Panasonic GF7 vs Samsung NX300

In-Depth Comparison: Panasonic Lumix GF7 vs Samsung NX300 – A Technical and Practical Evaluation for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the mid-2010s mirrorless market, the Panasonic Lumix GF7 and Samsung NX300 entered as contenders targeting entry-level enthusiasts seeking compact versatility without compromising image quality. Despite being from competing ecosystems with disparate design philosophies and sensor technologies, both cameras offer compelling feature sets under $800 at release. This article examines these two models through an expert lens, assessing technical architecture, real-world performance, and versatility across popular photographic disciplines, guiding both serious hobbyists and pros evaluating budget-conscious mirrorless options.

Visual and Ergonomic Impression: Handling, Size, and Control Layout

Physical design critically impacts shooting comfort and workflow efficiency. The Panasonic GF7 measures a substantially compact 107x65x33 mm weighing 266 grams, contrasting with the slightly larger Samsung NX300 at 122x64x41 mm and 331 grams. This nearly 25% weight difference in favor of the GF7 translates to a noticeably lighter carry experience, beneficial for extended handheld sessions and travel photography where portability is paramount.

Both adopt a rangefinder-style mirrorless format, but their control intuitiveness diverges somewhat. The GF7 offers a touchscreen interface on a 3-inch 1040k-dot LCD with tilting capability, facilitating framing at unusual angles and quick menu navigation. Conversely, Samsung’s NX300 boasts a larger 3.3-inch Active Matrix OLED touchscreen at a lower 768k-dot resolution, providing vibrant color reproduction and deep contrast with similarly flexible articulation.

Top layout differences show Panasonic’s simpler, more minimalist approach focused on essential controls paired with front/rear dial operation paradigm, whereas Samsung integrates dedicated modes and external flash hotshoe but sacrifices an integrated flash unit. Panasonic's built-in flash offers spontaneity for fill lighting scenarios, whereas NX300 requires external flash engagement, slightly raising the entry barrier for low-light versatility.

Ergonomically, both cameras are suited for novice to intermediate users, but those with larger hands might find the NX300’s grip marginally more substantive due to its size and weight distribution. Panasonic prioritizes compactness and ease of pocketability, whereas Samsung leans into offering incremental control sophistication at the expense of smaller dimensions.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Nexus of Resolution, Size, and Performance

Arguably the most defining aspect of any camera, sensor characteristics dictate ultimate image fidelity and creative latitude. Panasonic employs a 16MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a sensor area of approximately 224.9 mm², whereas Samsung integrates a significantly larger 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor sized 23.5 x 15.7 mm, yielding roughly 369 mm² sensor area - a 64% increase in light-gathering surface.

The larger sensor and higher pixel count of the NX300 grant it superior resolution capabilities, translating to images with greater detail and cropping flexibility. It also provides inherent advantages in noise performance and dynamic range. DxOMark benchmarks, although absent for Panasonic GF7, favor the NX300 with a solid overall score of 76 - supported by notable color depth (23.6 bits) and exceptional dynamic range (12.7 EV), suitable for retaining highlight and shadow detail in challenging lighting.

Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor efficiently manages the 16MP resolution but cannot compete with the NX300’s higher-end DRIMe IV processor in terms of raw throughput. Despite this, the GF7 maintains respectable ISO sensitivity from 200–25600, though noise rapidly increases beyond ISO 1600, with visible degradation above 3200, limiting its utility for low-light or astrophotographic applications.

In terms of color reproduction, Panasonic’s Four Thirds sensor paradigm leans toward punchier tones and warmer skin tones, favorable for portraits. Samsung’s NX300 offers cooler, more neutral rendering, appealing to photographers intending to post-process and color grade with fine control.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) efficacy underpins success across nearly all photographic genres, from decisive sports shots to subtle macro details. Panasonic GF7 features contrast-detection AF only, deploying 23 focus points with face detection capabilities but lacks phase-detection modules. Autofocus speed is acceptable for casual use and portraits, but it exhibits hesitation or hunting in complex scenarios, especially in low-light or fast motion.

By contrast, Samsung NX300 incorporates a hybrid AF system combining contrast and phase detection, boasting an impressive 247 focus points arrayed densely across the frame. This delivers rapid acquisition and confident subject tracking, vital for wildlife and sports photography where milliseconds matter. Continuous AF tracking is notably smooth and reliable - a feature underscored by its high burst rate of 9 fps compared to Panasonic’s 5.8 fps.

Both cameras support touch-to-focus on their touchscreens, enhancing user interaction and compositional agility. However, the NX300’s far superior AF hardware infrastructure facilitates a more professional-grade experience, capable of challenging environments demanding swift focus shifts.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

Neither camera offers weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproofing, positioning them firmly within controlled environment shooting or casual outdoor use but limiting appeal for professional nature or adventure photographers who often encounter inclement conditions.

