Samsung NX1000 vs Sony TX100V: Which Camera Fits Your Creative Journey?

When stepping up your photography game or simply exploring your options, choosing the right camera can feel overwhelming. Today, we dive into a detailed comparison between two distinct models from notable brands: the Samsung NX1000, an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2012, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX100V, a compact point-and-shoot from 2011. Both offer compelling features but cater to decidedly different audiences and shooting styles.

With over 15 years of hands-on camera testing, we’ll unpack each model’s technical specs, real-world performance, and practical use across various photography disciplines. Our goal is to empower you to find the camera that aligns with your creative needs, budget, and growth path.

Getting Acquainted: Size, Design, and Practical Ergonomics

Form Factor and Handling

The Samsung NX1000 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless body designed for users seeking DSLR-like control in a lightweight form.

• Dimensions: 114 x 63 x 37 mm
• Weight: 222 g (body only)
• No built-in viewfinder, but features a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screen (921k dots)
• Controls support full manual modes with aperture and shutter priority
• Uses Samsung NX lens mount compatible with 32 lenses

In contrast, the Sony TX100V is a ultracompact fixed-lens camera aimed at effortless, on-the-go shooting.

• Dimensions: 97 x 59 x 18 mm
• Weight: 147 g, highly pocketable
• Larger 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen with TruBlack technology for better contrast and clarity (1229k dots)
• No manual exposure modes, focusing on point-and-shoot simplicity
• Fixed 25-100mm equivalent f/3.5-4.6 zoom lens

Seeing this side-by-side reveals a clear size and usability gap.

The NX1000 offers more deliberate control but demands more from you in handling and lens changes. The TX100V is excellent for those valuing portability and quick snaps over in-depth shooting adjustments.

Top Control Layout

Handling isn’t just size - button layout and ergonomics dictate how intuitively you can shoot.

• The NX1000’s top view reveals traditional dials and a compact shutter button, optimized for quick setting changes.
• The TX100V uses minimal physical buttons, relying heavily on touchscreen input.

For tactile shooters, the NX1000 is preferable; if you prefer touchscreen simplicity and fewer moving parts, Sony’s offering fits the bill.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where Details Come Alive

Sensor Technology and Size

The heart of image quality lies in sensor size and technology:

Technical insight: The NX1000’s APS-C sensor is approximately 13x larger in surface area than the TX100V’s sensor. Larger sensors allow for better light gathering, resulting in improved dynamic range, lower noise, and richer color depth.

According to DxOmark benchmarks:

• NX1000 scores 72 overall with excellent color depth (22.8 bits), dynamic range (12.4 EV), and usable low-light ISO (~840).
• The TX100V lacks official DxO testing but generally benefits from the BSI-CMOS sensor’s efficiency for a compact, yet remains constrained by physical size and limited ISO.

Image Quality in Practice

• Samsung NX1000 delivers detailed, sharp images with pleasing skin tones and realistic colors. Its large sensor offers smoother gradients and better highlight recovery.
• Sony TX100V, while sharp for a compact, shows noise creeping in past ISO 800, with limited dynamic range impacting shadow detail.

For portraits or landscape photographers who value image fidelity, the NX1000 has a considerable edge.

Display and User Interface: Seeing What You Shoot

The rear screen is essential for compositions and reviewing your work.

• The TX100V’s OLED screen offers superior contrast, black levels, and viewing angles - the OLED technology is a standout at this price and category.
• The touchscreen allows for intuitive focus point selection and menu navigation.
• The NX1000’s screen lacks touch features and is less vibrant but contributes by providing a large, glare-resistant surface adequate for manual setting adjustments.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus Systems

• Samsung NX1000 offers 15 contrast-detection autofocus points, face detection, and continuous autofocus suitable for casual tracking.
• Sony TX100V relies on 9 contrast-detection points without face or eye detection - typical for compact cameras of its generation.

AF tracking and speed favor the NX1000 in most mixed-use scenarios, including portraits and slow-moving subjects.

Burst Mode & Shutter Range

Samsung NX1000 screen back Sony TX100V screen back

• The Sony achieves a slightly faster burst rate, but due to smaller buffer and slower write speeds, sustained shooting favors the NX1000.
• Faster shutter max speed on the Samsung enables better control in bright light and freezing fast action.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: Which Does What Best?

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX1000’s APS-C sensor and manual controls allow for greater depth-of-field manipulation and creamy bokeh with compatible lenses, ideal for flattering skin tones and eye-catching portraits.

• Face detection helps with focus accuracy, though eye detection - a more recent innovation - is absent.

• No built-in flash requires external flash units for fill light.

• Sony TX100V, with its smaller sensor and fixed lens, produces acceptable snapshots but lacks background separation and low-light control capabilities. Its built-in flash assists indoors.

