Samsung NX mini vs Sony RX100 VII: An Expert Comparison of Two Compact Powerhouses

In the ever-evolving world of compact cameras, the Samsung NX mini and Sony RX100 VII stand out for very different reasons despite sharing a similar sensor size and a promise of portability combined with image quality. Having spent extensive hours testing both cameras under varied photographic scenarios, this comprehensive comparison will cut through the specs and marketing buzz to provide actionable insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you prioritize portraiture, travel, or video, this deep dive will illuminate which model suits your style and budget.

Body and Handling: Comfort Meets Convenience, or Does It?

The Samsung NX mini boldly embraces a rangefinder-style mirrorless design, while the Sony RX100 VII opts for a traditional large sensor compact silhouette with a fixed lens.

Measuring just 110x62x23 mm and weighing a mere 196 grams, the NX mini is astonishingly lightweight - perhaps one of the lightest interchangeable lens cameras ever made. This featherweight appeal is perfect for those who seek an ultra-portable option without lugging large DSLRs or heavier mirrorless systems. However, the slimness compromises grip comfort, especially for extended handheld sessions or with bulkier NX-M lenses. For photographers with larger hands, the diminutive body can feel less substantial, and the lack of an integrated viewfinder (exclusively relying on a 3-inch, 180-degree tilting touchscreen) sometimes hinders rapid composition in bright daylight.

Conversely, the RX100 VII’s 102x58x43 mm frame and 302-gram weight indicate a more robust build - still pocketable, yet offering a firmer grip with thoughtful texturing and a subtle thumb rest. Its comprehensive control layout caters well to enthusiasts who appreciate tactile dials in a compact shell. The RX100 VII adds a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) that covers 100% field of view with 2,360k-dot resolution, a feature sorely missing from the NX mini, greatly enhancing shooting confidence under challenging lighting.

While neither camera offers weather sealing, the RX100 VII's build quality feels more durable and suited for travel and daily use. The difference in ergonomics and size can be seen clearly here:

Ergonomics Verdict: If you want the ultimate pocketability and don’t mind missing a viewfinder, the Samsung NX mini fits effortlessly in jackets or small bags. For a more versatile handling experience with a strong preference towards manual control, the RX100 VII is the superior performer.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Battle of 1-inch BSI CMOS Sensors

Both cameras employ a 1-inch (13.2x8.8mm) BSI CMOS sensor measuring 116.16 mm², and here, specs are remarkably close on paper - around 20 megapixels resolution each, with native ISO spans from approximately 125-12,800.

However, sensor performance isn’t just about resolution or size. Sony’s RX100 VII integrates a next-generation BIONZ X processor, which significantly enhances noise reduction, dynamic range, and color reproduction. This translates to cleaner images in low light with ISO sensitivities upward of 6400, where the NX mini tends to introduce noticeable noise and less color fidelity. In my side-by-side tests shooting dim indoor environments at ISO 3200, the RX100 VII maintained sharper detail and smoother gradations - vital for portrait and event photography.

Dynamic range capabilities also favor Sony’s offering, evident in landscape scenes with challenging contrast ratios. Shadow recovery in RAW files was more forgiving on the RX100 VII, allowing for more flexibility in post-production. Samsung’s older sensor tech, while respectable for daylight and casual shooting, can struggle to maintain highlight detail under harsh light.

The NX mini offers a native ISO starting at 160 (boosted down to 100), slightly higher than the RX100 VII’s base at ISO 125 (boosted to ISO 64), but this difference is minor and only discernible by pixel peepers or in very specific conditions.

Raw Support and File Quality: Both cameras shoot RAW, but Sony’s files benefit from superior processing pipelines and more advanced noise algorithms. For photographers seeking professional-grade outputs with latitude for editing, the RX100 VII is the better bet.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Subject Tracking

Autofocus can make or break a camera’s usability, especially across genres such as wildlife, sports, and street photography where fast, confident focus is essential.

Samsung’s NX mini utilizes a contrast detection AF system with 21 focus points, including face detection - a novel feature at its launch. However, it lacks phase detection pixels, continuous tracking is limited, and it does not support animal eye AF, which is increasingly vital for wildlife shooters. I found the NX mini’s AF to be slower and less consistent under low contrast or dim lighting; the camera occasionally hunted noticeably during continuous shooting bursts.

The Sony RX100 VII shines here with its hybrid AF combining phase detection and contrast detection across approximately 357 AF points. It supports real-time eye autofocus for humans and animals, a sophisticated eye-tracking AF for moving subjects, and AF tracking that remains lock-on even during high-speed bursts. With a remarkable 20 frames per second continuous shooting rate paired with AF/AE tracking, the RX100 VII excels at capturing fast-moving wildlife and sports moments with minimal missed focus.

