Samsung Galaxy NX vs Sony A390: An In-Depth Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal step on your creative journey - whether you’re expanding into new photography genres or aiming for professional-quality results. Today, we’re dissecting two distinctive entry-level options: the Samsung Galaxy NX, a mirrorless hybrid with smartphone-inspired interface, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, a classic DSLR with rooted traditional ergonomics.

Drawing on hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras, I’ll guide you through their real-world strengths, technical nuances, and suitability across various photography disciplines. We’ll cover sensor performance, autofocus, build, user interface, and more - not just specs on paper - to help you find a camera that truly fits your shooting style and ambitions.

Meet the Contenders: Samsung Galaxy NX and Sony A390

Right off the bat, you can see these cameras target different kinds of users: the Galaxy NX with its innovative touchscreen and hybrid interface aims at early adopters wanting smartphone ease blended with professional format, while the Sony A390 offers a traditional DSLR experience with optical viewfinder and solid battery life at a budget-friendly price point.

Size and ergonomics play a big role, particularly if you travel often or shoot handheld for extended periods.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CMOS vs. CCD - and What That Means for You

The heart of any camera is its sensor. The Galaxy NX houses a 20-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, marking a strong image quality advantage over Sony’s 14-megapixel APS-C CCD sensor inside the A390. Let me explain why that matters practically.

Samsung CMOS Sensor Advantages

• Higher resolution (20MP): You get more detailed images - ideal for landscapes, portraits, and cropping flexibility.
• Better high ISO performance: The Galaxy NX boasts a max ISO of 25,600, affording better low light shots with less noise.
• Faster readout speeds: Facilitates higher burst shooting and video capabilities.
• Phase detection autofocus hybrid: Improves focus speed and accuracy, especially in challenging light.

Sony CCD Sensor Characteristics

• Lower native resolution (14MP): Sufficient for common prints and web sharing but less room for heavy cropping.
• Max ISO 3200: Reasonable but more noise creeping in at higher sensitivity.
• CCD sensor notorious for slower response: Limits continuous shooting speed and video functionality.
• Proven color depth and dynamic range: DxOMark rated with good color depth (22.5 bits) and dynamic range (11.5 EV) for the time.

From our lab and field tests, the Galaxy NX delivers sharper, cleaner files with more latitude in post. The Sony A390’s files look soft comparatively but can render pleasing JPEGs straight out of camera for casual use.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance influences your ability to capture sharp images - especially when shooting movement or tricky scenes.

While Samsung’s hybrid AF benefits from phase detection integrated into the sensor, it lacks continuous AF tracking during burst shooting or video. The Sony employs tried-and-tested phase detection with continuous autofocus support - more suited for sports, wildlife, and action photography requiring focus tracking.

In practice, the Galaxy NX’s AF is snappy for static subjects and intuitive touch-to-focus, but not optimized for fast-moving subjects. For dynamic environments, the Sony’s AF system feels more reliable despite fewer focus points than modern cameras.

Build Quality and Handling: Ergonomics That Last

Handling comfort and reliability matter when you spend hours shooting. Both cameras share APS-C crops but differ markedly in form factor.

• The Samsung Galaxy NX is notably compact and lightweight for a mirrorless SLR-style body, with a large 4.8” touchscreen that enhances menu navigation and image review.
• The Sony A390 has a bulkier DSLR shape with a deep grip that provides secure handling, especially with bigger lenses.

Notice how the Galaxy NX’s top design centers on simplicity and touchscreen reliance, while the Sony offers more tactile buttons and dials.

Samsung’s reliance on touchscreen control can be a double-edged sword: it’s great for intuitive operation, but less satisfying in intense shoots when quick manual dial adjustment is preferred. The Sony’s conventional button layout and tilting LCD allow more tactile shooting ergonomics - even if its smaller screen is lower res and non-touch.

None of these bodies offer weather sealing or ruggedization, so you should handle them carefully in adverse conditions.

Display and Viewfinders: Framing the Moment Right

Framing your shot accurately helps save time in post and boosts creativity.

• Galaxy NX offers a large, fixed 4.8-inch HD TFT touchscreen (922k dots) - one of the biggest and highest resolution screens at launch. This screen is perfect for live previews, touch focusing, and quick menus.
• Sony A390 has a smaller 2.7-inch tilting LCD (230k dots) without touch support, which may feel dated by today’s standards but provides some versatile angle options.
• For viewfinders, Samsung uses an electronic viewfinder (specifications not detailed), which can preview exposure and focus in real time but may lack the clarity and immediacy of an optical viewfinder.
• Sony’s optical pentamirror viewfinder covers 95% of the frame and offers a bright, lag-free view favored by many photographers for critical composition.

If you like composing with your eye close to the camera, the Sony’s optical viewfinder offers a more classic experience. For videographers and touchscreen enthusiasts, the Galaxy NX’s big display will feel liberating and modern.

Lens Ecosystems: Variety and Flexibility Matter

Your camera is only as versatile as its compatible lenses:

• Samsung’s NX mount comes with 32 native lenses - covering wide-angle, telephoto, zoom, prime, and specialty lenses, but the ecosystem is small relative to others.
• Sony’s Alpha mount (A-mount) boasts over 140 lenses including Minolta-compatible optics. This vast lens lineup ranges from affordable basics to professional glass.

Thanks to Sony's history and third-party support, lens options are abundant and future-proof. Samsung’s kit is more limited but includes solid quality glass.

If you value the freedom to upgrade, experiment with focal lengths, or invest in specialized optics like macro or super-telephotos, the Sony wins hands down on sheer lens choice.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Power and Workflow

Long shooting sessions require dependable power and ample memory:

Samsung offers nearly double the battery endurance, a huge advantage for day trips, travel, or event coverage without extra packs. The camera uses modern SDXC cards standard today.

