Samsung NX11 vs Sony TX66: A Detailed Comparison for Today’s Photography Enthusiast

In an increasingly crowded camera marketplace, choosing the right device can be daunting. Even models from established brands pose unexpected trade-offs. Today, I’m diving deep into two very different cameras - the Samsung NX11, an entry-level mirrorless camera from 2010 with an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses; and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66, a slim, ultracompact point-and-shoot launched in 2012 with a tiny 1/2.3" sensor and a fixed zoom lens. Both offer unique approaches to photography - so which one suits your needs? I spent hours testing and analyzing these models across a broad range of photo disciplines, parsing technical specs alongside practical field results. This comprehensive comparison uncovers what genuinely sets these two apart.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Before we delve into image quality and performance, understanding the form factor and ergonomics is essential - because how a camera feels in your hands often shapes your shooting experience more than specs alone.

The Samsung NX11 adopts a classic SLR-style mirrorless design, considerably larger and bulkier than the Sony TX66. With dimensions of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm and a weight of roughly 499 grams, it sits firmly between compact mirrorless cameras and DSLRs of its era. Its grip is well-pronounced, offering solid, confident handling for enthusiasts comfortable with larger setups.

Conversely, the Sony TX66 pushes the limits of pocketability with a slender, ultracompact body measuring just 93mm x 54mm x 13mm and a featherweight 109 grams. A true grab-and-go device, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or small purse. However, this compromises robust controls and handling comfort during extended shoots.

Turning to the control layout:

The NX11 features dedicated buttons and dials for exposure modes, ISO, white balance, and flash settings - showing its advanced control orientation aimed at hobbyists and enthusiasts. In contrast, Sony’s TX66 sports a minimalistic top deck with essential function buttons optimized for quick access but fewer manual controls. The touchscreen-enabled rear panel (more on this later) makes up for some input flexibility.

Ergonomics Winner: For anyone intending to shoot seriously with manual exposure or lens changes, the NX11’s more substantial, SLR-like ergonomics give it a clear edge. But for casual shooters prioritizing portability and spontaneity, the TX66’s fashionably thin profile wins hands down.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of every camera lies its sensor, the critical determinant of image quality, dynamic range, noise performance, and resolution.

The Samsung NX11 boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm (approx. 365 mm²), a size standard in mirrorless and DSLR systems. This sizable sensor yields 15 megapixels, a sweet spot providing sharp, detailed images suitable for large prints and cropping flexibility. Notably, it incorporates an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré at the expense of minute detail.

Samsung’s DRIM engine powers its image processing - delivering respectable color depth (measured around 22.7 bits) and a dynamic range nearing 11 stops at base ISO 100. Low-light performance supports shooting up to ISO 3200, beyond which noise increases noticeably. However, this is impressive for its 2010 vintage.

In contrast, the Sony TX66 uses a much smaller 1/2.3" back-illuminated CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28 mm²). While it pushes resolution to 18 megapixels, pixels are correspondingly much tinier. This results in higher noise levels and lower dynamic range versus the NX11. In fact, Sony does not provide DxOMark data, but experience with similar sensors suggests around 8 stops of DR and limited color depth. The tiny sensor’s strength lies in accommodating a 5x zoom lens in a pocket-sized body, not in outright image quality.

Side-by-side comparison of image samples from both cameras demonstrates these characteristics clearly:

Samsung NX11 screen back Sony TX66 front Sony TX66 screen back

The NX11’s images show richer color fidelity, finer detail, and more natural skin tones - especially notable in portrait photography - while the TX66 struggles with noise in shadows and less vibrant gradation. However, the TX66’s lens versatility adds compositional latitude for casual snapshots in travel or street photography settings.

Sensor and Image Quality Verdict: For serious photographers craving superior image quality, dynamic range, and excellent low-light output, the NX11’s APS-C sensor wins decisively. The TX66 is understandable for ultracompact convenience but pays the price in image fidelity.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

A camera’s ability to focus swiftly and accurately can make or break shots - particularly in demanding fields like wildlife or sports photography.

The Samsung NX11 relies entirely on a contrast-detection autofocus system with 15 focus points across the frame. While contrast AF is inherently slower than phase detection, Samsung’s implementation was competitive for 2010 entry-level mirrorless bodies. It supports single, continuous AF modes, and face detection is built-in - a significant bonus for portraiture.

