REVIEW Head-to-head 4

Samsung NX10 vs Sony NEX-5

HEAD -TO-HEAD

Samsung NX10 Vs Sony NEX-5
Josie Reavely trials two petite powerhouses to see which delivers the most punch

How we test the cameras

The growing trend for producing ever-smaller digital cameras without scrimping on functionality is at the forefront of many manufacturers minds at the moment, resulting in a glut of cameras that lack the traditional DSLR innerworkings, but still retain a similar level of versatility. In this issues group test, weve taken two of the leading small-yetpowerful mirrorless, interchangeable lens digital cameras and put them through their paces, to see which represents the best overall purchase. Weve tested each model in low light and high ISOs, in sunshine and under stormy skies, investigating each of their unique feature sets and innovative scene modes to aid our final decision. Read on to discover which of these diminutive cameras leaves the biggest impression.
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Camera build and handling
The Samsung NX10 is the larger of our two contenders, with distinctly DSLR-like styling. A faux viewfinder hump houses its powerful pop-up flash and electronic viewfinder, with a smattering of controls and a well-stocked Mode dial flanking it on either side. On said Mode dial theres a good selection of scene modes and a Smart Auto mode, which decides what your subject is and adjusts the camera settings to deliver the best possible results a feature with a very high success rate. A number of icons appear at the bottom of the cameras clear and bright AMOLED screen point the lens at a moving subject and the Sports mode will engage, or direct it at a flower and its Macro mode is highlighted accordingly a feature that improves functionality for beginners. Advanced users are also well catered for, with the full set of partial and full manual shooting modes. All the controls are small, but logically positioned, with plenty of dedicated buttons as well as softkey access to important functions and a user-programmable Fn (Function) button. The result is a camera thats easy to navigate and can respond quickly to impromptu photo opportunities. The NEX-5 offers a completely different design and handling experience. With its boxy, robust metal body, it makes no attempt to emulate the DSLR shape, nor does it offer the same range of controls on its outer surface. Instead, the Sonys large articulated screen takes precedence on the back, offering the ability to be hinged out from the back panel to make for a more comfortable shooting experience. This feature is great when recording HD movies and is also particularly useful for shooting subjects low down or from higher vantage points. The interface takes a little bit of getting used to, with a virtual Mode dial being displayed on the screen, controlled by the scrolling wheel that rotates around an anonymous central silver button. Two further unlabelled silver buttons offer access to other features, with the lower accessing the Shooting Tips menu, while the function of the upper button changes according to the mode you are shooting in, which can cause some mild confusion to start with.
Special features on board
The Samsung NX10s headline feature is its superb 14.6MP APS-sized CMOS sensor, which does an excellent job of recording detailed, colourful images. This little camera is also capable of recording richly detailed 720p HD movies, selectable via the Mode dial on the top panel. For us, however, its the NX10s 3 AMOLED screen around the back that really steals the show. It may be fixed (unlike some of its articulated competitors offerings) but its beautifully bright and detailed with a high refresh rate that keeps images looking smoother when panning, compared to an LCD. To make up for the fact it cant be angled away from the body, this screen also boasts a wide viewing angle and an excellent anti-reflective coating that greatly enhances the act of shooting in Live View mode. In really bright conditions, or if you just prefer not to shoot with a screen, the NX10 also provides an EVF (electronic viewfinder). Granted, its not as colour-accurate or detailed as the AMOLED screen and it cant compare to a DSLRs optical viewfinder, but as built-in EVFs go, its a very good offering on Samsungs part. Add to these features a good set of scene modes and the previously mentioned innovative Smart Auto mode, and youve got an impressive overall package. The Sony NEX-5 doesnt offer a built-in EVF (an external one is available at extra cost) but it does boast a very good 3 LCD instead. With a high resolution of 921,000 dots, the NEX-5s screen is wonderfully crisp and displays subjects in plenty of detail. The fact that the screen is also hinged (to tilt forwards and up) makes shooting at awkward angles and shooting HD video all the easier. We also love its highly inventive Sweep Panorama mode. Theres no need for specialist tripod heads or additional hours of post-processing: simply select the Sweep Panorama mode and pan the camera across the scene you wish to capture. The NEX-5 will automatically fire off a quick succession of frames, stitching them together in-camera and presenting the final pano on the LCD in moments. Similarly, the cameras Auto HDR and DRO (dynamic range optimiser) features increase functionality.

