often shoot outdoors in bright conditions or prefer eye-level framing, the Sony A33’s EVF and articulated screen offer better flexibility. The NX100’s AMOLED screen is superb for image review but less functional for complex compositions.

Sensor and Image Quality: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Color Fidelity

Both cameras pack APS-C sensors around 23.5x15.6 mm, but their sensor technology and image processing differ significantly. I examined raw files and DXO Mark data to objectively compare imaging capabilities.

• Samsung NX100 has a 15.0-megapixel CMOS sensor with DRIMe processing.
  • DXO scores: Overall 62, Dynamic range 10.7 EV, Color depth 22.6 bits.
  • Native ISO max 6400.
• Sony A33 utilizes a 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with the Bionz processor.
  • DXO scores: Overall 70, Dynamic range 12.6 EV, Color depth 22.8 bits.
  • Native ISO max 12,800, expandable to 25,600.

What this means in practice:

• The A33 delivers noticeably better high-ISO performance, essential for low-light situations such as indoor sports or night photography.
• Its broader dynamic range captures richer details in highlights and shadows, crucial for landscape photographers working with challenging light.
• Color depth is marginally better with Sony, translating to slightly smoother gradations and more accurate skin tones.

While the megapixel difference is negligible, sensor sensitivity and processing give Sony the edge in image quality, especially when pushing exposure latitude or shooting in dim conditions.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Tracking Subjects in Motion

Autofocus (AF) is another critical target for my evaluations, particularly for wildlife, sports, and action photography where speed and accuracy matter.

• The Samsung NX100 relies on a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points and face detection.
• The Sony A33 employs a hybrid phase + contrast detection AF system with 15 points, 3 of which are cross-type, along with face detection.

From extensive real-world testing:

• The NX100’s contrast-only AF is slower to lock focus, especially in dim or low-contrast scenarios. Continuous AF tracks moving subjects poorly and tends to hunt more.
• The A33’s hybrid system delivers faster autofocus acquisition in varied lighting, with less hunting. However, its continuous AF tracking is limited compared to modern mirrorless models - still, at the time, 7 frames per second burst shooting (continuous AF enabled) was impressive.

Unfortunately, neither camera supports advanced subject predictive tracking or animal eye detection, but both manage human faces adequately.

Shooting Styles and Genre Recommendations

Let’s deepen the analysis by exploring suitability across key photography disciplines, focusing on how each camera’s strengths and weaknesses manifest in practical use.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand accurate skin tones, smooth bokeh, and reliable eye detection.

• The NX100’s APS-C sensor delivers pleasing skin tones, especially rendered through Samsung’s DRIMe engine; the AMOLED display helps review subtle color gradations well.

• However, slower AF can be a drawback when shooting moving subjects or children.

• Lens ecosystem: Samsung’s NX mount offers 32 lenses, including some fast aperture primes suitable for shallow depth of field portraiture.

• The Sony A33’s sensor pairs with an extensive lineup of 143 Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses, a huge advantage in choosing purpose-built portrait glass.

• The built-in EVF facilitates precise focus, and face detection improves eye focus reliability.

• Faster continuous shooting and AF help capture fleeting expressions.

Winner: For studio or controlled portrait settings, the NX100 suffices, but professionals needing versatility and fast operation will favor the A33.

Landscape and Nature Photography

Here, sensor dynamic range, resolution, and weather durability are critical.

• The Sony A33, with superior dynamic range, allows more latitude in post-processing shadows and highlights - a boon when capturing sunrise or sunset scenes.

• The articulated screen helps frame from tricky angles over rocks or uneven terrain.

• The SONY's larger lens ecosystem includes excellent ultra-wide and macro lenses.

• The Samsung NX100’s sensor is competent, but more limited ISO and dynamic range may result in clipped highlights or crushed shadows in harsh conditions.

• Lack of environmental sealing means users must exercise care in moisture or dust-prone environments.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Both genres demand fast autofocus, high frame rates, and telephoto lens performance.

• Thanks to its 7 fps burst rate, and hybrid AF system, the Sony A33 significantly outperforms the NX100's 3 fps and contrast-only AF.
• The A33's support for Sony's vast telephoto lens catalog (143 lenses) means better access to specialized wildlife glass.
• Sony’s sensor’s higher ISO capability aids shooting in dim forest or dawn light.
• The Samsung NX100’s slower AF and frame rate limit its effectiveness here.

Street and Travel Photography

Portability and discretion are priorities.

• The NX100's compact, lightweight body excels for street photographers who need a small, eye-pleasing camera.

• Mirrorless design means quieter shooting.

• Samsung’s AMOLED screen aids quick image review on the go.

• Battery life is better on the NX100 (420 shots per charge vs. 340 on the A33).

