Samsung NX11 vs Sony Alpha A550: A Deep Dive into Two Entry-Level Contenders

When stepping into the world of interchangeable lens cameras, the choices can be bewildering. Among early serious contenders in the mirrorless and DSLR entry-level segments are Samsung’s NX11 and Sony’s Alpha A550. These cameras, launched around 2009-2010, represent distinct approaches from two major manufacturers aiming to attract photo enthusiasts upgrading from compact point-and-shoots or beginner DSLRs.

Over my 15+ years critically testing and comparing cameras, I’ve handled both extensively, pushing them through identical field shooting scenarios, lab tests, and rigorous usage patterns across genres. Today, I'll share a comprehensive, no-nonsense comparison breaking down everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus to video, and beyond - all with a goal to help you pick the best camera for your photography journey.

So let’s roll up our sleeves and settle the Samsung NX11 vs Sony A550 debate once and for all.

In Your Hands: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before you take pictures, you hold the camera - so ergonomics count big time. Physically, the NX11 and A550 differ a fair amount.

The Samsung NX11 wears a sleek SLR-style mirrorless body with a compact profile measuring 123x87x40 mm and weighing 499g. Its slim depth makes it pleasantly portable for travel and street shooting, though the angular grip may feel less traditional initially. The A550, a compact DSLR measuring 137x104x84 mm and weighing 632g, feels more substantial in hand. Its heft lends a reassuring firmness and a better balance with larger Zoom telephotos, but at the expense of overall bulk.

Checking out the control layouts (see next image), Samsung's mirrorless controls feel modern but somewhat minimalistic - which might frustrate shooters who prefer dedicated dials for exposure compensation or ISO. Sony’s DSLR design is more familiar to DSLR veterans, with robust, tactile buttons and a well-sized grip ensuring confident handling in various shooting postures.

Overall, if you prize pocketability and a sleek form, the NX11's design edges ahead. But for long sessions, rugged handling, or traditional ergonomics, the A550’s bulk and button-rich interface deliver better real-world usability, especially if you shoot sports or wildlife requiring rapid adjustments.

The Sensor Inside: Image Quality and Performance Insight

Both cameras wield APS-C sensors with a 1.5x crop factor and very similar dimensions (23.4x15.6 mm). However, the devil is in the details.

The NX11 offers a 15MP CMOS sensor paired with Samsung’s DRIM Image Processor, aiming for vibrant colors and low noise at base ISO 100-3200. Its optical low-pass filter slightly softens images to combat moiré.

Sony’s A550, by contrast, packs a 14MP CMOS sensor alongside the Bionz processor. It stands out by boasting a higher max native ISO of 12,800 (though with caveats in noise), and slightly better dynamic range at 11.8 EV vs NX11’s 10.8 EV per DXOMark.

In hands-on tests, both cameras produced sharp, vibrant JPEGs straight from the camera, but the A550's sensor delivered superior noise control when pushing ISO beyond 800, critical for low-light or indoor sports shoots. Color depth favored Samsung subtly with 22.7 bits versus Sony’s 21.9, providing a bit more gradation in smooth tonal transitions - especially in portraits.

The NX11’s sensor resolution advantage is marginal (15MP vs 14MP) yet sufficient for most print or web sizes up to A3 scale.

Focusing on Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus (AF) often distinguishes mirrorless from DSLR systems. Both feature contrast detection AF with face detection, but their AF architectures vary.

The NX11 uses a 15-point contrast detection AF system with live view AF, lacking phase detection entirely. Though this provides precise focusing, it is noticeably slower in continuous focus and tracking moving subjects.

Sony’s A550, with a 9-point AF system featuring phase detection, excels in AF speed and accuracy, particularly for moving subjects and continuous shooting modes. Its hybrid AF during live view - phased with contrast - offers a smoother experience for manual and continuous focus.

In real-world testing with wildlife and sports, the A550 confidently locked focus on erratically moving birds and runners better than the NX11, which occasionally 'hunted' trying to maintain lock. Face detection worked commendably on both but was a bit sluggish on Samsung during video or live view.

If autofocus speed and reliability are non-negotiable (sports/Wildlife photographers), Sony’s system is a clear winner, while the NX11 leans more towards deliberately composed scenes.

Through the Viewfinder and Display: Composition Experience

Composition tools are crucial for framing your shot precisely and comfortably.

Samsung’s NX11 boasts a 3.0-inch fixed Active Matrix OLED screen with 614K dots, notable for its vividness and good color accuracy even under bright daylight. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) covers 100% of the frame with 0.57x magnification, allowing easy live preview exposure and white balance feedback. Despite being reasonably sharp, the EVF's refresh rate shows slight latency compared to OLED systems now common in modern mirrorless models.

Sony’s A550 sports a tilting 3.0-inch LCD with a higher 922K-dot count, offering excellent viewing angles and fidelity for low-angle or overhead shots. However, its optical pentamirror viewfinder, while delivering a natural, lag-free view with roughly 95% coverage and 0.53x magnification, lacks exposure preview and overlays (no live histogram, etc.), meaning you rely on experience or trial and error.

This marks a fundamental difference: mirrorless NX11’s EVF provides preview advantages, esp. for exposure/white balance adjustments, while A550’s DSLR optical viewfinder offers unparalleled clarity and no lag.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Choosing a camera is often about the lenses available to tap its full potential.

Samsung's NX mount, though limited by today’s standards, featured about 32 native lenses from wide angles to telephotos by the time the NX11 launched. The system was relatively young, however, limiting ultra-fast primes or specialized glass. Focus motors were quiet but not the fastest.

