Samsung DV300F vs Sony NEX-5T: Small Sensor Compact Meets Entry-Level Mirrorless

In an era where camera choices span from minimalist compacts to powerhouse mirrorless systems, it’s fascinating to pit two distinct cameras side by side: the 2012 Samsung DV300F, a modest small sensor compact, and the 2013 Sony NEX-5T, an entry-level mirrorless with ambitions beyond its price bracket. While these cameras belong to very different categories, comparing them reveals much about the evolution of digital photography, sensor technology, and feature set trade-offs that still resonate in today’s market.

Over the course of extensive hands-on testing - spanning portrait shoots, landscape treks, street wanderings, and even impromptu wildlife encounters - I delved beyond specs to uncover the practical strengths and inherent compromises these cameras embody. Whether you’re a casual shooter considering a budget-friendly option or a student or hobbyist eyeing your first interchangeable lens system, this comparison aims to decode which camera suits your specific photographic ambitions.

Let’s unpack each camera’s DNA - from sensor specs and handling to autofocus prowess and video chops - with real-world insights founded on years of expert camera testing.

Seeing Eye-To-Eye: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

First impressions matter. They shape your willingness to pick up the camera and shoot on the fly or lug it around for hours.

The Samsung DV300F is nimble and pocketable, measuring just 95×57×18 mm and weighing a featherlight 133 grams. You hardly notice it in a jacket pocket or day bag, which is a huge boon for street photography and casual travel snaps. Its compactness comes with a trade-off: the grip is minimal, and the camera feels delicate in my hands - fine for quick snaps but less reassuring for prolonged use or sudden movement.

The Sony NEX-5T, by contrast, is shaped more like a traditional rangefinder-style mirrorless, with dimensions of 111×59×39 mm and a body weight of 276 grams. It’s not bulky by any means, but it demands a dedicated camera bag or sling. However, this size accommodates a more substantial grip that feels secure, even with one hand, and the buttons and dials are logically placed for quick adjustments - a boon when chasing moments in dynamic environments.

Looking from above, the DV300F’s simplicity is evident: minimal buttons and no physical dials or customizable controls. The NEX-5T offers shutter speed and aperture priority modes, exposure compensation dial, and a set of configurable buttons, inviting more creative control and faster shooting workflows.

If compactness and pocketability are prime concerns, the DV300F shines. But for photographers who prioritize handling comfort and tangible controls, the NEX-5T’s ergonomic design offers a more confident shooting experience.

The Heart of Image Quality: Sensor and Image Processing

The fundamental difference between these two cameras lies in their sensors.

The DV300F sports a small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring a mere 6.17×4.55 mm, approximately 28 mm² of imaging area. Meanwhile, the NEX-5T houses an APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4×15.6 mm), boasting about 365 mm² - over 13 times larger.

Why does sensor size matter? Larger sensors gather more light, generally yielding better image quality, superior dynamic range, and improved low-light capability. The difference between these two sensors is palpable in every test shoot.

Resolution and Detail

Both cameras offer roughly 16-megapixels, but pixel size on the NEX-5T is significantly larger, leading to finer detail and less noise. On expansive landscape captures or tight portrait crops, the Sony reveals textures and details that the Samsung’s sensor cannot fully resolve. Micro-contrast and fine patterns are much better rendered on the NEX-5T, especially visible at base ISOs.

Low Light and Noise

The DV300F’s native ISO tops out at 3200 but noise levels become objectionable beyond 400 ISO, a natural limitation of CCD design and small sensor size. The NEX-5T demonstrates remarkable low-light strength with native ISO up to 25600 (boosted), maintaining usable images well past 1600 ISO in my experience.

Dynamic Range

Dynamic range is another crucial metric, often determining how well a camera captures shadows and highlights simultaneously - a necessity for dramatic landscapes or indoor portraits with window light.

The Sony’s 13 EV dynamic range outperforms the DV300F handily (which lacks official DXOmark scores but typical compact CCDs fall well short), helping preserve details in high-contrast scenes without crushing shadows or blowing highlights.

In sum, if image quality is your priority, especially for landscapes, portraits, or night photography, the NEX-5T’s APS-C sensor delivers a clear advantage.

Viewing and Composing: Screen & Viewfinder Experience

Neither camera features an optical viewfinder, but their LCD implementations differ.

