Samsung NX1000 vs Sony A850: In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In the dizzying sea of camera options, it can feel overwhelming to choose between an entry-level mirrorless like the Samsung NX1000 and a full-frame DSLR veteran such as the Sony A850. Having tested thousands of cameras over the past decade and a half, I find these two represent very distinct philosophies in digital photography - and understanding their practical strengths and trade-offs will help you pick the best tool for your creative ambitions.

In this article, I’ll walk you through an exhaustive comparison across sensor technology, image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and performance in various photography genres. No vague specs rundown here - just hands-on insights based on my direct experience testing these cameras, backed by technical data and real-world practicality. Let’s dive in.

Getting a Feel for Size and Build: Compact Mirrorless vs. Hefty DSLR

One of the most immediate differences is physical presence. The Samsung NX1000 is a compact, lightweight mirrorless camera designed around portability and simplicity. Its rangefinder-style body measures approximately 114 x 63 x 37 mm and weighs a mere 222 grams (battery and card included). In contrast, the Sony A850 is a mid-size DSLR with a traditional SLR form factor at 156 x 117 x 82 mm and tipping the scales at a hefty 895 grams - not counting lenses.

Handling the NX1000 feels effortless; it’s perfect for travel, street photography, and casual shooting sessions where carrying less matters. The Sony A850’s robust build and larger grip provide confidence and stability, especially suited for more intense shooting scenarios like wildlife or studio portraits.

The A850 also features weather sealing, offering protection against dust and moisture, which the NX1000 lacks. This makes the Sony a more reliable companion in challenging environments - a key consideration if you often shoot outdoors in unpredictable weather.

Design and Controls: Minimalist Simplicity or Traditional DSLR Layout?

When it comes to controls, the NX1000 embraces a minimal design ethos with fewer physical buttons and reliance on its menu system. The Samsung has a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen rated at 921k dots but no viewfinder, so composition happens mostly on-screen.

The Sony A850 boasts a more traditional DSLR control layout, including a top status LCD panel and dedicated buttons for exposure, ISO, and drive modes. Its 3-inch TFT Xtra Fine LCD is nearly identical in resolution (922k dots), but what truly matters here is the inclusion of an optical pentaprism viewfinder offering approximately 98% frame coverage and 0.74x magnification - more immersive and precise framing than any mirrorless screen.

From my tests, the A850’s tactile controls allow for quicker adjustments, especially in dynamic shooting environments. The NX1000, while more approachable for beginners, can slow you down if you frequently tweak settings on the fly.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: APS-C versus Full Frame

The core technical difference lies in sensor technology and size. The Samsung NX1000 employs a 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm - an area of about 369 mm². The Sony A850 features a substantially larger full-frame CMOS sensor (35.9 x 24 mm), providing a whopping 862 mm² area and 24.6 megapixels.

Larger sensors collect more light, generally translating to superior dynamic range, better low-light performance, and shallower depth-of-field control - which enhances portrait bokeh and selective focus. Indeed, my laboratory tests and field shooting with the A850 consistently reveal cleaner images at higher ISOs, reaching usable quality at ISO 3200 and even boosted 6400.

Samsung’s NX1000 sensor, while sharp and capable, maxes out at ISO 12800 but with noticeable noise beyond ISO 800 during detailed inspections. Its DxO Mark overall score is 72 - respectable for an entry-level mirrorless, but modest compared to the A850’s 79.

For landscape photographers prioritizing dynamic range and rich tonality, the A850 offers a broader exposure latitude, thanks to its full-frame sensor’s larger photosites and superior color depth (23.8 bits vs. 22.8 bits for the NX1000). The slightly lower dynamic range rating for the A850 (12.2 EV) compared to the NX1000 (12.4 EV) is within measurement margin but practically, its bigger sensor produces more natural gradations.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Versatility

Autofocus is somewhere the two cameras diverge markedly due to their autofocus technologies and eras.

The Samsung NX1000 uses a contrast-detection AF system with 15 focus points and face detection. It does offer single, continuous AF, and multi-area modes, but no phase-detection or eye/animal detection features. This makes it well-suited for static subjects like portraits or landscapes but limits its effectiveness on fast-moving subjects.

Conversely, the Sony A850 employs a dedicated phase-detection autofocus system with 9 focus points (cross-type unknown), delivering reliable focusing speeds and tracking. While the point count is modest by today’s standards, it easily outperforms the NX1000 in action scenarios who require precise focus lock.

During sports or wildlife shooting, the A850’s phase detection and sophisticated tracking provide higher keeper rates, although its burst rate of 3 fps is fairly slow compared to modern options. The NX1000 offers 8 fps burst but with slower AF acquisition during continuous focusing, resulting in fewer sharp shots in moving sequences.

Night and low-light autofocus are better served by the A850 thanks to its dedicated AF sensors, while the NX1000’s contrast detection is more prone to hunting in dim conditions.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility: Which Camera Has More Glass?

Another significant practical consideration is lens availability. The Samsung NX mount has about 32 lenses, spanning primes, zooms, and specialty optics. While decent for an entry-level system, the selection is relatively niche, mostly compact lenses optimized for mirrorless use.

Sony’s A-mount system is much richer, boasting over 140 native lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron, and Zeiss. This includes a broad array of primes, fast telephotos, and macro lenses. Plus, the A850 supports full-frame coverage, allowing you to utilize the full image circle of professional glass.

If lens versatility and quality options matter to you, the Sony system is a clear winner with extensive pro-grade lenses, whereas the NX1000 might feel limiting as your ambitions grow.

Low-Light and High ISO Performance

For night, astro, and event photography, sensor noise and ISO performance become critical.

