Samsung NX1000 vs Sony NEX-6: A Deep Dive into Two Legacy Mirrorless Contenders

If you're exploring mirrorless cameras from the early 2010s era with APS-C sensors, the Samsung NX1000 and the Sony NEX-6 are two models that often come up. Though similar in some ways, they cater to different user needs and expectations, making understanding their strengths and weaknesses essential before considering purchase or collection.

We have spent dozens of full-day shoots, hands-on testing sessions, and image quality evaluations with both cameras. This comprehensive comparison will walk you through everything from sensor tech to ergonomics to genre-specific performance, helping you find your best fit between these legacy contenders.

First Impressions: Size, Design & Handling

One of the first things you’ll notice when handling these two cameras is their physical presence and control layout.

• Samsung NX1000 adopts a compact, lightweight rangefinder-style mirrorless design, weighing just 222g with dimensions of 114 x 63 x 37 mm.
• Sony NEX-6 is slightly bulkier, weighing 345g and measuring 120 x 67 x 43 mm.

While the NX1000’s ultra-lightweight build favors portability and street photography, the NEX-6’s larger body offers more firm grip and a robust feel, closer to a traditional DSLR.

Looking from the top, the Sony NEX-6 features more dedicated control dials and buttons, giving you quicker manual access, whereas the Samsung sticks to a minimalist top plate with fewer physical controls.

Ergonomics takeaway:

• Samsung NX1000 suits photographers valuing compactness and simplicity.
• Sony NEX-6 offers better manual handling and control customization, beneficial for advanced users and professionals who adjust settings on the fly.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Both cameras use APS-C CMOS sensors with a 1.5x crop factor, but their sensor resolutions and underlying technology differ.

Analysis:

• The NX1000’s higher resolution sensor is beneficial if you prioritize cropping flexibility and large prints.
• The NEX-6 sensor, though lower in megapixels, exhibits better dynamic range and color depth, reflecting cleaner color gradations, especially in JPEGs and raw files.
• The NEX-6’s superior low-light ISO performance provides less noise and more detail retention at high ISOs, crucial for indoor, night, and event photography.

In practical shooting tests, the Samsung delivers crisp, vibrant images under good lighting, but once light levels drop, noise levels become more apparent compared to the Sony.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing the Perfect Frame

User interface and framing options can hugely affect your shooting workflow, especially when shooting handheld or in bright daylight.

• Samsung NX1000 offers a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 921k dots.
• Sony NEX-6 features a 3-inch tilting "Xtra Fine" LCD with the same resolution but superior viewing angles and flexibility.

Additionally, while the NX1000 does not have any viewfinder, the NEX-6 sports an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2359k dot resolution and 100% frame coverage.

Practical impact:

• The NX1000’s fixed LCD can be challenging for low-angle or high-angle shooting.
• The Sony’s tilting LCD combined with EVF gives you much more flexibility outdoors and in bright environments where LCD glare might be problematic.

For photographers who often shoot in sunlight or want precise manual focusing, the EVF on the NEX-6 is a significant advantage.

Autofocus System: Speed and Accuracy Matter

For action, portrait, or wildlife photography, autofocus performance is a critical factor.

The NX1000 relies purely on contrast-detection AF, which tends to be slower and less reliable in low-contrast, low-light, or fast-moving subject scenarios. On the other hand, the NEX-6’s hybrid AF system uses phase detection points integrated on the sensor, resulting in faster and more precise autofocus lock, which is also better for video.

From real-world shoots, the Sony NEX-6 autofocus is noticeably snappier and more responsive for moving subjects, making it a better candidate for wildlife and sports enthusiasts.

Lens Ecosystem: Choices That Expand Your Creativity

Lens availability is vital as lenses define optical character and influence your creative possibilities.

• Samsung NX mount lenses numbered about 32 during the NX1000’s lifetime, consisting mostly of kit and general-purpose primes.
• Sony E mount features a vast range of over 120 lenses, including third-party options, pro-level primes, zooms, and specialist optics.

This matters significantly if you envision exploring various genres like macro, telephoto wildlife, or portrait prime work.

You’re more likely to find specialty lenses, fast prime lenses, and affordable third-party options for Sony E mount, giving the NEX-6 a substantial advantage in creative versatility.

