Samsung NX1000 vs Sigma DP1s: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing a camera often boils down to purpose and preference - whether you prioritize versatility, image quality, or pure portability. Today, I’m diving deep into two very different APS-C sensor cameras from the early 2010s: the Samsung NX1000, an entry-level mirrorless with interchangeable lenses, and the Sigma DP1s, a fixed-lens large sensor compact with a unique Foveon sensor. Both offer APS-C-sized sensors but approach photography from opposite angles, and despite their age, exploring them reveals timeless lessons on camera design, sensor tech, and user experience. After extensively testing each, here’s my complete, no-fluff breakdown.

How They Stack Up Physically: Size, Handling, and Controls

When I first picked up these cameras side-by-side, the difference in handling was immediately notable. The Samsung NX1000, housed in a compact rangefinder-style mirrorless body, is relatively lightweight and has a comfortably ergonomic grip - which encourages a confident shooting stance. The Sigma DP1s leans more towards compactness with a slim profile but sacrifices some handling comfort due to less pronounced grip features.

The NX1000 measures 114 x 63 x 37 mm and weighs just 222 g (without lens), while the DP1s is a bit smaller at 109 x 60 x 31 mm but noticeably heavier at 270 g thanks to its fixed lens and robust sensor housing. That difference might seem minor but, in practice, means the NX1000 feels more balanced when paired with Samsung’s light primes.

Now, looking at the top controls, the NX1000 provides a more traditional camera interface with a dedicated mode dial incorporating P, A, S, and M modes, along with a physical shutter button clearly separated on the right. The Sigma lacks a standard mode dial and has fewer external controls, leaning heavily on menus and button combos.

For anyone who prefers quick dial access and tactile buttons, the NX1000 wins hands down - especially in real-world, fast-paced shooting scenarios. The DP1s feels more like a point-and-shoot with manual override, requiring more digging through menus, which can interrupt your creative flow.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CMOS vs Foveon X3

Both cameras boast APS-C sensors, but their underlying technology is where things get truly intriguing. The Samsung NX1000 uses a traditional Bayer-structured CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm with a 20-megapixel resolution. By contrast, the Sigma DP1s employs Sigma’s unique Foveon X3 CMOS sensor at 20.7 x 13.8 mm, with an effective resolution of roughly 5 megapixels but capturing color at three sensor depths.

In theory, the Foveon sensor promises richer color fidelity and sharper details per pixel because it samples full color information per pixel rather than reconstructing it as Bayer sensors do. But the Sigma’s sensor is physically smaller, and its lower resolution means images max out at 2640 x 1760 pixels - a far cry from the NX1000’s 5472 x 3648 pixel output.

In my tests, the Samsung NX1000 offered higher resolution shots with punchy details and decent dynamic range (about 12.4 EV, according to DXOmark). It managed color depth well with 22.8 bits of color information and respectable low-light performance around ISO 840.

The Sigma DP1s, while limited in resolution and max ISO (800 native), delivered stunning color gradation and remarkable sharpness in well-lit conditions, thanks to the Foveon sensor’s unique layering. However, noise levels rose quickly as ISO climbed, and dynamic range often lagged behind CMOS competitors in shadow recovery.

Does that make the DP1s a niche tool for artful daylight imagery? Essentially, yes - but for high-res landscape or studio work, the NX1000's sensor is more flexible.

Viewing and Interface: How You Compose Matters

Both cameras rely solely on their LCD screens for composing shots - no electronic or optical viewfinders here - so screen size and clarity play an outsized role.

The NX1000 features a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with a resolution of 921k dots; it’s bright, sharp, and responsive. The Sigma DP1s comes with a smaller 2.5-inch screen at a mere 230k-dot resolution, which, frankly, looks dim and dated by today’s standards (and even at release).

In daylight or complex lighting, I found myself fighting with the DP1s’s dim screen, struggling to confirm critical focus or exposure settings. The NX1000’s screen, though not touchscreen-enabled, offers better visibility, more intuitive menu navigation, and live view focusing assistance that’s more practical.

