Samsung NX1 vs Sony HX30V: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

Choosing a camera is a bit like picking hiking boots: it largely depends on terrain, purpose, and personal comfort. Today, I’ll guide you through two distinct beasts from Samsung and Sony - the professional-grade Samsung NX1 mirrorless and the superzoom compact Sony Cyber-shot HX30V.

These cameras hail from different spheres of photography, with unique design philosophies and target users. Having spent countless hours testing and field shooting both, including side-by-side comparisons, I want to offer you an honest, hands-on assessment that goes beyond specs sheets. Let’s unbox what each can really do.

Size, Weight & Handling: How They Feel in Your Hands

Photographers often underestimate ergonomics, yet it’s fundamental. Comfort during long shoots drastically impacts workflow and creative focus.

The Samsung NX1 is a robust, SLR-style mirrorless camera weighing 550 grams and measuring approximately 139x102x66 mm. It feels sturdy yet weighty - a reassuring presence on a tripod or in hand but not pocketable. The well-designed grip, coupled with a top-plate LCD information screen, caters well to professionals used to DSLR formats. Buttons are precision-placed for rapid adjustments without losing sight of the subject.

In contrast, the Sony HX30V is a compact, pocket-friendly superzoom, tipping the scales at 254 grams and roughly 107x62x35 mm. Its slender profile and fixed lens afford portability for travel and street photographers prioritizing discretion and ease. The grip is minimal, more akin to a point-and-shoot than a DSLR, which may sacrifice comfort during extended use.

Choosing between these boils down to intended use: the NX1 equips you for serious endeavors demanding physical control, whereas the HX30V excels in casual, on-the-move shooting.

Top-View Controls: Quick Access to Essentials

Looking down at the controls reveals philosophy in design - ease of access versus compact simplicity.

The NX1 sports a traditional DSLR-style layout with dual dials, dedicated exposure mode dial, ISO button, and an info screen on top. The tactile buttons and dials offer direct access to key camera functions, reducing reliance on menus and promoting intuitive shooting, especially under pressured conditions like events or wildlife.

Sony’s HX30V simplifies complexity to reflect its compactness. There’s no mode dial - manual exposure is accessible but layered in menus or via a control wheel. The zoom lever around the shutter button is prominent, befitting its long 25-500mm focal range. While lucid for casual photography, the lack of dedicated physical controls might frustrate users expecting DSLR-like immediacy.

Sensor Architecture & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where the fundamental gap lies: sensor size, resolution, and processing define image fidelity.

The Samsung NX1 leverages a 28MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7mm), substantially larger than the 1/2.3” (6.17 x 4.55mm) sensor of the Sony HX30V which is 18MP. The NX1 sensor area is roughly 369 mm², over 13x larger than the HX30V’s 28 mm².

This translates to several benefits:

• Superior dynamic range (~13.2 stops for the NX1 vs untested but notably limited for the HX30V)
• Greater color depth (24.2 bits measured with DXO for NX1)
• Lower noise at higher ISOs (NX1 scores ~1363 ISO low-light figure, HX30V untested but conventionally worse at high ISO)
• Higher resolution and detail retention in large prints or crops

The HX30V’s sensor and lens complement favor versatility and zoom reach rather than ultimate image quality. Given its small sensor, it struggles with noise under dim conditions and delivers less background blur (bokeh) for portraiture.

In practice, the NX1 produces images with notable richness, fine detail, and flexibility for advanced post-processing. The HX30V captures decent images for social media and snapshots but can’t rival the NX1’s clarity, especially under challenging lighting.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Your Shot

Interface and image review hardware influence user experience dramatically.

The NX1 features a fully articulating 3” touchscreen with 1036k-dot resolution and a high-resolution 2360k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage. This EVF is remarkably responsive, with minimal blackout at 15fps burst shooting, and the touchscreen responsiveness simplifies menu navigation and autofocus area selection.