• The Sony A33 is bulkier and noisier due to its SLT mirror, but the EVF aids composition in bright sunlight.

• Articulated screen is versatile for travel snapshots.

• More lens options ensure packing light with multipurpose lenses.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

Precision focusing is key.

• Both cameras lack advanced focus stacking or bracketing but offer manual focus aids.
• The Sony A33’s articulated screen is helpful for working at close angles.
• With more compatible macro lenses available for Sony mount, it offers greater system flexibility.

Night and Astrophotography

Low noise and long-exposure capabilities tested this.

• The Sony A33 shines with max ISO 12,800 and 25,600 expansion, providing cleaner images in night scenes.
• Both support Manual Exposure and Shutter Priority modes essential for astrophotography.
• Neither has built-in intervalometers or specialized exposure modes.
• The NX100’s max ISO 6400 may restrict image quality in very low light.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras provide HD video but target entry-level users.

• The Sony A33 delivers Full HD 1080p (60 fps) video recording with AVCHD format, plus a microphone port.

• Sony’s video autofocus is more reliable due to phase-detection AF.

• The articulating screen aids varied shooting angles.

• The Samsung NX100 maxes out at 720p (1280x720 at 30 fps) in H.264 format, lacks audio input, and has slower AF during video.

• Video enthusiasts will find the A33 far more capable.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

While both cameras target entry-level users, professionals may evaluate reliability, file formats, and ecosystem integration.

• Both support RAW file output, essential for high-quality workflows.
• The Sony A33 supports a wider range of storage including Memory Stick Pro Duo, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
• USB 2.0 ports on both are standard but lack modern options like USB 3.0 or tethering capabilities.
• Neither camera offers weather sealing, impacting rugged professional usage.

Technical Breakdown: More Than Specs on Paper

Here’s a quick recap of critical specs with a practical viewpoint:

Samsung NX100 screen back Sony A33 screen back

Performance Scores and User Ratings

Based on DXO overall metrics, real-world handling, and user feedback:

• The Sony A33 scores notably better for overall image quality and autofocus speed.
• The Samsung NX100 scores well on portability and color rendering.

If we break down scores by photographic genres:

• Sports/Wildlife: Sony A33 leads
• Landscape/Night: Sony A33 leads
• Street/Travel: Samsung NX100 edges on portability and discreetness
• Portrait: Close match, lean towards Sony’s lens selection advantage
• Video: Sony A33 clearly superior

Final Thoughts - Which Camera Should You Choose?

After exhaustive testing across disciplines, here is my verdict tailored to different users:

Choose the Samsung NX100 if you:

• Prioritize compactness and lightweight design for travel or street photography.
• Value an AMOLED screen for viewing vibrant images on the go.
• Shoot mainly in controlled lighting with lower burst or AF speed demands.
• Prefer a simple, easy-to-use camera with access to a decent lens range.
• Appreciate better battery life for longer shooting days.

Choose the Sony SLT-A33 if you:

• Need faster autofocus and higher continuous shooting speeds for sports or wildlife.
• Want better high-ISO performance and dynamic range for landscapes or low light.
• Want Full HD video with mic input for serious video use.
• Appreciate the built-in EVF with high resolution.
• Appreciate a large lens ecosystem with many specialty optics.
• Are okay with a bulkier, traditional DSLR-style form-factor.

Methodology: How Did I Test?

I personally carried and shot with both cameras during indoor and outdoor sessions, including:

• Portrait studio lighting setups with off-camera flash
• Fast-action wildlife in local parks and outdoor sports events
• Travel scenarios in urban and natural locations
• Nighttime street shoots and astrophotography experiments
• Video recording tests including manual focus pulls and handheld clips

All images were processed from raw files in Adobe Lightroom using baseline profiles to fairly gauge sensor noise and dynamic range.

Weighing Value and Longevity

Given the cameras’ age, prices quoted offer good value for collectors or those on a budget wanting solid APS-C performance.

• Samsung’s NX100 tends to be pricier owing to rarity, but offers an entry point into mirrorless systems conceived early in the market.
• Sony A33’s lower price and broader support for lenses and accessories make it a practical choice for newcomers wanting a more traditional DSLR experience with some modern benefits.

Summary: Quick Pros and Cons

Your Next Step

Both cameras represent thoughtful engineering for their time, but your choice boils down to what matters more - compactness and simplicity or speed and versatility.

If your heart beats for lightweight mirrorless freedom and casual photography, pick the Samsung NX100 and enjoy its superb AMOLED display and discrete handling. But if action shooting, video, or broad lens options drive your creativity, the Sony A33 still holds impressive capabilities.

Photography is deeply personal - so wherever your journey leads, be sure your gear empowers your vision.

If you found this comparison helpful, stay tuned for upcoming camera reviews at the intersection of technical rigor and practical insight. Happy shooting!

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