The GF7’s rangefinder-style chassis tends toward plastic-heavy construction to minimize weight, whereas the NX300’s larger form factor incorporates more robust materials but still lacks comprehensive environmental protection.

Neither model supports in-body image stabilization; thus, image steadiness hinges on lens optical stabilization or tripod use, notable shortcomings for handheld macro, low-light, and video shooting scenarios.

Display and Interface: Touchscreen Usability and Information Feedback

Both models embrace touchscreen technology with articulation allowing versatile shooting angles:

• Panasonic GF7 offers a 3-inch 1040k-dot LCD that tilts upwards 180°, catering to vloggers and selfie enthusiasts (despite the GF7 not being explicitly “selfie friendly”) and facilitating overhead or low-angle framing.

• Samsung NX300’s 3.3-inch Active Matrix OLED tilting screen excels in contrast and angle viewing outdoors.

The Panasonic GUI is intuitive, streamlined for minimal menu depth but occasionally limits direct quick access to advanced parameters. Samsung employs a richer menu system congruent with its more extensive manual controls, which, although more complex, rewards familiarity with greater customization potential.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which introduces challenges in bright environments where LCD visibility can fall off. Users prioritizing EVFs might consider alternative models in the same price bracket.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Focal Flexibility and Optical Access

Lens availability fundamentally determines creative potential. Panasonic GF7 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, benefiting from one of the most extensive third-party and native lens selections globally, presently exceeding 100 compatible lenses. This includes a vast array of primes, fast zooms, macro, and specialty optics from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, and others.

Samsung NX300 uses the proprietary Samsung NX mount, with a catalog of approximately 32 lenses. Though quality optics exist, the smaller selection limits versatility, particularly if one desires highly specialized lenses for wildlife telephoto reach or niche macro work.

The higher native lens count for GF7 is critical - offering low-light primes ideal for portraits and fast aperture zooms comfortable for travel photography, whereas Samsung users may face limitations requiring adapters or compromise on lens availability.

Battery Life and Storage: Sustained Shooting and Data Handling

Samsung NX300 leads substantially on stamina with a rated 330-shot battery life versus Panasonic GF7’s modest 230 shots per charge, reflecting higher capacity cells and efficiency optimization. Users engaged in prolonged shooting events or travel should factor this in, as GF7 users may require spare batteries or charging opportunities more frequently.

Both cameras use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot supporting modern high-speed UHS types. Panasonic’s USB 2.0 interface and Samsung’s also USB 2.0 provide standard wired tethering and file transfers.

Wireless Features and Connectivity: Flexibility in Field and Studio

Both cameras include built-in wireless networking and NFC for rapid pairing with mobile devices, facilitating instant image sharing and remote control applications. Neither model has Bluetooth, GPS is optional or absent, and microphone/headphone jacks are not present, restricting advanced video/audio recording workflows.

HDMI outputs on both allow external monitor connection but only support Full HD resolution since neither camera supports 4K recording.

Video Capabilities: Full HD Quality, Limitations, and Creative Modes

Panasonic GF7 shoots 1920x1080 video at various frame rates up to 60p and supports both MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. It includes slow sync flash modes synchronized with video, facilitating creative flash use. However, internal mic is limited, no external microphone interface exists, and no in-body IS means stabilization depends heavily on lenses or rigs.

Samsung NX300 also records Full HD 1080p up to 30p with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. Its video features lack advanced frame rate options or 4K support. Users may prefer the NX300’s superior sensor for video detail, but Panasonic’s smoother autofocus performance in video live view settings may offer modest advantages for run-and-gun scenarios.

Neither camera supports 4K Photo or higher resolution video capture, limiting multimedia versatility for vloggers or hybrid shooters seeking ultra-HD possibilities.

Photography Genres and Use-Case Performance Breakdown

To comprehensively understand camera suitability, it is instructive to explore performance nuances relative to major photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

• Panasonic GF7: Skin tone reproduction is warm and flattering with natural bokeh from high-quality Micro Four Thirds prime lenses. Eye detection autofocus supports easy subject emphasis, though AF speed may lag in low contrast environments.

• Samsung NX300: More neutral color profile enables flexible post-processing; excellent resolution captures fine detail. Faster hybrid AF aids eye and face tracking, but the lack of in-body stabilization may necessitate tripod or stabilized lenses.

Landscape Photography

• The NX300’s larger APS-C sensor and 20MP resolution win decisively here, offering expansive dynamic range and detailed files with less noise, important for landscapes with varying light intensity.

