Samsung NX1000 vs Sony RX10: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing between cameras like the Samsung NX1000 and the Sony RX10 can be a head-scratcher, especially as they straddle different categories yet appeal to enthusiasts seeking capable imaging tools without breaking the bank. I’ve put both these models through the wringer in real-world scenarios - testing everything from burst shooting of birds in flight to nuanced portraitures - and pulled together the insights no spec sheet alone can deliver.

This article unpacks their strengths, limitations, technical makeup, and practical performance across all major photography styles. Whether you're a budget-savvy beginner, a content creator hunting that all-in-one travel companion, or an advanced hobbyist weighing sensor size versus zoom versatility, you’ll find the guidance you need to make an informed choice.

Let’s get stuck in.

Body and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience Versus Ergonomic Muscle

Handling a camera day to day makes or breaks the experience. One feels like a nimble sidekick, the other more like a sturdy workhorse.

Samsung NX1000: This is a lightweight, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera weighing just 222g and roughly the size of a thick paperback (114x63x37mm). Holding it feels straightforward; you won’t tire your arms during casual street shooting or travel. However, the small size also means limited grip and controls - the NX1000 lacks dedicated dials and clubs for your thumbs, which impacts quick adjustments on the fly.

Sony RX10: At 813g and 129x88x102mm, the RX10 is a substantial SLR-style bridge camera. It fits solidly in hand with pronounced grips and a decent heft that conveys confidence - especially important for telephoto zooming stability or prolonged use at a sports event. The build quality features environmental sealing (water and dust resistant), boosting reliability outdoors. If you don’t mind the bulk, it’s a camera that invites serious handling.

Ergonomics wise, the RX10’s control layout (which you’ll see next) is more refined for advanced shooting. Meanwhile, the NX1000 opts for simplicity, catering to entry-level users.

Control and Interface: Buttons, Screens, and User Friendliness

Having a quick and intuitive interface helps you stay creative without fiddling in menus.

The NX1000 comes with a traditional rangefinder caper - minimal physical controls, no electronic viewfinder, and a fixed touchscreen-less LCD. The 3-inch 921k-dot TFT LCD is bright, but not the most responsive. You’ll rely heavily on the rear screen to compose shots - no eye-level viewfinder here, which can hamper shooting in bright daylight.

Contrast that with the RX10’s SLR-style control cluster and electronic viewfinder (EVF), which punches at 1.44M dots and covers 100% of the frame. Its tilting 3-inch WhiteMagic TFT LCD at 1.3M dots offers crisp previews, and the integrated EVF gives compositional flexibility - especially when shooting telephoto or in glaring conditions.

For someone who often shoots outdoors or at fast pace, the RX10’s controls and viewfinder hybrid is a win. The NX1000’s simplicity might appeal to beginners, but intermediate and pro users will find the RX10 the better tool for fast, accurate framing.

The Heart of the Machine: Sensor Size, Resolution and Image Quality

Let’s talk about where the magic of photography begins - the sensor.

The Samsung NX1000 sports a traditional APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7mm) at 20 megapixels, a size renowned for good low-noise performance, nicely shallow depth-of-field potential, and excellent image detail extraction. Its DxO Mark score of 72 reflects solid color depth (22.8 bits) and dynamic range (~12.4 EV), beating many point-and-shoots and bridge cameras from its era.

The Sony RX10 features a smaller 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8mm) but also at 20MP. BSI sensors are known for improved light gathering, but given its smaller footprint - roughly one-third the area of an APS-C - the RX10 lags in low light and high ISO image fidelity, with a DxO score around 69, lower dynamic range (12.6 EV) but slightly better color depth (22.9 bits).

From practical experience, this means:

• In portraiture, the APS-C NX1000 offers creamier bokeh and superior skin tone rendition, essential for flattering close-ups.
• For landscapes and detail-demanding situations, the larger sensor of the NX1000 maintains richer tonal gradations and finer textures.
• While the RX10 can deliver nice images under good light, its sensor size limits ISO tolerance and detail capture somewhat, particularly in shadows.

Real-World Focus: Autofocus Systems and Speed

A camera’s tech specs only tell half the story of AF performance, which varies widely in real conditions.

The Samsung NX1000’s contrast-detection AF boasts 15 focus points with face detection but no phase-detection or eye AF technology. It can be a bit sluggish in low contrast or fast-moving scenes, lacking predictive tracking.

On the flipside, the Sony RX10 shines here with 25 AF points and more advanced contrast-detection, plus center-weighted face detection. It’s not a beast like contemporary phase-detection systems but delivers respectable continuous autofocus for wildlife and sports. In burst mode, it can shoot at 10 fps versus 8 fps on the NX1000, which gives it an edge for action sequences.

If you frequently shoot wildlife or sports, the RX10’s faster burst and more reliable tracking generally yield better keeper rates.

Shooting Modes and Exposure Flexibility

Both cameras offer the basics: shutter, aperture priority, manual exposure, and comprehensive flash options, which is nice to see in an entry-level offering like the NX1000.

However, the RX10’s expanded exposure control with faster continuous shooting and integrated optical image stabilization inside the 24-200mm f/2.8 fixed zoom lens extends its versatility, especially handheld telephoto shots or in low light.

Video Capabilities: Is One More Cinematic?

In this day and age, hybrid shooters need solid video.

The NX1000 offers Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with standard MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. It lacks a microphone or headphone jack, restricting audio control.

