Samsung NX1100 vs Sony RX100: A Hands-On Mirrorless and Compact Camera Showdown

When it comes to choosing a camera these days, enthusiasts and professionals alike face an abundant - if not bewildering - array of options. Two notable cameras from the early-to-mid 2010s that still pique interest, especially for those who value sensor quality and portability, are the Samsung NX1100 and the Sony RX100. Released just months apart, these cameras belong to distinct categories: the NX1100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera boasting an APS-C sensor, while the RX100, a large sensor compact camera, packs a 1-inch sensor in a pocket-friendly chassis.

Having spent extensive hands-on hours shooting with both models across multiple photography scenarios, I’m in a good position to break down their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various users. This article dives deep into how these cameras compare technically and in real-world conditions, supported by sample images and performance ratings.

<!– Image 1: Physical size and ergonomics comparison –>

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Right off the bat, the form factor difference between these two cameras is striking. The Samsung NX1100 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless system with interchangeable lenses and a slightly chunky profile. The Sony RX100 is a compact powerhouse designed for discrete shooting and ultimate portability.

Both feature a 3-inch LCD screen, but neither offers an electronic viewfinder, which puts the emphasis on LCD composition. The NX1100’s grip feels more substantial despite its small stature, benefitting from a mirrorless-style body, while the RX100’s ultra-compact design means it disappears into a jacket pocket.

<!– Image 2: Top view design and control layout comparison –>

Looking down at the top, the NX1100 gives the user basic external controls but expects more manual input via lens rings and menus because it’s an entry-level system. The RX100 provides direct access to aperture and shutter speed, characteristic of Sony’s compact shooters. Neither camera features touchscreen interfaces - a limitation by today’s standards but typical at launch.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The NX1100 sports an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm - significantly larger than the RX100’s 1-inch sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm). This size difference influences several critical factors: noise performance, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

<!– Image 3: Sensor specifications and image quality discussion –>

Samsung’s 20MP sensor delivers a maximum resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels, matching the RX100’s nominal pixel count, but packing pixels onto a larger area results in larger photosites. This translates into superior color depth (23.0 vs. 22.6 bits) and dynamic range (12.5 vs. 12.4 EV) according to DxOMark scores. The NX1100 also performs better in low light (ISO 852 vs. ISO 390), indicating greater usable sensitivity before noise becomes problematic.

In practice, I observed the NX1100 produces cleaner images at high ISO, a crucial advantage for low-light event photography or moonlit night landscapes. The RX100, while formidable for its size, shows more noise and slightly compressed highlights under challenging lighting.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

Autofocus approaches dramatically differ between these two machines, reflecting their design philosophies and eras. The NX1100 uses contrast-detection AF with 15 focus points, includes face detection, and offers continuous AF modes. However, it lacks sophisticated subject tracking and phase detection.

Conversely, the RX100 leverages 25 contrast-detection points with face detection, center-weighted AF, and even tracking autofocus, an impressive feat for a compact camera. The RX100’s Hybrid AF (albeit entirely contrast-based, no phase detect) results in quicker and more reliable focusing during continuous shooting.

In real-world wildlife and sports tests, the RX100’s AF maintained subject lock more efficiently, which is essential when chasing fleeting moments. The NX1100, while adequate for portraits and static subjects, struggled with rapid movements - likely tied to its slower processor and AF routines.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and User Interface

Neither camera is weather-sealed, and both have plastic bodies, which feels appropriate given their market segments. I found SX1100’s ergonomics cater more to users comfortable with traditional mirrorless systems: you get a decent grip and easy lens changes. The RX100’s fixed 28-100mm lens means there’s no lens swap hassle, appealing to travelers and street photographers.

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The NX1100’s TFT LCD panel offers 921k dots, adequate but not spectacular. The RX100’s WhiteMagic TFT LCD is brighter and crisper (1229k dots), delivering superior clarity even outdoors. The RX100 also supports wireless features like NFC, unmatched by the NX1100’s built-in Wi-Fi (without NFC or Bluetooth).

The menus on both cameras are intuitive but somewhat dated. Manual exposure, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes are present in both. The NX1100's reliance on lenses for aperture control makes for a slower workflow when switching lenses, whereas the RX100’s zoom-and-shoot convenience excels here.

