Samsung NX1000 vs Sony TX30

Exploring Two Distinct Worlds: Samsung NX1000 vs Sony TX30 – A Hands-On Comparison from My Experience

If you’re hunting for a camera, you know there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I’ve spent years testing gear that spans entry-level mirrorless to compact point-and-shoots, and today I’m diving deep into two cameras that come from very different directions - yet both aim to serve enthusiasts and casual shooters alike. Let’s unfold the practical realities of the Samsung NX1000 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX30, uncovering their strengths, quirks, and who they truly fit best.

Setting the Stage: Entry-Level Mirrorless vs Ultracompact

These two cameras are inherently different in purpose and design philosophy. The NX1000, launched in 2012, embodies Samsung’s entry into mirrorless cameras, pairing the flexibility of interchangeable lenses with a compact, rangefinder-style body. The TX30, on the other hand, is a 2013 ultracompact aimed at the grab-and-go crowd, packing rugged features into a slim, fixed-lens shell.

I’ll start by looking at their physical presence because that shapes so much of how you interact and enjoy shooting every day.

Handling and Ergonomics: Weight and Feel in the Hand

The NX1000 feels notably more solid in hand at 222 grams and a heftier 114x63x37 mm dimension. It conforms nicely to my grip, despite being a fairly minimalist rangefinder style. Controls like the aperture and shutter priority modes snap into place easily, and the 15-point contrast-detection AF system, though not the fastest, allows enough finger manipulation to feel in control.

Contrast that with Sony’s TX30 - just 141 grams and a tiny 96x59x15 mm ultracompact shape. It almost disappears in your pocket but trades off the physical presence that seasoned photographers appreciate for manual control. Its touchscreen OLED is a joy to use - responsive, bright, and with a higher resolution than the NX1000’s 921k-dot TFT LCD.

The NX1000’s top layout puts a dedicated exposure mode dial and hot shoe for external flashes front and center - details that underline its ambitions for creative control. The TX30 opts for simplicity with just a shutter button and power switch - perfect for spontaneous shooting but less for deliberate adjustments.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This is where the NX1000 really flexes its muscles: A 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.7 mm, significantly larger than the tiny 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.16x4.62 mm) inside the TX30.

The difference in sensor size is not just numbers - it translates to notably better image quality for Samsung’s camera. In my tests, the NX1000 delivers cleaner images with wider dynamic range - an impressive 12.4 EV according to DXO Mark scores - giving you latitude to recover shadows and highlights without nasty artifacts. The TX30’s sensor is more limited, struggling under low-light conditions with higher noise and compressed dynamic range.

A larger sensor also brings better color depth, and at 22.8 bits, the NX1000 outperforms the TX30. If you delve into raw shooting - which, to highlight, the NX1000 supports but the TX30 does not - you’ll appreciate the Samsung’s superior flexibility in post-processing.

User Interface and Screen: Looking at Your Work

The NX1000 sports a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD that’s decent but not dazzling, both in resolution and viewing angles. The TX30’s 3.3-inch OLED panel, by comparison, offers impressive vibrancy and a touchscreen interface, making it easier - especially for those less inclined to button mashing - to navigate menus and compose shots.

In real-world shooting, I found the NX1000’s non-touch interface a tad dated, slowing down quick setting changes under pressure. The TX30’s touchscreen expedites casual shooting with smooth gestures but can be tricky to use reliably with gloves or in wet conditions.

Autofocus and Performance in Action

Here’s a critical distinction - autofocus systems.

The NX1000 uses contrast-detection AF across 15 focus points with face detection but does not offer phase detection or animal eye AF. It’s competent but not lightning-fast or razor sharp in continuous tracking. This makes it a fit for portraits, landscapes, or still lifes where you have time to compose.

The TX30’s autofocus is rudimentary by comparison - no continuous AF, face detection, or tracking, and no manual focus ring. However, the lens has optical stabilization, which helps keep shots sharp in challenging conditions despite the small sensor and less sophisticated AF.

Lens and Ecosystem: Flexibility vs Convenience

With the NX1000’s Samsung NX mount, you get access to 32 lenses covering everything from wide angles to telephoto primes. This ecosystem flexibility lets you tailor the camera to your style - be it portraits with creamy bokeh or landscapes with ultra-wide vistas.

The TX30’s 26-130mm fixed zoom (equivalent) lens is versatile for everyday snapshots but cannot be swapped or upgraded. Its aperture range of F3.5-4.8 is a moderate compromise between size and light gathering.

This difference alone clarifies the cameras’ intended user bases: Samsung targets users willing to grow with their kit; Sony champions ultra-portability and rugged convenience.

Burst Rates and Shutter Range: Capturing the Decisive Moment

For action photographers, continuous shooting performance is critical. The NX1000 provides an 8 fps burst mode, respectable for an entry-level mirrorless camera. Its shutter speed covers a broad range from 30 seconds to 1/4000s, letting you tackle everything from long exposures to bright daylight sports.

The TX30 pushes continuous shooting faster at 10 fps but with caveats - the image quality and AF limitations mean it’s best for casual use rather than professional sports or wildlife.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Shooting in the Elements

The NX1000 lacks any environmental sealing, so you’ll want to be cautious in dusty or wet conditions.

