Samsung NX10 vs Samsung WB30F: A Hands-On Comparison for Practical Photographers

When diving into the world of cameras, the choices can boggle the mind, especially when considering cameras from the same brand but vastly different categories like the Samsung NX10 entry-level mirrorless DSLR-style and the Samsung WB30F, a small sensor compact aimed at casual users. Both came from Samsung’s camera lineup but serve extremely different purposes and user bases. After personally testing both extensively - covering everything from autofocus accuracy to real-world handling - I’ll break down their strengths, weaknesses, and use cases to help you identify which camera fits your style, budget, and shooting needs.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and compare these two Samsung cameras head-to-head across all the photography disciplines that matter.

Size, Build, and Ergonomics: What It’s Like in Your Hands

Let’s kick off with the basics: how these cameras feel when you pick them up days on end for your shoots.

The Samsung NX10 feels like a proper DSLR-style camera with an APS-C sensor inside its SLR-mimicking body. It’s considerably heavier at 499 grams and measures 123 x 87 x 40 mm. This size lends it solid grip and handling, especially if you have sizeable hands or prefer to shoot with a dedicated grip and physical controls.

On the other hand, the WB30F is ultra-compact and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 128 grams with dimensions of 98 x 58 x 17 mm. It comfortably slips into any pocket, making it a near-decisions camera for casual shooters and travelers who want mere convenience over control.

You’re definitely sacrificing DSLR-style ergonomics with the WB30F, but in return, you get near-invisibility, ideal for street photography and travel where gumption is less about gear and more about mobility and quick access.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Machine

If you’re buying a camera, sensor tech and image quality usually top the list. Let’s see how these two stack up.

The NX10 boasts a 15-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.4mm x 15.6mm - strictly speaking, a significantly larger sensor area of 365.04 mm² compared to the WB30F’s tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor of 6.17mm x 4.55mm (28.07 mm²). Larger sensors generally deliver better image quality, especially in low light, thanks to bigger pixels gathering more photons.

The NX10’s sensor produces detailed 4592 x 3056-pixel images with a native ISO range from 100 to 3200. Thanks to its CMOS tech, it offers decent dynamic range (~10.8 EV measured by DxO) and color depth (22.8 bits). It even supports RAW files, a big plus if you want post-processing flexibility.

In contrast, the WB30F’s sensor trades image quality for size and convenience. It delivers 16-megapixel JPEGs at 4608 x 3456 pixels, but without RAW support - your editing latitude is limited. Its maximum ISO of 3200 is technically on par but noise and dynamic range take a steep hit due to the sensor’s size and type.

Bottom line: If you value image fidelity, especially in portraits, landscapes, or night photography, the NX10’s sensor is leagues ahead. The WB30F is more suited to daylight casual snaps where ease trumps ultimate quality.

Shooting Experience and Controls: Hands-On Usability

One of the most palpable differences between these cameras is their approach to camera control.

The NX10 features a classic DSLR-style control layout, with dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and shooting modes (including aperture and shutter priority, plus manual). There’s a bright 0.57x electronic viewfinder at 920k dots, perfect for composing in bright sunlight.

It supports 15 autofocus points with contrast-detection AF capable of face detection (no phase detection though), useful for portraiture and day-to-day focus precision. Burst shooting caps at 3fps - not blazing fast but manageable for basic action.

In contrast, the WB30F has the typical point-and-shoot button layout - no manual modes, no dedicated dial clubs for your thumbs. AF is contrast-based and slower with no manual focus. Its biggest strength is a 10x zoom lens (24 to 240mm equivalent), appealing for casual wildlife or travel shots where you want reach but not fuss.

Both have fixed 3-inch screens, but the NX10’s OLED display with 614k dots is brighter and more detailed compared to the WB30F’s lower-res QVGA TFT at 230k dots.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Catching the Moment

Autofocus is often where budget cameras stumble or surprise.

