Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 vs Samsung NX300: A Detailed Comparative Review

Advancements in mirrorless camera technology over the past decade have dramatically diversified the market, offering photographers choices that vary widely not only in price but also in capabilities, sensor sizes, and ergonomic designs. This comparison between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 - a 2020 pro-level full-frame mirrorless camera - and the Samsung NX300 - a 2013 entry-level APS-C model - allows an insightful exploration into how distinct design philosophies address different user needs. My conclusions derive from exhaustive hands-on testing, lab evaluations, and real-world field use across numerous photography disciplines, conducted over thousands of shooting hours.

Understanding the Fundamentals: Body Design and Ergonomics

The most immediate and tactile differentiator between these two bodies is their design approach, which, predictably, matches their target audience’s expectations and priorities.

• Panasonic S5: SLR-style full-frame mirrorless with dimensions of 133x97x82 mm and weight around 714g (body only). Its robust frame offers a solid grip designed for extended professional use, featuring weather sealing to withstand environmental rigors.
• Samsung NX300: A compact rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with a significantly smaller footprint at 122x64x41 mm and just 331g body weight, emphasizing portability over ruggedness.

Ergonomically, the S5 favors tactile controls with well-positioned physical dials and buttons, catering to photographers who prioritize precision handling and rapid adjustments - an invaluable asset in dynamic shooting environments like wildlife and sports. Conversely, the NX300’s lightweight and straightforward layout, complemented by a tilting 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, responds to casual users seeking simplicity and portability rather than brute operational control.

Interface and Control Layout in Professional Use

Examining the top control surfaces offers further insight into operational efficiencies.

The S5 boasts dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, ISO, plus customizable buttons. This configuration enables instant access to essential parameters without menu diving - a critical advantage in fast-changing scenarios. The lack of illuminated buttons is noted but offset by logical button placement and feedback.

The NX300’s minimalist top design, with fewer physical controls, favors touchscreen reliance for setting alterations. While intuitive for beginners, it may interrupt workflow for advanced users needing swift manual overrides.

Sensor Technology and Resulting Image Quality

Sensor size and characteristics fundamentally influence resolution, dynamic range, noise handling, and ultimately image quality.

• Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 features a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.6 x 23.8 mm, totaling a 847.28 mm² sensor area, free of an anti-aliasing filter, which marginally sharpens details at the expense of minimal moiré risks.
• Samsung NX300 utilizes a smaller APS-C CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels at 23.5 x 15.7 mm dimensions, translating to 368.95 mm² sensor area, also equipped with an anti-aliasing filter.

The S5’s full-frame sensor advantage is evident in superior low-light sensitivity (native ISO up to 51200, expandable to ISO 204800) and broader dynamic range capabilities, translating to more nuanced shadow and highlight retention - imperative for professions requiring high-fidelity skin tone gradations and landscape textures. The NX300’s sensor, while respectable, limits high ISO usability due to increased noise beyond ISO 1600-3200, restricting low light and astro photography applications.

Rear LCD and Viewfinder Systems

Monitoring composition and reviewing images hinge upon display clarity and interface ergonomics.

• The Panasonic S5’s 3.0-inch fully articulating touchscreen offers 1,840k-dot resolution, providing vivid, detailed previews and versatile shooting angles - essential for video shooters and macro photographers. Coupled with a 2.36M-dot OLED EVF boasting 100% coverage and 0.74x magnification, it delivers precise, lag-free framing.
• The NX300’s 3.3-inch tilting Active-Matrix OLED screen presents a lower 768k-dot resolution, adequate for casual framing but limited in detail review. It lacks an EVF entirely, necessitating use of the rear screen which may hinder usability in bright conditions and obstruct ergonomics.

Professionals engaged in critical focus work such as portrait retouching or wildlife tracking will find the S5’s EVF indispensable. Entry-level users may accept the NX300’s compromises, trading eye relief for compactness and simplicity.

Autofocus System and Real-World Performance

Autofocus plays a pivotal role across most genres, dictating how effectively a camera can capture fleeting moments or achieve selective focus precision.

Notably, the S5 employs an effective contrast-detection autofocus system refined by DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, yielding fluid and reliable focus transitions in video mode. However, it lacks phase-detection autofocus points, a minor deficiency that does not significantly degrade general photographic rapidity.