Lens Ecosystem Versus Fixed Lens Convenience

Arguably the biggest contextual difference lies in the NX1100’s interchangeable Samsung NX lens mount, boasting 32 native lenses spanning primes, zooms, and specialty optics. This versatility is a tremendous advantage if you want to explore macro, fast primes for portraits, or telephoto wildlife lenses.

The RX100’s fixed zoom lens covers 28-100mm equivalent with a fast maximum aperture starting at f/1.8 that tapers to f/4.9 at the tele end. While the zoom range is modest, the flexibility suits travel and street photography. Macro capabilities are good down to 5cm, allowing decent close-ups.

Given the NX1100’s lack of in-body image stabilization (IBIS), you rely on lenses or tripods to mitigate camera shake. The RX100 uniquely offers optical image stabilization integrated into its lens system - crucial for handheld shooting in low light or at telephoto focal lengths.

Speed and Burst Shooting Performance

The NX1100 can shoot at a respectable 8 frames per second, one of its stronger points. Still, its buffer fills quickly, limiting sustained bursts important for sports or fast wildlife. The RX100 tops up to 10 fps burst speed, complemented by superior autofocus tracking, making it the better capped compact for action photography.

Notably, the NX1100’s maximum mechanical shutter speed is 1/4000s, whereas RX100 caps at 1/2000s. The NX1100’s shutter speed advantage helps with bright daylight shooting when coupling wide apertures, but RX100 manages this with neutral density filters or variable aperture.

Low Light, Noise, and High ISO Usability

The APS-C sensor in the NX1100 gives it a clear lead in noise control and image quality above ISO 1600. It holds usable detail at ISO 3200 and 6400, suitable for indoor sports, nighttime street scenes, and event photography.

RX100’s 1-inch sensor struggles more in dim settings: usable images top out around ISO 800 to 1600 for print-quality work. Noise reduction is applied aggressively, sometimes softening fine detail.

Video Capabilities: Which Handles Motion Better?

Both cameras record Full HD video, a standard in their era, but the RX100 pushes to 1080p at 60fps, enabling smoother motion ideal for action clips and casual filming. The NX1100 maxes out at 1080p 30fps, which is fine for most documentary or vlogging use but not as fluid.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks for professional audio monitoring, nor do they offer 4K recording or advanced video features like log profiles. The RX100’s video compression using AVCHD tends to preserve better quality than the NX1100’s MPEG-4 and H.264 combination.

Image stabilization is a major factor: the RX100’s optical stabilization delivers noticeably steadier handheld footage compared to the NX1100’s absence of stabilization.

Specialized Photography Use Cases

Let’s break down how these cameras perform in various photography genres based on my extensive field tests:

<!– Image 5: Sample images from both cameras –>

Samsung NX1100 front Samsung NX1100 screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX1100: Thanks to the APS-C sensor and interchangeable fast primes available (like Samsung’s 30mm f/2 or venerable 45mm f/1.8), the NX1100 excels at rendering creamy bokeh and natural skin tones. Face detection works adequately but lacks eye detection and animal eye AF.

• Sony RX100: The wide-aperture f/1.8 lens at 28mm allows shallow depth of field but is limited by the smaller sensor. Face detection and tracking AF help nail focus on moving subjects. However, the fixed lens limits compositional creativity.

Landscape Photography

• The NX1100’s larger sensor provides superior dynamic range and detail, vital for expansive vistas and shadow recovery. Pair with a sharp wide-angle NX lens, and you’re set for rich, high-resolution landscapes.

• The RX100’s compact size and zoom lens offer versatility, but smaller sensor noise at low ISOs and less extensive manual controls limit professional landscape work.

Wildlife Photography

• The NX1100 benefits from the ability to mount telephoto lenses and shoot at 8fps, important for wildlife. However, its AF system is slower, and lack of tracking hampers high-speed action shots.

• The RX100’s fast burst (10fps) and AF tracking partially compensate for its fixed lens’s tele reach (only 100mm equiv). It’s better for casual animal portraits but not serious bird or wildlife hunting.

