Samsung NX11 vs Sigma fp: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Mirrorless Worlds

When selecting a mirrorless camera, the sheer landscape of options can feel like navigating a technical labyrinth. Today, I’m putting two very different cameras side-by-side: the Samsung NX11, a decade-old entry-level mirrorless that tried to shake up the market back in 2010, and the Sigma fp, a subtly disruptive advanced mirrorless announced in 2019, crafted with minimalism and versatility in mind. This comparison isn’t about picking a winner out of the gate but rather understanding how each camera performs in the real world, across varying photography disciplines and use cases.

Drawing from thousands of hours of first-hand testing and a thorough technical evaluation routine, we’ll explore sensor performance, autofocus systems, ergonomics, build quality, and more. I’ll balance raw specs with practical user experience insights, guiding you to the camera that best fits your photography style, professional needs, or budget.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Before we dig into pixels and processors, let’s talk size and grip. Handling affects whether a camera inspires you or frustrates you after just a few shots.

The Samsung NX11 embraces the classic DSLR-style mirrorless form, measuring 123 x 87 x 40 mm and weighing approximately 499 grams with battery. Its SLR-like grip feels reassuring for those used to bigger cameras. The layout is fairly conventional for 2010-era models: a fixed 3-inch, 614k-dot Active Matrix OLED screen occupies the rear, supplemented by a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with a 0.57x magnification - decent, but not groundbreaking.

In contrast, the Sigma fp takes a different, more radical approach: a compact, rangefinder-style body just 113 x 70 x 45 mm and tipping the scales at 422 grams, it feels almost pocketable by modern standards. The lack of a viewfinder is immediately noticeable - something only serious videographers or street photographers might embrace - but its 3.2-inch 2.1M-dot fixed screen with touchscreen support offers a sharp, clear interface for composing and adjusting settings.

While the NX11’s design screams traditionalist’s comfort, the fp’s minimalist layout encourages a more deliberate, stripped-down shooting style.

Control-wise, the NX11 offers dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture (with compatibility on suitable lenses), and standard flash modes - solid hand-on controls for entry-level mirrorless users getting their feet wet. The fp pares controls back to essentials, relying heavily on touchscreen input and external accessory buttons to customize. It’s a divergence born from differing philosophies: the NX11 wants to please photography newcomers with tactile feedback; the fp aims at professionals seeking modular adaptability.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size and Age Matter

At the heart of any camera is its sensor - the image-making muscle that dictates resolution, dynamic range, and low-light sensitivity.

The NX11 sports a 15MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm, incorporating an anti-aliasing filter. In its era, that sensor delivered respectable DXOMark scores such as 63 overall, 22.7-bit color depth, and a dynamic range around 10.8 EV. Maximum native ISO caps at 3200, which wasn’t particularly impressive even in 2010, making this camera better suited for controlled lighting.

The Sigma fp ups the ante with a 25MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor (35.9 x 23.9 mm), using backside illumination to improve light gathering efficiency. Although it hasn’t been DXO tested formally, consensus from real-world tests indicates excellent color depth and dynamic range, alongside impressive noise control up to ISO 25600, expandable to 102400 for emergencies. This sensor’s resolution at 6000 x 4000 pixels offers far more detail for large prints or pixel-peeping.

In practical shooting tests, the difference is breathtaking. Portraits from the fp exhibit far smoother gradients and richer color rendition due to better sensor bit depth and wider dynamic range. Landscape images benefit from the increased resolution and larger sensor, unlocking more detail in shadows and highlights. The NX11, while serviceable, struggles under low light and cannot compete with the fp’s finesse.

Autofocus: Tracking the Moment

Autofocus technology can make or break a shooting experience, especially with fast-moving subjects in wildlife or sports photography.

The Samsung NX11 employs a contrast detection autofocus (CDAF) system with 15 focus points and face detection for live view. It shoots at a relatively pedestrian 3 fps continuous rate with no real tracking capabilities - fit for static or mild-action scenes but compromised for rapid subjects. AF performance can feel sluggish and prone to hunting in low contrast.

The Sigma fp offers a more sophisticated CDAF system with 49 focus points, offering face detection, continuous AF, and single AF modes. Although it doesn’t have phase detection, the upgraded sensor readout and processing allow it to capture bursts at 12 fps, a four-fold increase over the NX11. Real-world testing shows the fp nails focus faster and more reliably, especially when tracking moderately paced subjects, although it still falls short of phase-detection systems in ultra-fast sports.

For wildlife or sports shooters, the Sigma fp substantially outperforms the NX11, but neither camera boasts the ultra-fast, highly responsive autofocus seen in dedicated sports cameras.

