Samsung NX1 vs Sony A380: A Deep Dive Into Two APS-C Cameras from Different Eras

As a photographer and gear reviewer with over 15 years dedicated to testing cameras across genres, I relish the opportunity to pit models from vastly different technological epochs against each other. Today, I’ll take you through an in-depth comparison between the Samsung NX1 – a pro-grade mirrorless marvel launched in 2014 – and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A380, released back in 2009 as a compact entry-level DSLR. Despite their shared APS-C sensor format and mid-range ambitions, these cameras embody distinct philosophies shaped by their times.

Having spent many weeks and hundreds of shots using both, I’ll draw on extensive hands-on testing, sensor analysis, autofocus performance benchmarks, and real-world shooting sessions across multiple photography disciplines. This evaluation will help you decide which system suits your needs, whether you are leaning towards cutting-edge technology or a budget-conscious DSLR with a robust lens catalog.

Let’s start by looking at their physical design and ergonomics.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

The Samsung NX1 and Sony A380 immediately present different handling experiences largely predicated on their body architecture.

The NX1 adopts a robust SLR-style mirrorless build, slightly larger at 139mm width, 102mm height, and 66mm depth, and weighing 550 grams. In contrast, the A380, measuring 128x97x71mm and weighing just 519 grams, feels a tad more compact but chunkier in depth due to its DSLR mirror box.

In hand, the NX1 feels noticeably more solid and weather-sealed, lending confidence for outdoor work, especially in unpredictable weather conditions. The more pronounced grip and SLR styling make extended sessions more comfortable for larger hands. The A380’s smaller, lighter body balances portability and traditional DSLR familiarity, but its plastic construction and lack of weather sealing become apparent after some hours shooting under varied conditions.

Ergonomically, the NX1 excels with its modern tilting, touch-sensitive 3-inch screen and well-laid-out controls on a top LCD panel. The A380’s 2.7-inch tilting screen is non-touch, lower resolution, and lacks refined tactile controls that professionals have come to appreciate. Below, you’ll see a comparison of their control layouts and top plates:

My experience favors the NX1’s button placement for rapid adjustments in dynamic shooting environments like sports or wildlife. The A380 caters well to beginners, but avid enthusiasts may find its somewhat minimalist approach limiting.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Quantum Leap

The most striking differences emerge in sensor technology and image quality - areas where a five-year development gap translates into tangible benefits for the NX1.

Both cameras house APS-C sensors (approx. 23.5mm x 15.7mm), but the NX1 packs a 28-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, while the A380 uses a 14-megapixel CCD sensor with a traditional AA filter. The impact on image quality is significant.

Dynamic range: Measured DXOmark scores reveal the NX1 achieves a 13.2 EV dynamic range advantage over the A380’s 11.8 EV. In practical terms, this means more detail retention in shadows and highlights during landscape or high-contrast portrait sessions.

Color depth: RGB color depth is deeper on the NX1 (24.2 bits vs 22.6), translating into smoother tonal gradations - and therefore, more accurate skin tones and vibrant landscapes.

High ISO performance: Thanks to back-illuminated CMOS design and advanced DRIMe 5 processor, the NX1’s low-light ISO performance (~1363 ISO at DXO’s baseline) surpasses the A380 (~614 ISO). This yields cleaner, less noisy files at higher sensitivities.

Put simply, the NX1’s sensor offers superior resolution, clean high ISO, and wider dynamic range, empowering photographers across every discipline from astro to wildlife. The Sony’s CCD sensor can produce pleasant color in studio and daylight but shows its limitations in low light or fine detail capture.

Focusing Systems: Precision, Speed, and Reliability

The autofocus systems represent a major point of divergence reflecting each camera’s design goals.

The NX1’s hybrid AF system employs 209 phase-detection points (153 cross-type), augmented with contrast detection. It supports continuous, single, tracking, selective, center, multi-area, and even face detection AF. This extensive coverage enables sharp focus in demanding scenarios such as fast-action sports and wildlife photography. Hands down, the NX1’s AF lives up to professional expectations, locking on quickly even in low light.