Burst Rates and Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment

While these frame rates may seem modest by current standards, the NEX-6’s 10fps burst combined with faster AF sets it apart for sports and fast-action photography.

If catching fast wildlife behavior or decisive sports moments matters most, the NEX-6 offers you a better edge.

Video Capabilities: More Than Still Photography

Both cameras can handle Full HD video, but features vary.

• Samsung NX1000: 1080p at 30fps (H.264/MPEG4), no microphone/headphone ports, no 4K or advanced video features.
• Sony NEX-6: 1080p up to 60fps (AVCHD/MPEG4), built-in flash, no mic/headphone jacks but better codec efficiency, and timelapse recording support via apps.

For vloggers or casual video shooters, the NEX-6’s higher frame rate and better codec mean smoother and higher-quality footage.

Battery Life and Storage: Shoot More Without Worry

• NX1000 offers 320 shots per charge; NEX-6 edges slightly ahead with about 360 shots.
• Both utilize proprietary battery packs and accept standard SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, but the NEX-6 adds compatibility with Memory Stick formats for wider media options.

If you’re planning long shoots, the slightly improved battery performance of the NEX-6 provides minor convenience.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers significant weather sealing or ruggedness, reflecting their era and intended audience.

They suit careful everyday use but are not ideal for harsh environments or professional outdoor work in inclement weather.

Real-World Genre Breakdown: How These Cameras Perform

Image Samples: Initial Verdict on Color and Sharpness

Side-by-side samples from both cameras reveal that:

• The NX1000 produces cleaner 20MP files with fine detail when light is ample.
• The NEX-6 offers richer color rendition, smoother gradations, and better noise control, especially beyond ISO 800.

Samsung NX1000 screen back Sony NEX 6 front Sony NEX 6 screen back

User Interface, Connectivity, and Workflow

Both cameras forego touchscreen functionality but provide live view with manual controls.

• Wireless connectivity is built-in for both, but only Samsung offers optional GPS add-ons; Sony NEX-6 lacks GPS.
• USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are available on both, allowing wired tethering and external monitoring.

The Sony’s advanced BIONZ processor and menu system feel more fluid and responsive, enhancing your workflow in demanding situations.

Pricing and Value: What Will You Pay?

The price difference is negligible, but the Sony NEX-6 offers broader functionality and future-proofing through an extensive lens ecosystem and superior AF and video capabilities.

Summary Scores and Final Recommendations

Who Should Choose the Samsung NX1000?

• Entry-level photographers prioritizing a lightweight, compact camera.
• Those who want a higher resolution sensor for large prints and cropping.
• Budget-constrained buyers looking for decent APS-C image quality.

Who Should Go for the Sony NEX-6?

• Enthusiasts and semi-pros needing faster autofocus, better low-light performance, and advanced controls.
• Those who want an electronic viewfinder for critical framing.
• Videographers wanting flexible 1080p 60fps recording.
• Creatives seeking a larger lens selection for diverse photographic interests.

The Bottom Line: Our Expert Perspective

Both Samsung NX1000 and Sony NEX-6 are accessible gateways into APS-C mirrorless photography, but they speak to different audiences.

The Samsung NX1000 stands out for casual shooters who prize simplicity, lightweight ergonomics, and a high-resolution sensor for static subjects in controlled lighting.

The Sony NEX-6 is a more versatile, performance-oriented camera ideal for enthusiasts who want speed, compositional aid from a quality EVF, and robust video capabilities wrapped in a still easily portable package.

If you are on a journey to develop your photography seriously, investing in the NEX-6 will pay dividends in faster autofocus, better dynamic range, and precision handling. However, if portability and cost-efficiency top your priorities, the NX1000 remains an admirable choice.

Ready To Explore Further?

• Check out Samsung NX lenses if you pick the NX1000 to maximize your creative range.
• Get started with Sony E mount legacy lenses, many available for affordable prices.
• Find the right accessories such as external flashes, remote shutter releases, and protective cases for your chosen camera to elevate your shoots.

Both cameras still hold nostalgic value and practical capabilities that can serve as useful tools on your photographic path.

Thank you for joining us in this detailed examination! We hope it helps you find the camera that fits your creative vision and shooting style perfectly.