During hours of field testing - tracking birds in flight or fast-moving street subjects - the RX100 VII’s AF system consistently delivered results that the NX mini simply couldn’t keep up with.

Autofocus Summary: For decisive, fast AF across diverse situations, the RX100 VII’s prowess is unquestionable. The NX mini may suffice for casual or entry-level mirrorless applications but disappoints under demanding autofocus demands.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shots

Looking through the camera matters even in the digital age, and the presence or absence of a capable EVF can profoundly influence your shooting experience.

Samsung’s 3-inch tilting TFT LCD screen (461k-dot resolution) tilts 180 degrees upwards for selfies but does not flip downwards. While responsive to touch, the screen’s modest resolution and anti-reflective properties are limited compared to newer models. Moreover, the NX mini lacks any electronic viewfinder, nudging photographers to rely exclusively on live view compositions.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 VII sports a 3-inch 921k-dot LCD that tilts upwards 180 degrees and downwards 90 degrees - excellent for low-angle or overhead shots. The screen is bright, with better color accuracy and touch responsiveness. The integrated pop-up EVF (0.59x magnification) with 100% coverage and 2,360k-dot resolution provides a professional-level composition tool even under direct sunlight or complex lighting.

The difference becomes apparent when shooting street or landscape scenes outdoors, where glare challenges LCD usability. An EVF not only improves framing accuracy but enables steadier handheld shooting.

Display/EVF Takeaway: The RX100 VII is clearly superior here, with both versatile LCD articulation and a high-quality EVF - essential tools for intermediate and professional photographers.

Lens Options and Flexibility: Zoom Lens vs Interchangeable Lenses

Choosing a camera also involves assessing system expandability.

Samsung’s NX mini uses the proprietary Samsung NX-M mount, currently supported by two lenses - usually a kit zoom and a pancake prime. The mount’s crop factor of 2.7x means a 20mm lens acts roughly like a 54mm full-frame equivalent. The limited lens ecosystem and discontinued support present serious limitations for photographers wanting diverse focal lengths or specialized optics for macro, telephoto, or ultra-wide applications.

Meanwhile, the Sony RX100 VII has a fixed built-in lens that covers a formidable 24-200mm equivalent zoom range with maximum apertures between f/2.8 and f/4.5. This broad range allows great flexibility for landscapes, portraits, street, and wildlife photography within a remarkably compact form. Optical image stabilization helps ensure sharp images across the zoom range.

While the RX100 VII's inability to change lenses might be a deal-breaker for some, the lens quality and range are outstanding for a compact. For travel photographers or those seeking one versatile camera without further investment, the RX100 VII offers unmatched convenience.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images and Sound Quality

The NX mini records Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps using MPEG-4 and H.264 compression, supporting external microphones but lacking advanced video profiles or 4K capability. Its stabilization is absent, making handheld shooting jittery without external rigs.

Conversely, the RX100 VII shoots UHD 4K (3840x2160) video at 30p with high bitrate XAVC S format, delivering crisp, professional-quality footage. It includes optical image stabilization and supports microphone input for improved audio capture. While it lacks headphone jacks for audio monitoring, the video feature set suits vloggers, content creators, and filmmakers on the go.

For anyone seriously considering video work alongside stills, especially in 4K, the RX100 VII is definitively the better choice.

Shooting Experience in Various Photography Genres

To make this comparison meaningful across typical user scenarios, let’s break down strengths by photographic discipline:

Portrait Photography

• Samsung NX mini: Offers face detection and touch autofocus. Skin tones render warmly but sometimes lack depth in shadows. No eye AF or bokeh control via aperture in the available lenses. The compact's limited lens options restrict creative portrait framing.
• Sony RX100 VII: Eye AF and animal eye AF deliver razor-sharp critical focus. Background blur with its lens’ aperture and focal length is pleasing though not as creamy as larger sensor systems. Skin tone rendition is natural and accurate.

Landscape Photography

• Samsung NX mini: Sensor resolution is respectable but limited dynamic range hinders highlight and shadow detail. Absence of weather sealing undermines outdoor ruggedness.
• Sony RX100 VII: Superior dynamic range and higher resolution make landscapes pop. Tilting screen + EVF aid in precise composition. No sealing but robust enough for everyday travel.

Wildlife Photography

• Samsung NX mini: Struggles with tracking and burst speed (6 fps), autofocus hunting a concern.
• Sony RX100 VII: AF tracking, 20 fps burst, and a telephoto lens deliver far better wildlife capture ability.

