Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs Samsung NX300: A Hands-On Mirrorless Showdown for Photography Enthusiasts

In the ever-crowded world of mirrorless cameras, where choosing the right gear feels like navigating a gadget jungle, it’s a godsend when you can pit two deserving contenders head-to-head. Today, we’re diving deep into the realm of Canon’s EOS M6 Mark II and the somewhat vintage but still intriguing Samsung NX300.

Both are APS-C mirrorless cameras with rangefinder-style bodies, but they hail from different eras and philosophies. The Canon M6 Mark II represents a more recent wave of advanced mirrorless designs, while the NX300 is a throwback to a pioneering generation in Samsung’s camera efforts.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ years reviewing gear - from stalwart DSLRs to the latest mirrorless marvels - I’ll guide you through what’s practical, what’s gimmick, and ultimately which one wins for different photography styles and users. Buckle up.

First Impressions: Size, Feel & Design Ergonomics

Before pixel-peeping or digging into specs, one of the most visceral factors in camera use is how it feels in your hands. Size, control layout, and weight dictate how effortlessly you can shoot during long sessions.

Take a look here:

The Canon M6 Mark II (120 x 70 x 49 mm, 408g) is compact without feeling toy-like. It strikes a nice balance between portability and ergonomics. Its rangefinder-style body provides a decent grip, although a pronounced handgrip is absent, meaning if you have larger hands, extended use might get a tad cramped.

The Samsung NX300 (122 x 64 x 41 mm, 331g) edges out the Canon slightly in slimness and is lighter by about 75 grams - you can see it’s noticeably more svelte in thickness and slight in heft. Its minimalist design also resonates with users who prefer an understated aesthetic and portability above all.

In practice, I found the M6 Mark II’s slightly larger footprint makes for a steadier hold during fast shooting - something you can appreciate in action or wildlife photography. Meanwhile, the NX300’s slender body is a street photographer’s dream when discretion and pocket-friendliness are paramount.

But size is just the appetizer. Let’s lift the hood.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixel Counts, Tech, and Real-World Results

The beating heart of any digital camera is its sensor. Here, each camera sports an APS-C CMOS sensor, yet with distinct specifications:

Canon EOS M6 Mark II:

• Sensor size: 22.3 x 14.9 mm (332.27 mm²)
• Resolution: whopping 32.5 megapixels (6960 x 4640)
• Native ISO: 100-25600 (expandable to 51200)
• Anti-aliasing filter: Yes

Samsung NX300:

• Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.7 mm (368.95 mm²) - slightly larger area
• Resolution: 20 megapixels (5472 x 3648)
• Native ISO: 100-25600
• Anti-aliasing filter: Yes

At face value, the Canon offers substantially higher megapixels - around 60% more than the NX300. While more pixels don’t always mean better images, in the M6 Mark II’s case, this high-resolution sensor enables greater detail rendition, more cropping latitude, and suits photographers who print large or pursue landscape and macro work. I frequently noticed the M6’s files capturing fine textures with impressive clarity.

On the other hand, Samsung’s slightly larger sensor area helps its 20MP pixels gather light more effectively, which theoretically benefits low-light and high dynamic range (HDR) performance. Indeed, the NX300’s sensor - paired with the DRIMe IV processor - produces clean images with pleasing tonal gradation, although with less resolution for large prints.

Dynamic range tests suggest the NX300 holds its ground, delivering a respectable 12.7 EV, while the Canon’s sensor shows expanded headroom as revealed in third-party lab measurements (not officially DXO tested yet but in line with DIGIC 8 capabilities).

Here’s the thing: real-world landscapes, especially at golden hour, showcased sharper details with the Canon but clearer shadow recovery on the Samsung’s files - an instructive trade-off between resolution and pixel performance.

Before moving onto autofocus and controls, feast on some side-by-side sample shots illustrating skin tones, landscapes, and street photography:

Canon M6 MII screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

Controls and Usability: Which One Plays Nice in Your Hands?

Now that we admire the raw image chops, how intuitive and comfortable is the experience of capturing those images?

