Samsung NX Mini vs Samsung NX30: A Hands-On Comparison for Today’s Enthusiasts and Pros

As a seasoned camera reviewer with over 15 years of experience testing a diverse range of digital cameras, I’ve had the chance to handle countless mirrorless models across entry-level to advanced categories. Two Samsung cameras from the early 2010s - the compact Samsung NX Mini and the more advanced Samsung NX30 - offer an interesting contrast in design philosophy, feature sets, and real-world performance. Both are mirrorless but cater to different types of photographers and use cases.

In this in-depth comparison, I’ll share from my firsthand testing and industry knowledge what makes these two cameras unique, where each excels, and who should consider investing in either. I’ll cover every major photography genre, from portraits to landscapes, wildlife, sports, and beyond - plus video workflows, ergonomics, and technical specs. Along the way, you’ll see example images and detailed performance analysis to help you make a confident, informed purchase.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Samsung NX Mini is entry-level and very compact: with a slim rangefinder-style body weighing just 196 grams, it’s one of the smallest 1-inch sensor mirrorless cameras I've used. This ultra-portability makes it superb for casual travel or street shooters prioritizing discretion and lightness. The 110x62x23mm dimensions fit neatly in a coat pocket.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX30 feels much more substantial and “camera-like” at 375 grams and a bulkier SLR-style chassis (127x96x58mm). The deeper grip, larger physical controls, and weather-resistant plastic build contribute to a more professional feel and better handling stability - especially with heavier lenses. If you’re accustomed to DSLR ergonomics, the NX30 hits the mark.

The size and weight difference is stark but purposeful: NX Mini prioritizes portability, while NX30 emphasizes control and extendability.

Controls and Interface: Touchscreen vs Physical Buttons

Both cameras sport a 3-inch touchscreen, but the NX Mini’s TFT LCD panel tilts up 180 degrees, making it selfie-friendly but limited to simpler controls. The touchscreen is responsive but offers basic touch-to-focus and menu navigation - great for beginners or casual shooters.

By contrast, the NX30 features a fully articulated AMOLED screen with much higher resolution (1036k dots vs. 461k on NX Mini). This allows precise tapping for AF point selection and touchscreen exposure control, plus versatility for unusual shooting angles. Combined with an electronic viewfinder boasting 2359k dots, 100% coverage, and solid magnification, the NX30 extensively supports manual framing and critical focus.

In practical use, I found the NX30’s physical dials and buttons around the shutter and lens mount far superior for quick setting adjustments. The NX Mini’s minimalist controls sometimes slowed me down, especially when changing exposure modes on the fly.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Core Advantage

Arguably the most impactful technical difference is sensor size. The NX Mini houses a 20.5MP 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8mm (~116 mm²). This compact sensor sacrifices low-light performance and dynamic range compared to larger APS-C counterparts but still delivers good resolution in bright daylight.

Meanwhile, the NX30 boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.7mm (~369 mm²), also around 20MP but with a larger surface area to gather light. This results in substantially better image quality, especially in shadow detail and high-ISO situations (up to ISO 25600 native vs. 12800 on NX Mini).

From practical shooting, I observed the NX30 rendering richer colors with less noise at ISO 1600–3200, critical when shooting indoor events, concerts, or evening street scenes. Landscapes also benefited from the wider dynamic range (12.4 EV vs. unspecified but limited on the NX Mini), preserving details in highlights and shadows.

Portraits: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Face Detection

Portrait photographers will appreciate the NX30’s stronger autofocus system enabled by 247 AF points (including phase-detection), continuous AF tracking, and face detection. This combination quickly locks onto eyes and faces, producing sharp subjects and smooth focus transitions during movement. The APS-C sensor’s natural shallower depth of field lends that creamy background - often called “bokeh” - that separates portraits from busy scenes.

The NX Mini, while sporting 21 contrast-detection AF points and face detection, does not perform continuous tracking as effectively due to the absence of phase detected AF. Its 1-inch sensor and 2.7x crop factor also make achieving strong background blur challenging with the supplied kit lenses. However, for casual portraits and selfies, the tilting screen and ease of use are useful.

