Samsung NX5 vs. Samsung SH100: A Thorough Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When delving into the realm of consumer cameras, understanding the nuances between models, especially from a singular brand like Samsung, becomes crucial for photographers who want to optimize their gear investment. This detailed comparison between the Samsung NX5, an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced mid-2010, and the Samsung SH100, an ultra-compact fixed-lens camera released in early 2011, explores their strengths, limitations, and suitability across various photographic disciplines and real-world scenarios. Leveraging my extensive experience testing cameras over 15 years and analyzing their technical specifications alongside practical usage, this article aims to help enthusiasts and professionals make an informed choice tailored to their unique photographic needs.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Physical design and user experience are often determining factors in a camera’s appeal and usability. The Samsung NX5, with its SLR-style mirrorless body, offers a substantial, comfortable grip compared to the compact and pocket-friendly Samsung SH100.

The NX5 measures 123mm x 87mm x 40mm and weighs approximately 499 grams including battery, making it substantial yet manageable for extended shooting sessions - especially for users accustomed to DSLR-style cameras. Its mirrorless design provides more advanced handling with direct lens swaps via its proprietary Samsung NX mount, offering flexibility and growth potential.

Conversely, the SH100 adopts an ultra-compact form factor measuring only 93mm x 54mm x 19mm without specified weight, emphasizing portability and ease of carry. It excels as an everyday snapshot device, ideal for street photographers or vacationers prioritizing minimalism over manual control. However, its fixed lens and absence of traditional camera controls limit certain creative possibilities.

The ergonomics of the NX5 favor photographers who prefer manual tweaks and precision, whereas the SH100 favors quick, point-and-shoot convenience. This initial impression sets the tone for divergent user experiences - comprehensive versus casual photography.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C CMOS vs. 1/2.3" CCD

Perhaps the most critical aspect in image quality comparison stems from sensor size and technology - a fundamental predictor of dynamic range, noise control, and resolution.

The Samsung NX5 boasts a 15-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor measuring 23.4 x 15.6 mm, which translates to a sensor area of 365.04 mm². This considerably large sensor allows for greater light capture, improved depth of field control, and superior image quality in various lighting conditions. The CMOS sensor’s architecture supports rapid readout speeds and enables features like continuous autofocus and live view functionality with minimal lag.

In contrast, the Samsung SH100 utilizes a smaller 1/2.3" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD sensor, providing a sensor area of only 27.72 mm² with 14 megapixels resolution. This smaller sensor’s limited light-gathering capability inherently constrains dynamic range and low-light performance, and the CCD technology, while traditionally celebrated for color rendition, is generally slower to read out compared to CMOS, impacting autofocus and video capabilities.

Practically, the NX5 delivers more detailed images with better noise control and tonal gradation, especially in challenging lighting, such as indoor events or twilight scenes. The SH100’s smaller sensor, while capable under bright daylight, tends to reveal noise and artifacts under dimmer settings. This difference profoundly impacts disciplines such as portraiture and low-light photography.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Precision and Speed Matters

Autofocus systems dictate a camera’s ability to capture sharp images reliably, especially in fast-paced or dynamic scenarios.

The NX5 features a 15-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and continuous autofocus capabilities, intended to support photographers in tracking subjects during continuous shooting. Although lacking phase-detection AF (common in more advanced mirrorless models), the contrast detection system performs competently in well-lit environments, offering selective multi-area focusing.

By contrast, the SH100 omits manual focus altogether and only offers point-and-shoot autofocus without face detection or subject tracking. This limits the user’s ability to control focus or confidently capture fast-moving subjects.

When it comes to continuous shooting speeds, the NX5 can shoot at 3 frames per second - a modest rate by today’s standards but sufficient for entry-level sports or wildlife enthusiasts in moderately paced action settings. The SH100 does not list continuous shooting capabilities, further emphasizing its role as a casual snapshot camera.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera boasts weather sealing or reinforced build quality; however, the NX5’s mirrorless construction and larger chassis provide a sense of robustness missing in the ultra-compact SH100. For outdoor landscape or wildlife photographers, this factor coupled with the NX5’s ability to accommodate weather-resistant lenses (depending on third-party options) can justify investment despite the absence of formal environmental sealing.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

A vital interface element that profoundly affects usability, the LCD screen, and viewfinder design are key to framing and reviewing images.

