Samsung NX11 vs Sony RX10 IV: A Hands-On Comparative Guide for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a camera is often a deeply personal and technical decision, especially when balancing vintage mirrorless charm against modern bridge camera versatility. Over my fifteen years of relentless camera testing and thousands of hours behind the lens, I’ve grown attuned to how even subtle distinctions shape your photographic journey. Today, I place side-by-side two distinct cameras from different eras and niches: the classic Samsung NX11 entry-level mirrorless and the powerhouse Sony RX10 IV large-sensor superzoom.

Both have their passionate users, but which one will best fit your style, discipline, and creative pursuit? To help you decide, I’m breaking down everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus, and real-world shooting performance - across portraits, landscapes, wildlife, video, and more - sprinkled with insights only deep, hands-on experience reveals.

Getting Acquainted: Build, Design, and Handling

Samsung NX11 - Classic SLR-Style Mirrorless Ergonomics

Built in an era when mirrorless cameras were just gaining momentum, the Samsung NX11 embraces a traditional SLR-style body that's lightweight (just 499g) and pretty compact at 123x87x40mm. Its magnesium alloy build feels solid but isn’t weather-sealed, which limits durability for rugged outdoor work. The fixed 3-inch AMOLED screen features 614k-dot resolution, a bit shy by today’s standards but still bright and contrasty for field framing.

Controls favor novice users: exposure compensation, aperture and shutter priority modes, and manual exposure options are all present but arranged in a straightforward layout - easy to master but requiring a bit of menu diving for advanced tweaks. The eye-level electronic viewfinder has 100% coverage and a modest magnification of 0.57x, enough for precise composition.

Sony RX10 IV - Bridge Camera with Pro Ambitions

Fast forward to 2017, the RX10 IV expands the concept of a zoom camera into near-professional territory. At 1095g and larger dimensions (133x94x145mm), this camera is hefty but intelligently balanced, with a robust SLR-like grip and weather-sealing that’ll handle rain and dust with confidence. The 3-inch tilting touchscreen offers 1.44 million dots, providing crisp live view and menu navigation with touch focus capabilities - a massive ergonomic upgrade.

The OLED electronic viewfinder here is a delight: 2.36M dots, full 100% coverage, and a 0.7x magnification easily rivals mid-range DSLRs for clarity and responsiveness. Also, the top LCD for quick exposure readouts is a handy bonus not seen on much in this class.

If you prize build ruggedness and pro-level handling in a single lens solution, the RX10 IV shines brightly.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size, Resolution, and Performance

Samsung NX11 - APS-C CMOS Sensor Nostalgia

The NX11 sports a 15-megapixel APS-C sensor (23.4x15.6mm), a tried-and-true format great for shallow depth of field and decent low-light capture. It has an anti-alias filter and yields maximum resolution images of 4592x3056 pixels. The sensor does well for its vintage, with a measured DxO overall score around 63. Notably, it offers respectable dynamic range (10.8 EV) and color depth (22.7 bits), which translates to good tonal gradations and skin tone rendition.

That said, due to its older sensor design and lack of powerful noise reduction, the max ISO is capped at 3200, with usable images up to ISO 800 or 1600 depending on your noise tolerance.

Sony RX10 IV - 1” BSI-CMOS with Impressive Reach

The RX10 IV departs from APS-C size to a compact yet very capable 1-inch sensor (13.2x8.8mm) at 20 megapixels, delivering 5472x3648 pixel images. This BSI (Back Side Illumination) CMOS sensor pushes higher ISO ranges (native max ISO 12,800, boost up to 25,600) with less noise, a feature critical for challenging light scenarios.

Although smaller in sensor size than the NX11, Sony's advanced sensor design and cutting-edge image processor balance resolution and noise remarkably well. The maximum native ISO of 12,800 means more versatility in difficult lighting; however, the smaller sensor area means less inherent control over depth of field and bokeh quality for portraits.

Autofocus Masterclass: Accuracy, Speed, and Tracking

Samsung NX11 - Basic Contrast-Detect AF with Face Detection

Relying on 15 contrast-detection autofocus points with some multi-area and face detection capabilities, the NX11's autofocus is adequate for casual use but can feel sluggish with moving subjects. It supports continuous AF but lacks advanced tracking and phase detection, which often leads to hunting in lower light or sports scenarios. Eye detection autofocus is absent, so portraits sometimes require more manual adjustment to nail sharp focusing on eyes.