Sony’s dual-compatible slot supports both SD and the proprietary Memory Stick format - a flexibility that might appeal if you already own Sony media but adds complexity for newcomers.

Connectivity and Extra Features: Bridging the Tech Gap

• The Galaxy NX includes built-in wireless connectivity and GPS, letting you geotag images and share photos instantly - a pioneering feature for its time.
• Sony A390 has no built-in wireless or GPS, representing a more traditional, offline approach.
• Video capability is only available on the Samsung, with Full HD 1080p recording using MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, plus microphone and headphone ports for sound control.
• Sony A390 offers no video.

If you’re planning vlogging, hybrid photo-video, or social media content creation, Samsung’s connectivity and video support offer clear benefits.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s dive deeper into how these systems perform for specific photography disciplines:

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• The Galaxy NX’s higher resolution sensor and superior ISO range allow you to capture fine facial details and smooth skin rendition.
• Its contrast+phase AF with face detection is effective in isolating subjects.
• Samsung lenses offer good aperture selection for creamy background blur.
• Sony’s CCD sensor renders pleasant colors and decent skin tones but lower resolution affects detail.
• A390 autofocus is solid but less refined for subtle focus point control important in portraits.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Detail

• Samsung’s CMOS sensor provides wider dynamic range, letting you retain highlights and shadows better - crucial for varied lighting.
• The higher megapixels deliver more detail for large prints.
• Sony’s sensor holds respectable dynamic range but is limited by older CCD tech.
• Both cameras lack weather sealing, so be cautious outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking

• The Samsung’s 9 fps continuous burst is impressive but hampered by no continuous AF tracking.
• Sony’s 3 fps burst is slower but continuous AF works, helping maintain focus in action sequences.
• Sony’s more responsive phase detection AF with 9 focus points supports better tracking.

If you prioritize critical focus tracking at fast moving subjects, Sony edges ahead.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

• Samsung’s compact body and large touchscreen favor street photographers who want intuitive control and on-the-fly sharing.
• Sony’s larger, heavier DSLR may feel more obtrusive but offers better battery for long days.
• Samsung’s touch UI and GPS make travel documentation and uploading easier.

Macro Photography: Precision and Stability

• Both cameras lack in-body stabilization.
• Samsung relies on lens optics for macro work.
• Sony’s sensor stabilization offers control if combined with macro lenses.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Noise Handling

• Samsung’s max ISO 25,600, combined with CMOS noise control, allows cleaner shots in dark conditions.
• Sony’s limited max ISO 3200 produces noisier images at high sensitivities.

Video Capabilities: Shooting and Sound Control

Samsung clearly serves hybrid shooters or vloggers far better here.

Professional Workflow: Raw Support and Reliability

• Both support RAW shooting for flexibility in editing.
• Sony’s older CCD sensor yields good color depth but limits dynamic range.
• Samsung’s modern sensor generates richer RAW files.
• Neither camera has professional weather sealing or dual card slots you’d expect for heavy-duty work.

Value Analysis: Pricing Then and Now

• At launch, Galaxy NX cost about $1,300 - a premium for its tech-forward features.
• Sony A390 aimed at entry buyers around $500.

Today you might find deals or second-hand options closer in price. If budget constraints are strong, Sony is an approachable start for serious photography. For cutting-edge features and video, Samsung justifies its investment.

Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back Sony A390 screen back

Scoring the Overall Performance

Here’s a holistic look at how each camera performs based on key capabilities:

Note: The Samsung Galaxy NX scores higher in image quality, video, and battery life. Sony A390 scores better in ergonomics and lens variety.

How They Stack Up for Different Photography Types

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Right for You?

Choose Samsung Galaxy NX if you want:

• A modern mirrorless experience with touchscreen and wireless features
• Superior image quality with higher resolution sensor
• Full HD video and onboard audio controls
• Extended battery life and GPS tagging
• A versatile travel and street photography tool for creating and sharing on the go

Go for Sony A390 if you:

• Prefer a classic DSLR with an optical viewfinder
• Need robust continuous autofocus for sports and wildlife shooting
• Desire access to a large variety of lenses and accessories
• Are budget-conscious but want dependable image quality
• Value ergonomics with tactile buttons and long battery life

Getting the Most Out of Your Camera

Whichever you pick, explore these tips to maximize your shooting:

• Invest in good lenses first - optics often impact image quality more than the camera body.
• Practice manual focusing and exposure controls to push your creativity.
• Experiment with RAW files for better post-processing latitude.
• Use tripod and remote triggers for still life, macro, or astro photography.
• For video creators, complement Samsung’s gear with external mics and stabilizers.

Hands-On Experience: Final Encouragement

We recommend you test both cameras in-person if possible. Ergonomics, control layout, and menu usability are subjective and critical for daily shooting enjoyment.

Both the Samsung Galaxy NX and Sony A390 tell different stories about photography evolution - one pushing innovation with hybrid mirrorless tech, the other representing trusted DSLR heritage. Your choice shapes how you capture memories and create art.

Feel empowered to find the camera that fuels your vision. Begin exploring, get shooting, and see where the lens takes you.

Summary Table: Samsung Galaxy NX vs Sony A390

This detailed comparison is grounded in practical evaluation, not just specs, and should help you confidently select the right camera to satisfy your creative photography needs - whether it’s the tech-savvy Samsung Galaxy NX or the time-tested Sony A390.

If you want help with lens recommendations or accessories next, just ask - we’re here to support every step of your photographic exploration!