However, the NX11 lacks advanced options like eye AF, animal detection, or sophisticated subject tracking, which modern cameras offer. During my tests, it locked focus reliably in good light but lagged noticeably in dim scenarios or fast-moving subjects.

The Sony TX66, meanwhile, implements a hybrid contrast AF paired with predictive tracking supported via touchscreen AF point selection. Although fewer focus points and lack of phase detection limit responsiveness, the TX66’s AF benefits from a faster burst rate (10 fps vs 3 fps on NX11), allowing for better capture of fleeting moments in well-lit conditions.

For portraits, both cameras feature face detection but neither supports today’s standard eye detection AF - a disadvantage when precise eye sharpness matters. The TX66’s touchscreen AF is more intuitive for casual use; the NX11’s focus area selection relies on physical buttons, which might be quicker with practice.

Autofocus Strengths:

• NX11: Reliable focus in controlled conditions; more focus points; supports continuous AF mode.
• TX66: Faster burst shooting; touchscreen AF point selection; good face detection for casual portraiture.

Weakness: Neither camera excels for fast-action or wildlife shooting by modern standards.

Viewfinder and Rear Screen: Composing Your Shot

Composing images through a clear, informative viewfinder or screen is crucial for timing and precision.

The NX11 includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and 0.57x magnification - typical for entry-level mirrorless cameras from its era but with relatively low resolution. The EVF significantly aids outdoor framing in bright light, where LCDs alone can struggle.

In contrast, the TX66 forgoes any viewfinder altogether, relying solely on its rear screen.

Now, speaking of rear screens:

The NX11 sports a fixed 3.0-inch active-matrix OLED screen with 614k-dot resolution. The color reproduction and viewing angles are good but brightness could max out higher for filming in direct sunlight.

Sony’s TX66 features a larger (3.3-inch), higher resolution (1.23 million dots) XtraFine TruBlack OLED touchscreen, offering impressively crisp and vibrant detail, plus direct touch controls for AF, menu navigation, and playback.

Touchscreen responsiveness on the TX66 eases intuitive operation, especially for casual users, whereas the NX11’s interface demands more button presses and dial turns - befitting its more professional-minded user.

Composition and Usability Assessment:

• For bright conditions and prolonged shooting, the NX11’s EVF is invaluable, reducing eye fatigue and framing errors.
• The TX66’s superior rear screen resolution and touchscreen functionality make composing and reviewing images straightforward and fun for casual shooting.
• No camera features an articulated screen - limiting flexibility in tricky angles or video selfies.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

Lens choice is often the most neglected but vital component in a camera system.

The Samsung NX11 stands out with its Samsung NX mount, providing access to a lineup of approximately 32 lenses including primes, zooms, and specialty optics from Samsung and third parties. This flexibility allows photographers to specialize - be it portrait telephotos for creamy bokeh or wide-angle lenses for expansive landscapes.

This system unlocks significant creative potential not matched by fixed-lens cameras.

The Sony TX66 carries a built-in 26-130mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with variable aperture F3.5–4.8. This moderate zoom range is perfect for travel and everyday snapshots but cannot compete optically or with its limited speed compared to interchangeable lenses.

Image stabilization in the TX66 is optical and built into the lens, an added plus for handheld shooting - whereas the NX11 lacks any in-body or lens stabilization, requiring faster shutter speeds or tripod support.

Shooting Performance: Burst Rate, Shutter Speeds, and ISO

Switching gears to performance in dynamic situations:

• The NX11's shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/4000 sec, enabling capturing fast action and long exposures.
• The TX66 offers the same shutter speed range but significantly faster continuous shooting (10 fps vs 3 fps), good for fast casual bursts.
• ISO sensitivity on the NX11 peaks at ISO 3200 natively; on the TX66, ISO reaches 12800, though with substantial image degradation at high ISOs.

Practical tests confirm:

• The NX11 performs well up to ISO 800 without excessive noise and usable images up to 1600.
• The TX66 struggles with noise above ISO 400, making it less reliable in low-light.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: How Do They Stack Up?

