Canon SX130 IS vs. Samsung Galaxy NX: An Expert’s Hands-On Comparison of Compact Superzoom vs. Entry-Level Mirrorless

When deciding on your next camera, especially if you're juggling a mix of photography styles and budgets, it can feel like you’re comparing apples to oranges. The Canon PowerShot SX130 IS, a modest budget-friendly superzoom compact introduced over a decade ago, seems worlds apart from Samsung’s Galaxy NX, a mirrorless beast with smartphone DNA and advanced features that debuted a few years later. But both cameras have their charms, and depending on your shooting style, either could serve well. Having spent well over 15 years reviewing gear and squinting through viewfinders, I’m here to walk you through what actually matters in real-world shooting - not just what's on paper.

Let’s dive into a head-to-head that moves beyond spec sheets to what you’ll genuinely experience in the field, comparing these two very different cameras across all major photography types, usability factors, and whether they give you best bang for your buck.

Body and Ergonomics: Clubs for Thumbs vs. Smartphone Feel

Straight out the gate, these cameras couldn’t be more different in size and shape. The Canon SX130 IS is a petite compact weighing 308 grams with a classic rounded body you can slip into a coat pocket. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy NX tips the scales at 495 grams and commands a DSLR-style SLR body with a much larger 4.8-inch touchscreen, way bigger than Canon’s modest 3-inch fixed display.

The Samsung feels like holding a chunky smartphone with grip zones sculpted to club your thumbs into position. Its larger dimensions (137x101x26 mm) and heft gave me stability when shooting longer lenses but can be tiring after extended use without a neck strap. Canon’s compact size (113x73x46 mm) and lighter weight make it ideal for street photography and travel, both demanding discretion and all-day comfort.

Controls are another world apart. The Canon’s top deck is barebones, with minimal buttons and no interchangeable lenses, while the Samsung comes packed through with external flash compatibility and a fully manual interface, which you can navigate via its touchscreen and physical dials. If you like the tactile sensation of clubs for thumbs and multiple control knobs, the Galaxy NX is your jam. But if you want a grab-and-go pocket rocket without fuss, Canon wins.

Sensor Showdown and Image Quality: Small Sensor Struggles vs. APS-C Glory

This is where the rubber meets the road. The SX130 IS sports a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.17x4.55mm - a fraction of the 23.5x15.7mm APS-C CMOS sensor inside the Galaxy NX. To put that in perspective, Canon’s sensor area is 28.07 mm², while Samsung’s is a whopping 368.95 mm². That difference alone explains most image quality gaps.

Canon’s small sensor inherently limits resolution and dynamic range, capping at 12 megapixels at 4000x3000 pixels. This setup works fine under good light but struggles with noise creeping in at ISO 400 and above, limiting its usefulness for low-light and high-contrast scenes.

Samsung’s 20-megapixel APS-C sensor offers nearly double the resolution and a massive boost in image fidelity. Thanks to its CMOS sensor and newer DRIMe IV processor, you get far better color depth, detail retention, and usable ISO sensitivity all the way up to 25,600 native ISO.

Whenever possible, I measured dynamic range and noise performance, running both cameras side-by-side on standardized test charts and real-world landscapes. The Galaxy NX exhibited superior dynamic range, offering richer shadows and highlight retention that elevated landscape and portrait shots significantly.

In portraiture, the NX’s sensor delivers natural skin tones and smooth gradations, while Canon’s sensor shows early signs of color banding and noise beyond ISO 200 - making the SX130 IS less forgiving in tricky lighting.

LCD and Viewfinder Usability: From Fixed Peeping Hole to Eye Candy

SX130 IS users must rely solely on a 3-inch fixed LCD with very modest 230k resolution. It’s perfectly usable for framing, but checking critical focus or exposure details is frustrating in bright daylight. That’s a big limitation for shooters who want instant feedback or work outdoors often.

The Galaxy NX, on the other hand, flaunts a giant 4.8-inch HD TFT touchscreen at a sharp 922k resolution. The touchscreen adds an intuitive swipe-and-tap element to quick settings adjustment and focus point selection - a huge plus for users accustomed to smartphone ease.

