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Samsung NX100 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Samsung NX100

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    Main Features

    • 15MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 6400
    • Digital only Image Stabilization
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • 3 fps continuous shooting
    • HD - 1280 x 720 video
    • 282g. 120 x 71 x 35 mm
    • Replaced by Samsung NX200
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Samsung NX100 Overview

    First introduced in September 2010 , Samsung NX100 is a 15.0MP Entry-Level Mirrorless camera with a APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and Samsung NX lens mount. Samsung later replaced NX100 with NX200. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these cameras:
    Compare Samsung NX100 vs Samsung NX200

    Samsung NX100 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Samsung NX100 has an Overall Score of 53/100 and ranked #185 out of 214 in Mirrorless cameras (Top 10 Mirrorless), and ranked #428 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Samsung NX100 Physical Specs
    Samsung NX100 weighs 282 g (0.62 lb / 9.95 oz) and has external dimensions of 120 x 71 x 35 mm (4.72 x 2.8 x 1.38″). Considering that the average weight of Mirrorless type cameras is 445g, Samsung NX100 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 35mm, it is also quite small, 15mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Samsung NX100
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    Mirrorless Cameras

    Samsung NX100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Samsung NX100 with the dimensions:

    Samsung NX100 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Samsung NX100 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Samsung NX100, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Samsung NX100 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Samsung NX100 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Samsung NX100 with its main competitors:

    Samsung NX100 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs NX100 Thickness vs NX100
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX200
    Compare
    223g 59g lighter 36mm 1mm thicker
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX1000
    Compare
    222g 60g lighter 37mm 2mm thicker
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX300
    Compare
    331g 49g heavier 41mm 6mm thicker
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX2000
    Compare
    228g 54g lighter 36mm 1mm thicker
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX3000
    Compare
    230g 52g lighter 39mm 4mm thicker
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX mini
    Compare
    196g 86g lighter 23mm 12mm thinner
    Samsung NX100 Camera Sony NEX-5
    Compare
    287g 5g heavier 38mm 3mm thicker
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX10
    Compare
    499g 217g heavier 40mm 5mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Samsung NX100 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Samsung NX100 Sensor and Photography Features

    Samsung NX100 has a 15.0MP APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features DRIMe Engine processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4592 x 3056 pixels with aspect ratios of 3:2 and 16:9. NX100 has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Samsung NX100 is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Samsung NX100 vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution Mirrorless cameras list.

    Samsung NX100 DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Samsung NX100 sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 62 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Samsung NX100 here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Samsung NX100's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Samsung NX100 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Samsung NX100 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Samsung NX100 Lens Mount and Lenses

    Samsung NX100 has a Samsung NX lens mount and currently there are 32 native lenses available for this mount. Samsung is one of the newest players in the mirrorless world so the NX mount lens selection is not very wide, optically they are well regarded though.

    Samsung NX100 doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 7 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 2 lenses with weather sealing for NX100 but bear in mind that NX100 body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Samsung NX100 Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Samsung NX Mount Lenses for Samsung NX100
    Model Focal Length on NX100 Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Samsung NX 50-200mm F4-5.6 OIS Lens Samsung NX 50-200mm F4-5.6 OIS
    75-300mm APS-C / DX 417gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samsung NX 16-50mm F2.0-2.8 S ED OIS Lens Samsung NX 16-50mm F2.0-2.8 S ED OIS
    24-75mm APS-C / DX 622gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samsung NX 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 ED OIS Lens Samsung NX 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 ED OIS
    27-300mm APS-C / DX 549gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samsung NX 30mm F2 Pancake Lens Samsung NX 30mm F2 Pancake
    45mm APS-C / DX 85gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samsung NX 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS Lens Samsung NX 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS
    24-75mm APS-C / DX 111gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samsung NX 60mm F2.8 Macro ED OIS SSA Lens Samsung NX 60mm F2.8 Macro ED OIS SSA
    90mm APS-C / DX 389gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samsung NX 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OIS Lens Samsung NX 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OIS
    27-82.5mm APS-C / DX 198gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Samsung 50-150mm F2.8 S Lens Samsung 50-150mm F2.8 S
    75-225mm APS-C / DX 920gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Samsung NX100 Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Samsung NX100 LCD

    Samsung NX100 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 614k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    NX100 doesn't have a built-in viewfinder but an optional external viewfinder is available. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Mirrorless camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Fujifilm X-T200 (Compare) or Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Samsung NX100 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect NX100 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Samsung NX100 is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 420 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Mirrorless type cameras is 370 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

    Samsung NX100
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Samsung NX mini with its 650shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras. Check the comparison of Samsung NX100 vs Samsung NX mini or take a look at Longest Battery Life Mirrorless cameras list.

