Samsung NX210 vs Sony RX100 III: A Definitive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

In an era where compactness and image quality are both essential, choosing the right camera involves a nuanced evaluation of sensor technology, ergonomics, feature sets, and real-world handling across diverse photographic genres. Here, we dissect two notable cameras that appeal strongly to entry-level and enthusiast photographers but come from distinct categories: the Samsung NX210, an entry-level APS-C mirrorless system camera announced in 2012, and the Sony RX100 III, a large sensor compact camera introduced in 2014, renowned for its portability and advanced features.

Having extensively tested thousands of cameras over the years using standardized protocols - ranging from controlled lab environments to dynamic field scenarios - I bring hands-on insights that transcend mere spec sheets. This comparison covers technical specifications, image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and real-world applicability for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, street, macro, astrophotography, video, and professional use cases. By the end, you will have a clear picture of which camera suits your photographic ambitions and budget.

Design and Ergonomics: Handling the Physical Interface

Both cameras approach design philosophy from different standpoints - Samsung's NX210 adopts a traditional rangefinder-style mirrorless body with interchangeable lenses, whereas the Sony RX100 III exemplifies a large sensor compact with a fixed zoom lens in a pocket-friendly shell.

The NX210 measures 117 x 63 x 37 mm and weights a featherlike 222 grams, making it extremely portable for an APS-C camera but still offering a satisfying grip for extended shooting. In contrast, the RX100 III is even more compact at 102 x 58 x 41 mm but heavier at 290 grams due to its metal chassis and lens assembly.

From a tactile perspective, the NX210 offers a more traditional button layout, with dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, whereas the RX100 III compensates for its form factor with a tilting 3-inch LCD and a pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF), features that make it surprisingly versatile despite its size.

When we look at the top design and control systems, the Samsung provides a minimalist top plate, lacking a dedicated viewfinder, relying solely on its sharp 3-inch AMOLED fixed screen. Meanwhile, the Sony’s top surface is densely packed with mode dials and a retractable lens barrel, accommodating more direct control albeit with a learning curve for newcomers.

Ergonomically, the NX210 facilitates grasp and manual handling better for those accustomed to interchangeable lens systems, while the RX100 III’s compactness shines for street photographers and travelers prioritizing pocketability without sacrificing manual controls.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of image quality lies sensor size and technology, directly influencing resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control. These cameras differ fundamentally here:

• The Samsung NX210 incorporates a 20 MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm area) - a generously sized sensor typical of DSLR-like quality. It features an anti-aliasing filter that mildly trades sharpness for moiré reduction.
• The Sony RX100 III sports a 20 MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm), which, despite being smaller, benefits from a backside-illuminated structure allowing improved low-light sensitivity.

DxOMark overall scores reinforce these differences: the NX210 scores a solid 71, while the RX100 III ranks slightly lower at 67, driven largely by sensor size advantage in color depth (22.8 vs 22.4 bit) and dynamic range (12.5 vs 12.3 EV). Notably, the NX210 excels in ISO performance with a base ISO of 100 (versus RX100 III’s 125) and a low-light ISO score of 719 vs 495, reflecting cleaner image capture in shadows and darker environments.

Resolution-wise, both deliver equivalent 20-megapixel raw outputs at 5472 x 3648 pixels, suitable for large prints and extensive post-processing cropping. However, the APS-C sensor’s greater area provides inherently richer tonality and shallower depth of field possibilities beneficial for portraits and artistic bokeh.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability in Action

Autofocus (AF) systems critically determine how well a camera can capture fleeting moments in wildlife, sports, and street photography. Subject tracking and face detection dominate performance metrics here.

• The Samsung NX210 utilizes a 15-point contrast-detection AF system, including live view face detection but lacks phase-detect AF or sophisticated tracking capabilities. Continuous autofocus is supported, but tracking complex, erratic subjects is suboptimal.
• Conversely, the Sony RX100 III employs a 25-point contrast-detection AF system augmented by advanced face detection and tracking algorithms (AF continuous, spot, multi-area), enabling reliable autofocus for rapid and erratic motion. This setup is complemented by a faster burst shooting mode at 10 fps (NX210 maxes at 8 fps).