The DV300F offers a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k dot resolution. It’s serviceable but feels dated today: viewing angles are narrow, colors slightly muted, and the lack of tilting hinders creative framing in challenging positions. Touch functionality is missing, making menu navigation slower and less intuitive.

On the flip side, the Sony NEX-5T sports a 3-inch tilting TFT screen with 922k dots and touch capability - allowing quick autofocus point selection and swipe navigation. The screen flips 180 degrees upwards, ideal for selfies and vlogging, and tilts down 50 degrees, aiding awkward angles and low-level shooting. The richer resolution and versatility here elevate compositional control and in-camera post-processing.

While the Samsung’s LCD suffices for casual snapshots, the Sony’s screen better supports deliberate photographers and creatives seeking more flexible framing.

Autofocus: Capturing the Critical Moment

Speed and accuracy of autofocus (AF) can make or break a shot, especially in wildlife, sports, or street photography.

The DV300F uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection but offers no manual focus, no AF touch, and no continuous AF mode. It has limited AF zones and can occasionally hesitate under low light or busy scenes. While it will lock quickly on well-lit, simple subjects, the AF feels sluggish by modern standards and makes fast-moving subjects a challenge.

The Sony NEX-5T employs a hybrid AF system combining phase-detection and contrast detection, with 99 AF points including 25 cross-type for improved accuracy and AF tracking capabilities. Touch AF is supported, and continuous AF aids in tracking moving subjects. In my testing, the NEX-5T demonstrated reliable, snappy focus acquisition, even under dimmer lighting, and better maintained focus on erratically moving animals or children.

For sports, wildlife, and street photographers who rely on AF confidence, the NEX-5T is a markedly superior tool.

Lens Versatility and System Expandability

The DV300F features a fixed 25–125 mm equivalent lens (5x optical zoom) with an aperture range of f/2.5–6.3 and minimum focusing distance of 5 cm for casual macro shots.

Being a fixed-lens compact, lens options are non-existent. While convenient, this limits creative latitude and future-proofing as your photography advances.

Sony’s NEX-5T opens the door to the robust E-mount lens ecosystem with over 120 lenses (at its launch) spanning wide-angle primes, telephoto zooms, fast apertures for portraits, and even ultra-macro optics. The APS-C sensor harnesses these lenses effectively, unlocking superior depth-of-field control, bokeh quality (e.g., creamy backgrounds with f/1.8 and f/1.4 lenses), and specialized focal lengths.

This adaptability transforms the camera from a snapshot device into a versatile creative platform suitable for various genres from landscapes to portraits to macro work.

Performance Under Fire: Burst Shooting and Buffer

When photographing fleeting moments in sports or wildlife, high frame rates and buffer depth matter greatly.

The DV300F does not specify continuous shooting speed - functionally, it feels sluggish and unsuitable for rapid sequences, often limiting you to single-frame shots or slow bursts.

The NEX-5T, by contrast, can shoot up to 10 fps with autofocus locked on the first frame (RAW+JPEG output speeds drop) and offers sustained bursts for several frames. This makes it practical for capturing decisive action moments, like birds in mid-flight or athletes crossing the finish line.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance impacts whether you can spend a whole day shooting without worrying about recharging mid-trip.

The DV300F’s battery life is undocumented but given its small size and modest screen, it lasts reasonably well for casual use. However, the fixed battery and older battery technology mean limited shots per charge - likely in the 150–200 range based on similar compacts.

Sony’s NEX-5T uses the NP-FW50 battery, providing approximately 330 shots per charge, according to CIPA standards - far better for extended outings but still not class-leading among today’s mirrorless models. The stronger processor and larger sensor inevitably consume more power.

In terms of storage, both support removable cards (microSD for the DV300F, SD/Memory Stick combo for the NEX-5T) with a single slot, providing ample room for extended shoots depending on card capacity.

Video Capabilities: Not Just Still Cameras

Ever since digital cameras adopted video, shooting hybrid content has become a core requirement for many users.

The DV300F shoots HD video at 720p (1280x720) up to 30fps, recorded in MPEG-4/H.264. While stable thanks to optical image stabilization, videos lack finer detail and dynamic range and have no microphone input for external audio - a limiting factor for serious videographers.

Sony’s NEX-5T records Full HD 1080p video at 60p, 60i, and 24p frame rates, offering smoother motion and more cinematic options. Video formats include AVCHD and H.264, with improved image quality thanks to the larger sensor and faster processor. However, it lacks microphone and headphone jacks, a typical limitation for its class, but does have HDMI output for external monitors or recorders.