• Panasonic’s GF7 presents a competent alternative for enthusiasts with Micro Four Thirds primes, though smaller sensor limits ultimate image quality on large prints or extensive cropping.

• Both lack weather resistance, less ideal for rugged outdoor use.

Wildlife Photography

• Samsung’s 9 fps burst with hybrid AF and dense focus points outmatches Panasonic’s 5.8 fps and contrast AF, critical for capturing fast wildlife behaviors.

• Lens ecosystems factor heavily: Panasonic’s larger telephoto availability complements wildlife shooting, despite sensor size disadvantage.

Sports Photography

• NX300 again benefits from faster continuous shooting and superior AF tracking fidelity, critical at moderately fast shutter speeds.

• Panasonic lags with slower FPS and AF delays; suitable mostly for casual sports photography.

Street Photography

• Panasonic GF7’s small size and weight offer discreet, unobtrusive shooting advantages in street environments, particularly when paired with compact primes.

• Samsung’s NX300 is slightly bulkier and louder but provides quicker capture responsiveness.

Macro Photography

• No macro-specific features or focus bracketing/stacking options exist on either model. Panasonic’s quicker touchscreen AF aids focus precision at close distances, but image stabilization absence impacts handheld macro viability.

• Lens choices again key; Micro Four Thirds’s wider macro lens diversity favors the GF7.

Night and Astrophotography

• NX300’s superior low-light ISO capability (DxOMark low light ISO rating of 942) markedly outperforms Panasonic, rendering cleaner images at high ISO sensitivity agreeable for astrophotography.

• Panasonic’s limited noise handling above ISO 1600 narrows its practicality.

Video Production

• Both capture Full HD video but lack advanced audio input or 4K resolution options, limiting professional video opportunities.

• Panasonic’s AVCHD support may appeal to some, but neither model offers in-body stabilization.

Travel Photography

• GF7’s compact size and weight earn points for portability and all-day carry.

• NX300’s enhanced battery life supports longer shooting sessions without recharge concerns.

Professional Workflow Integration

• Both cameras produce raw files, compatible with major editing software, though Panasonic’s smaller file sizes expedite workflow.

• Lack of in-camera advanced color profiles or tethered shooting support limits workflow efficiency for professional studio use.

Comprehensive Sample Imagery and Performance Scores Review

Evaluating real-world image outputs from both cameras solidifies these technical distinctions: Panasonic GF7 excels in vibrant portrait and street contexts, while Samsung NX300 pushes superior detail and dynamic range in landscapes and action sequences.

Panasonic GF7 front Panasonic GF7 screen back Samsung NX300 screen back

An overall performance scoring framework assigns NX300 a higher aggregate score, primarily driven by sensor attributes and autofocus technology.

Genre-specific scoring underscores Panasonic GF7’s strengths in casual portraits and street, whereas Samsung dominates sports, wildlife, and landscape sectors.

Price-to-Performance and Value Considerations

At launch, Panasonic GF7 was priced aggressively around $308, attractive for budget-conscious beginners and casual enthusiasts prioritizing portability and straightforward use. Its compromises on sensor size, burst rate, and AF speed reflect its entry-level positioning.

Samsung NX300, near $750, commands a premium justified by its larger sensor, faster burst shooting, and sophisticated AF system. However, the trade-off includes heavier weight, less compactness, and limited lens selection, which might deter travel or street photographers.

Final Recommendations

Choose Panasonic Lumix GF7 if you:

• Prioritize lightweight, compact form factor and ease of use
• Shoot mostly portraits, family events, or street photography where portability and friendly color rendition matter
• Desire access to a broad Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem at entry price
• Are unconcerned with rapid continuous shooting or advanced autofocus tracking
• Want built-in flash support for spontaneous fill light

Choose Samsung NX300 if you:

• Require higher image resolution and superior dynamic range, especially for landscapes and detailed prints
• Engage in wildlife, sports, or action genres needing rapid, accurate autofocus and higher frame rates
• Value a larger sensor and hybrid AF system despite fewer lens options
• Expect longer battery life and plan extended shooting sessions
• Are willing to manage slightly larger body size and invest in external flash accessories

Summary

While both Panasonic GF7 and Samsung NX300 target entry-level mirrorless users, their technological foundations and feature priorities distinctively shape suitability profiles. Panasonic offers exceptional portability and versatility with a vast lens lineup, tailored to casual or style-conscious photographers. Samsung equips the user with a fundamentally stronger imaging engine, rapid shooting, and hybrid autofocus, favoring action shooters and image quality seekers.

As with all camera decisions, evaluating intended photographic disciplines, shooting habits, and budget constraints will decisively guide the optimal choice. Both models demonstrate solid execution within their niches and remain interesting candidates for enthusiasts embracing mirrorless styling and capabilities.