The Samsung NX10 is the one of the new kids on the hybrid camera block. Like Micro Four Thirds cameras from Panasonic and Olympus, the NX10 features a DSLR-sized sensor, but offers full time live view and no optical viewfinder (but rather an electronic viewfinder).
However, the Samsung NX10 features a larger sensor than the Micro Four Thirds cameras. In fact, the NX10’s imaging sensor is about the same physical size as the one found in the Canon Rebel T2i.
As part of my upcoming review of the Samsung NX10, I decided to pit the NX10 against the Canon Rebel T2i to see how the noise control holds up. In order to do so, I put the cameras on a tripod and captured a number of images of the same scene at various ISO settings. I left the cameras in their default settings for noise control and such. I also left the cameras in auto white balance to demonstrate the cameras’ different interpretation of white under tungsten lights.
Below is a full view of the captured scene to give you an idea of what you are looking at in the close-up crops further down.
Samsung NX10 vs. Canon Rebel T2i ISO Settings
Feel free to download any of these sample images for your personal inspection (not for republication). You can download the full size images by right-clicking on the images below and choosing “Save link as…”
Samsung NX10 ISO 100
Samsung NX10 ISO 200
Samsung NX10 ISO 400
Samsung NX10 ISO 800
Samsung NX10 ISO 1600
Samsung NX10 ISO 3200
Canon Rebel T2i ISO 100
Canon Rebel T2i ISO 200
Canon Rebel T2i ISO 400
Canon Rebel T2i ISO 800
Canon Rebel T2i ISO 1600
Canon Rebel T2i ISO 3200
The large sensor in the NX10 helps it rise above the common point and shoot cameras at higher ISO settings. And, while the NX10 certainly impresses me in a number of areas, entry-level DSLRs like the Rebel T2i still manage to set themselves apart in terms of image quality and noise control.
Expect more on the Samsung NX10 in a full review soon.
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TR says
Samsung needs to update their sensor. This old sensor seems to be lagging behind.
I am more interedted in Sony Nex-5. When is that review is coming?
Miserere says
I think you need to bear one very important thing in mind here: The NX10’s sensor is turned ON all the time, increasing its temperature and thus, noise levels. It’s the price to pay for live-view.
I’d be interested in seeing a repeat test where both cameras are set to live-view and left on for a minute or so before photos are taken, always through live-view.
Cheers,
—M.
HM says
Miserere, the E-PL1 also runs full time live view and does very well in this department. [ http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/olympusepl1/page17.asp ] DP Review compared it to the T1i and Kx! (It also beat out the Nikon D3000 by a wide margin.) I just think Samsung has either used a poor quality sensor, or has real bad noise filtering. It’s come up short in noise on almost all tests.
I think TR is right and the NEX-5 is going to be the low-light EVIL king. Too bad it requires a PhD in Platypus Psychology to figure out and use the menus.