In practical testing, the RX100 III’s AF proves more versatile in dynamic, fast-paced conditions such as wildlife and sports, locking focus quickly with higher hit rates, while the NX210 performs reliably in static or moderately paced scenarios like portraits and landscapes where precise focus planning is possible.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance & Durability

Neither camera offers comprehensive weather sealing or robust environmental resistance, placing them in categories best suited for fair-weather shooting or protected environments.

• The NX210’s polycarbonate body offers lightweight construction but lacks dust or moisture sealing.
• The RX100 III features a largely metal body that imparts a premium feel and improved durability, albeit also without weather sealing.

For photographers planning outdoor excursions, particularly landscapes or wildlife in unpredictable weather, additional protective gear would be advisable with both cameras.

LCD and Viewfinder Interfaces

An often underestimated component in shooting comfort and compositional accuracy is the LCD and viewfinder design.

The Samsung NX210 relies entirely on its 3-inch fixed Active Matrix OLED screen with 614k dots, offering vibrant and accurate color rendition but limited flexibility in framing from difficult angles. It lacks any viewfinder, requiring compositional adjustments in bright ambient conditions, where screen visibility may be challenged.

In contrast, the RX100 III includes a 3-inch tilting LCD with 1229k dots, enhancing outdoor visibility and versatility for creative angles like low or overhead shots. Additionally, its built-in pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1440k dots and 100% coverage is a remarkable feature in a compact sensor camera, providing critical pixel-level framing precision and image review capability in bright lighting.

This difference often becomes a deal-breaker depending on user scenario preference, especially for street, travel, or landscape shooters who benefit greatly from EVFs.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

One of the fundamental advantages of the Samsung NX210 is its Samsung NX mount, offering access to around 32 native lenses, ranging from wide-angle primes through telephotos and macro optics. This interchangeable lens flexibility allows significant customization across photography genres, from macro to wildlife telephoto.

The RX100 III, however, features a non-interchangeable 24–70mm (2.9x zoom) lens with fast F1.8-2.8 aperture, optimized for versatile everyday use within a large sensor compact system. Though lacking lens-swapping ability, this zoom range covers wide-angle to short telephoto, suitable for many scenarios.

For photographers prioritizing optical adaptability and future lens investment, the NX210’s modular system is inherently more scalable; meanwhile, RX100 III’s fixed lens emphasizes convenience and portability over flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage

Each camera runs on proprietary rechargeable battery packs, with comparable endurance:

• NX210 offers approximately 330 shots per charge, making it suitable for day-long shoots when combined with spares.
• RX100 III provides 320 shots per battery charge, also competitive for travel and street photography.

Storage is standardized to one slot per camera:

• Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the RX100 III additionally supports Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo formats, adding versatility.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity impacts workflow integration and sharing ease:

• Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control.
• The NX210 lacks NFC or Bluetooth.
• The RX100 III includes NFC support for quicker pairing with compatible devices.

Neither model provides microphone or headphone ports for external audio in video mode, limiting professional cinematography applications.

Image Stabilization

The Sony RX100 III includes built-in optical image stabilization, a significant advantage for handheld shooting in low light, video recording, and telephoto use. This system corrects camera shake, allowing the use of slower shutter speeds without blur.

Conversely, the NX210 has no in-body image stabilization, making it reliant on optical stabilization within lenses (many Samsung NX lenses do not offer this) or faster shutter speeds.

For users needing stable video footage or low-light handheld shooting, the RX100 III's stabilization is a notable strength.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras support full HD video recording:

• The NX210 records at up to 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, encoded in MPEG-4/H.264 format.
• The RX100 III offers more advanced codecs (AVCHD, XAVC S) and supports 1080p at 60p/60i/24p, enabling smoother motion capture and better editing flexibility.

