Samsung NX mini vs Sony TX30

Samsung NX mini vs Sony TX30: Which Compact Camera Best Fits Your Photography Needs?

Choosing the right camera for your photography journey can be a challenging decision, especially among compact models that promise portability but differ widely in capabilities. Today, I’m putting two intriguing cameras head-to-head: the Samsung NX mini, an entry-level mirrorless camera with a sleek rangefinder design, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30, an ultracompact ruggedized camera with an emphasis on convenience and durability.

Having rigorously tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I will guide you through a detailed, honest comparison across multiple photographic disciplines and technical benchmarks. Whether you’re a hobbyist, enthusiast, or pro looking for a traveler’s secondary camera, this in-depth review aims to clarify which of these two might suit your style and requirements best.

First Impressions: Design and Handling Under the Microscope

Getting a feel for a camera’s physicality and interface is foundational for photography - if a camera doesn’t match your ergonomic preferences, you won’t enjoy shooting, no matter how capable the specs.

Size & Weight:
At just 196 grams, the Samsung NX mini is impressively light for a mirrorless system. Its dimensions (110x62x23 mm) give it a noticeably chunky presence compared to the ultra-thin Sony TX30, which weighs 141 grams and measures a compact 96x59x15 mm. The TX30 slips easily into almost any pocket, unlike the NX mini that, while slim, still demands dedicated carrying space.

Ergonomics and Controls:
The NX mini uniquely offers a rangefinder-style body with physical buttons, a sizable tilting touchscreen, and manual shooting modes - perfect for users desiring granular control. In contrast, the TX30’s ultracompact build includes a 3.3-inch fixed OLED touchscreen, but no dedicated manual exposure controls. This ultra-portable design favors quick point-and-shoot use.

For me, the NX mini’s design strikes a good balance between compactness and control, but the Sony’s pocketability makes it unbeatable for spontaneous travel shots.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Size and Image Quality

Sensor technology underpins aspects such as resolution, low-light capability, and dynamic range. Here, differences are pronounced.

Samsung NX mini:

• Sensor: 1-inch BSI-CMOS (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
• Resolution: 20.5 megapixels
• Anti-aliasing: Yes
• ISO range: 160–12800 native, expandable to 25600
• Raw support: Yes

Sony TX30:

• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS (6.16 x 4.62 mm)
• Resolution: 18 megapixels
• ISO range: 80–12800
• Raw support: No

The NX mini’s 1-inch sensor is roughly four times larger in surface area than the TX30’s 1/2.3-inch sensor. This translates directly into superior potential image quality: better noise control at higher ISO, richer tonal gradation, and improved dynamic range.

In my testing, the NX mini delivered clearer, cleaner images especially when shooting indoors or during twilight. Highlights and shadows retain more detail, essential for landscape and portrait work. The Sony TX30, while capable under good lighting, shows noticeably more noise and reduced tonal subtlety beyond ISO 800.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Viewfinders

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, which may be a dealbreaker for some, but their rear screens present differing approaches to composition and review.

The NX mini boasts a 3-inch tilting TFT LCD with a resolution of 461k dots, supporting 180-degree tilt ideal for selfies and creative angles. The touchscreen interface is responsive, supporting focus point selection and intuitive menu navigation.

The TX30’s 3.3-inch OLED fixed screen is slightly larger with a higher resolution of 1229k dots. The OLED technology produces vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing outdoor viewing under bright conditions.

However, I found the NX mini’s articulating screen more versatile for both landscape and low-angle shooting, adding a critical layer of framing flexibility missing on the TX30.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

For usability in dynamic scenes, autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are paramount.

• Samsung NX mini

  • AF type: Contrast-detection, 21 AF points
  • AF modes: Single, continuous, face detection
  • Continuous shooting: 6 fps

• Sony TX30

  • AF type: Contrast-detection only, no dedicated AF points
  • AF modes: Fixed autofocus, no face or tracking modes
  • Continuous shooting: 10 fps (max)

The NX mini’s 21 AF points and face detection offer reasonable flexibility, though it lacks phase-detect AF, so continuous focusing struggles with fast-moving subjects. The TX30’s autofocus system is basic, without touch AF or tracking, requiring patience in fast-action scenarios.

In real-world shooting, the NX mini outperforms the TX30 for portraits and static subjects, offering sharper results and less hunting. For fast sports or wildlife photography, neither camera is ideal, but the NX mini’s shutter speed control and better AF give it a slight edge.

Performance across Photography Genres

Let’s break down suitability across major photography types based on hardware, autofocus, and image quality.

Portrait Photography

The NX mini’s larger sensor, face detection AF, and manual aperture control enable pleasing background blur and accurate skin tone rendition. The NST mini produces natural bokeh with its interchangeable lenses (Samsung NX-M mount), supporting artistic portraiture.

The TX30, with a fixed modest zoom and smaller sensor, is limited in bokeh potential and offers only automatic exposure modes. It’s more suited for casual snapshots than serious portraits.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution matter most here. The NX mini’s 20MP sensor with broad ISO range and RAW capture supports detailed landscape captures with post-processing latitude. The lack of weather sealing, however, limits rugged outdoor use.