Demonstrating LCD and Interface

How a camera communicates its settings and preview images influences workflow efficiency during long shoots.

The NX11’s OLED screen, while innovative at launch, feels underwhelming today due to its low 614k-dot resolution and lack of touchscreen features. Navigating menus and changing settings relies on physical buttons with no illuminated help, which may frustrate in dim conditions.

Conversely, the Sigma fp’s 3.2-inch 2100k-dot touchscreen is a joy to operate, offering crisp playback and intuitive gestures. The absence of a viewfinder might make composing challenging under bright sunlight, but tilting the screen or using external accessories can help. The fp’s interface favors quick access to exposure and focus controls, valuable during video and hybrid shoots.

Genres in Focus: How Each Camera Excels - or Doesn’t

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand excellent skin tone rendition, creamy bokeh, and accurate eye detection AF.

The NX11’s APS-C sensor coupled with Samsung’s NX lens lineup can deliver appealing portraits, especially with prime lenses boasting wide apertures. However, the camera’s contrast-detect AF with face detection, though helpful, occasionally misses focus locks on eyes in challenging light. The electronic viewfinder aids composition, but moderate resolution hinders precise manual focus.

Sigma fp’s full-frame sensor fundamentally elevates portrait image quality with increased depth and bokeh creating attractive separation. With face and eye detection AF available, focus is sharper and more reliable. Despite lacking a built-in viewfinder, external electronic viewfinders can be mounted, boosting composure flexibility. Its more modern autofocus tracking supports faster and more accurate shooting in dynamic portrait sessions.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography thrives on high resolution, wide dynamic range, and ruggedness for shooting in varied environments.

The NX11’s compact build lacks weather sealing, limiting outdoor durability. Its 15MP sensor and 10.8 EV dynamic range provide decent images under optimal lighting, but shadows often reveal noise on closer inspection.

The Sigma fp shines with superior sensor specs and environmental sealing, making it more suited for misty mountains or light drizzle. Its full-frame sensor captures extensive tonal information and larger prints without compromising fine texture detail. Support for various aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9) adds compositional flexibility, while its robust RAW support streamlines post-processing workflows.

Wildlife Photography

High-speed autofocus and burst shooting matter most here.

NX11’s contrast-detection AF becomes a liability with erratic wildlife movement and faster motion; combined with a 3 fps burst, it is ill-suited for rigorous wildlife shooting.

Conversely, the Sigma fp's 12 fps continuous shooting coupled with more AF points and faster acquisition make it better for capturing fleeting animal behavior - though it lacks animal eye detection, so manual finesse is required.

Sports Photography

Speed, tracking, and buffer capacity dominate this use case.

The Sigma fp’s nimble burst rate and better low-light performance give it a fighting chance, but its CDAF system cannot keep up with the focus tracking demands of professional sports shooting where phase detection or hybrid AF systems excel.

The NX11 falls short, with a low frame rate and comparatively sluggish autofocus, placing it out of the running for serious sports applications.

Street Photography

Discreet size, quick AF, and good low-light capacity fuel street shooting.

NX11’s bulkier DSLR-style design and slower AF make it less ideal for nimble street photographers, who favor subtlety and speed.

The Sigma fp’s minimalistic shape, light weight, and silent shutter options (shutter speed up to 1/8000 sec) support stealthy street shooting at all hours, especially given its excellent high-ISO performance and tilting touchscreen to compose unobtrusively.

Macro Photography

Focusing precision and stability are key.

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization, so lens choice (and tripod use) is critical. NX11’s older system lacks modern focus stacking or bracketing features.

The Sigma fp provides timelapse recording but no focus bracketing or stacking either, requiring external rigs for advanced macro work. The higher sensor resolution helps extract fine details provided focus is nailed.

Night and Astrophotography

Low noise at high ISO and extended exposures define success.

Sigma fp’s wider ISO range (native up to 25600, expandable beyond) and BSI sensor architecture outperform NX11’s capped ISO 3200 limit, making it much more usable in pitch darkness or star fields.

Manual exposure control and long shutter speeds in both models permit star trails or night landscapes, but Sigma fp’s superior sensor will render less noise and richer tone gradients.

Video Capabilities

Here the Sigma fp is in a different league: offering 4K UHD video at 30 fps with stereo linear PCM audio support and microphone/headphone jacks. Its video-oriented features suit hybrid shooters seeking a seamless stills-video interface.

The NX11 maxes out at 720p 30 fps, no external mic port, limiting its usefulness beyond casual video or vlogging.