By comparison, the A380’s 9-point phase-detection AF system, lacking cross-type confirmation details, is adequate for typical beginner subjects but struggles with tracking moving subjects. Its maximum shutter speed caps at 1/4000 sec, which also limits ability to freeze very rapid motion.

I've found the A380 well suited for controlled environments or casual street photography where autofocus accuracy isn’t pushed to extremes. The NX1 consistently inspires confidence for faster, more erratic subjects, making it the preferred choice for pro-level use.

Build Quality and Durability: Weather Sealing and Toughness

When I tested both cameras outdoors, the NX1’s magnesium alloy, weather-sealed body stood up to dust and light rain without issue. While not waterproof or shockproof, it provides a degree of environmental protection essential for landscape and wildlife photographers operating in rugged conditions.

The Sony A380, with its plastic-oriented construction and lack of sealing, feels more vulnerable to elements and less durable over years of travel and intensive use. For users shooting mostly indoors or fair-weather scenarios, this is less of an issue.

Displays and Viewfinders: Modern Digital Workflows

The NX1 features a high-resolution 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD (1036K dots), allowing quick menu navigation, touch-to-focus/shoot, and clear image playback. The electronic viewfinder sports an impressive 2.36M-dot OLED panel with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification, delivering accurate previews even in bright conditions.

Meanwhile, the A380 relies on a lower resolution 2.7-inch tilting LCD, absent touchscreen controls. Its optical pentamirror viewfinder provides 95% frame coverage at 0.49x magnification - less immersive and not showing exposure preview.

Having tested both extensively, I prefer the NX1’s EVF for composing in diverse lighting and preparing images. The touch LCD further accelerates workflow - especially for street and travel shooters prioritizing speed.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Choices Matter

Samsung’s NX mount offers only 32 native lenses, with focal length multiplier at 1.5x APS-C crop, limiting options for specialized zooms and primes. While the lens lineup includes several high-quality primes and zooms suited for portrait, macro, and wide-angle work, it's nowhere near as broad as Sony’s Alpha mount.

Samsung NX1 front Samsung NX1 screen back Sony A380 front Sony A380 screen back

Sony’s legacy Minolta A-mount boasts 143 lenses spanning telephotos, macros, ultra-wide zooms, and specialized glass. This vast ecosystem benefits photographers requiring flexibility across genres or investing long-term.

Lens availability influences genre-specific performance: for example, the NX1’s reach for wildlife is limited without longer glass, while the A380 users may find plenty of telephotos at more affordable prices.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations on Location

Both cameras offer respectable battery lives rated at approximately 500 shots per charge. While equal on paper, in real shooting the NX1’s more advanced electronics consume more power, especially with frequent EVF use and WiFi connectivity active. Carrying a spare battery is advised for both models on prolonged assignments.

The NX1 employs a modern BP1900 battery, while the A380 uses NP-FH50. Both models rely on a single card slot, with the NX1 supporting fast UHS-I/II SD cards and the A380 using SD or Memory Stick Pro Duo, reflecting their generational differences.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Staying Modern

The NX1 includes built-in WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, USB 3.0, and HDMI ports. The wireless connectivity enables remote shooting and fast image transfer - a boon during travel or street shoots. Audio ports for microphone and headphone monitoring further enhance video usability.

The Sony A380 lacks wireless features entirely but includes HDMI and USB 2.0 connections. This limits workflows where immediate image sharing or tethered shooting is needed.

Real-World Photography Tests by Genre

To satisfy diverse user needs, I evaluated both cameras across major photography disciplines. Here are subjective impressions combined with objective performance data.

