Nikon 1 V1 vs Samsung NX300M: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Selecting your next mirrorless camera can feel like navigating a maze filled with enticing specs and marketing jargon. As someone who’s logged thousands of hours testing gear across every genre of photography, I’m here to steer you through a detailed, experience-based comparison between two noteworthy entry-level mirrorless contenders: the Nikon 1 V1 and the Samsung NX300M.

Both cameras were designed with a rangefinder-style body, catering to ambitious enthusiasts ready to step up from compact cameras but not yet fully invested in professional full-frame systems. Let’s unpack how these two cameras truly stack up in day-to-day use - across disciplines from portraiture to wildlife, from landscapes to video - and illuminate which setup best suits your photographic lifestyle.

Getting a Feel for It: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

The physical handling and control layout of a camera often shape the entire shooting experience. Despite similar categories, the Nikon 1 V1 and Samsung NX300M exhibit their own design philosophies.

In terms of size, the Nikon 1 V1 is a touch thicker and taller (113x76x44mm) compared to the NX300M (122x64x41mm), but not by leaps. Weight-wise, the Samsung edges ahead at 331 grams versus Nikon’s 383 grams, which is noticeable if you’re trekking long hours or prefer minimal gear.

I appreciate Nikon’s robust grip and more substantial body, which provides confidence and stability especially when paired with longer lenses for wildlife or sports. The Samsung feels sleeker, more pocket-friendly. However, the flatter profile and squarer shape may sacrifice some comfort during extended handheld sessions.

Both models forego weather sealing - a common omission at this price - which means you’ll want to take care in inclement conditions. Neither is ruggedized, so for serious outdoor or adventure photography, you’d need to factor that in.

Controls at a Glance: Top and Rear Interface Differences

A well-thought-out interface makes shooting faster and more intuitive - so let’s dig into what’s under your fingertips.

Nikon’s top plate sports a clear mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation button, and an electronic viewfinder (more on that shortly). Meanwhile, the Samsung NX300M takes a minimalist approach with fewer external controls but adds a 3.3-inch tilting touchscreen, something Nikon’s fixed 3” TFT LCD lacks.

The Samsung’s touchscreen is a standout for me - intuitive pinch-to-zoom during playback, tapping to autofocus, and menu navigation speed things up, especially for users familiar with smartphones. Nikon’s buttons are well-placed, but their lack of a touchscreen means more manual button juggling to adjust settings mid-shoot.

On the back, Nikon offers an electronic viewfinder with 1440k dots, giving you a precise composition tool even in bright light. Samsung omits a viewfinder altogether, relying solely on its LCD, which can hinder visibility outdoors or during fast-paced action.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Where the Numbers Come Alive

Let’s delve under the hood, comparing the heart of each camera - the sensor - and what that means for your images.

The Nikon 1 V1 houses a smaller 1-inch CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8mm) with a crop factor of 2.7x, boasting 10 megapixels. By contrast, the Samsung NX300M sports a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.7mm) with a 1.5x crop and a healthy 20 megapixels.

This difference is more than just about pixels - it fundamentally affects image quality. Larger sensors capture more light, directly impacting dynamic range, noise performance, and color depth.

DxOMark tests reflect this: Nikon’s overall score is 54 with 21.3 bits color depth and 11 stops SDR, while Samsung lacks official DxOMark data but APS-C sensors from this era typically outperform 1-inch sensors significantly.

In practical terms, shooting landscapes or portraits in natural light, you’ll notice Samsung’s cleaner high-ISO files and richer details. Nikon’s sensor, while fine for everyday snapshots and fast autofocus needs, tends to struggle in low-light and produces more noise at higher ISOs.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

If you shoot action - whether wildlife, sports, or street photography - autofocus performance is critical.

Nikon’s hybrid autofocus uses both phase and contrast detection with 135 focus points, impressive for its time. However, it lacks continuous autofocus (AF-C) during video or live view, limiting flexibility.

