Pentax Q vs Samsung NX300: An Enthusiast’s Hands-On Comparison of Two Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

When I set out to compare the Pentax Q and the Samsung NX300, I knew I’d be diving into two distinct entry-level mirrorless cameras introduced two years apart - the Q from 2011 and the NX300 from late 2013. Both target photography enthusiasts seeking compact systems with interchangeable lenses, yet their choices in sensor technology, autofocus, and design philosophy diverge considerably. Drawing on years testing cameras in the field - portraits under studio lights, landscapes in the golden hour, wildlife chases, city street ambushes, and long nights under the stars - I’ve found this comparison offers valuable takeaways for those evaluating affordable, mirrorless systems.

I’ll walk you through details across all major photography disciplines, dissect technical strengths and weaknesses, and share practical insights that emerged from hands-on experience - helping you decide if either the Pentax Q or Samsung NX300 fits your photographic journey.

First Impressions: Size and Ergonomics Show Fundamental Differences

One of the earliest surprises when handling these cameras is their physicality. The Pentax Q is extraordinarily compact - almost pocketable - while the Samsung NX300 feels more substantial, though still lightweight compared to traditional DSLRs.

The Pentax Q (left) stands out for its ultra-compact size and slim profile compared to the bulkier but ergonomically comfortable Samsung NX300 (right).

The Q’s 98 x 57 x 31 mm body at 180g is tiny. Its diminutive stature contributes to portability but introduces some handling compromises, especially for photographers with larger hands or those who prefer solid grip feel. Conversely, the NX300 measures 122 x 64 x 41 mm and weighs 331g, offering better in-hand stability and a more confident shooting experience when wielding longer lenses.

From my shooting sessions, the NX300’s grip noticeably reduced fatigue during extended outdoor shoots like wildlife tracking or street photography walks, whereas the Q’s slim frame excelled in scenarios demanding unobtrusive, lightweight travel gear.

Design and Control Layout: How Usability Shapes the Shooting Experience

Size isn’t the only physical factor - controls, screen, and interface shape how quickly you can react.

The Samsung NX300 (right) offers a more traditional array of physical controls with a touch-enabled screen; the Pentax Q (left) keeps things minimalist with fewer buttons.

Pentax Q’s minimalist control scheme and lack of touchscreen may frustrate users accustomed to modern interfaces, especially since it lacks an electronic viewfinder. It relies exclusively on its fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution - serviceable but uninspiring for precise composition or outdoor visibility.

The NX300 impresses here with its 3.3-inch tilting AMOLED touchscreen at 768k dots - vibrant with excellent viewing angles. The touchscreen enables quick focus point selections, menu navigation, and touch-shutter capture, which I found indispensable for street photography or macro focus tweaks on the fly.

So, if responsive, intuitive control is paramount, the NX300’s interface edges the Q far ahead.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Where these cameras truly diverge is their sensor technology.

Pentax Q’s 1/2.3" sensor dwarfed by the Samsung NX300’s APS-C sensor; this difference profoundly impacts image quality and low-light capabilities.

The Pentax Q sports a tiny 1/2.3-inch 12MP CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with a crop factor of 5.8x, roughly equivalent to compact point-and-shoot cameras. By contrast, the Samsung NX300 houses a large APS-C 20MP CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm) with a 1.5x crop factor - the standard in prosumer and enthusiast mirrorless cameras.

From a technical perspective, the NX300’s sensor offers greater light gathering, dynamic range, and lower noise, which the DxOMark scores confirm: an overall score of 76 versus the Q’s 47. Color depth and low-light ISO handling showed particularly stark differences - the NX300 handled ISO 3200 with clarity that the Pentax Q simply can’t match beyond ISO 800.

In real-world shooting, this translated to the NX300 delivering crisp, clean images across varied conditions - from shadowy urban streets to richly detailed landscapes at golden hour - while the Pentax Q struggled beyond bright daylight.

Using the LCD: Composition and Playback, Where Screens Matter

Good LCDs are fundamental when no viewfinder is available.

Samsung NX300’s articulating AMOLED screen supports touch input and flexible angles; Pentax Q’s fixed TFT LCD, smaller and less detailed, limits versatility.

The NX300’s tilting AMOLED screen made critical autofocus and exposure evaluations easy, even in harsh sunlight. Touch to focus and shoot brought speed to candid portraits or street snaps. By contrast, the fixed LCD on the Q, though adequate, felt stilted; the lack of touch capability and lower resolution were immediately apparent when reviewing images on location.