Moreover, the NX includes an electronic viewfinder, absent in Canon’s offering. This EVF is a lifesaver in bright light, offering accurate exposure previews and framing stability. If you shoot action or in sunny environments, the EVF significantly beats relying on an LCD alone.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: From Leisurely ‘Whoops’ to Crisp Precision

The SX130 IS uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with a single AF mode, limited to one focus point and no subject tracking. In practice, this means it often hunts slowly and misses intended subjects if they move too fast or erratically.

Samsung’s Galaxy NX benefits from hybrid autofocus that pairs contrast and phase detection, which translates to snappier, more accurate focus. Though it lacks some professional AF features like continuous tracking or animal eye detection, its 9 fps continuous shooting speed dwarfs Canon’s modest 1 fps burst rate.

For wildlife and sports shooters, the Galaxy NX is far more capable of freezing motion crisply and capturing multiple peak-action frames. Canon’s SX130 IS is best suited for portraiture, landscapes, or casual snapping where speed is not critical.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Fixed Lens vs. Interchangeable Options

This is a classic “compact vs. mirrorless” tradeoff. Canon’s SX130 IS comes with a non-removable 28-336mm (12x optical zoom) lens - pretty versatile for a compact, covering wide landscapes to distant birdwatching.

But you’re locked in, and the slower aperture range of f/3.4-5.6 limits low-light flexibility and creative bokeh effects.

The Samsung Galaxy NX boasts the more flexible Samsung NX lens mount with roughly 32 lenses ranging from primes to hefty zooms, allowing you to tailor your setup for anything from macro close-ups to telephoto wildlife shots.

This expandability elevates the NX to a multi-discipline camera ready for any task, although there’s a modest learning curve managing lens selection and costs.

Shooting Across Photography Genres - Which Camera Shines and Where?

Portrait Photography

Canon SX130 IS: Struggles to produce creamy bokeh due to the small sensor and slow kit lens aperture. Skin tones are decent in good light but struggle with noise and lack fine detail due to limited resolution.

Samsung Galaxy NX: Thanks to larger APS-C sensor and extensive lens choice (fast primes available), it excels in rendering smooth skin tones and pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds. Face detection autofocus aids locking on eyes.

Landscape Photography

Canon: Limited dynamic range and resolution constrain image quality. Good for snapshots but not for large prints or professional use.

Samsung: With superior resolution and dynamic range, it's ideal for landscapes, offering lush, detailed files that withstand editing.

Wildlife Photography

Canon: Lackluster AF and only 1 fps burst make it impractical.

Samsung: Faster 9 fps and interchangeable telephotos make it a practical choice, though native lens availability is still somewhat limited compared to Sony or Canon ecosystems.

Sports Photography

Canon: Not designed for fast action; slow AF and burst are dealbreakers.

Samsung: Better AF and burst capabilities suit casual sports shooters but lacks elite pro tracking features.

Street Photography

Canon: Compact size and quiet operation are bonuses, but image limitations at higher ISOs in low light constrain capability.

Samsung: Larger but still portable, with discreet EVF shots possible. Bright touchscreen allows quick framing.

Macro Photography

Canon: Can focus down to 1cm - good macro potential in a compact; results are decent but limited by sensor.

Samsung: With suitable macro lenses, provides superior detail and focusing precision.

Night and Astro Photography

Canon: Sensor noise limits usability; modest max shutter speed of 15s helps with nightscapes but image quality suffers.

Samsung: Much more capable ISO performance and manual shutter range accommodate creative long exposures.

Video Capabilities

Canon: Offers only 720p HD at 30fps, no microphone port, limiting audio control.

Samsung: Supports 1080p full HD, with microphone and headphone jacks for serious videography.

Travel Photography

Canon: Lightweight and pocketable, runs on AA batteries (convenient abroad), making it reliable for casual travel.