Sports Photography

• NX1100’s 8fps is competitive for entry-level sports shots but AF limitations and lack of continuous tracking hinder performance on fast-moving subjects.

• RX100’s 10fps burst and more advanced AF tracking help with sports like running or cycling, but short tele lens limits close-in action capture.

Street Photography

• RX100 shines for street - its small size, fast lens, and silent operation make for unobtrusive shooting on the fly.

• NX1100’s bulkier build and lens changes can be cumbersome for candid urban work.

Macro Photography

• The NX1100 paired with dedicated macro lenses can achieve high magnification and excellent detail.

• RX100 decent macro close focusing at 5cm for casual flower or insect shots but limited magnification.

Night and Astrophotography

• NX1100’s APS-C sensor high ISO capability and manual exposure modes give it an edge for night sky images.

• RX100 suffers in noise beyond ISO 800, limiting astrophotography potential.

Video Work

• RX100’s 1080p 60fps and optical steady shot stabilization produce smoother handheld video clips.

• NX1100’s lack of stabilization and 30fps max video limit video creative scope.

Travel Photography

• RX100’s diminutive size, optical zoom, and decent battery life (330 shots) make it excellent for travel.

• NX1100 bulkier and less convenient but offers creative flexibility with lenses.

Professional Workflows

• NX1100 supports RAW capture with solid 20MP files suitable for editing in Lightroom or Capture One.

• RX100 also offers RAW and versatile aspect ratios with a faster workflow thanks to fixed lens and snappy interface.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras deliver similar battery endurance roughly around 320-330 shots per charge, typical for compact mirrorless/compact models of their era. The NX1100 uses the BC1030 battery, slightly larger but drains quicker due to larger sensor and LCD usage. The RX100’s NP-BX1 battery is well-optimized for its size.

Both feature a single memory card slot for SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The RX100 adds compatibility with Sony’s Memory Stick cards, a small advantage for some users.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The NX1100 includes built-in Wi-Fi, allowing basic image sharing and remote control, but no NFC or Bluetooth. Sony’s RX100 boasts Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer and NFC for easy pairing - a nod to more modern convenience.

Neither camera supports live streaming or advanced wireless controls present in newer models, but both remain adequate for amateur sharing needs.

Price and Value Assessment

Upon release, the NX1100 commanded a higher price point (~$600) than the RX100 (~$450), reflecting its larger sensor and interchangeable lens system. These days, with used prices dropping, both cameras offer thoughtful entry points.

If your budget favors an expandable system that grows with you and image quality is paramount (portraits, landscapes), the NX1100 holds intriguing value - especially with affordable Samsung NX glass. The RX100 excels for those prioritizing portability, quick shooting, and video within a compact format.

<!– Image 6: Overall performance ratings –>

Numerical Genre Ratings: How Each Camera Scores

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Breaking down the numbers:

Final Thoughts and Who Should Buy Which?

Bottom line:

• Samsung NX1100 is a solid choice for photographers who prioritize image quality, manual control, and the flexibility of an interchangeable lens system at an entry-level price. Its larger APS-C sensor and broad native lens lineup give it a clear advantage in portrait, landscape, and macro photography. Downsides include its slower autofocus system, lack of in-body stabilization, and bulkier frame limiting portability.

• Sony RX100 shines as a true all-in-one pocket camera, perfect for street shooters, travelers, and casual videographers who want respectable image quality without hauling gear. Its advanced autofocus tracking, built-in optical stabilization, and compact design make it a versatile companion, albeit compromised by a smaller sensor and fixed lens.

For photo enthusiasts eager to experiment with different glass and push creativity through interchangeable systems, the NX1100 is the camera I’d recommend based on extensive side-by-side testing. Meanwhile, those wishing to document life with minimal fuss and travel light will appreciate the RX100’s clever engineering and balanced feature set.

If there is one takeaway from my hours in the field with these cameras, it’s that sensor size matters, but so do workflow convenience and shooting style. Neither camera is perfect, but both offer unique advantages depending on how and where you like to shoot.

I hope this detailed analysis helps you decide which camera suits your photographic ambitions. I’ve personally logged hundreds of frames with both - if you have specific questions or want sample RAW files for your own testing, feel free to reach out.