For video recording, having a tilt screen simplified framing awkward angles on the NX300, a feature the Pentax lacks altogether.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Autofocus and continuous shooting capabilities are pivotal, especially for action genres.

The Pentax Q employs a contrast-detection AF system with 25 focus points but no phase-detection sensor. This system is generally slower and often hunts when light dims or subjects move rapidly. Continuous shooting caps at a sluggish 2 fps, which severely limits capturing multiple moments in fast sequences.

The Samsung NX300 utilizes a hybrid autofocus system, combining contrast and phase-detection AF across an impressive 247 points. This results in brisk, reliable focus with face detection - a feature missing on the Q - and enables aggressive subject tracking. With a burst rate of 9 fps, the NX300 confidently captures fleeting sports action, wildlife movement, or children playing - experiences I tested personally during a local basketball game and outdoor birdwatching excursion.

This autofocus and burst difference alone could sway many toward the NX300 for action photography.

Real-World Photography Disciplines: How Each Camera Excels or Falters

Let me share insights distilled from actual photo sessions across diverse disciplines. Each section is tied back to what I personally observed and photographed.

Portrait Photography

My experience with the Pentax Q in portraits illuminated its limitations and quirks. The small sensor yields deeper depth of field at most apertures, even with its brighter, fast lenses, making smooth background blur (bokeh) harder to achieve. Facial skin tones were reasonably rendered but sometimes lacked subtle tonality, especially indoors without ample lighting.

The NX300, by contrast, delivered creamy bokeh and beautifully natural skin tones thanks to its APS-C sensor. The camera’s accurate face detection autofocus locked onto portraits efficiently, which is invaluable when working with children or restless clients.

For studio or controlled light portraiture, I found the NX300’s ability to render fine details, tonal gradations, and softly defocused backgrounds far more satisfying.

Landscape Photography

Pentax has a long heritage of landscape excellence, but the Q’s sensor size and resolution limit its suitability here. While I produced usable images on sunny days, the camera’s 12MP resolution and low dynamic range (11.1 EV) meant highlight and shadow recovery were limited, critical when shooting skies or complex shaded scenes. Weather sealing is absent, making outdoor ruggedness a concern in inclement weather.

The NX300’s larger sensor provided more image data for post-processing flexibility and delivered 20MP images with wider dynamic range (12.7 EV). However, it also lacks weather sealing and environmental resistance.

Still, for landscapes, I consistently gravitated toward the Samsung for richer detail, cleaner shadows, and ability to push files in demanding lighting conditions.

Wildlife Photography

Fast autofocus and reach are key here.

The Pentax Q’s 5.8x crop factor and 8 lenses (including telephoto primes and zooms) offer an effective focal length advantage for distant subjects. Its sensor-based image stabilization is helpful for handheld shooting. However, slow (2 fps) burst rate and contrast-detection AF mean it’s easy to miss fast-moving birds or animals.

The Samsung’s 1.5x crop factor means you’ll need longer lenses for equivalent reach but its larger, more adaptable lens lineup (32 lenses available) helps. Its phase-detect autofocus and 9 fps burst shooting enabled me to successfully track birds in flight and capture fleeting expressions in mammals. The lack of IBIS is a downside, but paired with stabilized telephoto lenses, sharp results are attainable.

If telephoto reach with fast focus is your priority, the NX300 performs markedly better, though the Q’s smaller size may be tempting for quick wildlife day trips.

Sports Photography

I personally tested both at amateur basketball and soccer matches.

Pentax Q’s low continuous shooting speed and slow autofocus, especially under artificial gym lighting, severely hampered its ability to capture decisive moments. Missed focus and delayed shot capture were common.

Samsung NX300’s fast AF, face detection, and 9 fps bursts consistently yielded sharp, well-timed images, even in lower light.

For sports enthusiasts desiring affordability plus performance, the NX300 is the clear winner.

Street Photography

Here, discretion, speed, and portability matter.

Pentax Q’s tiny size and rangefinder styling lend themselves well to covert street shooting, avoiding the “big camera” intimidation factor. The lens selection covers wide to moderate telephoto and compacts easily into bags or even pockets.

Samsung NX300, while larger, offers quick autofocus and touch screen control, letting you frame shots expediently. Its weight is manageable for half-day shoots.

If unobtrusiveness is non-negotiable, Q takes the nod. But if you prioritize rapid AF and touchscreen control, the NX300 wins.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is a macro specialist, but the NX300’s larger sensor and more varied lenses (including dedicated macro optics) will typically yield better detail and color resolution.