Surprisingly, the TX30 includes a level of environmental sealing (though not fully waterproof). This rugged design makes it attractive if travel or unpredictable weather is in your plans. A thoughtful inclusion for an ultracompact.

Battery Life and Portability: How Long and How Far?

Battery life is a mixed bag. The NX1000 uses the BC1030 battery, rated for around 320 shots per charge - moderate but not exceptional, especially given its larger size and heavier sensor.

The Sony TX30’s battery specs are not clearly documented but, given its smaller sensor and simpler electronics, you can expect reasonable endurance. Plus, the lighter weight makes it much easier to carry all day without fatigue.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Samsung’s NX1000 offers built-in wireless connectivity, an unusual perk for a 2012 model, allowing remote shooting and image transfer - features still coveted by hobbyists today. It has HDMI output and USB 2.0.

The TX30, meanwhile, has no wireless capabilities, no HDMI, but does have USB 2.0. This limits its integration with mobile workflows but fits with its ultra-simple design philosophy.

Both use single SD card slots (SD/SDHC/SDXC on NX1000; unspecified on TX30).

Video Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up?

Video recording is increasingly important, even for photographers. The NX1000 records Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and supports multiple codecs (MPEG-4, H.264), plus options at lower resolutions.

TV30 supports 1080p at 60 fps, which impresses considering its size, though without external mic inputs, it’s limited for serious videography.

Neither camera supports emerging 4K standards, expected given their vintage.

Real-World Shooting Across Genres

Let’s walk through the major photography use cases, combining what the specs promise and what I experienced firsthand.

Portrait Photography

The NX1000’s APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses easily create flattering skin tones and natural bokeh. Face detection autofocus helps nail sharp eyes, though eye AF is missing. You’ll want to pair it with a fast prime lens to really push portrait artistry.

The TX30 is competent for casual snapshots but lacks the subject-detection sophistication or lens speed to satisfy portrait purists.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range is king here - NX1000’s sensor provides cleaner gradations from shadows to highlights, capturing vibrant skies and detailed foliage. Its 20MP resolution lets you crop or enlarge for large prints.

The TX30’s small sensor limits scenic detail and struggles in high-contrast scenes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

With 8 fps burst and manual exposure controls, the NX1000 can tackle mild sports and wildlife scenarios. That said, the lack of phase-detection AF or fast lens options constrains serious action shooters.

The TX30’s lightweight and 10 fps burst are appealing but AF and lens reach fall short for distant, fast subjects.

Street Photography

Now, this is an interesting battleground. The NX1000 is not overly large but its rangefinder style and lack of EVF make discreet shooting less convenient.

TX30, slim and quiet, shines in street environments - easy to pocket and quick to start. The OLED screen is bright enough for low light, too.

Macro Photography

Neither camera excels here out-of-the-box. NX1000’s lens ecosystem includes macro options with focusing precision, giving it an edge, whereas TX30’s fixed lens and AF limit close-up work.

Night / Astro Photography

For low light and astrophotography, sensor size matters dramatically. The NX1000 can handle ISO 3200 and beyond with manageable noise, while the TX30’s tiny sensor struggles above ISO 400 or 800.

Long exposures and manual controls on the NX1000 support creativity in the dark skies realm.

Video

TX30 offers a slight edge with 60 fps 1080p recording, good for smooth footage and casual video.

NX1000’s manual control and codec flexibility lean toward creative video makers, but lack of mic/ headphone ports limits audio capture quality.

Travel Photography

TX30 wins on sheer portability, ruggedness, and easy touchscreen controls.

NX1000’s better image quality and lens versatility are ideal if size is less a concern.

Samsung NX1000 screen back Sony TX30 screen back

Image Quality and Performance Scores Summarized

Here’s a compact view from DXO Mark and my evaluations:

And by genre-specific performance:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Who Should Pick Which?

If you appreciate flexibility, image quality, and want to grow your photographic skills - especially if you cherish RAW shooting and lens choice - the Samsung NX1000 gives outstanding value for an older mirrorless system. It rewards patient use and investment in lenses, suited for enthusiasts who want to explore portrait, landscape, and low-light photography with creative control.

If you crave ultra-portability, durability, and a camera ready-to-go for casual shooting - especially travel and street photography - the Sony TX30 fits the bill. Its optical image stabilization and burst shooting make it fun for everyday moments, though image quality compromises mean it’s not for demanding creative work.

Think of the NX1000 like an entryway into more serious photography - a rigorous tool that demands attention but rewards excellence. The TX30 is a reliable pocket companion, perfect when convenience trumps all else.

The Bottom Line: Practical Use and Value

• Samsung NX1000: $388 (used markets today) - excellent APS-C sensor, interchangeable lenses, RAW support. Best for those invested in photographic growth and quality.

• Sony TX30: Approx. $230 - robust ultracompact with optical stabilization and 60fps video but limited manual control and sensor size. Great as a second camera or for travel-light enthusiasts.

Both cameras, despite their age, bring distinct personalities and potentials. Your choice ultimately hinges on your photographic preferences - do you prioritize image quality and control, or portability and ease of use?

I hope my hands-on testing and careful breakdown helps steer you to a confident, satisfying pick. Happy shooting!

If you want deeper dives into either, I have full reviews and sample galleries on my site - just ask!