Both cameras feature a fixed 3-inch display with a 230k-dot resolution. The NX5 utilizes an Active Matrix OLED screen which offers better contrast and colors relative to traditional LCDs, especially beneficial when reviewing images outdoors or in high-contrast environments. This non-touch display favors button-based navigation enhancing speed for experienced users.

The SH100’s screen includes touchscreen functionality - a rare feature in compact cameras from that era - simplifying menu navigation for casual photographers but at the expense of tactile control precision. Notably, the SH100 lacks any form of electronic or optical viewfinder, while the NX5 includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 100% of the frame and providing a 0.57x magnification. This EVF advantage facilitates shooting in bright daylight and improves composition accuracy.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Arguably the NX5’s most significant strength lies in its interchangeable lens system. Using the Samsung NX mount, it supports a relatively modest but growing collection of 32 lenses spanning wide-angle, standard primes, telephoto zooms, and specialty optics like macro. This variety allows photographers to tailor the camera to targeted applications, from portraiture (with fast aperture primes) to wildlife (with telephoto zooms).

In contrast, the SH100 employs a fixed lens with a large focal length multiplier of 5.9x (typical for a small-sensor point-and-shoot), severely limiting compositional flexibility and depth of field control. While this approach benefits simplicity and compactness, it restricts creative expression, particularly to enthusiasts accustomed to changing optics to suit different shooting genres.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The NX5 offers a respectable battery life of approximately 400 shots per charge using the BP1130 battery pack, adequate for day-long outings or travel. It stores images on standard SD/SDHC cards via a single slot and offers USB 2.0 and HDMI connectivity for data transfer and external display output. However, it lacks wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, NFC, or built-in GPS, features which later mirrorless designs typically incorporate.

The SH100’s battery life is unspecified, and it has limited connectivity options, notably lacking USB or HDMI ports. However, it interestingly features built-in wireless capabilities, favoring direct image transfer to supported devices - albeit with limited practical use given the overall imaging constraints.

From a workflow perspective, the NX5’s raw image capture support (DNG format) enhances post-processing potential for professionals, whereas the SH100 records only JPEGs, limiting dynamic adjustments unless shooting conditions are near ideal.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording for Entry-Level Content Creators

For multimedia creators, video capture is increasingly critical. The NX5 offers modest video recording at 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second with H.264 codec, which was competitive at its release. It lacks advanced video stabilization and does not support 4K or higher-resolution modes. No microphone or headphone ports restrict audio quality control to the built-in mono mic.

The SH100 matches at 720p resolution but records in Motion JPEG format, which produces larger files and lower compression efficiency. Despite having a microphone port, the absence of advanced control features and limited sensor capabilities reduce the effective video quality compared to the NX5.

Genre-Specific Performance Insights

To provide tangible insights, we dissect the cameras’ suitability across popular photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters demand accurate skin tone reproduction, pleasing bokeh, and reliable eye detection autofocus to ensure sharp facial features.

• NX5: The APS-C sensor size and interchangeable lens system enable shallow depth of field effects, allowing artists to isolate subjects beautifully; face detection autofocus supports easier focusing on eyes or faces, improving keeper rates.
• SH100: Limited by fixed lens and small sensor, resulting portraits exhibit greater depth of field (less background blur) and less dynamic tonal range, producing flatter images. No face detection autofocus hampers precision.

Landscape Photography

Landscape enthusiasts prize high dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing for challenging outdoor environments.

• NX5: Its 15 MP sensor yields excellent resolution and tonal gradation. Though lacking environmental sealing, sturdy build and lens versatility facilitate outdoor use with appropriate protection.
• SH100: Sensor limitations produce narrower dynamic range and resolution, and ultraportable design lacks robustness for harsh conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography requires fast, accurate autofocus, telephoto capabilities, and decent burst rates to capture fleeting moments.

• NX5: Moderate 3 fps continuous shooting is on the lower side but acceptable for casual wildlife work. The lens range includes telephoto zooms up to 300mm equivalent, enhancing reach. Contrast detection AF struggles in low light but performs adequately outdoors.
• SH100: Fixed lens and autofocus limitations restrict telephoto reach and tracking ability, making it unsuitable for serious wildlife work.