Variable frame rates like 120p at 720p on the RX100 III allow slow-motion effects unreproducible on the NX210.

Neither camera supports 4K video capture, limiting usefulness for ultra-high-resolution demands.

Practical Genre-by-Genre Performance

Portrait Photography

• The APS-C sensor in NX210 provides shallower depth of field for creamy bokeh, more nuanced skin tones owing to superior color depth, and face detection for ease of focusing.
• RX100 III’s wide aperture lens (F1.8-2.8) helps in low-light portraits, but sensor size limits bokeh severity.

Landscape Photography

• NX210 excels due to larger dynamic range (12.5 EV) and better shadow detail, instrumental in capturing high contrast outdoor scenes.
• RX100 III benefits from compactness but smaller sensor limits ultimate resolution headroom for large prints.

Wildlife and Sports

• RX100 III’s faster continuous shooting (10 fps), enhanced autofocus tracking, and image stabilization render it better for fast-moving subjects.
• NX210’s slower AF tracking and no stabilization restrict this use case.

Street and Travel Photography

• RX100 III’s compact size, tilting screen, built-in EVF, and fast zoom lens make it ideal for travel and discreet street shooting.
• NX210’s interchangeable lens ecosystem is bulky; however, its APS-C sensor outperforms in image quality.

Macro Photography

• The NX lens lineup includes dedicated macro lenses, allowing close focusing capabilities.
• The RX100 III’s closest focus at 5 cm expands point-and-shoot macro options but lacks specialized optics.

Night and Astrophotography

• NX210’s superior low light ISO rating and deeper bit depth make it the better candidate for astrophotography.
• RX100 III provides stabilization and faster lenses but smaller sensor limits noise control.

Video and Professional Workflows

• RX100 III’s advanced codecs, high frame rates, image stabilization, and EVF offer practical benefits for casual videography.
• NX210 offers larger files, better image fidelity, and RAW support suiting photographic professionals working in diverse workflows.

Sample Images Comparison

A visual perspective often reveals subtle qualities not captured in specifications. Below, sample images from both cameras illustrate characteristics discussed: color richness, bokeh smoothness, noise levels in shadows, and image sharpness in various settings.

Samsung NX210 screen back Sony RX100 III front Sony RX100 III screen back

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

Aggregate performance metrics consolidate the thorough testing and analysis:

While the NX210 leads slightly in still image quality and dynamic range, the RX100 III excels in autofocus sophistication, video prowess, and portability.

A genre-specific breakdown clarifies user suitability:

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

For Entrants Into Interchangeable Lens Photography and Image Quality Enthusiasts:

• The Samsung NX210 emerges as the practical entry point for photographers prioritizing larger sensor benefits, vibrant color rendition, extensive lens selection, and flexibility to grow. Ideal for portrait, landscape, and studio shooters mindful of budget but unwilling to sacrifice raw image quality.

For Travelers, Street Photographers, and Hybrid Photo/Video Users:

• The Sony RX100 III offers a compelling all-in-one solution in a pocketable package, emphasizing speed, autofocus reliability, stabilized video, and convenient shooting interfaces (tilting screen and EVF). A fantastic choice for photographers valuing unobtrusive shooting, rapid responsiveness, and video alongside strong still image performance.

Budget Considerations:

• The NX210 generally retails lower (~$625) with lens purchases adding incremental cost, whereas RX100 III sits higher (~$748) but bundles advanced optics and features in a single unit.

Conclusion

Both cameras stand as commendable options that cater to different photographic philosophies and user priorities. The Samsung NX210 entrusts photographers with creative control via an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses, while the Sony RX100 III condenses advanced technology into a compact body optimized for quick, versatile shooting.

Investments should align with your specific photographic genres, field conditions, and workflow requirements. If sensor size and lens adaptability top your list, go NX210. If portability, autofocus speed, and integrated stabilization lead, RX100 III fits best.

By considering the detailed technical and practical insights presented - paired with your shooting preferences - you are empowered to make an informed choice that will serve your photographic journey reliably and creatively for years to come.