Samsung NX30 vs PL200: A Deep Dive Into Two Very Different Cameras

As photography enthusiasts and professionals, choosing the right camera means balancing features, performance, and real-world usability to fit your creative style and workflow. Today, we’re comparing two Samsung cameras that target quite distinct user niches and eras: the advanced mirrorless Samsung NX30 and the small sensor compact Samsung PL200. Though they share a brand, these models deliver very different photography experiences and capabilities.

Our analysis draws from extensive hands-on testing, technical measurements, and performance benchmarks to give you a clear picture of where each camera shines - from sensor performance and autofocus to ergonomics, video, and suitability for various genres including portrait, landscape, wildlife, and more. You’ll also see how these cameras stack up in value for their respective price points and user levels.

Let’s get started by setting the stage with fundamental design and sensor differences.

Size and Handling: Ergonomics That Shape Your Photography

Ergonomics plays an outsized role in how enjoyable and effective using a camera will be. The physical size, grip comfort, and control layout often determine whether a model feels like an extension of your creative vision or a stumbling block.

The NX30 offers a substantial handgrip and an SLR-style body that balances well with interchangeable lenses, suitable for extended use and heavier lenses. Its 3-inch fully articulated AMOLED screen delivers vivid colors and flexibility for shooting at odd angles - a boon for vloggers and creatives exploring dynamic compositions. Additionally, its electronic viewfinder (EVF) provides a bright, detailed preview that’s invaluable in bright outdoor conditions.

Conversely, the PL200 shines in compactness and portability. At less than half the weight of the NX30 and slim enough to slide into a jacket pocket, it’s ideal for casual shooters, travelers, or those craving an uncomplicated grab-and-go camera. However, the fixed 3-inch LCD is not touch-sensitive, lacks articulation, and there’s no EVF, which can make composing in bright sunlight challenging.

If you prioritize control, grip, and flexibility, the NX30 clearly has the edge. However, the PL200’s size and simplicity appeal if you want lightweight convenience over pro-level handling.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C Mirrorless vs. Small Sensor Compact

The size and technology behind a camera’s sensor fundamentally shape image quality, dynamic range, noise characteristics, low light performance, and creative control. Let’s break down what the NX30 and PL200 bring to the table.

The NX30’s APS-C CMOS sensor is a substantial advantage; it’s roughly 13 times larger in surface area than the PL200’s compact CCD sensor. This translates to far greater light-gathering ability, leading to:

• Better dynamic range that preserves detail from shadows to highlights
• Cleaner images with less noise at high ISO settings, critical for low-light and indoor photography
• Greater depth-of-field control for creative background separation in portraits

With the 25600 max ISO, NX30 users can confidently shoot in dim environments where the PL200’s ISO maxes out at 3200 and generally exhibits higher noise.

The NX30's RAW shooting capability allows expert post-processing and fine-tuning that the PL200 cannot match, being limited to JPEG-only capture.

In real-world shooting tests, the NX30 produced sharper, more vibrant images with deeper blacks and richer color fidelity. For example, skin tones appeared natural and well-defined under indoor lighting, and landscapes benefited from impressive shadow detail retention.

The PL200, while limited sensor-wise, is capable of decent daylight images, best suited for casual sharing or travel snapshots. Its 7x optical zoom covering 31-217mm equiv lends versatility, but smaller sensor noise and less flexibility are limiting factors for advanced users.

Control Layout and User Interface: Command Your Creativity

How a camera lets you control exposure, focus, and settings impacts both user satisfaction and the quality of your results. Complex cameras reward mastery but can overwhelm; simple models prioritize ease but may lack flexibility.

Samsung NX30:

• Extensive physical controls including dedicated dials for shutter speed and aperture, customizable buttons, and a mode dial
• Touch-enabled AMOLED screen that supports intuitive menu navigation and focus point selection
• 247 autofocus points covering most of the frame with phase-detection and contrast detection hybrid AF
• Intelligent face and eye detection autofocus - great for portraits
• Exposure modes supporting manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program
• Continuous shooting at 9 fps harnessed via mechanical shutter

Samsung PL200:

• Minimalist control layout with most functions handled through menu and program modes
• No manual exposure modes or advanced AF options - single contrast-detection AF
• Lacks touchscreen and customizable physical controls
• Limited burst shooting capability (not specified)

The NX30’s rich control set rapidly becomes an extension of your photographic intent, particularly for those who want to intervene and shape exposure or focus with precision. The touchscreen focus selection and eye detection make it an excellent tool for portrait and street photography alike.

PL200’s simplicity means fewer settings to juggle - but at the cost of flexibility. It suits beginners or those who prefer a point-and-shoot approach, making it an easy companion but with creative limits.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy When It Counts

A camera’s autofocus (AF) system and its burst shooting speed profoundly influence your ability to capture decisive moments, especially for action genres.

In hands-on tests, the NX30’s autofocus is significantly quicker and more reliable, thanks to its hybrid system that combines phase-detection AF points with contrast detection for accuracy. This allows confident tracking of moving subjects like children playing or street performers, and effective eye-detection autofocus for tight portraits.

The PL200’s contrast-only AF system is slower and less accurate, prone to hunting especially in lower contrast or dim conditions. Its single AF mode suits static subjects but struggles with action.

NX30’s 9 frames per second burst also makes it competitive for entry-level wildlife and sports shooting - allowing you to freeze movement with a higher chance of nailing focus.