summary of head-to-head so far
Ease of use, quality of interface

Samsung NX10 Sony NEX-5

Lots of controls to keep the shooting experience slick Robust, but complicated to operate at first
Advanced features increase this cameras versatility Some exciting innovations add to the Sonys appeal

14.6MP:

The size of the Samsungs APS-C CMOS sensor

SRP: 650 (kit)

MEGAPIXELS SLEXIPAGEM

9/10 7/10

The rate at which the Sony can shoot at in Speed Priority mode

SRP: 549 (Kit)

9/10 9/10

Samsung NX10

123mm 111mm

39.8mm

The 3 AMOLED screen offers a high-resolution, clear and detailed display for easy Live View shooting and playback

back plate

This sensor detects when you raise the EVF to your eye, automatically deactivating the 3 screen

EVF sensor

The user interface comprises a good range of buttons and controls that keep you out of the main system
The NEX-5s articulated screen is useful when shooting HD movies and photographing at odd angles
The interface is minimalist in design, with the functions of some buttons changing according to the shooting mode
A dedicated Movie button provides quick access to one of this cameras top features

top plate

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EGNAR OSI

NEERCS HCNI
First compact interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C-sized sensor

By lens

INCH SCREEN

1003200

ISO RANGE

Sony NEX-5

Powerful functionality in a petite camera body

287g 3

20012,800

4/10/10 11:43:25

Quality of results
Our two contenders are pretty evenly matched when it comes to sensor size and resolution, with both offering 14MP+ APS-C CMOS sensors. Yet the images each camera produces proves there are differences. Under tungsten lighting, both cameras produce warm results when left with Auto white balance switched on, with the NX10 faring slightly better. In daylight, both cameras produce pleasing colours and sharp results, again with the NX10 delivering slightly better results in the form of sharper JPEGs. Both contenders handle noise well, as seen in our ISO test, with the Sony pushing a little ahead of the Samsung in this respect, although the Samsung wins out when it comes to native dynamic range (boosted further by its smart range option). Of course, the Sony can turn the tables with its excellent in-camera Auto HDR mode, shooting several frames and combining them automatically to produce an image with a wider dynamic range. Results are good in most instances, although its possible to push things too far when playing around with the settings available. To mention the Sonys other big shooting feature, Sweep Panorama, we couldnt get enough of this mode! Its a little noisy to use in confined spaces with other people present, but out in the wilderness its perfect for capturing sweeping vistas in a hassle-free manner. The lenses you use obviously have an impact on the quality each of these cameras can generate. The NX10s 30mm pancake lens is excellent, producing crisp images that make the most of the sensors capabilities. The bulkier 70-300mm also supplied hampers the handling somewhat and produces softer, yet detailed shots. The metal-barrelled 18-55mm provided with the Sony NEX-5 features image stabilisation (rather than being in-body) and also produces fairly crisp results. However, there is some distortion at both the wide and telephoto ends of the zoom range in images shot with this lens. Although we didnt have it for this test, we have previously used Sonys 16mm pancake lens, and results are superb. Overall a good performance from both, but with the Samsung just taking the lead.