Verdict: The NX1000 suits creative portraiture and beginners aiming to refine manual exposure and lenscraft.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution prove critical outdoors.

• The NX1000 shines with its dynamic range (~12.4 EV) allowing better detail in skies and shadow areas.

• The availability of numerous compatible lenses - from wide-angle to telephoto - provides flexibility.

• No weather sealing limits harsh environment use; you’ll want to stay cautious in inclement weather.

• The TX100V is less suitable for serious landscape shooting due to smaller sensor and modest aperture range.

• Ultra-compact design and internal GPS serve casual travel snapshots in good weather well.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Tracking fast-moving subjects demands fast autofocus and high frame rates.

• NX1000’s contrast-detect AF and 8 fps burst offer reasonable performance for casual wildlife and sports.

• External telephoto lenses can extend reach, but autofocus will lag behind modern hybrid or phase detection systems.

• TX100V’s fixed zoom and basic AF limit reach and responsiveness.

Practical advice: Neither camera is optimal for serious wildlife/sports photography, but the NX1000’s lens flexibility gives it clear advantage for beginners.

Street and Travel Photography

• TX100V’s compact size, light weight, and silent operation make it discreet and travel-friendly.

• OLED screen and touchscreen controls speed up shooting on the move.

• Built-in GPS automates geotagging, great for wanderers logging destinations.

• NX1000’s larger body and interchangeable lenses increase your carrying load, but manual control and larger sensor contribute to higher quality travel imagery when size is less critical.

Macro, Night, and Video Capabilities: Specialist Areas Explored

Macro Photography

• Samsung’s NX mount support grants access to dedicated macro lenses with high magnification and close focusing distances.

• Lack of image stabilization means tripod or steady technique needed.

• Sony TX100V’s fixed lens and optical stabilization provide moderate close-up ability but cannot match dedicated macro solutions.

Night and Astrophotography

• NX1000 supports ISO up to 12800 (albeit with noise), manual shutter control up to 30 seconds, and raw format shooting - essential for nighttime shooting and post-processing flexibility.
• TX100V maxes out at ISO 3200 and 2-second minimum shutter speed, limiting exposure control.

Video Recording

Sony’s ability to shoot Full HD at 60fps with optical stabilization makes it more compelling for casual video shooters, especially vloggers.

NX1000 lacks stabilization which can hamper handheld video.

Build, Connectivity, and Battery Life: Practical Usage Considerations

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers weather or dust sealing, requiring care in challenging environments.

Battery and Storage

• NX1000 rated 320 shots per charge using BC1030 pack
• TX100V battery life is unspecified but typically less due to OLED screen and compact form; packs NP-BN1 battery.
• Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with Sony supporting some proprietary Memory Stick formats.

Wireless Features

• NX1000 includes built-in Wi-Fi for image sharing and remote shooting.
• TX100V supports Eye-Fi connectivity (Wi-Fi via SD card) and has built-in GPS.

Connectivity Ports

Both offer:

• HDMI output for external viewing
• USB 2.0 for data transfer

Neither provides microphone or headphone jacks, limiting pro video work.

Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

The NX1000 systematically scores higher in photography genres requiring flexibility and quality. The TX100V excels in lightweight travel and casual creativity.

Who Should Choose Which? Practical Recommendations

Choose the Samsung NX1000 if you:

• Want to learn manual exposure and gain creative control
• Desire high image quality with a large APS-C sensor and lens flexibility
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or planned projects needing fine detail and dynamic range
• Are comfortable with a slightly larger camera and carrying extra lenses
• Value Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing from the camera

Choose the Sony TX100V if you:

• Prioritize ultimate portability and pocket-sized convenience
• Need a user-friendly, point-and-shoot style camera with touchscreen interface
• Enjoy casual travel photography with built-in GPS tagging
• Shoot video occasionally and want smooth, stabilized 1080p60 capture
• Desire touchscreen focusing for quick snaps without fuss

Closing Thoughts: Aligning Gear With Your Vision

In this comparison, the Samsung NX1000 stands out as a more serious entry-level mirrorless camera suited for photographers wanting to grow into manual control and lens versatility with exceptional image quality. It has limitations - no in-body stabilization, older AF system - but its large sensor still outperforms many compacts.

The Sony TX100V shines as an ultraportable shooter offering appealing video capture, a stunning OLED display, and ease-of-use for travel and street candid shots.

Both represent their respective design philosophies - from deliberate creative control to pocket convenience. If possible, get hands-on time with each to feel which matches your shooting style. Investing in the right camera boosts your creative confidence and helps you tell your stories exactly as you envision.

Let us know your priorities and shooting preferences - then explore accessories and lenses that maximize your new camera’s strengths. Your perfect shot awaits!