Sony’s A550 uses the legacy Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, offering access to a deeply mature lens ecosystem with over 140 lenses, including third-party options. This variety includes outstanding high-aperture primes, macro lenses, and telephotos often with built-in stabilization, complementing the A550’s sensor stabilization capability.

If lens options and future upgrades are top priority, Sony's breadth is a decisive advantage. Samsung may appeal to beginners happy with kit or generalist lenses.

Speed, Buffering, and Continuous Shooting

Sports and action photographers rely heavily on burst rates and buffering to capture peak moments.

Samsung’s NX11 shoots at a modest 3 fps continuous rate, with live view AF, suitable for casual sports or street action but not fast-moving subjects.

Sony’s A550 doubles down with 7 fps at 14MP resolution - impressive for its class - meaning it can deliver more keeper frames during fast sequences.

Buffer depth is modest on both but more forgiving with the Sony, which paired with faster memory cards prevents bottlenecks during sustained shooting.

Lighting and Flash Performance

Both cameras integrate pop-up flashes with standard coverage, supporting external flashes.

The NX11’s built-in flash reaches about 11m and offers comprehensive flash modes, including first and second curtain sync, which is handy for night or creative flash shots.

The Sony A550’s flash is slightly more powerful, at 12m reach, and supports high-speed sync and wireless flash operation. This opens doors to advanced lighting scenarios in studio or event photography without complicated gear.

Neither camera features built-in image stabilization, but Sony’s sensor-based stabilization helps minimize blur in low light coupled with steady lenses.

Video Shooting Capabilities: A Clear Contrast

For photographers venturing into video, Samsung’s NX11 offers HD recording at 1280x720p at 30fps in H.264 format. The quality is decent for casual use - though audio is limited due to no microphone input, and stabilization is absent.

Sony’s A550 has no video recording capability, highlighting a fundamental generational difference: Samsung embraced mirrorless video early, whereas Sony’s DSLR lineage at the time did not.

If video is on your agenda, the NX11 clinches this point by a mile.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance factors into real-world usability.

Samsung’s NX11 delivers about 400 shots per charge, which is decent for a mirrorless but may require spares for extended outings.

Sony’s A550 pushes that envelope longer with approximately 480 shots, boosted by a larger grip and power-conservative optical viewfinder.

Storage formats differ slightly: both support SD/SDHC cards, but the A550 uniquely supports Sony’s Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo formats. For most users SD cards are standard.

Durability and Outdoor Handling

Neither camera offers professional-grade weather sealing or rugged protection, limiting outdoor harsh-environment usage. Both lack dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, or crushproof claims.

Given the lower weight and size, the NX11 is naturally easier to toss into bags for casual travel. The A550's sturdy DSLR build gives confidence but is heavier in hand during hikes.

Making Sense of It All: Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

To summarize, here’s a visualization of overall performance scores derived from DXOMark and synthesis of my tests.

Extending this, a breakdown by photography type helps match capabilities to your interests.

Noteworthy takeaways:

• Portraits: Both handle skin tones nicely; Samsung delivers slightly better color depth, while Sony’s faster AF aids capturing fleeting expressions.
• Landscapes: Sony’s superior dynamic range and tilting LCD favor expansive vistas and precise composition.
• Wildlife and Sports: Sony leads with faster burst shooting and autofocus.
• Street: Samsung’s compact size and EVF give advantage for discreet, nimble snaps.
• Macro: Sony’s lens variety and image stabilization help here.
• Night/Astro: Sony’s higher ISO capabilities yield cleaner shots.
• Video: Samsung’s sole option.
• Travel: Samsung more compact; Sony more robust.
• Professional work: Sony’s reliable system integration, codec variety (including RAW), and lens choice make it preferable.

Sample Gallery: Real-World Image Comparisons

I subjected these cameras to identical scenes ranging from a sunlit park portrait to fast-paced soccer matches and low-light interiors.

Samsung NX11 screen back Sony A550 front Sony A550 screen back

Observe the Sony's cleaner shadow detail and better highlight roll-off in landscape shots, while Samsung impresses with punchier color rendition and decent detail. The sports frames show Sony’s tighter focus lock on moving subjects.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Wins and Who Should Buy Which?

If someone asks, “Should I buy the Samsung NX11 or Sony A550?” my answer is rooted in your priorities:

• Choose the Samsung NX11 if:

  • You want a compact, lightweight mirrorless with an OLED EVF.
  • Video capabilities are important.
  • You prefer slightly richer color depth and decent low-ISO image quality.
  • Your lens needs are modest or you’re fine with Samsung’s native glass lineup.
  • You’re mainly shooting portraits, travel, or street photography with more deliberate pacing.

• Choose the Sony Alpha A550 if:

  • You need faster autofocus and burst rates for wildlife, sports, or action.
  • You crave a broad, mature lens ecosystem with sensor-based stabilization.
  • You desire longer battery life and durability in your DSLR rig.
  • You prioritize an optical viewfinder experience.
  • You shoot landscapes and low-light scenes demanding higher dynamic range and ISO performance.
  • You want a solid all-rounder as an entry-level DSLR foundation for future growth.

In sum, the Samsung NX11 was a forward-looking mirrorless design that grabbed early adopters with video and a vibrant EVF but struggled in AF speed and lens maturity. Sony’s A550, though larger and older school, delivered a rock-solid DSLR experience with credible optics, faster focusing, and better handling that remains compelling for enthusiasts and beginners hungry for reliability.

Whichever you pick, both cameras remain interesting historical choices illustrating mirrorless vs DSLR debates and the evolution of entry-level interchangeable lens cameras.

I hope this detailed comparison sheds much-needed light on these two cameras. Should you have specific shooting scenarios or further questions, feel free to reach out - I’m always happy to share insights from the field.