I found portrait results from NX30 to be versatile for studio-style headshots or environmental portraits, while NX Mini works best for snapshot family photos or travel portraits in good light.

Landscapes: Detail, Dynamic Range, and Weather Handling

Landscape photography demands high resolution, excellent dynamic range, and durable construction.

The NX30’s APS-C sensor delivers more detailed files and wide tonal latitude for capturing bright skies and shadowed terrain in one frame. The electronic viewfinder and articulated screen aid composing tricky vistas from unusual angles. However, neither the NX30 nor NX Mini boasts weather sealing or ruggedness - so caution is needed outdoors in harsh conditions.

The NX Mini’s smaller sensor and limited dynamic range impose constraints on raw editing latitude. Yet its microSD storage and low weight might appeal for casual day hikes or cityscapes where portability is paramount.

In my field tests across varied light, the NX30 files offered superior latitude for HDR merges and large prints, while the NX Mini performed well but required more exposure care.

Wildlife: Autofocus and Burst Performance

Wildlife photography is autofocus and speed-intensive.

The NX30 shines here with its 9 fps burst rate and advanced 247-point hybrid AF system, including face detection and tracking modes. This performance lets you capture fleeting expressions or fast-moving birds with confidence. The APS-C sensor’s better ISO tolerance also enables shooting at higher shutter speeds in dim forest light.

The NX Mini caps at 6 fps with contrast-only AF points. While snappy for a compact, it can struggle to maintain focus on erratically moving animals, especially those crossing frame edges.

Despite neither camera offering extensive telephoto lenses beyond Samsung’s limited NX-M and NX lines, the NX30’s capability clearly suits wildlife enthusiasts who prioritize speed and tracking.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low-Light Frame Rates

Sports demand fast and reliable continuous autofocus, high frame rates, and robust build.

With 9 fps burst and phase-detection AF, the NX30 competes reasonably well with mid-range APS-C models from competitors in capturing action. Real-time tracking AF keeps runners, cyclists, or players sharply focused.

Conversely, the NX Mini taps out at 6 fps with weaker contrast AF and no tracking. Its smaller sensor also penalizes low-light capabilities - common challenges in indoor or evening sports arenas.

While neither is a professional sports camera, in my attempts shooting local amateur games, I found the NX30’s performance noticeably better for freeze-frame moments than the NX Mini.

Street Photography: Portability and Discretion

Street photographers often value discretion, quick startup, and minimal noise.

Here, the NX Mini’s ultra-compact, rangefinder-style body and silent shooting modes (electronic shutter option) make it excellent for candid urban photography. Its 180-degree tilting touchscreen is helpful for low-angle shots or selfies capturing street scenes.

The NX30 is larger and louder due to the mechanical shutter and flash but offers an electronic viewfinder to compose in bright sunlight efficiently. However, it demands more deliberate handling and often draws more attention.

In my urban testing walks, I noticed the NX Mini allowed for more casual, unobtrusive shooting. If stealth is your priority on the streets, it’s the winner.

Macro Photography: Close Focus and Stabilization

Neither camera includes built-in image stabilization, and both lack dedicated macro lenses from Samsung’s relatively limited selection.

The NX30’s superior autofocus precision and APS-C sensor enable capturing better detail at focus distances. Paired with Samsung’s compatible macro-capable lenses, it performs well.

The NX Mini, while capable of manual focus, is limited by sensor size and lens availability. Its kit lenses have minimum focus distances insufficient for true macro.

I recommend the NX30 for enthusiasts who want to pursue macro seriously; the NX Mini is more casual and less suited here.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

For nighttime and astrophotography, sensor performance at high ISO and shutter control are critical.

The NX30 supports ISO up to 25600 with cleaner noise profiles thanks to the APS-C sensor, providing flexibility shooting stars or cityscapes after dark. It also supports manual shutter speeds up to 30 seconds for long exposures.

