Samsung NX mini vs Sony a1

Here is a detailed assessment of the Samsung NX mini vs Sony a1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Samsung and Sony. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the NX mini (20.5MP) and a1 (50MP) and the NX mini (1") and a1 (Full frame) feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The NX mini was launched 7 years before the a1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Samsung NX mini being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief overview of how the NX mini scores against the a1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Samsung NX mini & Sony Alpha a1. The complete galleries are provided at Samsung NX mini Gallery & Sony a1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Samsung NX mini comes with outer measurements of 110mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 196 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Sony a1 has sizing of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") and a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Take a look at the Samsung NX mini vs Sony a1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the NX mini compared to the a1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the NX mini and a1 is 93 and 61 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by checking out specs. The graphic here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the NX mini and a1.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The NX mini because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony a1 will show more detail utilizing its extra 29.5MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images far more aggressively. The older NX mini will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.