Travel Photography

Travel shooters value battery life, size, weight, and flexibility.

The NX11 weighs more and is bulkier, but offers longer battery life of approximately 400 shots per charge versus Sigma fp’s more variable rating (not officially specified). However, Sigma’s smaller footprint and adaptability with Leica L mount lenses can lighten your load, favoring those prioritizing portability.

Professional Workflows

Pro photographers scrutinize reliability, file format support, and workflow integration.

Both cameras shoot RAW, but the Sigma fp supports richer metadata and multi-aspect ratios fitting specialized assignments. The NX11’s 2010 processor shows its age in file write speeds and USB 2.0 transfer rates, while the Sigma fp’s more modern connectivity and SDXC UHS-II cards streamline workflows.

Sigma fp's environmental sealing fosters confidence in variable weather conditions; NX11’s lack thereof suggests cautious handling.

Samsung NX11 screen back Sigma fp front Sigma fp screen back

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera boasts rugged, weatherproof certification, but Sigma fp earns points with basic sealing to withstand light moisture - a feature absent in the NX11. The NX11’s use in dusty, damp, or extreme cold environments is risky without protective housings.

Build materials reflect their eras: NX11 combines plastic with metal reinforcements typical of early mirrorless, while Sigma fp employs a solid, all-metal chassis that feels robust despite its compactness.

Lenses and System Compatibility

Samsung NX mount offers roughly 32 native lenses, including primes and zooms, albeit with limited availability nowadays. Sigma’s fp uses Leica L mount, granting access to roughly 30 native lenses and a vastly larger ecosystem via adapters, including Canon EF, Nikon F, and more. For enthusiasts wanting an open, future-proof system, the Sigma fp’s mount is undeniably more versatile.

Battery Life and Storage

Samsung’s BP1130 battery supplies around 400 shots per charge, a respectable figure for a camera of its generation. The Sigma fp, though smaller, uses a BP-51 battery that is known for shorter life per charge (around 280 shots), demanding extra batteries for intensive days.

Both cameras rely on single SD card slots, with the Sigma fp supporting advanced SDXC UHS-II standards, offering faster write speeds - beneficial for high-res video and rapid shooting bursts.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. The NX11 offers USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs, while the Sigma fp provides USB connectivity (likely USB-C) for tethered shooting and charging, plus HDMI for external recording - a considerable leap forward.

GPS is optional on the NX11 and absent on the fp.

Pricing and Value Assessment

At launch, the Samsung NX11's retail hovered roughly around $626, positioning it as an affordable gateway into mirrorless photography.

The Sigma fp commands a premium $2050 price tag, reflecting its advanced sensor, video capabilities, and build quality.

While the NX11 presents excellent value for beginners on a budget, the Sigma fp justifies its price by delivering professional-grade features, superior sensor performance, and versatile system integration.

Summing Up Performance Scores

The Samsung NX11 scores moderately with early-era technological limits constraining its reach. The Sigma fp shines across most technical metrics, except autofocus speed in extreme sports and wildlife contexts.

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Pick the Samsung NX11 if…

• You’re a budget-conscious beginner eager to upgrade from a smartphone or compact.
• You appreciate a traditional DSLR-style body with physical controls.
• You mainly shoot portraits, casual landscapes, or travel photos in good lighting.
• Video is a minor consideration.
• You prefer having a built-in electronic viewfinder.

Go for the Sigma fp if…

• You want cutting-edge image quality from a full-frame BSI sensor.
• Your work involves serious hybrid photo and 4K video shooting.
• You need a tiny, lightweight rig for street, travel, or documentary projects.
• You value modularity, with access to a broad range of lenses and accessories.
• You demand environmental sealing for variable shooting conditions.
• Your budget affords a top-tier compact mirrorless.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Eras, Two Missions

The Samsung NX11 is a snapshot of mirrorless evolution - a competent first step for entry-level users in 2010, offering a familiar handling paradigm and respectable image quality for its time. However, it simply can’t keep pace with the Sigma fp’s modern technology, which embraces minimalism without compromising power. The fp represents a niche but serious option for photographers who prioritize sensor quality, versatility, and video, but don’t want bulky systems.

This comparison reveals the rate of mirrorless innovation over less than a decade. When you buy a camera, think carefully about how much you value up-to-date features like autofocus sophistication, sensor performance, and workflow enhancements. Sometimes, the newer, more expensive option saves you effort and frustration in the field.

I hope this detailed comparison has clarified where each camera stands and helps you steer towards a tool perfectly aligned with your creative ambitions.

Happy shooting!