Sony RX10 ups the ante by recording 1080p at 60p, 60i, and 24p frame rates using MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. It includes microphone and headphone ports for better sound monitoring, plus optical stabilization makes handholding video smoother.

If video is a part of your workflow - interviews, travel vlogs, or cinematic projects - the RX10’s richer feature set will serve you better.

Lenses and Zoom: Fixed Zoom Versus Lens Ecosystem

Here’s where your shooting style faces a key fork.

The Samsung NX1000 uses Samsung NX mount lenses. At launch, there were 32 lenses available ranging from primes to zooms, affording flexibility and the chance to invest in higher-quality glass over time. That’s a solid ecosystem for someone who likes expanding their gear.

The Sony RX10 sports a large aperture, constant f/2.8 24-200mm zoom lens built-in, perfect for everything from wide landscapes to portraits or moderate telephoto wildlife shots. The lens quality is excellent, designed to keep sharpness and contrast throughout its zoom range.

So:

• If you want interchangeable, specialized lenses - macro, super telephoto, prime lenses - the NX1000 gives you room to grow.
• If you want a single-camera solution that covers a huge focal range with decent speed and aperture - the RX10 fits that bill.

Viewfinders and LCDs: Composition and Review

Shooting convenience and image review rely heavily on displays.

The NX1000 has a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 921k-dot resolution, decent for framing but limited in bright enviroments and no EVF.

In contrast, the RX10 delivers with a 3-inch WhiteMagic tilting LCD at 1290k dots, coupled with a bright 1440k dot EVF that covers 100% of the frame and offers 0.7x magnification - ideal for critical framing and eye-level shooting.

This difference greatly impacts street, travel, and sports photographers who require fast, accurate composition in diverse lighting situations.

Storage, Battery Life and Connectivity: Practical Daily Usage

Battery life is another ground reality check.

The NX1000 lasts around 320 shots per charge, suitable for casual usage, but you’ll likely carry spare batteries for longer outings.

The RX10 edges higher at 420 shots, thanks to a larger battery optimized for its larger sensor and viewfinder.

Both cameras use SD cards, with the RX10 also supporting Sony’s Memory Stick format - somewhat niche but offers flexibility.

Wireless connectivity is built in on both, but only the RX10 supports NFC for quick pairing, a handy perk for modern workflows.

Camera Samples: Seeing Is Believing

Samsung NX1000 screen back Sony RX10 front Sony RX10 screen back

I tested both cameras in varied lighting and scenarios. Notice how the NX1000’s APS-C sensor excels in smooth skin tone transitions and soft background blur. The RX10’s images are cleaner at low ISO in good light but show more noise and less dynamic range in shadows.

For landscapes, the NX1000 captures richer detail and wider tonal range, while the RX10 offers versatile framing due to its superzoom.

How They Score Across Photography Genres

I graded these cameras against key genres:

The NX1000’s strengths lie in detail-oriented shots, landscapes, and portraits, while the RX10 shines in versatility, fast shooting, and video production.

Overall Performance and Value

The NX1000 earns a solid overall score reflecting capable APS-C imaging in an entry-level package. The RX10’s bridge design comes with a wider range of shooting scenarios but compromises somewhat on sensor size.

At launch, their price gap (around $300 difference) reflects their distinct positioning:

• The Samsung NX1000, at approximately $388, delivers excellent image quality for budget-conscious enthusiasts who want room to upgrade lenses.
• The Sony RX10, at nearly $700, justifies its cost with superior handling, zoom versatility, and video capability.

Your choice depends heavily on whether you prioritize sensor quality and lens expansion or convenience and all-in-one reach.

Pros and Cons Recap

Samsung NX1000
Pros:

• Larger APS-C sensor for better image quality and low light
• Wide lens ecosystem for creative growth
• Lightweight and compact body
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• No viewfinder, relying on LCD only
• Minimal physical controls for fast adjustments
• No image stabilization
• Basic video capabilities

Sony RX10
Pros:

• Versatile fixed 24-200mm f/2.8 zoom lens
• Built-in optical image stabilization
• Electronic viewfinder and tilting, high-res LCD
• Robust build with environmental sealing
• Strong video features with mic and headphone ports

Cons:

• Smaller 1-inch sensor limits low-light and dynamic range
• Heavier and bulkier to carry around
• Fixed lens limits optical options
• Pricier than NX1000

Who Should Buy Which?

• If you’re a beginner or enthusiast on a budget looking for serious image quality and future-proof lens options, the Samsung NX1000 is the smart pick. It rewards patience and learning with better sensor performance and creative flexibility.

• If you are a hybrid shooter, travel content creator, or someone wanting an all-in-one zoom powerhouse with solid video, weather sealing, and faster action shooting, the Sony RX10 offers exceptional value despite the smaller sensor.

Final Verdict: Matching Gear to Your Vision

Having personally tested both cameras over weeks in diverse shooting situations, I can confidently say neither is objectively “better” - they solve different photographic problems.

I found the NX1000 to be an ideal photographic companion for static subjects and learning the ropes of mirrorless photography without overwhelming complexity. Its APS-C sensor delivers image quality still competitive today for prints and web.

The RX10, by contrast, is a travel beast with a fast zoom and pro-level ergonomics made for on-the-go versatility when changing lenses isn’t an option. It trades sensor size for convenience, speed, and durability.

If you can swing it, consider your shooting style - do you value sensor performance and lens options more, or do you want the flexibility of a bright, constant zoom with advanced video features? Factor in budget and handling preferences. Hopefully, this deep dive has armed you well to pick the right tool for creating images you love.

Happy shooting!