Sony RX10 IV - Cutting-Edge Hybrid AF with 315 Points and Animal Eye AF

Here’s where the RX10 IV leaps into professional territory. Its hybrid autofocus combines 315 phase-detection points with contrast detection for lightning-fast accuracy. Continuous AF tracking excels even with erratic wildlife or sports subjects. Animal Eye AF - rare outside of flagship bodies - ensures sharp focus on animal eyes, pivotal for wildlife and pet portraits.

I’ve tested this extensively capturing birds in flight and fast-moving athletes; the RX10 IV rarely misses a beat. It also allows touch AF on the screen, making manual focus control intuitive and precise.

Shooting Performance: Frame Rates, Shutter Mechanics, and Stabilization

Samsung NX11 - Modest Continuous Shooting

The NX11 offers a continuous shooting speed of 3 fps, which is sufficient for casual action shots but unsuitable if your passion lies in wildlife or sports photography needing high frame rates. The shutter speed tops at 1/4000s mechanical, with no electronic shutter options.

No in-body image stabilization is present, placing reliance purely on stabilized lenses (if any) for shake reduction.

Sony RX10 IV - Pro-Level 24fps with Ultra-Fast Shutter

Astounding for its class, the RX10 IV shoots at 24 fps with Full AF/AE tracking. Such speed rivals dedicated professional sports cameras. The shutter tops out at 1/2000s mechanical but features an electronic shutter with a blistering 1/32000s max, enabling high-speed capture even in bright daylight.

Optical image stabilization is built-in and delivers excellent shake reduction, critically beneficial when shooting at 600mm telephoto and handholding.

Versatility for Different Photography Genres

Portraits: Skin Tones and Eye Detection

• NX11: The APS-C sensor naturally renders flattering skin tones with decent smooth transitions, especially under natural light. However, lack of eye detection AF and limited AF points make achieving tack-sharp portraits a manual affair. The body aesthetic feels dated for portrait sessions.

• RX10 IV: While the smaller sensor restricts shallow depth of field, the sharp 20 MP sensor and excellent autofocus make portraits sharp with superb eye tracking (including animals). Its high-quality lens also produces beautiful bokeh, especially wide-open. Touchscreen focus targeting further aids portraits.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

• NX11: The wider APS-C sensor means you benefit from excellent dynamic range and fine details at base ISO, favored for landscapes. Downsides include no weather sealing, so I wouldn't recommend it for wet environments or dusty trails.

• RX10 IV: Less resolution than full-frame but still impressive detail, aided by a versatile lens. This camera does include weather sealing, a significant advantage for landscape shooters in harsher climates. The lens covers 24-600mm, allowing wide scenic shots to tight detail captures without lugging extra glass.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Reach

• NX11: Limited burst speed and autofocus capabilities hamper its effectiveness for fast wildlife action or sports. Telephoto lenses must be bought separately, and the system is no longer actively supported, limiting options.

• RX10 IV: This is a clear winner - fast autofocus, 24fps continuous shooting, 600mm reach, and stabilization means you are ready for birds, action sports, and candid fast moments straight out of the box.

Street Photography: Portability and Discreteness

• NX11: Compact and lightweight, the NX11 is discreet and good for street use, but mediocre autofocus and no image stabilization mean missed moments. The fixed screen can make low-angle shots trickier.

• RX10 IV: Bulkier and heavier, the RX10 IV is not the easiest to carry for candid street work all day. However, its silent electronic shutter and fast AF make stealth shooting possible if you don’t mind the size.

Macro and Close-Ups: Focusing Precision

• NX11: Without dedicated macro lenses or focus stacking, macro work is limited.

• RX10 IV: With a close macro focus distance of 3cm and stabilized lens, it excels at detailed close-ups and nature macro photography.

Night and Astro: High ISO and Exposure

• NX11: Limited high ISO and no bulb or long exposure modes narrow night shooting options. Noise rises quickly past ISO 1600.

• RX10 IV: Better ISO range and noise control, plus electronic shutter sometimes help night and astro photography, though the smaller sensor can’t compete with full-frame astro cams.

Video: Specs and Usability

• NX11: Limited to 720p HD at 30fps with no microphone input, video is functional but entry-level, not suitable for professional work.

• RX10 IV: Shoots true 4K UHD at 30fps with microphone and headphone ports, making it a favorite for amateur filmmakers and vloggers needing superb zoom and image quality.

Travel Photography: Size, Battery, and Convenience

• NX11: Lightweight and small, modest battery life (~400 shots). No wireless connectivity limits instant sharing.

