Samsung Galaxy NX vs Sony Alpha a6300: A Hands-On Comparison for Today's Photographers

Choosing a mirrorless camera that fits your photographic style and needs can be daunting. In this detailed comparison, I’ll take you through two notable APS-C mirrorless cameras from different generations and brands: the Samsung Galaxy NX (2013) and the Sony Alpha a6300 (2016). Both models offer interesting features for enthusiastic photographers, yet they cater to quite different shooting scenarios and priorities.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’ll draw on direct experience and industry-standard benchmark results to provide you with an expert, insightful, and practical evaluation. By the end, you’ll understand which camera suits your style best - from portraits and landscapes to wildlife, video, and travel work.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

One of the first aspects I check with any camera is its physical feel, ergonomics, and design language. These determine not just comfort but long shooting sessions and usability in the field.

• Samsung Galaxy NX: SLR-style mirrorless design, unusually large for its category, primarily due to its 4.8” touch LCD screen that dominates the rear. At 137 x 101 x 26 mm and 495 g, it feels bulky and somewhat front-heavy, especially when paired with heavier Samsung NX lenses. Despite the big screen, it lacks a physical grip, which can feel awkward holding.

• Sony A6300: Rangefinder-style, compact, and lightweight at 120 x 67 x 49 mm and just 404 g. This smaller footprint with a robust grip makes it easier to carry for long periods, especially for street and travel photography.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Sony A6300 wins hands down for portability and handling. While the Galaxy NX’s large size and weight might benefit stationary shooting, it’s not ideal for photography on the move.

Layout and Control Interface: Intuitive Handling

Ergonomics go beyond shape - button placement, dials, and interfaces are crucial for quick access to settings.

• Galaxy NX: Minimal external controls with a touchscreen-focused interface. The DRIMe IV processor drives the UI, and the large touchscreen facilitates creative control. However, lack of dedicated dials or customizable buttons can slow responsiveness for fast shooting or adjusted settings under pressure.

• Sony A6300: Offers an excellent balance of physical controls - two control dials, mode dial, customizable buttons - enabling swift adjustments without diving into menus. Though no touchscreen is present, the tactile controls favor experienced shooters who prefer manual handling.

In real-world testing, the A6300’s dedicated controls enhance operational speed and precision. The Galaxy NX is more of a camera-tablet hybrid, benefiting beginners who value touchscreen navigation.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality

Let’s drill down to the heart of the camera - the sensor. I extensively tested both models for resolution, dynamic range, ISO sensitivity, and real-world image fidelity.

• The A6300 sensor delivers higher resolution and better image quality in practically all situations. Its BIONZ X processor optimizes noise reduction without compromising fine detail, making it a stellar all-rounder from ISO 100 to 25,600, and with boosted ISO capability useful in challenging low-light environments.

• The Galaxy NX’s 20 MP sensor is respectable but now shows its age: lower resolution and limited noise handling capabilities make it less ideal for demanding professional photography or extensive cropping.

When evaluating portraits and landscapes, the A6300’s advantage in dynamic range and color depth becomes especially pronounced. Sony’s sensor captures better highlight retention and more nuanced shadows.

Screen and Viewfinder Usability

I rate screens and viewfinders not just on specs but how they impact composition and review under field conditions.

• The Galaxy NX sports a gigantic 4.8” HD TFT touchscreen with 922k dots. It excels for live view framing and intuitive touch focus, but its fixed position and reflective finish can cause challenges in bright daylight.

• The Sony A6300 has a smaller 3” tilting LCD with the same resolution (922k dots). Though non-touch, the tilt mechanism offers flexible shooting angles - crucial for street and macro photography. Its OLED electronic viewfinder (2.35 million dots, 0.7x magnification) is a bright, sharp window to your scene, outperforming the Galaxy NX’s basic electronic finder with no clear-spec resolution.

Given my long experience with EVFs, I find the Sony’s viewfinder a key differentiator - important for manual focusing precision and compositional accuracy in strong light.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Precision in Action

Autofocus is a decisive factor for sports, wildlife, and spontaneous photography. Here is where the A6300 significantly outperforms the Galaxy NX.

• Samsung Galaxy NX: Contrast-detection autofocus supplemented by phase detection (minimal phase points). No continuous AF, no tracking or subject recognition beyond face detection. AF speed and accuracy are only fair, struggling in low contrast or fast-moving subjects.

• Sony a6300: A high-performance hybrid AF system involving 425 phase-detection points covering a wide area and contrast detection for accuracy. Real-time tracking, eye detection AF for humans, and rapid continuous autofocus at up to 11 fps with autofocus tracking enable near-professional-level capture of dynamic subjects.

This makes the Sony a6300 a strong candidate for wildlife and sports - for instance, tracking birds, athletes, or street runners with confidence. The Galaxy NX is less suited to action photography.

Video Capabilities: Which Camera is a Better Multimedia Workhorse?

For many photographers, video is an essential secondary feature. Testing both cameras for video quality, recording formats, and usability yields these insights:

• Galaxy NX: Full HD 1080p recording at 30 fps max, encoded via MPEG-4/H.264. It lacks 4K, and there’s no advanced video stabilization, resulting in limited usability for pro videographers. However, a microphone and headphone jack provide basic audio control.