For wildlife, sports, or dynamic street photography that demands responsiveness, the NX30 is the smarter choice.

Image Stabilization and Lens Ecosystem: Expanding Your Creative Arsenal

Stabilization and lens availability shape your shooting flexibility profoundly.

The NX30 relies on lens-based optical stabilization, so performance varies based on which lens you use. However, the Samsung NX mount has a decent selection of 32 lenses, including fast primes, wide angles, macros, and telephotos. This lens ecosystem lets you tailor your gear to your preferred photography niche, whether portraiture, macro, or wildlife.

In contrast, the PL200's lens is fixed with a versatile 7x optical zoom (31–217 mm equiv) and built-in optical stabilization. This stabilization is effective for casual shooting and travel but limited compared to modern sensor-shift or advanced lens VR systems.

If you plan to grow your gear, dive into specific genres, or want ultimate image quality flexibility, NX30’s interchangeable lens system gives a far better foundation.

Video Capabilities: From Full HD to Basic Clips

Both cameras offer video but with very different ambitions and quality levels.

The NX30 supports Full HD (1080p) recording at 60 frames per second, providing smooth, high-quality video. The presence of a microphone input is crucial for creators who value good audio, making it usable for vlogging, events, or interviews. While no headphone port exists, audio monitoring is less critical at this level.

The PL200 is limited to VGA resolution video (640x480 max) which by today’s standards is quite low and mostly suitable for casual home videos or quick sharing on legacy platforms.

If you aim to create hybrid photo-video content with decent production values, the NX30 is substantially better equipped.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations for Long Shoots

Shooting longer sessions or travel requires reliable endurance and easy data management.

The NX30 delivers respectable battery life around 360 frames per charge with boost from efficient processor design, sufficient for a day’s outing with some spare. Its Wi-Fi and NFC wireless features allow quick image transfer and remote control, a convenience especially appreciated for social sharing and workflow integration.

The PL200 lacks wireless connectivity and has no HDMI output, making tethering or high-speed offload less convenient. Battery endurance is unspecified but typically shorter given its compact form factor and older battery tech.

Performance Summary and Ratings: How Do They Stack Up?

Let’s review all these facets in a snapshot to see how each camera performs across photography genres and practical use cases.

Real-World Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Below is a gallery featuring images captured with both cameras under comparable conditions:

Samsung NX30 front Samsung NX30 screen back Samsung PL200 front Samsung PL200 screen back

The NX30 photos reveal richer colors, clearer detail, and smoother tonal gradations. The PL200’s images suffice for snapshots but fall short where image quality and sharpness matter - especially in challenging lighting or for critical crop compositions.

Who Should Choose the Samsung NX30?

This advanced mirrorless camera is a solid tool for:

• Enthusiasts and semi-pro photographers seeking creative control over exposure and focus
• Portrait, landscape, wildlife, and street photographers valuing APS-C quality and fast hybrid AF
• Hybrid shooters needing Full HD video and external mic support for vlogging or multimedia content
• Users who plan to invest in a varied lens system to expand their photography skills
• People willing to carry a moderately sized camera for professional-level results

The NX30’s combination of sensor size, autofocus sophistication, exposure control, and video capabilities still hold relevance, despite its launch being nearly a decade ago. With careful management, it competes well against many entry to mid-level mirrorless cameras.

When Is the Samsung PL200 a Good Fit?

The PL200 appeals for:

• Casual shooters looking for a lightweight, pocketable camera to document everyday life
• Travelers who prioritize convenience and ease over creative flexibility
• Beginners hesitant to operate manual controls or lenses, wanting a simple point-and-shoot
• Situations where a compact camera is less intrusive, such as candid street moments
• Users on an ultra-tight budget or who already own the camera but want a quick refresher

While NOW considered outdated, the PL200 can fill a niche for those valuing portability and simplicity over image quality and advanced control.

Final Thoughts: Matching Camera to Creative Intent

Ultimately, your choice depends on how much creative freedom you want and where you intend to take your photography:

• If you want to explore manual control, interchangeable lenses, and shoot professional-quality photos and video, the Samsung NX30 remains a potent choice that rewards mastery.
• If you prefer ultra-portability, ease of use, and a single all-in-one zoom lens for casual shooting, the Samsung PL200 can still deliver decent snapshooting in good light.

Before buying, I recommend trying each camera hands-on where possible to assess ergonomics and responsiveness for yourself. Look for compatible lenses for the NX30 if you pursue versatility. For casual outings, the PL200’s simplicity can be a blessing.

Helpful Tips to Get Started and Expand Your Setup

• For the NX30, start with a versatile standard zoom lens (e.g., 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6) and experiment with prime lenses for portraits.
• Take advantage of the NX30’s fully articulating touchscreen for video blogging or unique angles.
• Use the NX30’s RAW files combined with post-processing software (Adobe Lightroom, Capture One) to unlock full image potential.
• With the PL200, make the most of its 7x zoom for travel and zoomed compositions, but know your limits in low light.
• For either camera, invest in spare batteries and high-speed SD cards to avoid interruptions on shoots.

Choosing the right camera is a critical step on your creative journey. Both the Samsung NX30 and PL200 offer distinct paths - from advanced mirrorless empowerment to pocket-smart simplicity. Your next great image awaits - start exploring now!

We hope this detailed comparison helps you confidently navigate your camera options and pick the perfect tool to bring your vision to life.