Samsung offers 247 focus points with hybrid PDAF and CDAF. Importantly, its AF system supports continuous AF, touch-to-focus, face detection, and tracking. In real-world use, the NX300M’s AF is snappier and more reliable in tracking moving subjects.

For fast-paced shooting, Nikon’s 10 fps burst is slightly faster than Samsung’s 9 fps, but frame count buffers and AF consistency favor Samsung here. Nikon’s AF feels better for static subjects; Samsung’s better catches action.

Display and Viewfinder: Compose Your Shot With Confidence

For composing images, Nikon’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a rare feature at this price point. It offers 100% coverage, letting you confidently frame shots even in direct sunlight.

Samsung’s reliance on its tilting 3.3” OLED screen (768k dots) makes it versatile for awkward angles - ideal for macro or street photography when you want to be discreet.

Personal preference plays a big role here. I adore having an EVF - it stabilizes and isolates my vision during shoots - but if you prioritize flexibility in angle and touch control, Samsung wins.

Lens Ecosystem: How Far Can You Go?

The number and quality of native lenses often determine how future-proof your system is.

Nikon 1 mount supports about 13 lenses, with a notable 2.7x crop factor inflating focal lengths (a 10mm lens acts like 27mm on full-frame).

Samsung NX mount offers a more extensive 32 native lenses. The 1.5x crop factor is less severe, providing better wide-angle capabilities. Plus, Samsung’s lens lineup includes sharp primes and versatile zooms, plus third-party options with adapters.

If you plan to grow your kit for portraits or specialized genres, Samsung’s broader ecosystem provides greater creative freedom.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

Both cameras rely on proprietary batteries - Nikon uses the EN-EL15, while Samsung opts for the BP1130. Nikon’s battery life rates at approximately 350 shots per charge, Samsung close behind at 330.

Real-world use varies, but neither excels in stamina, typical for mirrorless at their respective launches. Carrying a spare battery is advisable for extended shooting days.

Storage-wise, both accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards in a single slot. No surprises here, but note that rapid burst shooting may benefit from faster SD cards.

Wireless Features and Connectivity: Sharing in the Modern Era

The Nikon 1 V1 lacks built-in wireless connectivity, limiting instant sharing or remote control.

Samsung NX300M includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling quick transfers to smartphones or tablets, alongside wireless control via Samsung’s apps. This feature is surprisingly handy for social shooters or casual users wanting seamless connectivity.

Both have HDMI out and USB 2.0 ports for tethering or external display, but only Nikon offers a microphone input - a nice touch for video creators seeking better audio.

Focusing on Video: Not Just Still Images

If video is part of your workflow, Samsung’s NX300M offers 1080p at up to 30 fps, with various flash modes and touch AF during recording.

Nikon supports 1080p at 60 fps, which on paper offers better frame-rate flexibility. However, Nikon’s lack of continuous autofocus during video makes it less user-friendly for run-and-gun filming.

Neither camera includes in-body image stabilization, so pairing with stabilized lenses or using gimbals becomes essential for smooth handheld footage.

No Panoramas, No Focus Stacking: Macro and Creative Features

Neither camera offers post-focus or focus stacking capabilities, limiting their macro and creative photography versatility.

Samsung’s tilting touchscreen aids close-up compositions, but the absence of image stabilization and less refined macro lenses may challenge dedicated macro shooters.

Practical Results: The Proof Is in the Pictures

I captured a series of images with both cameras under varied conditions - portraits in diffused daylight, landscapes at golden hour, some street scenes, and even a sunset for a taste of night shooting.

Nikon 1 V1 screen back Samsung NX300M screen back

The Samsung NX300M’s images are noticeably sharper with better dynamic range - trees retain texture in shadows, and skin tones appear more natural with less noise.

The Nikon 1 V1’s high contrast sensor and smaller size yield punchy images that sometimes lose subtleties in highlights or perform less favorably at ISO 800 and above.

