Samsung NX1100 vs Sony NEX-5R: An Expert Comparison for the Discerning Mirrorless Enthusiast

Choosing your next mirrorless camera can be a daunting task - even more so in the entry-level sector where options abound and specs can blur together. Today, we take a deep dive into two strong contenders from the early 2010s mirrorless wave: the Samsung NX1100 and the Sony Alpha NEX-5R. Both offer APS-C sensors and portability in a rangefinder-style mirrorless body, but they serve somewhat different creative workflows and user priorities.

I've personally spent weeks testing these cameras across diverse shooting scenarios, comparing sensor outputs, autofocus behavior, ergonomics, and real-world usability. This article will help you understand the strengths and limitations of each, with practical takeaways so you can confidently pick the camera that fits your photography style and ambitions.

Getting Acquainted: Design and Handling Essentials

How a camera feels in your hands and integrates into your shooting workflow is foundational. Let’s start by comparing their physical presence and user interface basics.

The NX1100 is markedly lighter and slightly compact in width and depth. Its minimalist rangefinder styling and smooth body suit travelers and street photographers who prize discreteness and ease of pocket carry. However, the fixed TFT LCD on the NX1100 lacks articulation and touch control, which somewhat constrains framing flexibility and quick menu navigation.

By contrast, the NEX-5R’s tilting 3-inch touchscreen significantly elevates the handling experience, especially for unpredictable angles, selfies, or video shooting. Even though it weighs about 50 grams more, the grip is more comfortable for prolonged shooting sessions. Plus, Sony’s optional electronic viewfinder attachment provides an edge for those shooting in bright daylight or preferring a traditional composing style.

Sensor and Image Quality: Peering Beneath the Surface

At the heart of any camera is its sensor. Both bodies use APS-C sized CMOS sensors, but there are nuances that impact your final images.

The NX1100 offers a higher megapixel count, 20MP compared to the NEX-5R's 16MP. More resolution can be advantageous for large prints or cropping flexibility, especially for landscape or studio work. However, the Sony sensor edges ahead in key image quality metrics from DxOMark benchmarks, notably in dynamic range and low-light performance - critical for retaining highlight and shadow detail in challenging lighting.

Sony’s maximum native ISO score is also double that of Samsung’s, meaning cleaner images deeper into higher ISO settings. This will serve you better for night, event, or indoor photography. That said, the NX1100’s 20MP sensor combined with Samsung’s image processing still produces vibrant, detailed images that reward well-lit scenarios.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus defines how confidently and quickly you can nail sharp shots, particularly in fast-moving subjects.

Samsung’s NX1100 relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus, which can be accurate but sometimes slower and prone to hunting in dappled lighting or fast action. It does include face detection, which can simplify portrait work, especially for beginners.

Sony’s NEX-5R implements a hybrid autofocus system combining phase-detection pixels on the sensor with contrast detection. This yields faster acquisition times and improved tracking, especially useful for wildlife, sports, and kids in motion. The inclusion of 99 AF points and touch-to-focus on the screen enhances control and responsiveness.

In practice, I found the NEX-5R more reliable for continuous subject tracking and low-light autofocus lock. The NX1100 excels more in static or deliberate shooting styles where speed is less critical.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Expectations for ruggedness at this price point are modest but relevant for travel, nature, and outdoor photography.

• Neither camera offers weather sealing or moisture resistance.
• Both cameras lack dustproofing and shockproofing features.
• Samsung’s lighter body may feel less robust than Sony’s slightly more substantial chassis.

If you tend to shoot in inclement conditions or want a camera that can tolerate rougher handling, you’ll want to protect either device with a sleeve or bag. Between the two, the Sony’s build is generally a hair sturdier and more reassuring ergonomically.

Display and Interface: The User Experience

Navigating menus, reviewing images, and composing shots effortlessly can make or break the creative flow.

The NX1100’s static LCD is functional but not versatile. Moving to the Sony NEX-5R unlocks a range of compositional freedoms - especially important for vloggers or anyone who shoots at low or high angles. The touchscreen interface speeds up menu access, focus point selection, and image playback gestures.

While neither camera includes customizable buttons with illumination, Sony’s richer UI and gestures deliver smoother real-world usability.

Lens Ecosystem: Expand Your Creativity

Both cameras use proprietary lens mounts, shaping your options for focal lengths and speciality optics.

Sony’s vast E-mount lineup is a critical advantage that grows over time. From budget primes to high-performance zooms and specialty lenses, you’ll find ample options supporting portrait, landscape, telephoto, macro, and cine lenses.

Samsung’s NX lens variety is more modest but does include some sharp primes and pro-grade zooms. However, scarcity and Amazon/eBay secondary prices can limit your long-term lens additions.

For wildlife or sports photographers, Sony’s superior telephoto lens availability often marks a tipping point.