The Pentax Q’s sensor-based stabilization helps in handheld macro but depth of field and magnification are limited by sensor size.

Both perform acceptably if paired with quality macro lenses.

Night / Astro Photography

Low-light and long exposures favor sensor size and noise control.

Pentax Q’s max ISO 6400 is nominal, but high noise sets in early; 2.3 fps shooting rate and lack of bulb mode limit astrophotography. Absence of weather sealing and lack of viewfinder inhibit star tracking.

Samsung NX300’s higher native ISO (up to 25600), lower noise, and expanded shutter speeds lend better performance for nightscapes, while tilting AMOLED aids composing shots on tripods. No built-in astro modes, but compatible with intervalometers.

For night shooters, NX300 offers a wider creative latitude.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Both cameras shoot full HD video up to 1080p at 30fps with H.264 codec.

Pentax Q offers basic video with no microphone input or stabilization beyond sensor-shift support in stills. The built-in flash is a plus for casual video lighting indoors, but continuous autofocus during recording is limited.

Samsung NX300 provides no built-in flash, but incorporates a more advanced processor (DRIMe IV) facilitating better image quality and quick focus during video. The touchscreen aids manual focus pulls, but the lack of mic/headphone jacks curtails audio options.

In real-world use, the NX300 produced smoother, higher bitrate footage with less noise, making it better suited for casual video creators and vlogging on a budget.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery stamina varies accordingly: 230 shots per charge for the Pentax Q, 330 shots for Samsung NX300. While the NX300’s larger battery size adds weight, it translates to more shooting hours - beneficial for travel or all-day events.

Both accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards in single slots.

Lens Ecosystem: A Photographer’s Choice

Pentax Q sports a niche, limited 8-lens lineup designed for its unique mount and tiny sensor - lenses are physically small but tend to be pricier with fewer specialty options.

Samsung NX300 boasts a broader, well-developed lens ecosystem with 32 lenses - spanning ultra-wide, telephoto, primes, and macros. This versatility offers greater flexibility for artistic exploration and field adaptation.

For hobbyists planning to grow their gear over time, Samsung’s system is more future-proof.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The Pentax Q has no wireless connectivity options - a drawback if you want instant sharing or remote control.

The Samsung NX300 integrates Wi-Fi and NFC for pairing with smartphones, allowing wireless image transfer and remote shooting via apps - a significant advantage as smartphone connectivity becomes more essential.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather resistance, dustproofing, or shock protection; however, Samsung NX300 feels more solidly built thanks to tighter tolerances and use of higher quality plastics/metals.

Pentax Q’s ultra-compact form is more susceptible to damage from accidental drops or exposure.

Price-to-Performance: Value Considerations

Street prices placed the Pentax Q around $695 and Samsung NX300 closer to $750 at launch, a narrow gap.

Given the NX300’s superior image quality, autofocus, lens options, and features, it offers better performance for most serious enthusiasts despite slightly higher weight and size.

Pentax Q’s unique miniaturization and pocketability may justify its cost for those prioritizing ultra-compactness over image quality.

Summing It Up: Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

It’s tempting to see this as a clear “winner,” but both cameras serve different niches:

• Choose Pentax Q if:

  • You prioritize ultra-portability above all else.
  • Your photography centers on casual travel, street photography with minimal bulk.
  • You’re comfortable accepting lower image quality for the convenience of a tiny system.
  • You appreciate unique vintage styling and niche lenses.

• Choose Samsung NX300 if:

  • Image quality, autofocus speed, and burst performance are critical.
  • You shoot a broad range of subjects from portraits to action and landscapes.
  • You want connectivity options and a flexible, touch-enabled interface.
  • You expect to expand lens options and need solid video quality.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

Over years testing hundreds of cameras, clarity emerges: sensor size and autofocus system remain the dominant factors impacting real-world photographic outcomes. The Pentax Q’s novelty is appealing, but the NX300’s larger sensor and fast hybrid AF deliver significant advantage across disciplines.

That said, I constantly found myself turning to the Q on casual days when packing light and discretion was a must. Conversely, the NX300 was my tool when deliberate quality and versatility were needed.

I trust this thorough hands-on breakdown makes your decision easier. Both cameras carry valuable lessons on trade-offs between miniaturization and performance - a dilemma photographers must weigh carefully today and beyond.

Happy shooting!

Pentax Q front Pentax Q screen back Samsung NX300 screen back