Sports Photography

• Samsung NX mini: Not designed for fast action due to autofocus lag and slow burst.
• Sony RX100 VII: High frame rate, tracking AF, and silent shutter modes make it competent for amateurs in fast-paced shooting.

Street Photography

• Samsung NX mini: Ultra-compact and discreet body; no EVF limits composition options.
• Sony RX100 VII: Compact but slightly heavier with EVF ideal for bright environments and candid shots.

Macro Photography

• Samsung NX mini: No dedicated macro lenses; manual focus aids but limited zoom hampers close-up work.
• Sony RX100 VII: Macro mode can focus as close as 8cm but zoom range limits extreme macro; stabilization beneficial.

Night / Astrophotography

• Samsung NX mini: Higher noise at elevated ISO; no manual exposure assistance for long exposures.
• Sony RX100 VII: Performs better at high ISO with usable images and supports longer slow shutter speeds with manual override.

Video

Already covered - RX100 VII wins handily.

Travel Photography

• Samsung NX mini: Featherweight and pocketable; limited lens choice and battery life good (650 shots).
• Sony RX100 VII: Slightly heavier but a do-it-all camera with superior image quality and video; battery life modest (~260 shots) but offset by charging options.

Professional Work

Neither camera is designed to replace flagship systems professionally, but the RX100 VII’s better dynamic range and AF provide a more dependable backup or secondary camera.

Build Quality, Battery, and Connectivity

The Samsung NX mini leverages a simple, plastic-bodied construction contributing to its low weight, with no weather sealing and a relatively large microSD-only storage slot. Battery life is excellent for the class, delivering nearly 650 shots per charge - a boon for casual or travel shooting. Connectivity includes built-in Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth or NFC.

The Sony RX100 VII offers a more premium feel with magnesium alloy parts, also without weather sealing. Its battery life is about 260 shots per charge - far lower but typical for advanced compacts. Storage supports SD cards and Memory Stick Duo. It includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for seamless image transfer and remote control.

Price-to-Performance: What’s Your Investment Worth?

Given the Samsung NX mini typically retails around $530 versus roughly $1,300 for the Sony RX100 VII, pricing is a major consideration.

The NX mini represents excellent value for extremely portable entry-level mirrorless use or casual snapshot enthusiasts happy with limited AF and lens options. It’s a specialized camera for those prioritizing pocket size and an interchangeable lens system on a tight budget.

In contrast, the Sony RX100 VII commands a premium but justifies it with class-leading autofocus, video features, superior sensor output, and a versatile built-in zoom lens. Professionals wanting a compact travel or second camera, or enthusiasts demanding performance in a pocketable device, will find the RX100 VII’s price reflecting the cutting-edge technology inside.

Samsung NX mini front Samsung NX mini screen back Sony RX100 VII front Sony RX100 VII screen back

Summarizing the Scores: Overall and by Genre

After rigorous side-by-side testing, here are the distilled performance ratings from our scoring sheets, reflecting image quality, AF speed, ergonomics, and value:

And a breakdown by genre, presenting the best use cases for each:

Final Verdict: Choosing Your Compact Companion

Both the Samsung NX mini and Sony RX100 VII carve distinct niches:

• Choose the Samsung NX mini if:

  • You desire the lightest interchangeable lens mirrorless experience
  • Budget constraints preclude a higher-tier compact
  • Casual shooting or travel pocketability is paramount
  • You prioritize longer battery life over speed or advanced features

• Choose the Sony RX100 VII if:

  • You want the best autofocus and imaging performance in a compact camera
  • Video shooting with 4K and stabilization matters
  • Versatile focal length coverage in one fixed lens is a big plus
  • You're an enthusiast or professional needing a high-performance backup or primary travel camera despite a higher cost

The RX100 VII is a well-rounded powerhouse balancing speed, image quality, and portability, whereas the NX mini is a niche lightweight option for those prioritizing minimalism and budget.

To wrap up, from my hands-on experience across numerous shoots and lighting conditions, the Sony RX100 VII deserves its reputation as a premium compact camera with impressive versatility and advanced capabilities. The Samsung NX mini, while innovative for its size and launch era, pales in comparison on autofocus and video features but can still delight casual photographers who prize sheer compactness.

Ultimately, the right camera depends on your photographic priorities - does your workflow demand speed and versatility, or are you seeking a pocket-friendly device for occasional quality snapshots? This review aims to clarify those choices with the authority of experience and technical expertise.

If you have more questions or need guidance tailored to specific photographic styles, feel free to reach out - I’m here to help you find the perfect camera for your creative journey.