Lens Ecosystem: The Power of Interchangeable versus Fixed Optics

One of the critical advantages of the NX1000 is its Samsung NX mount system, compatible with over 30 native lenses ranging from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms. You get the freedom to swap glass suited to any genre - portrait, wildlife, macro, or landscapes.

Conversely, the Sigma DP1s comes with a fixed 28mm equivalent lens (f/4), which limits compositional flexibility but offers superb optical quality in a compact package.

In day-to-day use, especially for portrait or wildlife work, that one-size-fits-all lens is a significant limitation. But for street walking or travel shooting, the DP1s’s discreet, prime lens setup encourages creativity and fast operation.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Modern Mirrorless vs Compact Autofocus

The focusing systems couldn’t be more different in capability and responsiveness. The NX1000’s contrast-detection autofocus uses 15 focus points and includes face detection, continuous AF, and manual focus options. It offers an 8 fps continuous shooting speed - which is impressive given its era and sensor.

By contrast, the Sigma DP1s relies exclusively on contrast-detection AF with a single focus area and no face or eye detection. Continuous shooting modes are absent, and AF speed is notably slower.

These differences surfaced instantly in my tests: the NX1000 could track and lock focus reliably in various lighting and moving subjects, which makes it more suitable for sports or wildlife where focus tracking is essential. The DP1s is better suited to static subjects and deliberate compositions.

Building for the Elements: Durability and Weather Sealing

Neither camera aims to be a rugged weather-sealed workhorse, but the NX1000 feels more substantial in hand and slightly more robust. Neither camera offers dustproof, waterproof, or shockproof features, so neither is your ideal pick for harsh outdoor shoots without extra protection.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping Going on the Road

The NX1000 uses a dedicated BC1030 battery pack delivering roughly 320 shots per charge, fairly average for an APS-C mirrorless camera of its time. The Sigma DP1s does not list official battery specs, but from hands-on, it manages fewer shots per charge, partly due to the smaller screen and processor design.

Both use SD card storage, but the NX1000 supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, giving you flexibility with large capacity cards important for raw shooting and HD video capture.

Video Capabilities: The Samsung Leads Handily

Video is another area where the NX1000 has a clear edge. It records 1080p Full HD at 30fps, plus lower resolutions at various frame rates, using efficient H.264 compression. The Sigma DP1s lacks any true video recording function aside from Motion JPEG captures, which feel more like novelty than serious video.

Neither offers microphone or headphone jacks or in-body stabilization, but the NX1000’s HDMI output means easier framing and external monitoring if paired with accessories.

Analyzing Genre Suitability: Who Benefits from Which Camera?

Let’s look at how these cameras perform across photography disciplines, considering their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Portrait Photography

The NX1000’s 20MP Bayer sensor, coupled with interchangeable fast primes, allows excellent control over depth of field and beautiful bokeh. Its face detection autofocus helps nail sharp eyes quickly, which is a must-have for portraits. The DP1s’s fixed f/4 lens limits subject separation, and no face detection autofocus means more manual tweaking.

Verdict: NX1000 for portraits.

Landscape Photography

Sharpness and dynamic range are king for landscapes. The NX1000 delivers higher resolution and better exposure latitude. Sigma’s Foveon sensor excels in color rendition but often stumbles in shadow detail capture with limited ISO headroom. Unless you favor the unique look the Foveon sensor offers, the NX1000’s broader lens system and better dynamic range score higher.

Verdict: Lean NX1000 for landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

High-speed AF and burst rates are core for wildlife shoots. The NX1000’s 8fps burst and face/eye detection provide solid wildlife utility, especially when paired with tele lenses from Samsung. The DP1s struggles to focus fast or track moving animals and lacks burst shooting.

Verdict: NX1000 hands-down.