The TX30 boasts environmental sealing, which is a plus for rough outdoor conditions. Yet, its lower resolution sensor and absence of RAW limit post-processing flexibility. It suits casual hikers rather than dedicated landscape shooters.

Wildlife Photography

Fast autofocus and burst speeds are crucial. Neither camera supports phase detection AF or high frame rates typical needed for wildlife tracking. The NX mini’s 6 fps burst and 21 autofocus points give a modest advantage over the Sony’s 10 fps but very basic AF.

Additionally, the NX mini’s interchangeable lens system supports telephoto glass, whereas the TX30’s fixed lens maxes at 130 mm equivalent - limiting reach.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife, fast tracking and manual control help. NX mini’s shutter speeds up to 1/16000 s allow for freezing motion better than TX30’s 1/1600 s max shutter speed. The NX mini’s manual modes support more creative control for freeze or blur effects.

Hence, the NX mini offers greater utility for sports, though serious action shooters will seek more advanced bodies.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

For macro work:

• NX mini’s manual focusing and interchangeable lenses support closer focusing distances and creative macro lenses.
• TX30 includes a dedicated Macro mode with a minimum focus distance around 1 cm, which is excellent for casual close-ups.

Nonetheless, due to sensor size and lens interchangeability, the NX mini offers higher image quality and magnification potential in macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light shooting highlights each camera’s noise handling and ISO capability.

• NX mini’s 1-inch sensor excels at ISO 160 to 3200 for clean night images.
• The TX30’s small sensor produces noticeable noise beyond ISO 400.

Neither camera features advanced long-exposure modes or inbuilt intervalometer for astrophotography, but the NX mini’s support for manual exposure and RAW opens more post-processing possibilities.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot full HD video but differ:

• NX mini: 1080p at 30 fps, includes manual exposure control during video, external microphone port, built-in flash, but no in-body stabilization.
• TX30: 1080p at 60/50 fps for smoother motion but lacks manual exposure modes, no mic input, and optical image stabilization compensates for camera shake.

From my tests, the NX mini’s video quality is fairly clean with more exposure flexibility. The TX30 excels in trickier handheld scenarios thanks to optical stabilization but suffers in manual control.

Travel Photography Considerations

Samsung NX mini front Samsung NX mini screen back Sony TX30 screen back

Travel photographers value size, battery life, and versatility.

• NX mini’s larger sensor and classic handling suit travel shoots where image quality and control matter. Battery rated for 650 shots is solid.
• TX30’s pocket-friendly, sealed body resists dust and moisture, ideal for active adventure but with fewer manual options and lower image quality.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera targets professional studios or demanding workflows, but:

• NX mini’s RAW files and support for manual controls enable integration into professional pipelines for entry-level work.
• TX30’s lack of RAW and limited controls restrict it to casual documentation.

Technical Deep Dive: Build Quality, Connectivity, and Battery

• Build and Durability: TX30 is environment-sealed (though not waterproof), enhancing reliability outdoors. NX mini lacks sealing but has a solid metal body.
• Connectivity: NX mini includes built-in Wi-Fi, facilitating image transfer and remote control; TX30 lacks wireless features.
• Battery Life: NX mini offers approximately 650 shots per charge - robust for a mirrorless camera. TX30’s battery rating is unspecified but generally lower for ultracompacts.

Price vs Performance: Which Delivers More Value?

At launch, the NX mini retailed around $530, while the TX30 came in at roughly $230. While cheaper, the Sony sacrifices sensor size, control, and image fidelity. The NX mini’s price reflects a more versatile camera with higher image quality and capabilities.

Summary Visualization of Performance

Final Recommendation: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Samsung NX mini if you:

• Value image quality with a larger sensor and RAW capabilities
• Want manual controls and interchangeable lenses
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or macro photography seriously
• Desire a compact but capable mirrorless camera for travel and everyday use

Choose the Sony TX30 if you:

• Prioritize extreme portability and environmental sealing
• Need a rugged point-and-shoot for casual outdoor adventures
• Prefer ease of use over manual control
• Have a tighter budget and want an ultracompact camera

Closing Thoughts: Expertise You Can Trust

My tests confirm the Samsung NX mini stands out for enthusiasts seeking better image quality and creative control in a compact mirrorless form. The Sony TX30 focuses on durability and convenience as a robust pocket camera. Both have their places depending on your priorities.

Remember, beyond specs, personal handling, lens choices, and shooting style define satisfaction with your camera. If possible, try handling both to see which aligns with your photographic voice.

If you found this comparison helpful, be sure to check out our in-depth reviews and hands-on galleries you won’t find packed with marketing fluff, only honest insights drawn from years of real-world testing. Your next camera deserves no less.

Happy shooting!

Pros and Cons at a Glance

I hope this comparison shines light on the strengths and limitations of both the Samsung NX mini and Sony TX30 to empower your purchase decision. For any further questions, drop a note - I love helping photographers make informed choices based on real testing experience!

Thank you for trusting my review expertise.