The NX10’s 15-point contrast-detect AF, while antiquated by modern standards, was respectable in its day. It includes face detection helping portraits stay tack sharp. Continuous AF tracking is absent, which limits fast action sport or wildlife shots but works decently for beginners or travel.

The WB30F deals with contrast-detect only, no manual override, and a slower AF system exacerbated by its small sensor and long zoom lens. There’s some face-detection aid during live view, but no tracking mode. Burst shooting isn’t a declared feature, so don’t count on shooting rapid-fire sequences.

If your photography demands quick subject tracking like sports or wildlife, neither camera is ideal. The NX10 is the better of the two but expect limitations compared to modern cameras with phase-detection or hybrid AF.

Specialty Photography: Portraits, Landscapes, Macro, and More

Let’s unpack how well these cameras serve different photography genres.

Portrait Photography

The NX10 shines here. The APS-C sensor delivers beautiful subject separation and creamy bokeh with fast Samsung NX-mount lenses. Face detection autofocus helps nail focus on eyes, a must for pleasing skin tones. Manual exposure controls empower creative lighting effects.

The WB30F’s small sensor and slow zoom lens limit its portrait prowess. Bokeh is minimal due to tiny sensor and narrow apertures (F3.1–6.3), and the lack of manual controls can frustrate photographers seeking more nuance.

Landscape Photography

Again, the NX10 excels with higher resolution, wider dynamic range, and better color depth versus the WB30F. Samsung NX lenses offer excellent sharpness and weather sealing is sadly missing, which would have helped outdoors.

The WB30F’s long zoom is tempting for distant landscapes but expect a softer image, less detailed texture, and trouble in shadows/highlights.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is built for wildlife or high-speed sports. Burst rates, AF tracking, and lens reach are all limiting factors. The NX10 can handle basic wildlife, especially with fast NX telephoto lenses, but you’ll need patience. The WB30F’s 10x zoom is versatile but AF lag and lack of burst make it a poor choice for fast action.

Street Photography

Here, the WB30F finds a niche. Its compact, discreet form and quick zoom range make it ideal for candid shots on the fly. Its light weight encourages long walks and spontaneous creativity. The NX10’s larger size might intimidate subjects or slow you down.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is a macro specialist. The NX10’s lens lineup includes macro-capable glass for close focusing, which is preferable to the WB30F’s fixed zoom lens with limited close-up ability and no manual focus.

Night and Astro Photography

The NX10’s larger sensor, higher dynamic range, and manual exposure control give it a leg up for night and astro photography, provided you have sturdy tripods and manual lenses. The WB30F’s small sensor and limited ISO performance limit usability under stars or very dark scenes.

Video Capabilities and Connectivity: Content Creation Tools

Both cameras provide simple video recording but are far from modern content creator staples.

The NX10 records HD video at 1280 x 720 at 30fps using H.264 compression. No 4K, no mic input, and no headphone jack, but it delivers decent baseline quality for casual shooters.

The WB30F matches the 720p resolution but also includes lower frame rate modes and the added bonus of built-in Wi-Fi for sharing - handy if you want quick social uploads without a computer.

Neither supports advanced stabilization beyond the WB30F’s optical IS for stills, so shaky videos will be common without gimbals or tripods.

Battery Life, Storage, and Workflow Integration

Cameras live and die by battery and storage flexibility.

The NX10’s proprietary lithium-ion battery manages about 400 shots per charge - pretty respectable for its age. It supports SD/SDHC cards, allowing standard storage options. Its USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs facilitate tethering and external viewing or storage.

Conversely, the WB30F’s battery life isn’t clearly specified, but compact cameras usually focus on energy efficiency, albeit with smaller batteries. It uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and has built-in wireless for direct transfers but lacks HDMI.

Workflow-wise, the NX10’s RAW output format lets pros or enthusiasts integrate their files into established post-processing pipelines - Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One. The WB30F’s JPEG-only output narrows post-production latitude.

Price and Value: What’s the Real Cost of Ownership?

Let me talk brass tacks.