    Samsung NX100 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX200
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No No
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX1000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 320shots Yes No No
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX300
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots Yes No Yes
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX2000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 340shots Yes No Yes
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX3000
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 370shots Yes No Yes
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX mini
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 650shots Yes No No
    Samsung NX100 Camera Sony NEX-5
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No No
    Samsung NX100 Camera Samsung NX10
    Compare
    1280 x 720 400shots No No No

    Samsung NX100 Video Features

    With Samsung NX100, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and H.264 formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    NX100 has a built-in Mono microphone but no speaker.
    Samsung NX100 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Mirrorless camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Fujifilm X-T200 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 in a similar price range.

    Samsung NX100 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Samsung NX100 can shoot continuously at max speed of 3 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately NX100 doesn't have a built-in flash but it has a flash shoe for mounting external flashes.

    Focusing

    Samsung NX100 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 15 points to choose from.

    Samsung NX100 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Samsung NX100 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Samsung NX100 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Electronic (Optional) Optional Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    15 Focus Points
    614k dots LCD Resolution
    282g Light Body
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Samsung NX100 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    Low Resolution Sensor: 15.0MP
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Low Battery Life: 420 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Poor Low Light Performance
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Samsung NX100 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Samsung NX100 in 5 different photography areas.

    Samsung NX100 for Portrait Photography

    Samsung NX100 has a score of 51 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Image Stabilization
    Average Resolution Sensor: 15.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling

    Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX100 for Portrait Photography

    Samsung NX100 for Street Photography

    Samsung NX100 has a score of 58 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Medium sized Body

    Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX100 for Street Photography

    Samsung NX100 for Sports Photography

    Samsung NX100 has a score of 56 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    15 Focus Points
    Image Stabilization
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 3.0fps
    Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX100 for Sports Photography

    Samsung NX100 for Daily Photography

    Samsung NX100 has a score of 64 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    282g
    Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Medium size Body

    Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX100 for Daily Photography

    Samsung NX100 for Landscape Photography

    Samsung NX100 has a score of 38 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Mirrorless Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theNX100.
    Live-view
    Large APS-C (23.4 x 15.6 mm) sensor
    Average Resolution Sensor: 15.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Samsung NX100 for Landscape Photography
    Samsung NX100 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Samsung NX100 compares with other Mirrorless cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Samsung NX100 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Samsung NX100

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Samsung NX100 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Samsung NX200
    Samsung NX200
    Compare
    Samsung NX1000
    Samsung NX1000
    Compare
    Samsung NX300
    Samsung NX300
    Compare
    Samsung NX2000
    Samsung NX2000
    Compare
    Samsung NX3000
    Samsung NX3000
    Compare
    Samsung NX mini
    Samsung NX mini
    Compare
    Sony NEX-5
    Sony NEX-5
    Compare
    Samsung NX10
    Samsung NX10
    Compare

    Samsung NX100 Alternatives in DSLR Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Samsung NX100 with DSLR Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked DSLR cameras in Samsung NX100's price range.

    Pentax K-3
    Pentax K-3
    Compare
    Nikon D610
    Nikon D610
    Compare
    Pentax K-S2
    Pentax K-S2
    Compare
    Pentax K-70
    Pentax K-70
    Compare
    Nikon D7200
    Nikon D7200
    Compare
    Nikon D5500
    Nikon D5500
    Compare
    Nikon D5600
    Nikon D5600
    Compare
    Canon 77D
    Canon 77D
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Samsung NX100
    Does the Samsung NX100 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Samsung NX100 have RAW support?
    Does the Samsung NX100 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Samsung NX100 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Samsung NX100?
    What is the Sensor Size of Samsung NX100?
    is the Samsung NX100 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Samsung NX100 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Samsung NX100 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Samsung NX100?
    What is the Weight of Samsung NX100?
    What are the Dimensions of Samsung NX100?
    Samsung NX100 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Samsung
    Model Samsung NX100
    Announced 2010-09-14
    Body Type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Samsung NX
    Number of Lenses 32
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.5×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology VGA AMOLED
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 614k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic (optional)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range no built-in flash
    Max Flash Sync 1/180s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, 1st/2nd Curtain, Smart Flash, Manual
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 62
    DxO Color Depth 22.6
    DxO Dynamic Range 10.7
    DxO Low Light ISO 563
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 23.4 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 365.04mm2
    Sensor Resolution 15 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 15
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 282g
    Physical Dimensions 120 x 71 x 35mm
    Battery Life 420 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model BP1130
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 sec to 30 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS Optional
    Storage Type SD/SDHC
    Storage Slots 1


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