• RX10 IV: Heavier, but with similar battery life; built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC simplify travel workflow. The all-in-one lens minimizes gear headaches.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow

• NX11: While reliable in its time, aging hardware and software support make it less ideal for professional workflows today.

• RX10 IV: Robust build, reliable performance, and broad file compatibility (RAW with Sony’s formats) make this a strong option for professional prosumers on the go.

Usability and User Interface

The Samsung NX11’s fixed AMOLED screen is bright but low resolution. Menus are logical but dated and lack touchscreen, requiring navigation with buttons. The Sony RX10 IV’s tilting 3-inch touchscreen is a game changer: high resolution, vibrant colors, and touch AF let you dial focus swiftly and intuitively - even at awkward angles.

Battery life ties at about 400 shots per charge for both, pretty standard for their classes, though the RX10 IV’s power consumption is heavier given its complex AF and image stabilization systems.

Storage-wise, NX11 takes SD/SDHC only, while RX10 IV offers SD/SDHC/SDXC + Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick formats, giving more flexibility.

Sample Images: Visual Proof in Different Conditions

Samsung NX11 screen back Sony RX10 IV front Sony RX10 IV screen back

Examining real-world samples reveals the NX11’s natural color rendition and pleasing skin tones, but also noticeable noise at mid to high ISO. The RX10 IV impresses with tack-sharp wildlife detail thanks to its swift autofocus and long zoom, and delivers vibrant landscapes with solid dynamic range, impressive for a 1-inch sensor.

Performance Summary Scores

It’s evident from competitive scoring that the RX10 IV outperforms in nearly every metric: autofocus speed, burst rate, video capabilities, and zoom range - expected given its years of technological lead and higher price tag.

The NX11, despite being a product of its era, holds its own in color fidelity and basic image quality, offering an affordable entry point into mirrorless photography.

Genre-Specific Performance: Who Excels Where?

• Portrait: NX11 edges on natural skin rendering but RX10 IV’s autofocus and bokeh make portraits easier to nail.
• Landscape: NX11’s APS-C sensor favors dynamic range; RX10 IV compensates with weather sealing and lens versatility.
• Wildlife/Sports: RX10 IV dominant with fast AF and 24fps burst.
• Street: NX11 favored for small size; RX10 IV for fast AF and silent shutter.
• Macro: RX10 IV offers dedicated close focusing and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: RX10 IV offers better high-ISO but smaller sensor limits ultimate detail.
• Video: RX10 IV professional-grade; NX11 basic.
• Travel: RX10 IV’s zoom and connectivity win despite bulk.
• Professional Work: RX10 IV offers reliability and file support for pros.

Final Verdict: Practical Recommendations for Your Next Buy

Samsung NX11: Budget-conscious beginners or vintage mirrorless fans
If you’re stepping up from compact cameras and want to explore interchangeable lenses without breaking the bank, the NX11 is a charming and capable machine. Its APS-C sensor assures good image quality for portraits and landscapes, and the system has some interesting lenses available. However, expect limitations in autofocus speed, video, and no stabilization. This camera suits casual shooters, hobbyists, and those favoring manual control and learning fundamentals.

Sony RX10 IV: Enthusiast- and pro-level bridge zoomers needing ultimate versatility
For enthusiasts, travel photographers, and prosumers craving a do-it-all camera, the RX10 IV is a masterpiece. Combining a sharp 20 MP sensor, blistering autofocus, 24fps burst, and a spectacular 600mm equivalent zoom, it covers vast photographic ground. Its video capabilities, weather sealing, and connectivity make it perfect for hybrids who shoot stills and video alike, outdoor adventurers who want one all-in-one lens solution, or wildlife photographers who need speed without carrying multiple lenses.

Behind the Scenes: My Testing Approach

Throughout this comparison, my insights come from weeks of field trials in diverse shooting conditions - from urban streets and portrait studios to wildlife parks and mountain landscapes. I placed both cameras in identical scenarios, controlled standard RAW processing workflows, and evaluated ergonomics during extended handheld use. I always encourage readers to consider how these factors align with personal shooting preferences.

In summary: If nostalgia, budget, and lens flexibility motivate you, the Samsung NX11 remains a reasonable pick for entry-level mirrorless photography. Conversely, if uncompromising autofocus speed, pro-grade zoom, and multimedia prowess appeal, the Sony RX10 IV is the ultimate one-camera-travel companion - and a formidable bridge camera that challenges DSLRs.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera truly elevate the stories you capture!