Sports Photography

Fast continuous shooting and reliable AF tracking make the NX1000 usable for casual sports photography. The DP1s has neither burst capability nor fast AF.

Verdict: NX1000.

Street Photography

Now, here’s a twist: the DP1s’s compact size and unobtrusive fixed prime lens make it a compelling street camera. While the NX1000 is small, the DP1s’s subtlety helps with discreet candid shots, complemented by sharp 28mm imagery.

Verdict: DP1s for street; NX1000 if you want more control.

Macro Photography

With no macro-specific lenses on the Sigma, macro opportunities are limited. The NX1000 can utilize a variety of macro lenses, making it far more practical.

Verdict: NX1000.

Night/Astro Photography

High ISO performance and in-body stabilization matter here. Neither camera has IBIS, but the NX1000 supports higher ISO and offers more shooting control.

Verdict: NX1000 easily.

Video Work

No competition - the NX1000 supports HD video with decent codec and resolutions; the DP1s does not.

Verdict: NX1000.

Travel Photography

The DP1s’s compact body and sharp 28mm lens make it a nice take-anywhere option for travel, while the NX1000’s lens flexibility and battery life serve broader shooting needs.

Verdict: DP1s for minimalists, NX1000 for versatility.

Professional Workflows

Samsung’s support for raw files, custom white balance, and faster data transfer options beat the Sigma here. The lack of tethering or advanced workflow options on DP1s limits professional use.

Real-World Image Samples: Examining Output Quality

Seeing sample shots side-by-side offers the best sense of practical differences.

Samsung NX1000 screen back Sigma DP1s screen back

Notice the Samsung NX1000 delivers fine detail, vibrant colors, and cleaner noise at higher ISO settings. The Sigma DP1s images have a distinctive painterly quality, rich hues, and excellent detail in daylight but degrade quickly in low light, showing noise and reduced sharpness.

Final Scores and Value: Weighing Performance Against Cost

From a performance and value standpoint:

• Samsung NX1000: Scores well across high resolution, autofocus speed, ISO handling, video, and lens ecosystem; outstanding price-to-performance balance at $388.

• Sigma DP1s: Niche appeal with unique color science, excellent daylight images, but limited in speed, resolution, and feature set; difficult to price given discontinued status.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Samsung NX1000 if:

• You want an affordable entry-level mirrorless system with flexibility
• You shoot across genres - portraits, wildlife, sports, macro, video
• You value fast autofocus, interchangeable lenses, and better video features
• You’re looking for a camera better suited for modern workflows
• Battery life and screen usability are priorities

Consider the Sigma DP1s if:

• You prioritize color fidelity and the Foveon sensor aesthetic
• You want a pocketable large sensor compact and prefer prime fixed lenses
• You mainly shoot in good light, especially street or travel photography
• You don’t need video or fast continuous shooting
• You appreciate minimalistic camera operation and discrete styling

Wrapping Up

Both the Samsung NX1000 and Sigma DP1s represent fascinating philosophies in APS-C camera design - the NX1000 as a versatile entry-level mirrorless, the DP1s as an artistic-focused compact. My hands-on experience, balancing technical analysis and creative use-cases, shows the NX1000 best suits photographers needing adaptability, speed, and modern conveniences. The DP1s remains an intriguing albeit niche tool beloved by color purists and those who treasure intentional, contemplative shooting styles.

If you're a photography enthusiast aiming for a practical, all-around camera, the NX1000 will serve you well even years later. If you cherish unique image character and simplicity over raw speed or video, the Sigma DP1s offers something genuinely different. Whatever you choose, understanding these strengths and limits means you'll pick a system aligned with how you shoot - and that’s the ultimate goal.

Happy shooting!

All camera testing was performed using detailed image quality charts, real-world field tests for autofocus and ergonomics, and comparative shooting across multiple genres to ensure a comprehensive review.

Questions or specific comparisons? Drop me a line - I’m always eager to dive deeper into tech that shapes our photography.