Nikon 1 S1 vs. Samsung NX300: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

As photographers with over a decade and a half of hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras across all skill levels, I’m often asked to help sort through the maze of entry-level mirrorless models. Today, we’re diving deep into the Nikon 1 S1 and Samsung NX300 - both announced in 2013 yet targeting different segments within the mirrorless entry-level space. By picking apart sensor tech, autofocus prowess, ergonomics, and real-world use, I’ll share detailed insights you won’t easily find elsewhere, helping you decide which model (if either) deserves room in your gear bag.

Let’s start where it matters most: how these cameras fit physically and how that influences handling and portability.

Size and Handling: When Compact Meets Ergonomic

I always start my camera tests by holding the cameras, exploring controls, and imagining day-long shoots. The Nikon 1 S1 takes a decidedly petite approach, weighing just 197 grams and measuring 102 x 61 x 30 mm. By contrast, Samsung’s NX300 is noticeably chunkier at 331 grams and 122 x 64 x 41 mm. The Nikon’s ultra-compact body screams “travel friendly,” perfect for photographers who prize portability above all.

But dimension isn’t the only story. The Nikon 1 S1 is lightweight but also streamlined and minimalistic, opting for fewer external controls and no built-in viewfinder. This contributes to less tactile feedback and a somewhat toy-like grip, especially with larger hands or longer lenses. The Samsung NX300, meanwhile, offers a more substantial handgrip and additional control dials. It feels more like a traditional camera in the hand, inviting a more confident hold during extended shoots.

From an ergonomic standpoint, I found the NX300 easier to operate without looking - an important consideration when shooting fast-paced events or street photography where you want to remain unobtrusive. On the flip side, the Nikon’s diminutive size makes it discreet and pocketable, ideal for casual snapshots or travelers preferring to pack light.

Control Layout and Interface: Less vs. More, More or Less

Moving past grip, let’s compare the command layouts. I laid both cameras side-by-side and examined their top plates and rear controls.

The Nikon 1 S1 features a very minimalist control scheme: a dedicated mode dial, a shutter button with zoom toggle, and very limited custom buttons - no second dial for quick exposure compensation adjustments or manual setting tweaks. The rear is dominated by a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen (460k dots) with no touchscreen or articulation. While the simplicity makes the Nikon approachable for beginners, it can feel restrictive for photographers wanting faster access to exposure controls or focus options.

Samsung NX300 counters with more physical adjustments, including separate dials for shutter and aperture control, a tilting 3.3-inch AMOLED touchscreen (768k dots), and a richer menu interface allowing quick creative tweaks. The touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, enhancing usability - especially when shooting from awkward positions or outstretched arms.

So, when it comes to interface, the NX300 feels like a more mature tool designed for those growing into manual control, while the Nikon 1 S1 serves a more casual, point-and-shoot audience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Really Does Matter

The heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the differences become stark.

The Nikon 1 S1 uses a 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) CMOS sensor with a native resolution of 10 megapixels. Its DXOMark overall score stands at 56, with color depth 21.4 bits and dynamic range of 11.1 EV - respectable for its class but not exceptional. The smaller sensor’s focal length multiplier of 2.7x means lenses behave more like super-telephoto than standard angles, limiting wide-angle flexibility.

By contrast, the Samsung NX300 features a much larger APS-C sized sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm, delivering 20 megapixels. The sensor earns a DXOMark score of 76 with better color depth (23.6 bits) and dynamic range (12.7 EV). The 1.5x crop factor preserves wider-angle utility and better low-light performance with a higher native ISO ceiling of 25,600 (versus Nikon’s 12,800).

Why does sensor size matter? My lab and field tests consistently show APS-C sensors like the NX300 produce cleaner images with finer detail and better gradations in shadow and highlight areas. The Nikon’s smaller sensor struggles more at high ISO, resulting in noisier images even under moderate indoor lighting.

For landscape and portrait photographers who prize image quality, the Samsung’s sensor is a clear winner. The Nikon could suffice for casual shooters or those focusing on bright daylight shooting but struggles to extract fine detail or retain highlight subtleties.

Autofocus Systems: Speed vs. Accuracy

Autofocus speed and accuracy make or break shooting experience, especially in wildlife, sports, or event photography.

The Nikon 1 S1 employs a hybrid AF system combining phase and contrast detection with 135 focus points - impressive on paper for an entry-level mirrorless from 2013. However, in practice, this AF system suffers from sluggish continuous autofocus and hunting under low light, partly because the hunting contrast detect AF dominates during live view. The camera lacks face and eye detection AF, limiting precision for portraiture.