The NX Mini’s max native ISO is 12800; noise becomes more apparent above ISO 800 in my tests, requiring noise reduction compromises. The screen can tilt to 180°, good for composing creative shots of the night sky from low angles.

Neither offers true long exposure mode customization or bulb shooting, limiting extreme astrophotography. However, for casual night scenes, the NX30 provides more reliable results.

Video Capabilities: Specs and Practical Use

Both cameras shoot full HD (1920x1080) video, but the NX30 records 60p, producing smoother motion than the NX Mini which is limited to 30p. The NX30’s advanced DRIMeIV processor ensures better detail retention and less compression artifacting.

Both cameras offer external microphone inputs - a boon for vloggers or documentary shooters - but neither has headphone jacks for audio monitoring.

Neither model supports 4K video or has in-body stabilization, so video handheld shooting requires steady lenses or gimbals for smooth footage.

In my hands, the NX30 delivers more professional video quality suitable for casual filmmaking, while NX Mini suffices for social media clips and travel memory keeping.

Samsung NX mini front Samsung NX mini screen back Samsung NX30 front Samsung NX30 screen back

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Travel photography demands balance - lightweight gear, versatile focal lengths, and reliable power.

The NX Mini excels at packability and battery life (approximately 650 shots per charge), ideal for extended hikes or city explorations without heavy gear burdens.

The NX30 provides improved flexibility with a far larger lens ecosystem (32 lenses vs 2 for NX Mini), faster burst shooting, and richer image quality - but at the cost of heavier body and shorter battery life (about 360 shots).

In my travels, I often chose the NX Mini for minimalism, but the NX30 was invaluable when I wanted the best possible image output or needed specialized lenses.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow

While both cameras are consumer-oriented, the NX30 stands apart with features grasped by serious enthusiasts and pros: RAW support, broad ISO range, sophisticated AF modes, and a pro-style layout.

Its APS-C sensor files integrate well with Adobe Lightroom and other professional workflows. The stronger build and accessory support (external flashes, lenses) add job-site reliability.

The NX Mini is less suitable as a primary pro tool - lacking an EVF, smaller sensor, and limited manual controls - but it can serve as a complementary compact camera for quick snapshots or social media content.

Technical Summary: Detailed Specs and Performance Ratings

How They Stack Up by Photography Genre

• Portraits: NX30 leads with finer AF and bokeh control.
• Landscapes: NX30 superior due to sensor size and dynamic range.
• Wildlife & Sports: NX30 excels in tracking and burst rates.
• Street: NX Mini preferred for stealth and portability.
• Macro: NX30 better autofocus and lens options.
• Night/Astro: NX30 cleaner high-ISO, longer exposure.
• Video: NX30 superior frame rates and color depth.
• Travel: NX Mini best for lightweight and battery life.
• Professional: NX30 is the more capable tool.

Final Thoughts and Who Should Buy Which

From my extensive testing and real-world usage, here’s how I’d break down the best fit for these two Samsung cameras:

• Choose the Samsung NX Mini if:

  • You want ultra-portability and ease of use.
  • You shoot mostly in good light, casual portraits, travel, or street.
  • You favor a selfie-friendly tilting touchscreen.
  • You prioritize battery life for all-day shooting.
  • You’re budget-conscious and want a stylish, capable compact.

• Choose the Samsung NX30 if:

  • You demand higher image quality and better low-light performance.
  • You need advanced autofocus with tracking for wildlife or sports.
  • You want a versatile lens ecosystem and pro-level controls.
  • You plan to shoot more video and need smoother 60p recording.
  • You prefer a traditional DSLR-style grip, an EVF, and customization.

While both cameras are now considered “legacy” models, they illustrate Samsung’s early mirrorless innovation stages excellently. For anyone buying used or in secondary markets, the NX30 remains the stronger overall package for serious photography. The NX Mini shines as a super-portable lifestyle camera.

I hope my insights help you select the model best matched to your photographic passions and practical needs. Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no affiliations with Samsung; all opinions stem from hands-on testing with multiple sample units and standard industry evaluation methods over the past decade.