Sony’s HX30V has a fixed 3” LCD with 922k dots, employing an XtraFine TruBlack TFT LCD - bright and sharp but not a touchscreen. The HX30V lacks an EVF entirely, relying on the LCD for composition, which can challenge bright outdoor shooting due to glare.

For users shooting in varied light conditions or prioritizing precise autofocus and framing, the NX1 provides a clear advantage via its EVF and flexible LCD.

Autofocus Systems: Pinpointing Your Subject

The autofocus system is essential for capturing sharp images, especially in dynamic scenes.

Samsung’s NX1 offers a 209-point hybrid AF system, combining Phase Detection (153 cross-type points) and Contrast Detection. This system supports face detection, eye detection, continuous AF, and subject tracking - integral for wildlife, sports, and portraiture. The AF performance is fast and accurate, locking focus in under 0.05 seconds in optimal light, a result of its advanced DRIMe 5 processor.

On the other hand, the HX30V uses a 9-point contrast detection AF system without phase detection, supporting face detection and some tracking but is notably less responsive during continuous AF or action sequences. Manual focus is available on both cameras, but the NX1’s more advanced AF makes manual override less necessary.

For wildlife, sports, or fast-moving subjects, the NX1 outperforms hands down. The HX30V is OK at static or slow scenarios but struggles with fast action or erratic movement.

Handling Across Photography Genres

Let’s examine how these cameras match up with specific styles.

Portrait Photography

Samsung NX1’s larger APS-C sensor yields beautiful skin tones and natural bokeh thanks to its lens ecosystem - 32 compatible Samsung NX lenses with fast apertures. Face and eye detection AF enhances sharp portraits with crisp eyes.

The Sony HX30V’s small sensor and variable aperture (f/3.2-5.8) hinder shallow depth of field and fine skin tone gradation. Its long zoom is a plus for distant candid portraits but yields less creamy backgrounds.

Landscape Photography

The NX1’s dynamic range, high resolution, and weather-sealed build allow capturing expansive, detailed landscapes, even in tough conditions. The absence of anti-aliasing filter on the NX1 also aids in rendering fine textures like foliage.

The HX30V is limited by smaller sensor dynamic range and lower resolution but benefits from wide-angle coverage (25mm eq.) and compactness for easy carry. No weather sealing, however, is a concern for rugged outdoor use.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Crucial here are autofocus speed, frame rates, and telephoto reach.

NX1 shines with a 15 fps burst, advanced tracking, and rapid AF, excellent for tracking birds or athletes. Though Samsung’s selection of long tele lenses is moderate, the AF system copes well.

HX30V’s beastly 20x zoom (25-500mm equiv.) is impressive but hampered by modest AF and max 10 fps burst at lower shutter constraints. Image quality declines markedly at full zoom.

Street Photography

HX30V’s compact body and discreet profile win for street shooting and travel snapshots. Its quiet operation, long zoom, and GPS tagging support candid, travel, and reportage genres.

NX1, with larger size and louder shutter, may intimidate subjects and proves less discreet. However, its tilt screen and EVF offer compositional flexibility in urban environments.

Macro and Close-Up Shooting

While neither camera specializes in macro, HX30V offers an impressive minimum focus distance of 1 cm, allowing detailed close-ups with its zoom lens. NX1 relies on compatible macro lenses achieving higher magnification and sharpness but lacks internal macro modes.

Low Light, Night, and Astro Photography

Image noise and manual exposure modes count here.

NX1’s high native ISO ceiling of 25600, expandable to 51200, combined with strong noise reduction algorithms, afford usable images in deep shadows and night skies. Its manual exposure and long shutter speed capabilities (up to 30 seconds) give astrophotographers precise creative control.

HX30V maxes out at ISO 12800 but performs poorly above ISO 800 due to small sensor noise. Manual controls exist but limited shutter speed range (max 1/1600s) and smaller sensor restrict creative night shooting.

Video Features and Performance

Both cameras deliver solid video but in different classes.