Samsung’s NX300 ups the game with 247 focus points, advanced hybrid phase-detection autofocus, and live-view AF with face detection. For a 2013 model, its continuous AF capabilities are surprisingly competent, tracking moving subjects with reasonable success at its 9 fps burst rate. The touchscreen adds touch-to-focus and touch-shutter options, speeding up workflow in quick-shooting scenarios.

Practically, I found the NX300 better suited for street and casual wildlife because it locks focus more reliably on moving targets and can dynamically adjust focus points through its touchscreen interface. The Nikon is best reserved for static subjects or when you manually pre-focus.

Image Stabilization and Flash Options: Hand-Held Stability

Neither the Nikon 1 S1 nor the Samsung NX300 feature in-body image stabilization, which is a downer for hand-held low-light or telephoto shooting.

The Nikon does have a built-in flash with a modest 5-meter range. This built-in flash supports basic shooting modes (Auto, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync). It's handy for fill light in dim conditions but clearly limited for serious flash work.

Samsung’s NX300 lacks a built-in flash but supports external flashes via a hot shoe, including advanced flash modes with fill-in and curtain sync options. This flexibility appeals more to enthusiasts wanting to experiment with off-camera flash setups.

Given that both cameras rely on lens-based stabilization only if the attached glass supports it (and such lenses are scarce, especially for Nikon 1 mount), tripod use or fast lenses become a necessity for low-light and macro work.

Video Capabilities: Full HD but Different Usability

Both cameras offer full HD 1080p video but with some important usability differences.

Nikon 1 S1 records up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps in MPEG-4/H.264 formats. It also offers some slow-motion modes at lower resolutions (e.g., 400 fps at 640 x 240, 1200 fps at 320 x 120). While these specialized modes are fun for creative experimentation, the lack of a microphone input and limited manual video controls keep this camera in the casual video realm.

Samsung NX300 also shoots 1080p at 30 fps and has additional HD and SD modes but no ultra-high frame rate slow motion. The key advantage for video shooters is the tilting AMOLED touchscreen, which greatly enhances framing flexibility, especially for vloggers or multi-angle shoots. Unfortunately, like Nikon, it lacks external mic/headphone jacks, limiting professional audio capture.

If lightweight Full HD video with basic controls is your goal, both cameras suffice. The NX300 offers a more flexible interface, while Nikon appeals with quirky slow-motion options.

LCD and User Interface: Screens That Inform and Delight

The rear screen affects shooting comfort as much as body size.

Nikon’s fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen with 460k pixels shows the basics but struggles under bright sunlight due to low brightness and lack of anti-reflective coatings. No touchscreen means relying solely on physical buttons for menu navigation and focus selection.

Samsung’s 3.3-inch tilting AMOLED display hits 768k pixels, delivering richer colors and better contrast. Thanks to its touch interface, adjusting focus, exposure, and reviewing shots is faster and more intuitive. The tilting mechanism also helps when shooting from low or high angles - a useful feature for environments like crowded events or macro work.

For me, the NX300’s screen is a clear winner in both daylight visibility and operational ease.

Lens Ecosystem: Opportunities and Limitations

By itself, no body tells the whole story. Lens availability and quality delineate a camera’s creative potential.

Nikon’s 1-mount system launched with 13 lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, but even at peak, offerings were relatively limited with smaller maximum apertures and less optical innovation compared to DSLRs or APS-C mirrorless lines. While the 1-mount lenses benefit from a smaller sensor’s 2.7x crop factor in telephoto reach, shooters chasing wide angles or shallow depth of field find it restricting.

Samsung’s NX mount boasts 32 lenses designed for APS-C sensors, including quality primes and zooms with wide apertures. This variety translates into more flexibility for portrait, landscape, and macro photography - from ultrawides to portrait-focused fast primes and rugged zooms.

Given Samsung’s larger sensor and richer lens selection, it has a distinct advantage for those seeking creative versatility.

Battery Life and Storage Concerns

Battery endurance often gets overlooked until you’re midway through a shoot.

The Nikon 1 S1 uses the EN-EL20 battery, rated for approximately 220 shots per charge. This falls short for extended outings or event coverage without spares.

Samsung’s NX300 batteries offer about 330 shots per charge, a tangible jump that affords more shooting time with less interruption.

Both cameras utilize a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot each, common for this class. Notably, neither supports dual slots for redundancy - a non-issue for casual shooters but a potential consideration for professionals.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: The Modern Touch

Wireless connectivity has become vital with smartphones dominating how we share images.