Value for money

Comparing RRPs, the cheaper of our two models by some margin is the Sony NEX-5. With a suggested price of just over 100 less than its rivals, the fact that you get a 16mm f2.8 lens and an external flash gun thrown in makes this camera look like a bargain. Thats not to say that the Samsung NX10 doesnt earn its price tag particularly when you take into account that its 650 RRP is reduced to roughly the same street price as its rivals with a bit of shopping around. So, for about the same amount of cash you can pick up the excellent 30mm pancake lens we mainly used for this test and the camera already has a built-in pop-up flash, unlike the Sony. On top of that, the Samsung packs in an APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, excellent dynamic range, plenty of detail, faithful colours and controlled noise. Factor in the NX10s HD movie recording capabilities, superb handling and top build quality, and wed say the street price its currently settling at is pretty reasonable. The Sony NEX-5 has a lot to offer too however, and its lower original RRP isnt really reflected in its features or build quality all aspects in which it is capable of competing. It too offers an APS-C-sized sensor thats roughly the same resolution as its rival, an expanded ISO range, 1080i HD movie feature and fast Continuous Drive mode (5-7fps, compared to the Samsungs 3fps). They are roughly even in terms in specs and street price, but the NX10 comes out looking like the slightly better deal.

quality of image results

Crisp, detailed and colourful images impress Innovative features enhance the NEX-5s performance
The field of view offered by the Samsung NX10s EVF

9/10 8/10

Interested in some alternatives to the two contenders featured? Here are three similar models that could be for you
Other contenders to consider

best results for value

Olympus E-PL1
This entry-level model boasts a good selection of scene modes and Art filters, with a handy Live Guide for beginners 8/10

Panasonic GF1

Pop-up flash, iAuto mode, face recognition, HD movies and full Manual mode this is great for more advanced users 9/10

Nikon D5000

A pedigree DSLR with a APS-C sensor, optical viewfinder, vari-angle LCD and 720p movie recording 9/10
The NX10 more than earns its street price tag
Very reasonably priced considering its feature set

ISO Performance

How the two cameras stack up in terms of noise
Starting at ISO 200, both sets of images are clean and detailed, with the Samsungs shot looking crisper when viewed at 100%, a trend that continues throughout its ISO sensitivity range. At ISO 400, both cameras still put in a really clean performance, with very little visible from either contender up to around ISO 800. At this point there is a bit of noise visible in the shadow areas of the NX10s shots, but nothing too detrimental. The NEX-5s shots are a bit noisier, but still perfectly usable. At ISO 3200 the top of the NX10s range both cameras produce predictably noisy images, though the Samsungs tendency to flatten colours at this point gives the Sony the edge. The NEX-5 does offer two further settings of 6400 and 12800. While this is far beyond the scope of the NX10s range we wouldnt recommend either of the settings, as noise really starts to take over, robbing images of detail.

How do the two cameras stack up in terms of noise?
This is a close-run contest. The Sony NEX-5 impresses with its highly useful Sweep Panorama and HDR modes in particular. It delivers the speed and versatility to meet the demands of the modern digital photographer at a great price point, but it doesnt quite match up when it comes to handling. The Samsung NX10 may not offer 1080i HD movie recording (delivering 720p instead) or innovations to match Sonys previously mentioned automatic shooting features, but it does boast a comprehensive set of shooting modes for beginners and advanced enthusiasts, in a robust, stylish-looking body. Its AMOLED screen is wonderfully clear and bright, and its built-in EVF is one of the most usable weve come across in a long while. Its user interface is much simpler to interpret, making the NX10 a dream to handle. If youre a fan of automatic modes and would find a built-in user guide useful with your camera, the Sony NEX-5 is an excellent option. However, if you want something that handles like a proper DSLR without added bulk the Samsung NX10 is our first choice.

THE WINNER

ISO 200

ISO 400

ISO 800

ISO 3200

MAIN POINTS FROM THE GRAPH:
Below ISO 800, both contenders produce clean shots, with usable results up to ISO 3200 from each camera. At top whack (for the NX10) both sets of images are noisy, but the Sony does a better job of retaining colour. Note the difference in the way our contenders Auto WB setting fares too, with the Sony producing warmer colours throughout. Although the colours in the Sonys shots arent unpleasant, we find the more neutral results from the Samsung more palatable and faithful to the original scene.

editors choice

how the Samsung NX10 won
The NX10 offers top features and great build, making it the best overall package
BUILD QUALITY FEATURES QUALITY OF RESULTS VALUE
A superb, compact alternative to a full-sized DSLR

4/10/10 11:43:59

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