For casual social media snaps or travel photos, Nikon’s rapid startup and burst shooting are compelling. For pixel-peepers or those printing large formats, Samsung’s higher resolution and sensor size deliver superior image quality.

Specialized Photography: Who Wins in Which Category?

A summarized evaluation helps clarify the best use cases for each.

• Portraits: Samsung’s higher megapixels, face detection AF, and color depth produce more pleasing skin tones and soft bokeh. Nikon’s 2.7x crop makes achieving background blur tougher.

• Landscapes: Samsung dominates with superior dynamic range and resolution; Nikon’s 1” sensor limits detail and shadow recovery.

• Wildlife: Nikon’s faster shutter (up to 1/16000s electronic), combined with 10 fps burst, gives an edge; Samsung’s AF tracking though is better. Still, lens availability favors Samsung for long telephotos.

• Sports: Samsung’s more reliable continuous AF and face detection aids tracking; Nikon’s speed holds some appeal.

• Street: Samsung’s smaller, lighter body and silent shutter on Nikon help; Samsung’s tilting screen and touch AF benefit spontaneous shooting.

• Macro: Samsung’s tilting screen and better resolution help; both lack IBIS and focus stacking.

• Night/Astro: Samsung’s higher max native ISO (25600 vs Nikon’s 6400) gives it a clear lead for low light.

• Video: Nikon offers better frame rates, Samsung better focusing and usability.

• Travel: Samsung’s lighter size and wireless connect aid travel photographers; Nikon’s robust feel offers durability.

• Professional Work: Both fall short of professional weather sealing or full-frame output, but Samsung’s RAW support and file flexibility provide a slight advantage.

Overall Performance Metrics: Synthetic Meets Reality

Here’s a summary image rating overall strengths:

Samsung NX300M outperforms Nikon 1 V1 across image quality, autofocus, and feature set, albeit with slightly lower burst rates and no EVF. Nikon holds ground with solid autofocus speed and built-in EVF.

Price and Value: Where to Invest Your Dollars?

Currently, these cameras hover around the $670-$700 mark, making them affordable entry points in mirrorless.

Considering the specifications and my hands-on impressions, Samsung NX300M’s added megapixels, better sensor, touchscreen interface, and wireless connectivity offer a more future-proof package.

Nikon 1 V1 appeals if you prioritize shooting speed, electronic viewfinder use, and prefer Nikon’s ecosystem’s niche lenses.

Given budgets and priorities, Samsung offers greater bang for the buck for most users, especially lovers of image quality and video features.

Final Thoughts: Which Entry-Level Mirrorless is Right for You?

Both cameras represent significant steps up from compacts and early mirrorless models of their time, but with divergent strengths.

Choose the Nikon 1 V1 if:

• You value an integrated electronic viewfinder at this price.
• Fast shutter speeds and burst rates are priorities (sports, wildlife).
• You prefer a robust grip and classic Nikon handling.
• Your shooting style involves mostly daylight or controlled environments.
• You want a compact system with Nikon’s 1” lens lineup.

Go for the Samsung NX300M if:

• Image quality - sharpness, dynamic range, and noise performance - is paramount.
• You want a versatile touch interface and a tilting AMOLED display.
• Video use with continuous autofocus is important.
• You need built-in Wi-Fi and modern connectivity.
• You prefer a more extensive lens ecosystem with access to APS-C glass.
• Portability and travel friendliness matter.

Reflecting on these cameras nearly a decade since their release still reaffirms an important truth: sensor size and feature integration heavily determine the user experience. The Nikon 1 V1 struggles against the larger-sensor NX300M for image quality, but wins points for speed and handling. Your personal shooting style, genre, and workflow will guide your best choice.

I hope this detailed comparison brings clarity to your purchase decision, highlighting practical insights you won’t find in mere spec sheets. The joy of photography lies in the marriage of your vision with gear - choose the camera that feels like a natural extension of your creativity.

Happy shooting!

If you’d like to dive deeper into specific genres or see extended real-world sample images and video tests, feel free to let me know.