The Canon M6 Mark II sports a refined design language with modern controls:

• 143 autofocus points with CMOS Dual Pixel Phase Detection (fast, accurate AF)
• Touchscreen that tilts and supports intuitive focus selection and menu navigation
• Optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) you can attach (sold separately)
• Physical dials for exposure compensation, top shutter speed maxes at 1/4000s (mechanical), 1/16000s (electronic silent shutter)
• Built-in flash for quick fill light
• USB Type-C with Power Delivery for charging

Conversely, Samsung NX300 offers:

• 247 contrast + phase detect AF points - more than Canon but older hybrid tech
• Larger 3.3-inch AMOLED tilting touch screen (768K dots) - vivid but lower resolution than Canon’s LCD
• No built-in EVF - requiring reliance on the rear screen
• No integrated flash but external flash possibility
• USB 2.0 (slower), no mic/headphone ports

While the higher number of AF points on the NX300 seems impressive on paper, Canon’s Dual Pixel system in the M6 Mark II delivers far better autofocus speed and tracking reliability, a critical factor for sports, wildlife, and fast street shooting.

The Canon’s touchscreen response is snappy and benefits from DIGIC 8’s refined UI, while Samsung’s interface, though clean, feels a bit dated, occasionally sluggish in menu navigation and less intuitive for beginners transitioning from smartphones.

The ergonomic advantage swings in favor of the M6 Mark II - its buttons and dials are logically laid out and configurable - enabling smoother manual adjustments on the fly. The surprising lack of an EVF on the NX300 is a deal-breaker for many, especially in bright daylight.

If you’re a user who values responsive controls and versatility, Canon slightly nudges ahead here.

Autofocus, Burst, and Overall Responsiveness: Catching the Decisive Moment

When chasing fleeting moments, autofocus precision, burst shooting speed, and buffer depth become paramount.

Canon’s M6 Mark II edges past the Samsung in autofocus speed and tracking reliability thanks to its advanced phased detection dual pixel AF system. The camera locked onto subjects rapidly even in dimmer light, and tracking moving subjects - sports or kids on the run - was consistently accurate. This was a noticeable practical difference compared to the NX300 where AF hunting sometimes occurred in lower contrast or fast-moving scenarios.

Burst speeds are another telling mark: Canon achieves a zippy 14fps with continuous autofocus - astonishing for an APS-C mirrorless in this price range - while Samsung’s 9fps feels middling, given its 2013 launch date.

Silent shutter capability on the M6 Mark II is a godsend for discreet shooting in events or quiet environments, missing entirely on the NX300.

Video Features: Modern Demands vs. Legacy Limitations

Video capture is no longer a fancy addition but a must-have for many photographers.

• Canon EOS M6 Mark II:

  • 4K UHD video up to 30p (MP4, H.264 codec)
  • Full HD up to 120p for slow-motion effects
  • Built-in microphone port, but no headphone jack
  • No 10-bit internal recording or log profiles, but decent color science
  • Digital IS and no in-body stabilization

• Samsung NX300:

  • Full HD 1080p at 30fps maximum (no 4K)
  • No mic or headphone inputs
  • Video format: MPEG-4, H.264

The M6 Mark II blows the NX300 out of the water in video specs. The ability to shoot crisp 4K and 120fps HD slow-motion spells versatility for vloggers, hybrid shooters, and documentary creators.

Samsung’s NX300, dating back to 2013, was never designed with advanced video workflows in mind - it feels archaic by today’s standards. Lack of external microphone support, no 4K, and limited codec options make it purely a stills camera in 2024’s video-hungry market.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power During Long Shoots

Battery stamina and data management can make or break an outing.

• Canon M6 Mark II uses the LP-E17 battery rated for 305 shots per charge, relies on a single UHS-II SD card slot, and supports USB PD charging - a handy modern convenience.
• Samsung NX300 uses the BP1130 battery with a slightly longer endurance of 330 shots per charge, one SD slot (UHS-I support only), and USB 2.0 connectivity for transfers.

Neither powerhouse can compete with DSLRs on battery life, but the NX300’s minor edge in shots per charge might impress some.

However, Canon’s UHS-II support (faster writing speeds) and USB PD charging trump the older NX300’s slower data flow and lack of charging over USB. For day-long shoots or travel, the Canon may offer more practical flexibility - especially if you can top up on the go with external power banks.

Lens Ecosystem: Breadth vs. Depth

What’s a mirrorless body without lenses? Each system’s native mount determines your lens options.

Canon’s EF-M mount offers 23 native lenses - a growing, if still relatively compact range of primes and zooms, including the notable 32mm f/1.4 and versatile 11-22mm wide zooms.

Samsung NX mount boasted 32 lenses in its heyday, encompassing wide angles, primes, and telephotos. However, the NX system was discontinued years ago, meaning no future developments or new optics. Moreover, third-party adapters for Samsung glass are scarce.

In practice, Canon’s ongoing support means the M6 Mark II can tap into new lenses and adaptors for EF/EF-S glass (with adapter), vastly expanding creative possibilities.

For photographers expecting long-term investment, Canon’s ecosystem wins hands down.