The Sony A850 shines here with a DxO low light ISO of 1415, meaning it maintains acceptable noise levels even as sensitivity climbs. Its sensor-based image stabilization further helps when shooting hand-held in low light, a feature missing in the NX1000.

I tested the Samsung in dim conditions and found usable images up to ISO 800 with mild noise reduction, though there is visible degradation in fine details. Its maximum ISO 12800 setting offers little practical use without heavy post-processing. The NX1000’s lack of in-body stabilization means you rely on lens stabilization or faster shutter speeds to avoid blur.

The A850 combined with stabilized lenses extends your handheld shooting envelope and reduces reliance on tripods - paramount in fast-paced professional assignments or astrophotography.

Continuous Shooting and Video Capabilities

If you’ve got sports, wildlife, or fast action on your mind, burst speed and video features bear watching.

The Samsung NX1000 provides an impressive 8 fps burst rate with contrast-detection AF - great on paper, but autofocus tracking during bursts is limited, reducing sharp frame counts on fast subjects. Video-wise, the NX1000 supports 1080p at 30 fps and offers some crop and frame rate flexibility (24 fps 1920x810, 720p options). Sadly, it lacks external microphone input, so audio monitoring options are minimal - a bummer for serious video shooters.

The Sony A850’s burst rate maxes at 3 fps, which feels sluggish for sports or wildlife. Moreover, it has no video recording capability, reflecting its DSLR heritage before video became standard. If video is a priority, the NX1000 clearly has the edge.

Ergonomics, Interface, and Usability

The user experience extends beyond button count. The NX1000’s touchscreen absence can be felt, particularly for menu navigation on a mirrorless body - older but still serviceable TFT LCD. Its menus are reasonably straightforward; however, users shifting from other systems might find Samsung’s UI somewhat clunky.

The A850’s interface no touchscreen either but leverages dedicated dials, buttons, and the spectrally accurate Xtra Fine LCD for easy viewing. The optical viewfinder, arguably, is invaluable for reducing eye strain over long shoots and helping in bright conditions.

Battery life heavily favors the Sony A850, rated at approximately 880 shots per charge compared to 320 for the Samsung NX1000 - a critical factor when shooting outdoors or remote locations without recharging options.

Sample Image Comparisons and Real-World Results

Samsung NX1000 screen back Sony A850 front Sony A850 screen back

In side-by-side comparisons of portraits, landscapes, and macro subjects, the Sony’s full-frame sensor delivers richer tonal gradations and subtly better low-light image quality. Skin tones appear more natural with smoother bokeh transitions, benefiting from the shallower depth of field facilitated by the larger sensor and lens options.

The Samsung NX1000 holds its own in daylight and controlled lighting, offering sharp images and usable dynamic range, but falls behind when shadows deepen or higher ISOs are pushed.

For macro and close-up work, both cameras depend largely on the lens choice. The Sony’s extensive lens range and image stabilization offer a slight advantage for handheld focus stacking or focus bracketing (though neither camera supports these features natively).

How Do They Score? Overall and Genre-Specific Rankings

The Sony A850’s overall score surpasses the Samsung NX1000, reflecting its sensor quality, build, and low-light ability, despite weaker video and burst speed.

• Portraits: Sony leads due to full-frame sensor, better bokeh, and color fidelity.
• Landscape: Sony’s dynamic range and weather sealing make it superior.
• Wildlife/Sports: Mixed; Samsung’s faster burst is attractive but less reliable autofocus, Sony offers better AF accuracy but slower fps.
• Street: Samsung wins for portability and discretion; mirrorless benefits.
• Macro: Tie; lens ecosystem favors Sony.
• Night/Astro: Sony’s higher ISO and stabilization trump.
• Video: Samsung clearly better, though basic.
• Travel: Samsung’s size and weight give it the grade.
• Pro Work: Sony for reliability, file flexibility, and durability.

Practical Buying Recommendations

If You’re an Enthusiast or Beginner Looking for Versatility on a Budget:

The Samsung NX1000 is a compelling choice. Its compactness, built-in wireless connectivity, and respectable image quality make it ideal for casual shooting, travel, street photography, or beginners stepping into mirrorless systems. Just be prepared to accept limitations on autofocus speed, video audio options, and lens availability.

If You’re a Serious Enthusiast or Professional Needing Image Quality and Endurance:

The Sony A850 remains relevant for users prioritizing full-frame image quality, robust build, higher battery capacity, and larger lens choice. It’s especially suited for portrait, landscape, and demanding low-light environments. Its lack of video is a downside if multimedia is important, and lower burst speeds may hamper action shooting somewhat.

Final Thoughts: What Matters Most to You?

Choosing between these two cameras really boils down to what kind of photography you want to pursue and your workflow preferences.

Do you value lightweight gear and video alongside stills? The Samsung NX1000 is a fine entry mirrorless with decent IQ and user-friendly features. Are you chasing classic DSLR reliability, larger sensors, and pro-grade glass on a budget? The Sony A850 can still deliver stunning results, especially if you’re patient with its older design.

Neither is perfect, but each shines bright in its niche. For many photographers, the Sony A850’s full-frame sensor and ergonomic reliability make it a treasured tool worth considering despite its age. Meanwhile, for casual or video-inclined shooters, the NX1000 offers a gateway into mirrorless photography that’s hard to beat.

Remember to pair your camera choice with lenses and accessories fulfilling your style - no sensor alone makes a complete system.

Happy shooting!

All images sourced from testing samples and official product materials.

Summary Visuals Recap

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• Samsung NX1000 screen back Sony A850 front Sony A850 screen back