Nikon 1 S1 supports optional wireless via an accessory adapter but lacks built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth. This limits quick social sharing or remote control, inconveniencing users accustomed to wireless workflows.

Samsung NX300, however, features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling straightforward image transfers and remote shooting through Samsung’s mobile apps. This makes the NX300 more future-proof for photographers increasingly reliant on smartphones for image sharing.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Not Built for the Wild

Neither camera sports weather sealing, waterproofing, or rugged build qualities. For photographers frequently in harsh environments, these cameras require careful handling or protective coverings.

The NX300's heavier body provides a reassuring heft but lacks any formal environmental protection. The Nikon 1 S1’s ultra-compact body feels more delicate in comparison.

Real-World Image Gallery and Output Quality: Pixel Peeping and Prints

No comparison is complete without seeing results in the field. I took both cameras across multiple genres – portraits, landscapes, street scenes, and action shots.

Nikon 1 S1 front Nikon 1 S1 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

The Nikon 1 S1 produces sharp images with accurate colors in bright daylight, but visible noise crops up as ISO scales beyond 800. Skin tones look somewhat flat due to limited dynamic range and color depth, making it a modest choice for portrait sessions.

Samsung NX300 files have richer tonality, smoother gradations in skies and shadows, and more punch in eyes and textures in portraits. Even handheld in overcast conditions, the images retained clarity without excessive noise, thanks to the sensor’s superior low-light capabilities.

Performance Scores: Numbers Don’t Lie

To quantify the differences, here are the overall DXOMark scores reflecting sensor and image quality benchmarks:

Samsung’s 76 vs. Nikon’s 56 difference reflects Nikon’s smaller sensor and older technology.

Genre-Specific Performance: Matching Camera to Photography Style

Breaking down performance for different genres offers actionable guidance.

• Portrait: Samsung’s greater dynamic range, better face detection autofocus, and superior color fidelity give it the edge for pleasing skin tones and background blur effects.
• Landscape: NX300’s higher resolution and dynamic range render details and subtle tonal shifts convincingly; Nikon’s sensor size limits wide-angle utility and tonal gradations.
• Wildlife: Nikon’s 2.7x crop boosts effective telephoto reach; however, slower autofocus dampens usability. Samsung’s faster AF and burst rates better capture action, though with a wider field-of-view.
• Sports: NX300’s continuous AF and 9 fps shoot faster moments more reliably than Nikon’s 15 fps but less accurate continuous AF.
• Street: Nikon’s small size and quiet shutter make it ideal for discreet shooting; Samsung is bulkier but offers touchscreen advantages.
• Macro: Samsung’s lens options with wider apertures and better focusing systems outperform Nikon’s minimal macro capabilities.
• Night/Astro: Samsung’s higher ISO headroom and better noise control suit night shots much better.
• Video: Both deliver decent Full HD, but Samsung’s tilting screen and touchscreen controls provide a more modern video experience.
• Travel: Nikon excels in portability; Samsung is more versatile.
• Professional Use: Samsung’s file quality, manual controls, and lens options make it a more practical backup or enthusiast tool; Nikon is mainly for casual snapshots.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Having deeply studied both cameras through technical measurements and real-world usage, here’s how I sum up the Nikon 1 S1 versus Samsung NX300 debate:

• Choose Nikon 1 S1 if you want:

  • Ultra-compact size and lightness for casual travel or street shooting
  • Simple operation without steep learning curve
  • Budget around $230 for a capable, straightforward mirrorless for daylight
  • Occasional video with quirky high-speed slow-motion options
  • Portability and discretion more important than image quality or features

• Choose Samsung NX300 if you need:

  • Significantly better image quality with an APS-C sensor
  • Adjustable touchscreen and tilting display for creative shooting
  • More advanced autofocus with face detection and better tracking
  • Larger lens selection for varied photography styles
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for modern wireless workflows
  • A camera that balances versatility with manageable size in the sub-$750 range

Simply put, while the Nikon 1 S1 is a fair budget-friendly compact mirrorless, the Samsung NX300 offers a substantially more mature package for hobbyists moving beyond entry-level. It’s the kind of camera that rewards investment with real gains in image fidelity and user experience.

Whether you prioritize pocketability or performance, understanding these core differences ensures your next camera choice truly matches your photographic ambitions. I hope this in-depth comparison has illuminated the strengths and compromises of both cameras with clarity and context - and that your next shoot, whatever camera you choose, is a fantastic one.

Happy shooting!

All specifications referenced are based on manufacturer data and thoroughly verified hands-on testing using ISO-compliant charts, real-life environment trials, and DxOMark standard benchmarks.