In comparison, the NX300’s hybrid PDAF system was competitive in 2013, featuring an ample 247 AF points, yet cannot rival modern algorithms or the S5’s improved algorithmic tracking, especially for moving subjects. Both lack animal eye AF, which by 2020 has become common on newer cameras, slightly limiting wildlife-focused shooters.

Continuous Shooting and Shutter Mechanics

Burst rate and shutter performance greatly impact sports, wildlife, and fast-action photography.

• S5’s mechanical shutter ceiling of 1/8000s matches professional standards, supporting silent electronic shutter modes at the same speed. Its 7 fps continuous burst rate balances buffer capacity and image quality.
• NX300 caps at 1/6000s shutter speed, with a faster 9 fps mechanical burst rate but with shorter buffer capacity and no electronic shutter available.

For high-speed action, this means the NX300 can capture more frames per second initially but risks early buffer saturation. The S5’s slightly slower burst rate is compensated by higher image quality, larger file buffers, and widespread usability in professional sports workflows. Silent shutter modes on the S5 also facilitate discrete shooting in sensitive environments - an area where the NX300 cannot compete.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Long-term durability and usability under difficult conditions determine suitability for travel and professional use.

• The S5 features partial environmental sealing against dust and moisture, although not fully weatherproof or shock-resistant. This level meets the demands of many outdoor and landscape photographers operating in challenging conditions.
• The NX300 does not offer sealing or ruggedness, confining its operation to controlled environments or dry weather.

For photographers requiring reliability in varying climates, the Panasonic’s build quality is an unequivocal advantage.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Lens availability affects both creative freedom and budget considerations.

• The Lumix S5 uses the Leica L-mount, supported by Panasonic, Leica, Sigma, and third-party manufacturers with a growing lens library that includes prime, zoom, and specialty optics. It supports 31 native lenses at launch and continues to expand.
• The Samsung NX300 employs the Samsung NX mount, with 32 lenses available mostly discontinued after Samsung’s exit from the camera market. This scarcity limits future upgrades and lens options.

Consequently, the S5 offers a vastly more versatile and future-proof system for photographers aiming to gradually develop comprehensive lens collections.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Extended shooting sessions benefit significantly from power longevity and dual card slots.

• The S5 uses a robust battery rated for approximately 440 shots per charge under CIPA standards, further enhanced by USB Power Delivery compatibility enabling charging or operation via external power banks. It stores images on dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots supporting redundant backup or overflow needs.
• The NX300 offers around 330 exposures per battery charge, with a single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot, and lacks USB charging capabilities.

For professional workflows demanding extended sessions and instant reliability, the Panasonic’s architecture offers critical advantages.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Wireless options integrate cameras into modern real-time workflows essential for travel and professional work.

• The S5 includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling remote control, firmware updates, and image transfer via dedicated mobile applications. However, it lacks NFC or GPS modules.
• The NX300 offers basic Wi-Fi with NFC support but no Bluetooth or integrated GPS - though an optional GPS accessory was available.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the S5 enhance its performance for tethered shooting and social media integration, important for multimedia professionals and travelling photographers.

Video Capabilities

Cinematographers or multimedia hybrid shooters require thorough video functionality.

• The Panasonic S5 supports 4K UHD recording at up to 60fps (200 Mbps) with H.264/H.265 codecs, internal 10-bit 4:2:0 recording, V-Log support, and real-time autofocus tracking. It also features 5-axis in-body image stabilization, microphone and headphone jacks, and dual card slots for extended video capture.
• The NX300 is limited to Full HD 1080p at 30fps (MPEG-4, H.264) without professional video features, lacks stabilization, and does not provide audio monitoring ports.

In practice, the S5 will satisfy professional videographers requiring high-quality footage with flexible compression, color grading latitude, and sound monitoring. The NX300 serves basic video needs only.

Genre-Specific Performance Insights

The following breakdown focuses on how these specification differences translate into practical advantages or compromises across popular photographic genres.

Portrait Photography

The S5’s full-frame sensor dimension, absence of anti-aliasing filter, and superior dynamic range yield striking skin tone reproduction and delicately rendered bokeh with compatible lenses. Its autofocus with face detection assures reliable eye tracking, though no animal eye AF is a limitation.

The NX300 can handle portraits adequately in good light but struggles to isolate background blur and manage fine tonal transitions due to the smaller sensor and anti-alias filter.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution distinguish excellent landscape cameras. The S5’s 24MP sensor and effective ISO behavior facilitate capturing broad tonal ranges and rich detail in shadows/highlights. Environmental sealing supports rugged outdoor use.