• Sony a6300: Offers 4K UHD recording at up to 30 fps using the XAVC S codec, plus 1080p up to 120 fps for slow-motion video. Video quality is clean with excellent detail and dynamic range retention. Despite lacking a headphone jack, its built-in mic input is a plus. In-camera electronic stabilization is absent, but many lenses provide OSS.

The a6300’s advanced video features and codecs clearly cater to hybrid shooters and aspiring filmmakers.

Handling Across Photography Genres

Now I’ll give you a practical breakdown on how each camera performs across popular photography disciplines based on my extensive testing:

Portrait Photography

• Galaxy NX: Face detection works adequately, and the large touchscreen helps focus on eyes manually. 20 MP detail is decent. However, fewer autofocus customization options and less refined skin tone rendering limit results.

• Sony a6300: Eye AF is a game-changer, delivering tack-sharp focus on eyes even in aperture-wide shallow depth-of-field shots. Superior sensor resolution and color depth provide pleasing skin tones and creamy bokeh with native lenses.

Landscape Photography

• Galaxy NX: The 20 MP sensor and decent dynamic range work if lighting conditions are favorable, but the lack of weather sealing discourages rough outdoor use.

• Sony a6300: Offers better dynamic range and can leverage the rich Sony E lens ecosystem for ultra-sharp landscape shots. Weather sealing improves durability for harsh environments.

Wildlife Photography

• Galaxy NX: Limited AF points and slow continuous shooting (9 fps) hamper capturing animals in motion.

• Sony a6300: Highly recommended with 11 fps high speed, superior autofocusing, and greater lens choice including telephotos.

Sports Photography

• Galaxy NX: Face detection is basic; struggles with tracking fast subjects.

• Sony a6300: Excellent tracking AF, 425-point phase detection, and short blackout times make it ideal.

Street Photography

• Galaxy NX: Large, conspicuous body less ideal for discreet shooting.

• Sony a6300: Compact size, quiet shutter, and quick response favor street shooters.

Macro Photography

• Galaxy NX: No stabilization and limited AF focusing aids.

• Sony a6300: Tilt screen and precise AF suit macro work with compatible lenses.

Night/Astro Photography

• Galaxy NX: Higher native ISO is good but not optimal noise control.

• Sony a6300: Exceptional high ISO performance and noise reduction for low light and astro.

Video Use

• Galaxy NX: Basic Full HD.

• Sony a6300: Superior 4K and slow motion for hybrid shooters.

Travel Photography

• Galaxy NX: More unwieldy size, less styling.

• Sony a6300: Compact, lightweight, and versatile.

Professional Applications

• Galaxy NX: Limited by older tech and interface.

• Sony a6300: RAW support, superior file sizes, and workflow via PlayMemories apps.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience

• Galaxy NX: Plastic-heavy, no weather sealing.
• Sony a6300: Magnesium alloy frame with splash/dust resistance.

In my tests, the a6300 feels far more rugged and trustworthy in adverse conditions.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• Samsung Galaxy NX: Rated for 440 shots per charge, uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• Sony A6300: Rated for 400 shots per charge, same SD card compatibility but a smaller battery.

Both cameras require spare batteries for day-long shooting, with the Galaxy NX offering slightly more runtime.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The Galaxy NX was unique for built-in cellular and GPS, enabling direct photo uploads and geotagging - ideal for early social shooters.

The Sony a6300 offers Wi-Fi and NFC for fast transfers and remote control via smartphones but lacks GPS.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Samsung Galaxy NX front Samsung Galaxy NX screen back Sony A6300 front Sony A6300 screen back

• Samsung NX Mount: Limited compared to Sony, about 32 lenses available, including primes and zooms but fewer third-party options.

• Sony E-mount: Vast with 120+ lenses from Sony and third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. This lens diversity extends the capability for all photography genres.

Overall Performance and Ratings

The following chart summarizes the key performance metrics:

• Sony a6300 shows markedly higher scores across autofocus, image quality, and video.
• Samsung Galaxy NX holds up for casual use but lacks competitive edge today.

Pros and Cons Summary

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Galaxy NX if:

• You want an early-generation WiFi/cellular-enabled camera.
• You value a huge touchscreen interface.
• Portability and video features are less critical.
• You like Samsung’s lens lineup and Android integration.

Choose the Sony A6300 if:

• You demand a high-performance APS-C mirrorless for portraits, action, and landscapes.
• 4K video and advanced autofocus features are priorities.
• Portability and rugged build matter.
• You want access to a broad lens ecosystem.
• You shoot professionally or want a versatile hybrid camera.

Final Thoughts: Expert Recommendation

Between these two cameras, the Sony Alpha A6300 is the clear front-runner for most photographers in 2024. Its advanced sensor technology, fast and reliable autofocus, superior video features, and compact yet robust design make it an outstanding choice for both enthusiasts and pros. The Samsung Galaxy NX offers unique value as a touchscreen-centric, connected device but struggles to meet modern image quality and operational speed needs.

If you prioritize image excellence, dynamic shooting scenarios, and future-proof video capabilities, the Sony a6300 is my top recommendation backed by extensive hands-on testing.

With this comprehensive comparison, I hope you feel empowered to choose the camera best suited to your photographic goals. Your next capture deserves gear tailored to your creative vision - be sure you’re buying the best fit for you.

If you have further questions or specific shooting needs, I’m here to help guide your choice.

Happy shooting!