Weather Sealing and Build: Ready for Adventure or Not?

Neither camera is weather sealed, shockproof, or freezeproof. Both are classic “handle-with-care” mirrorless bodies best suited to fair-weather shooting or urban photography without exposure to dust or rain.

For landscape photographers seeking ruggedness, neither device is ideal - serious weather sealing comes only in higher-end models.

LCD and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

The Canon M6 Mark II shines with its 3” tilting touchscreen (1040k dots), supplemented optionally by a 2360-dot EVF you can attach when composing in bright conditions.

Samsung NX300 relies solely on a 3.3” AMOLED tilting touchscreen (768k dots) and has no built-in or attachable viewfinder.

In strong sunlight, relying on the NX300’s rear screen alone can cause frustration, while the Canon’s EVF - though sold separately - is a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Modern Conveniences

Connectivity options are part and parcel of a modern workflow:

• Canon’s M6 Mark II brings built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, supports USB Type-C charging, and HDMI output.
• Samsung NX300 offers built-in WiFi and NFC but lacks Bluetooth. USB is 2.0 only.

Bluetooth pairing on Canon gives convenient, constant connection to smartphones and remote triggers, invaluable for quick sharing and tethered shooting in fast-paced environments.

Putting It All Together: Which Camera Excels Where?

To better contextualize, here’s how both cameras rank across major photography genres based on combined technical features, measured performance, and my firsthand testing impressions.

Portrait Photography:
Canon’s higher resolution and superior autofocus with face detection yield crisper skin tones and pleasant bokeh with the EF-M mount primes. Canon wins.

Landscape Photography:
Sharpness, detail, and dynamic range tilt slightly in favor of Canon, though Samsung’s sensor holds shadows nicely. Canon’s ongoing lens support is an advantage for wide-angle enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Sports Photography:
Canon’s rapid 14fps burst and Dual Pixel AF easily outperform the NX300’s 9fps and older AF system. Canon is the obvious choice.

Street Photography:
NX300’s smaller, lighter design scores points, but Canon’s silent shutter capability and customizable controls make it the better all-around street camera.

Macro Photography:
Canon’s resolution advantage and newer lenses built for close focus give it a meaningful edge.

Night/Astro Photography:
Canon’s newer sensor and better low-light autofocus make it easier to nail critical focus and capture cleaner high-ISO images.

Video Capabilities:
Canon vastly superior - 4K and slow-mo vs no 4K.

Travel Photography:
Canon’s higher performance and charging convenience dominate, though NX300 is more pocket-friendly.

Professional Use & Workflow Integration:
Canon M6 Mark II seamlessly fits into modern workflows with USB-C, wireless tethering, RAW support, and lens adaptability. Samsung NX300 falls behind here.

And the Verdict Is...

After an honest, no-nonsense hands-on shootout and technical breakdown, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II emerges as the unequivocal winner - particularly for enthusiasts and semi-professionals who demand versatile performance across photo and video, reliable autofocus, and future-proof lens compatibility.

That said, the Samsung NX300 still holds nostalgic charm and is a lightweight option for casual shooters or those specifically after an affordable mirrorless with good image quality in daylight without bells and whistles.

Who should buy the Canon EOS M6 Mark II?

• Enthusiasts wanting a compact yet powerful APS-C sensor camera
• Portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports shooters needing speed, resolution, and reliability
• Hybrid shooters requiring 4K video and in-depth manual controls
• Anyone planning to invest in a growing mirrorless lens ecosystem
• Travelers wanting robust connectivity and USB-C charging

Who might consider the Samsung NX300?

• Budget-conscious beginners or hobbyists looking for a simple, lightweight APS-C mirrorless
• Street photographers prioritizing a discreet, pocket-friendly form factor
• Users okay with a purely stills camera without 4K or advanced autofocus
• Collectors interested in a discontinued mount system

Final Thoughts: Experience Trumps Specs Sheets

Specs tell part of the story, but as someone who’s previewed and lived with numerous cameras, what matters is how gear integrates into your shooting style, comfort level, and ambitions.

The Canon M6 Mark II’s fusion of class-leading burst speed, refined AF, high-resolution sensor, and modern connectivity feels like a camera designed by people who actually shoot - snapping away on the job or on vacation, buying lenses, and craving dependability.

Samsung's NX300, charming for its era, now faces its limitations, mostly nostalgia for a pioneering brand that left the camera market.

If you’re stepping into the APS-C mirrorless world today, the M6 Mark II will reward your investment - and your shutter finger.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera feel just right in your hands.

End of Review