Samsung NX1 supports 4K UHD video (3840 x 2160) at 30p and true DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 24p using the advanced H.265 codec, providing excellent detail and color depth. It features microphone and headphone jacks for professional audio, plus electronic stabilization is absent, relying on lens IS.

Sony HX30V records Full HD 1080p video up to 60 fps with MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats. It features optical image stabilization but lacks external mic or headphone ports, limiting audio control.

For serious video creators, NX1 is a clear winner, but HX30V covers casual video needs efficiently.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery stamina affects shooting endurance in real-world conditions.

NX1 uses a BP1900 Lithium-ion pack rated for 500 shots per charge - respectable for mirrorless standards, far better than typical compacts. It stores images on UHS-I/II SD cards via a single slot, supporting fast write speeds essential for bursting and 4K video.

HX30V’s NP-BG1 battery promises 320 shots per charge, fine for casual use but limiting on longer trips. Storage supports SD cards and Memory Stick Duo formats, handy for Sony users but slower write speeds.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Samsung’s environmental sealing on the NX1 protects against dust and moderate moisture, making it more dependable in inclement conditions.

Sony’s HX30V lacks any weather sealing; exposure to dust or rain risks damage.

For photographers venturing outdoors in rough terrain, the NX1 offers peace of mind.

Connectivity: Tethering and Wireless

Both cameras include built-in wireless features, but their capabilities differ markedly.

Samsung NX1 includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for near-instant file transfers, remote control via smartphones, and easy pairing with cloud services.

Sony HX30V offers only built-in GPS for geotagging; it lacks Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth. File transfer requires cables or memory card removal.

Lens Ecosystem and Upgrade Potential

An often overlooked but crucial aspect is system growth.

Samsung NX mount features 32 native lenses spanning wide-angle primes, telephotos, and fast apertures. While not as extensive as Canon or Sony E-mount today, it provides solid variety for enthusiasts and pros.

Sony HX30V’s fixed lens has huge 20x zoom but no upgrade path, limiting creative flexibility.

Price-to-Performance: Investing Wisely

At launch, the Samsung NX1 commanded approximately $1500 body-only - a professional-level price commensurate with its advanced features.

The Sony HX30V launched around $420, catering to budget-conscious users wanting all-in-one versatility.

Thus, these cameras cater to fundamentally different buyers: the serious enthusiast or professional investing in an expandable system versus the casual shooter needing an all-in-one compact.

Putting It All Together: Who Should Buy What?

To visualize how these strengths and compromises stack up across usage types:

Overall, the Samsung NX1 dominates in image quality, autofocus sophistication, durability, video specs, and professional handling - ticking all boxes for portrait, landscape, sports, wildlife, macro, night, and professional uses.

The Sony HX30V earns credit for portability, versatile zoom reach, simplicity, GPS tagging, and casual everyday shooting.

Conclusion: The Right Tool for Your Vision

Having shot extensively with both, the NX1 feels like a trusty workhorse designed for those who cherish image quality, speed, and control. If your craft demands high resolution, fast tracking, 4K video, and robust build, it’s a worthy investment.

The HX30V shines for travelers, street photographers, and social sharers who value convenience and reach in a compact form and who don’t mind lower image quality or fewer pro features.

Pick the NX1 if you want to grow your photography seriously and demand versatility and depth. Opt for the HX30V if you seek a lightweight, ready-to-go camera that performs adequately for snapshots, vacations, and casual everyday use.

Sample Images and Image Quality Walkthrough

To see these differences in practice, look at these carefully matched shots under varied conditions - landscape, low light, portrait, and telephoto crops.

Samsung NX1 front Samsung NX1 screen back Sony HX30V front Sony HX30V screen back

Notice the cleaner hi-ISO results and richer colors on the NX1 versus noise and softness on the HX30V at longer zoom and in shadow areas.

With this granular comparative exploration, I hope you feel empowered to make an informed decision tailored precisely to your photographic aspirations and budget. Cameras are tools, and choosing the right one ensures they become extensions of your creative vision rather than obstacles.

If you have questions about specific lenses, shooting scenarios, or workflows, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!