Portraits

The NX11’s large APS-C sensor delivers better skin tones, natural bokeh from fast prime lenses, and reliable face detection. Eye AF is missing, but manual focus aids deliberate portrait control.

The TX66 produces acceptable portraits in good light but suffers from flat depth of field and relatively harsh JPEG processing.

Landscape

Dynamic range and resolution favor the NX11, alongside interchangeable wide-angle lenses. No weather sealing, so be cautious outdoors.

The TX66’s limited sensor and fixed lens limit landscape detail. Portability is its advantage here.

Wildlife and Sports

Neither camera suits intensive wildlife or sports use. NX11’s slower burst and contrast AF limit action capture, and the TX66 lacks zoom reach and reliable autofocus speed.

Street

The TX66 shines here thanks to discretion, pocket size, and quick access. The NX11 is portable for mirrorless but less subtle.

Macro

The TX66 focuses as close as 1 cm, good for casual macro. The NX11 relies on dedicated macro lenses for high-quality close-ups, offering better performance but at increased cost and weight.

Night and Astro

The NX11’s superior sensor offers more noise control and long exposure up to 30s. The TX66 cannot match this low-light prowess.

Video

TX66 shoots full HD at 60fps with MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats and includes optical stabilization. NX11 maxes out at 720p 30fps in H.264 - less impressive, without audio input.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Both cameras lack weather sealing or dust resistance, reflecting their consumer-level positioning.

The NX11 has a durable plastic chassis with metal lens mount; TX66 utilizes more delicate plastic and glass.

Neither is shock or freeze-proof.

Battery Life and Storage

NX11’s proprietary BP1130 battery delivers roughly 400 shots per charge - solid for mirrorless. The TX66’s NP-BN battery yields ~250 images, which is satisfactory given its compact size.

Storage-wise:

• NX11 uses standard SD/SDHC cards.
• TX66 supports Memory Stick Duo and microSD cards - more exotic and less interchangeable.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Neither model offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC connectivity. Both provide USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for basic tethering and playback.

Price and Value Considerations

While the NX11 commands a higher price reflecting its advanced sensor and interchangeable lenses, the TX66’s bargain tag makes it appealing for casual users.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy the Samsung NX11?

If you’re serious about stepping into interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras, crave superior image quality, and want creative control for portraits, landscapes, or moderate macro work, the NX11 remains a compelling option - especially on the used market. Its APS-C sensor delivers images rivaling some more modern compacts, and the lens ecosystem expands possibilities dramatically.

Don’t expect lightning AF for sports or wildlife, and keep in mind no in-body stabilization means tripod support is often necessary for slow shutter speeds.

Who Is the Sony TX66 For?

Sony’s TX66 offers a sleek, pocketable design with an excellent touchscreen and versatile zoom lens. It suits urban explorers, street photographers, and travelers who prioritize convenience over ultimate image quality. The camera’s capable full HD video at 60 fps and optical stabilization add multimedia value.

However, rely on good lighting for best shots; it cannot replace more advanced systems in image fidelity or manual control.

Final Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

Our exhaustive testing culminates in these authoritative camera scores:

And genre-specific performance overview:

These reflect balanced evaluations incorporating image quality tests, AF speed, handling, and versatility.

Conclusion: Mirrorless Power vs Ultracompact Convenience

The Samsung NX11 and Sony TX66 occupy quite different ends of the photographic spectrum.

The NX11, with its APS-C sensor and lens selection, appeals to enthusiasts valuing image quality and manual control - a solid entry mirrorless with classic handling, albeit without the bells and whistles of later models.

The TX66 redefines portability - an impressive ultracompact designed for snapshooters wanting simplicity, great video, and reasonable image quality in a package that disappears into the pocket.

Understanding your priorities - portability versus creative control, budget versus image quality - is key. Both cameras deliver genuine value within their categories, but they are not substitutes for one another.

For those willing to invest time learning manual controls and lens options, the NX11 remains relevant today. For travelers or street photographers needing a discreet, instant capture tool, the TX66 is an appealing pick.

Thank you for reading this in-depth comparison. Should you have any questions about specific photography scenarios or need further hands-on insights, feel free to ask - I draw on years of direct experience to help you get the best camera for your creative journey.