Shooting Performance in Photography Disciplines

How do these cameras perform across genres? Here’s a tested, real-world assessment.

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX1100: 20MP sensor captures fine skin textures well. Face detection autofocus helps beginners. Bokeh quality is good but can be limited by available NX lenses.
• Sony NEX-5R: Despite 16MP, slightly richer color depth and lens choices help produce smooth, flattering portraits. Hybrid AF improves eye-level focusing precision.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung NX1100: Higher resolution favors landscape photographers wanting large prints or detailed crops.
• Sony NEX-5R: Slightly better dynamic range recovery helps retain shadow detail in high contrast scenes. Tilting screen eases composition on uneven terrain.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• Samsung NX1100: 8 fps burst is decent, but AF tracking limitations reduce keeper rates with moving subjects.
• Sony NEX-5R: 10 fps continuous shooting with superior AF tracking makes it far better for fast action and wildlife.

Street Photography

• Samsung NX1100: Compact and light with quiet shutter modes (though no silent electronic shutter) fits street shooting. Minimal design aids discretion.
• Sony NEX-5R: Slightly larger and heavier but tilting screen helps capture candid perspectives; AF speed is a plus.

Macro Photography

• Both cameras depend on lens availability and manual focus precision rather than body-specific features.
• Sony’s ecosystem offers more macro lens options.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony’s higher max ISO and better noise handling give an edge.
• Neither camera has long exposure noise reduction automation, so manual post-processing is key.

Video Capabilities

For video enthusiasts, the NEX-5R’s ability to shoot 1080p at 60 fps offers smoother motion. Coupled with touch-to-focus, it permits more controlled video capture despite lack of mic input or in-body stabilization. Samsung’s codec is also widely compatible but capped at 30 fps.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Sony offers slight headroom in battery life and supports both SD cards and Memory Stick Pro formats, adding flexibility. The difference is minimal but worth noting for travel photography.

Connectivity and Networking

• Both feature built-in Wi-Fi capable of wireless image transfer.
• Neither includes Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS onboard; NX1100 offers optional GPS attachment.
• USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs are standard.

Wireless image transfer is invaluable for social media creators or quick client workflows.

Price vs. Performance: Where Value Lies

At launch:

• Samsung NX1100: ~$600
• Sony NEX-5R: ~$750

Today’s market value mostly reflects availability as these models are discontinued or sold refurbished/used. The Sony commands a premium justified by higher AF sophistication, lens variety, and better video specs.

If on a tighter budget but wanting decent stills, the NX1100 is compelling, especially for landscape and casual users. However, if you want a versatile tool capable of hybrid shooting, faster AF, and better video potential, the NEX-5R remains a robust choice to hunt for.

Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back

This gallery shows subtle but meaningful differences in color rendering, detail, and noise performance in various scenarios.

Comparative Scores and Summary

Key takeaways:

• Sony NEX-5R offers a better-balanced package across image quality, autofocus, video, and ergonomics.
• Samsung NX1100 shines in pure still image resolution and lighter body design.
• Both are limited by lack of weather sealing and built-in viewfinder.

Best Cameras for Specific Photography Types

Closing Words: Which Camera Fits Your Creative Journey?

When selecting between the Samsung NX1100 and Sony NEX-5R, consider your primary shooting style and priorities:

• Go for the Samsung NX1100 if: You prefer a lightweight, straightforward camera with a high-resolution sensor for landscapes and casual portraits. It’s especially friendly if you’re budget-conscious and prioritize still photography over video or fast action.

• Opt for the Sony NEX-5R if: You want faster autofocus, better continuous shooting for wildlife or sports, richer video capabilities, and access to a vast lens ecosystem. It’s a versatile hybrid camera that suits enthusiasts ready to grow into more advanced shooting scenarios.

Both cameras marked milestones in early mirrorless history, but the Sony NEX-5R's hybrid AF and lens versatility give it a decisive edge for most creators seeking a long-term system.

Next Steps: Try Before You Buy and Accessorize Wisely

• Hands-on testing is invaluable: Visit a local camera store or rental service to feel the cameras in your hands and try their interfaces.
• Lens selection matters: Explore native lens availability in your preferred genres. Consider third-party options and adapters as well.
• Expand your toolkit: For video, pick up an external mic or gimbal, since both cameras lack built-in stabilization or mic ports.
• Storage and batteries: Invest in high-speed SD cards and spare batteries to keep shooting uninterrupted.

Diving into photography is a rewarding journey, and selecting the right gear fuels your creative expression. Whether you go Samsung or Sony, these cameras can support your growth. Let your vision guide you and enjoy making every shot count.

This final image highlights the intuitive controls that will become your direct connection to creativity.

Thank you for joining this comprehensive comparison! Feel free to ask any questions - we’re here to help your photographic vision come alive.