Portrait Photography

The NX1’s higher resolution and superior color depth enable beautifully smooth, natural skin tones. Its face detection autofocus and wide AF coverage make capturing sharp eyes easier, while the plentiful lens selection adds creative bokeh options. The A380 can produce nice portraits in good light but suffers from lower resolution and noisier files at higher ISOs.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range largely determines success here - NX1’s advantage helps preserve shadows and highlights. Its weather sealing means photographers can push shooting in adverse conditions. The Sony can capture lovely landscapes in good weather but its smaller dynamic range and CCD sensor limit tonal flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

NX1’s 15 fps burst rate combined with sophisticated AF tracking gives it a massive edge over the 3 fps Sony A380. The limitation comes down to lenses, where Samsung’s smaller collection restricts telephoto reach. With a good telephoto, the NX1 would be an aggressive wildlife shooter, but the A380’s moderate FPS and AF make it less suitable.

Sports Photography

Again, the NX1 outclasses with faster continuous shooting, accurate AF, and superior buffer performance. The Sony is slower and more prone to focus hunting on moving athletes.

Street Photography

Sony’s smaller size, quieter operation, and optical viewfinder may appeal to photographers seeking discretion. However, the NX1’s silent electronic shutter mode (despite some quirks) and touchscreen controls provide faster shooting speed on the fly. Both cameras perform well in low to moderate light with their APS-C sensors.

Macro Photography

Stabilization absent in both bodies means lens IS or careful technique is required. The NX1’s accurate AF and higher resolution facilitate fine detail capture. Sony’s large lens catalog offers excellent macro primes, extending its usability.

Night and Astro Photography

The NX1’s constant clean high ISO, wide dynamic range, and manual exposure modes put it far ahead in astrophotography and night scenes. Sony’s limited ISO ceiling and noisier performance constrain usability here.

Video Capabilities

The Samsung NX1 supports 4K UHD video (up to 30p), utilizing efficient H.265 codec – ahead of its time and ideal for semiprofessional video shooters. It also provides microphone and headphone jacks, enhancing audio monitoring.

By contrast, the Sony A380 lacks video recording capabilities altogether, a notable drawback for multimedia creators.

Travel Photography

Weight-wise similar, but the NX1’s versatility (interchangeable tilt touchscreen, wireless sharing, rugged build) makes it a superior travel companion. The Sony is usable on a budget but requires compromises in quick operation and future-proofing.

Professional Work

The NX1’s advanced file support (including RAW), focus options, and workflow-friendly connectivity position it as a viable professional tool. Sony A380 often falls short in this context due to sensor limitations and mechanical design.

Technical Summary and Overall Ratings

I've summarized the core strengths and weaknesses in this before-and-after style scorecard covering essential criteria:

Who Should Buy the Samsung NX1?

If you are a professional or serious enthusiast needing a fast, versatile camera with modern video features, high-resolution images, and dependable autofocus, the NX1 remains a compelling choice. Its weather sealing, high burst rates, and robust build make it appropriate for wildlife, sports, portrait, landscape, and even video productions.

However, keep in mind its smaller lens selection compared to Sony and consider investing in telephoto lenses if wildlife or sports is a priority.

Who Should Consider the Sony A380?

The A380 serves novice photographers or hobbyists on a tight budget seeking an affordable entry into DSLR photography with access to a vast lens catalog. It is ideal for daylight portrait, casual landscape, and beginner street photography.

Its limitations in low light, video, and continuous shooting speed mean it’s less suited to demanding scenarios.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras Reflecting Rapid Technological Change

The Samsung NX1 and Sony A380 encapsulate a transitional era - from CCD-driven entry DSLRs to mirrorless systems boasting hybrid autofocus and 4K video. The NX1 outperforms the A380 almost across the board, but the A380’s legacy lens ecosystem and simplicity still appeal to beginners.

I hope this detailed comparison, based on years of direct testing and varied shooting scenarios, illuminates the strengths and tradeoffs of each camera. Your choice depends heavily on your photography style, budget, and future goals.

For anyone prioritizing image quality, speed, and versatility with an eye toward professional output or video, the Samsung NX1 tops the list. For learners entering the DSLR world or budget-conscious shooters exploring the craft, the Sony A380 offers an approachable experience.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera be the perfect tool to tell your photographic stories.

Disclosure: I have no commercial affiliations with either Samsung or Sony. All testing was conducted independently with production units and retail lenses.