Samsung: Bulkier but packed with features, built-in GPS for geotagging, and wireless for instant sharing. Battery life is decent but requires proprietary battery charging.

Professional Workflows

Canon: No RAW support severely limits post-processing; suitable only as a point-and-shoot or backup.

Samsung: Full RAW and extensive manual controls integrate well with professional workflows.

Canon SX130 IS front Canon SX130 IS screen back Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability: Neither Rugged, Both Reliable

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing, so neither is suited to extreme conditions. Build quality is solid enough for everyday use. The Canon's plastic compact shell feels a bit toy-like after prolonged use but holds up well under gentle handling.

The Samsung's body feels sturdier with a rubberized grip but bigger size means it’s prone to bumps and scrapes if you’re not careful.

Connectivity and Storage: A Modern Advantage for Samsung

The Canon offers the bare minimum: USB 2.0 and an SD card slot. No wireless connectivity or GPS, which means no on-the-go sharing or geotagging.

The Galaxy NX packs built-in WiFi, GPS, USB 2.0, and HDMI output for faster workflows. This makes the NX much more future-proof and aligned to content creators who want to upload and edit on the fly.

Battery Life and Storage: A Tale of Charging vs. Spare AAs

Canon runs on two AA batteries - great for cheapskates who hate fiddling with proprietary chargers or when you need swaps on the road. However, battery life deteriorates quickly when shooting video or using IS.

Samsung uses a proprietary rechargeable battery pack rated for approximately 440 shots per charge, decent but you’ll need spares if out shooting all day. Higher demands from its large touchscreen and WiFi affect battery longevity.

Price to Performance: What Do You Get for Your Money?

The Canon SX130 IS is a budget-friendly compact camera - priced around $249 when new. You’re paying for simplicity, extreme portability, and a versatile zoom lens that captures everything from landscapes to telephoto, but with compromise on image quality, low-light capacity, and speed.

The Samsung Galaxy NX was a premium mirrorless camera at launch - over $1299 - and that price commands performance: large APS-C sensor, advanced ergonomics, expandable lens lineup, 1080p video, and solid connectivity. Even today used prices hover high, making it a major investment that orients toward enthusiasts and content creators who demand more.

Who Should Buy Which Camera? Practical Recommendations

Buy the Canon SX130 IS if:

• You’re a casual shooter prioritizing portability and low cost.
• You want a simple point-and-shoot with decent zoom range.
• You often shoot outdoors in good light and want AA batteries for convenience.
• You don’t need RAW files or advanced autofocus.
• Street and travel photography with minimal gear is your jam.
• Budget constraints mean you can’t justify spending on mirrorless.

Choose the Samsung Galaxy NX if:

• You want to seriously upgrade image quality from smartphones and compacts.
• Interchangeable lenses and manual controls are important.
• You shoot a variety of genres including portraits, landscapes, sports, and video.
• Wireless sharing, GPS, and workflow flexibility matter.
• You appreciate bigger grip and control, don’t mind size/weight.
• You see your camera as a creative tool rather than a casual gadget.

Final Verdict: Context Matters, But My Money’s on the Galaxy NX

That said, these cameras don’t share a playing field. The Canon SX130 IS is a perfectly respectable travel and everyday compact for cheapskates or novices who want a hassle-free zoom. But if you want to push your creativity, demand sharp, noise-free images, or get serious about video and workflow efficiency, the Samsung Galaxy NX blows the SX130 IS out of the water.

If budget is tight and you want to spend as little as possible with no fuss - we all know that feeling - I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the SX130 IS as a trusted pocket companion. But if you can stretch your budget and want a camera that still competes with modern entry-level mirrorless cameras, the Galaxy NX brings much more to the table.

In the end, if you’re choosing between these two for your photography mix, think about your priorities - not just specs "on paper", but your shooting habits and budget. Both cameras served important roles in their time, and each has its own charm. I hope this breakdown armed you with the insights that only come from hands-on, expert testing. Whichever you pick, happy shooting!

Have questions about either camera or need advice tailored to your photo goals? Drop a comment - I’m here to help!