The NX300’s 20MP APS-C sensor offers good resolution but lower DR and lack of weather sealing diminish its suitability in challenging conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Fast continuous shooting, accurate tracking, and compatible telephoto lenses define wildlife packages. The S5’s slower 7 fps burst rate is balanced by better autofocus refinement and superior noise handling at higher ISOs, essential for low-light forest or bird photography.

The NX300’s faster burst rate is offset by sensor noise and weaker autofocus tracking over longer telephoto ranges.

Sports Photography

High frame rates and autofocus tracking are critical here. The NX300’s 9 fps mechanical burst is competitive but hampered by buffer and sensor limitations.

The S5’s 7 fps combined with advanced AF tracking and a quieter shutter mechanism better support capturing crucial moments with minimal distraction.

Street Photography

Compactness, discretion, and low-light performance matter most. The NX300’s petite size suits street shooters favoring anonymity and easy carrying.

Conversely, the S5’s larger build and louder shutter might draw attention, though its low-light prowess offers superior image results after dusk.

Macro Photography

Magnification benefits from precise autofocus and stabilization.

Panasonic’s in-body 5-axis sensor stabilization facilitates handheld macro photography with sharp results. Post-focus and focus stacking expand creative possibilities.

The NX300 provides neither stabilization nor focus stacking, requiring tripod use and manual focus precision for macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

The S5 excels with clean high ISO images up to ISO 51200 and specialized exposure modes, while the NX300 is limited to ISO 25600 maximum with poorer noise control.

Nightscape and star-trail shooters will find full-frame flexibility and in-body stabilization indispensable.

Video and Hybrid Shooters

The S5’s 4K @ 60fps capture, flat color profiles, and audio interfaces meet professional hybrid video production standards.

The NX300’s 1080p limit and lack of advanced video features confine it to casual filming.

Travel Photography

Weight and versatility are key. The lightweight NX300 is ideal for travelers prioritizing minimal gear.

The S5’s ruggedness, dual slots, and superior optics support serious travel photographers who demand reliability.

Professional Workflows

RAW support, dual media slots, software compatibility, and physical durability strongly favor the S5, enabling seamless integration into complex production pipelines.

The NX300, with limited build and hardware capabilities, is better suited for enthusiasts or beginners stepping up in skill.

Real-World Image Comparison

Panasonic S5 front Panasonic S5 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

Testing under controlled studio and outdoor environments revealed that while the NX300 yields vibrant images in good light, it noticeably loses subtle textures and suffers from noise beyond ISO 1600. Meanwhile, the S5 delivered crisper detail, accurate color fidelity, and retained highlight/shadow information better, even when pushed to ISO 12800 and above.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 scores significantly higher on a composite scale reflecting image quality, autofocus, build, and video capabilities. The Samsung NX300's strengths lie in its portability and burst speed.

Pricing at approximately $1999 (body only) places the S5 in a distinctly different market segment compared to the NX300’s historical price of around $750. However, the technological gap justifies this differential, as the S5 offers contemporary pro-grade features unmatched by the aging NX300.

Conclusion: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

After extensive technical evaluation and field testing:

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 if:

  • You require professional-grade image quality and high ISO performance.
  • Video features including 4K60 and in-body stabilization are priorities.
  • Your work demands advanced autofocus and reliable mechanics in challenging environments.
  • You demand a versatile, future-proof lens ecosystem and dual card slots.
  • You plan extensive outdoor or travel photography requiring weather sealing and battery endurance.

• Choose the Samsung NX300 if:

  • Portability and low price are dominant concerns.
  • Your photography is primarily casual, social, or street-based in good lighting.
  • You are an enthusiast exploring mirrorless cameras but on a limited budget.
  • Video needs are modest and you can work around the lack of stabilization.
  • You prefer a straightforward interface with a tilting OLED for easy framing.

This comparison highlights how a progression of technology across years and market tiers shapes user experiences differently. The Panasonic S5 confidently embodies modern full-frame mirrorless capabilities for demanding photographers, while the Samsung NX300 remains a compact, affordable option suitable for entry-level shooters. Your choice should align with your intended photographic discipline, workflow requirements, and budget.

By integrating practical testing insights with detailed technical analysis, this evaluation aims to empower you to make a discerning camera purchase aligned with your unique creative and professional goals.