Sports Photography

Fast AF, high frame rates, and effective low-light performance underpin sports shooting success.

• NX5: Again, 3 fps frame rate and contrast detection AF limit performance but suffice for lower-paced amateur sports. The APS-C sensor aids low-light capacity somewhat.
• SH100: Unsuitable for sports due to slow shutter speeds and lack of continuous autofocus.

Street Photography

Discrete handling, low light capability, and portability factor heavily here.

• NX5: Larger, less discrete than compact cameras, but the silent electronic shutter (if available) can aid discretion.
• SH100: Extremely compact and pocketable, ideal for candid moments, but limited low-light performance reduces evening usability.

Macro Photography

Close focusing capability, magnification, and stabilization are essential.

• NX5: With compatible macro lenses and manual focus, it is well-suited for macro work.
• SH100: Fixed lens and no manual focusing make true macro photography challenging.

Night and Astrophotography

High ISO performance and exposure flexibility enable stellar low-light imagery.

• NX5: Max ISO 3200 allows respectable night photography; manual exposure controls help compose long exposures.
• SH100: Limited ISO settings and exposure control reduce effectiveness for night shooting.

Video and Travel Photography

For creators on the go, versatility, stabilization, battery life, and video features matter.

• NX5: Despite limited video specs, its physical size and weight make it less ideal for extended travel or handheld video.
• SH100: Compactness and wireless image transfer excel for travel snapshots, though video quality is basic.

Professional Workflows

Reliability, file formats, and integration into professional post-processing pipelines matter.

• NX5: Raw support, manual controls, and lens interchangeability align with entry-level professional workflows.
• SH100: JPEG-only and fewer manual controls limit professional usability.

Samsung NX5 screen back Samsung SH100 front Samsung SH100 screen back

User Interface and Controls

The NX5’s top view reveals dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and prioritized buttons for ISO and drive modes. This physical control suite benefits photographers who rely on tactile adjustment - important when quick camera response is essential.

The SH100’s control surface is more minimalist without dedicated dials or manual exposure modes, further affirming its design leanings towards casual users.

Final Performance Summary and Value Analysis

In an aggregated performance context - considering sensor, autofocus, ergonomics, video, and overall versatility - the NX5 ranks considerably higher, justified by its more advanced hardware and feature set. The SH100 scores well primarily for portability and ease of use but lags across demanding photographic criteria.

This chart reflects the NX5’s broad suitability for most photography types, with particular advantages in portraiture, landscapes, and even low-light arenas. The SH100’s strength resides in street and travel photography where size and simplicity outstand technical performance.

Recommendations: Matching Cameras to Photographer Types

• Choose Samsung NX5 if you:

  • Desire a beginner-friendly but expandable mirrorless system with interchangeable lenses.
  • Prioritize image quality, manual control, and versatile shooting.
  • Engage in portraits, landscapes, casual wildlife, and entry-level professional work.
  • Value an electronic viewfinder and raw shooting capability.
  • Are comfortable with moderate size and weight.

• Opt for Samsung SH100 if you:

  • Need a pocketable, ultra-compact camera for casual snapshots.
  • Prioritize portability and quick sharing over image quality.
  • Mainly shoot in daylight and prefer fully automatic operation.
  • Require built-in wireless connectivity for quick transfers.
  • Do not need manual focus, interchangeable lenses, or advanced video.

Closing Thoughts: Legacy Models with Distinct Purposes

Examined through the lens of today’s standards, both Samsung models reflect their design philosophies and era-specific priorities. The NX5, although now outdated, offers substantial photographic potential and learning capacity for aspiring photographers seeking growth without overwhelming complexity. The SH100 remains a practical option for those craving simplicity and mobility, albeit with compromised image fidelity and control.

Making a choice between these cameras hinges upon understanding your photographic goals, workflows, and tolerance for complexity. As cameras from Samsung’s earlier efforts in mirrorless and compact formats, they also serve as informative benchmarks tracing the evolution of consumer imaging technology over the past decade.

I encourage readers to consider their shooting style carefully, consult this in-depth analysis, and, where possible, test these models firsthand to grasp how each aligns with personal creative ambitions.

This review was conducted using a combination of hands-on testing, analysis of official specifications, and comparison against genre-specific criteria honed through thousands of camera evaluations over 15+ years.