Overall, the Sony provides an edge for casual videographers or vloggers seeking fuller HD quality and frame rate options.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or ruggedized protection. For outdoor use in rain or dusty conditions, external protective measures are mandatory with both.

The DV300F has a plastic lightweight build, which reinforces its compactness but diminishes durability.

The NEX-5T’s metal chassis and more robust construction feel reassuringly solid in the hand and better suited to demanding conditions.

Intuitive Software, Connectivity, and Wireless Features

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi, enabling basic image transfer and remote shooting.

The Samsung DV300F’s wireless is modest and limited by dated software integration.

Sony’s NEX-5T adds NFC for easy pairing with compatible smartphones, combined with improved app control for live view and settings adjustment via the touchscreen. This improves workflow for quick sharing or remote capture.

The Verdict: Who Is Each Camera For?

While utterly different in conception, these two cameras cater to distinct user profiles:

• Samsung DV300F: Best for casual photographers or beginners who want a pocketable, no-fuss point-and-shoot. Its simple fixed lens and intuitive automatic modes work well for everyday snapshots, travel tours where packing light is paramount, and social sharing. However, photo quality and responsiveness are limited, making it less suited for more demanding applications like portraits or low light.

• Sony NEX-5T: Well-suited for enthusiasts stepping up to interchangeable lenses without breaking the bank. It offers a powerful APS-C sensor, flexible controls, impressive autofocus, and decent video capabilities. Ideal for portrait, landscape, street, and some wildlife shots given suitable lenses. Its system expandability and better handling reward growing photographic ambition.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: NEX-5T’s larger sensor and ability to pair with fast primes deliver richer skin tones and smooth bokeh. DV300F struggles with background blur and detail retention.

• Landscape: NEX-5T shines with higher resolution, broader dynamic range, and RAW support. DV300F limited to JPEG, smaller sensor nuances lose detail.

• Wildlife: NEX-5T’s burst rate and AF tracking better capture animals in motion; DV300F better for static subjects only.

• Sports: The NEX-5T’s faster shutter speeds and continuous shooting frame rates give it a clear edge.

• Street: DV300F’s discreet size is appealing, but limited AF and image quality cap performance. NEX-5T is less discreet but excels in image quality and control.

• Macro: DV300F offers close focusing (5cm) with stabilized optics, handy for casual macro. NEX-5T with dedicated macro lenses enables higher magnification and finer detail.

• Night / Astro: Only the NEX-5T’s low noise and long exposures make it viable for astrophotography.

• Video: NEX-5T’s Full HD at 60 fps surpasses the Samsung’s 720p at 30 fps.

• Travel: DV300F impresses in portability and simplicity, NEX-5T offers versatility and superior image quality at added size.

• Professional Work: Neither a professional flagship, but NEX-5T’s RAW files and E-mount lens flexibility provide a better stepping stone.

Real World Image Quality Comparison

Samsung DV300F front Samsung DV300F screen back Sony NEX 5T front Sony NEX 5T screen back

Direct side-by-side image comparisons from my test set emphasize the Sony’s superior sharpness, color retention, and noise handling. The Samsung images tend to wash out under challenging lighting, with less detail in shadows.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Budget, Needs, and Ambition

If you are an absolute beginner prioritizing portability and snap-and-go ease, the Samsung DV300F is a solid entry point at a budget price with wireless convenience. Think of it as a gateway device when sophistication isn’t the goal.

If you crave image quality, creative control, and future growth with lenses and accessories, then the Sony NEX-5T’s mirrorless platform represents a smarter investment - even given its extra bulk and cost.

Ultimately, if your heart beats for photography and video with room to expand, the NEX-5T comfortably outperforms the DV300F in almost every technical and real-world metric. But for pure convenience and casual shooting, the DV300F remains a cute compact companion.

Photography is deeply personal, so let me leave you with this: try to handle both cameras yourself if possible. Feel the ergonomics, snap some test shots, and imagine your typical shoots. The best camera is the one you enjoy and trust enough to press the shutter.

Happy shooting!

This in-depth comparative review is grounded in extensive hands-on testing, detailed technical analysis, and years of lens-mounted experience across countless models, brought to you for thoughtful camera decision-making.