Currently, the Samsung NX10 hovers around $620 new (though you’ll likely find it cheaper as it’s discontinued), reflecting its bigger sensor and versatile lens system. Its entry-level mirrorless design offers a significant step-up in image quality and creative control, aligning nicely with photography enthusiasts seeking a solid foundation.

The Samsung WB30F retails at about $180 - much cheaper but with compromises across controls, sensor size, and image quality. It’s aimed at casual shooters who prize convenience and Wi-Fi connectivity over technical bells and whistles.

For photographers wanting to invest in a longer-term system with room to grow, the NX10 wins for value despite the higher price. For cheapskates or those needing a day-to-day grab-and-go camera for snapshots and travel, the WB30F is a decent pocket companion.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability in Real Use

Neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, so expect both to need gentleness around dust, moisture, and shocks.

The NX10’s solid build feels more durable overall thanks to its larger body and SLR-style grip, while the WB30F relies on plastic compact construction, making it more susceptible to accidental damages.

Glass and Lens Ecosystem: How Far Can You Expand?

The Samsung NX10 mounts Samsung’s NX lens family, which includes over 30 lenses ranging from fast primes for portraits to telephoto zooms for wildlife. This system flexibility is a massive plus, offering creative and technical expansion over time.

The WB30F’s fixed zoom lens is a one-trick pony: decent focal coverage (24–240mm equivalent) but with limited brightness (f/3.1–6.3) and no option to swap or supplement lenses.

Summing Up the Scores: Performance at a Glance

After testing rigorously, launching them through DxOmark, and real-world shooting, here’s a composite hangout reflecting their overall and genre-specific performance.

The NX10 scores markedly higher in image quality, control, and genre versatility, especially standing out in portrait, landscape, and night photography categories. Its drawbacks are slower AF and no weather sealing.

The WB30F is valued mostly for travel, street, and casual use, with modest scores reflecting its sensor size limitations and simplified interface.

Real-World Image Samples: What You Can Expect

To get you image-footage-junkies all fired up, here are side-by-side sample shots from both cameras under identical lighting.

Samsung WB30F front Samsung WB30F screen back

Notice the cleaner details, better color rendering, and improved sharpness from the NX10. The WB30F images look softer, with more noise creeping in shadows and less punch in highlights.

Who Should Buy the Samsung NX10?

If you have a passion for photography, want to learn manual controls, explore creative lenses, and shoot a range of genres from portraits to landscapes to night scenes, the NX10 is a rewarding option on a budget.

It’s particularly good for:

• Enthusiasts stepping beyond smartphones or point-and-shoots
• Portrait photographers who need bokeh and face detection
• Landscape shooters craving dynamic range and resolution
• Travelers who prefer control over minimalism

Who Should Buy the Samsung WB30F?

The WB30F is a solid secondary shooter or casual snap-and-go camera, perfect if you:

• Need something pocketable and light for travel walks or street shooting
• Want auto modes and instant sharing with built-in Wi-Fi
• Are on a tight budget and not fussed about RAW or manual control
• Prefer simplicity over expandable lenses or complex menus

Final Verdict: Which Samsung Camera Packs the Better Punch?

While both cameras carry the Samsung badge, they sit in almost different universes.

The Samsung NX10 feels like a real camera for serious beginners or hobbyists - offering a DSLR-style experience with a capable sensor, manual modes, and a versatile lens system. Yes, it’s older tech and has speed quirks, but its image quality and control makeup put it ahead for photographers who want to learn and grow.

The Samsung WB30F shines only for casual users needing portability, ease, and simple sharing - think social shutterbugs rather than camera geeks. It’s a forgettable performer in challenging light but handily convenient when you can’t carry the big guns.

So, if you want lasting value through better image performance, greater control, and future lens upgrades, spend the extra bucks and get the NX10. But if you truly want a grab-and-go camera just to capture life’s moments without fuss, the WB30F won't disappoint.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reach out if you want technical tips or lens recommendations for your Samsung camera journey. Happy shooting!