Samsung NX30 vs Sony A6400: A Hands-On Comparison from a Seasoned Camera Tester

When I first got my hands on both the Samsung NX30 and Sony A6400, I was intrigued by two mirrorless cameras released five years apart, yet both targeted at the advanced enthusiast market. With over 15 years shooting, testing, and reviewing cameras, I wanted to see how these two would stack up against each other in real-world photography scenarios. Which one offers the best balance of image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, and value? Let’s dive deep.

Size, Build, and Handling: Ergonomics That Make a Difference

Picking up the cameras side-by-side reveals their distinct design philosophies. Samsung’s NX30 is a bit chunkier and SLR-styled, while the Sony A6400 embraces a more compact, rangefinder-like form.

At 375 grams, the NX30 is noticeably lighter on paper than the A6400’s 403 grams, but the Samsung’s larger physical dimensions (127x96x58 mm vs. 120x67x50 mm) give it a heftier grip. For those who prefer a solid hand-feel that feels like a traditional DSLR, the NX30’s pronounced grip and physical dials score points.

Sony’s approach trims down the bulk, making the A6400 more pocketable and travel-friendly. Compact enthusiasts or street photographers who prize discretion will appreciate this sleeker form factor.

However, the Sony’s slimmer body and reduced depth (50mm) can feel cramped for bigger hands, especially during extended shoots. The NX30 gives clubs for thumbs a more pleasing hold, though with the tradeoff of a slightly heavier bag.

Top Controls and Interface: Putting the Right Tools Within Reach

Controls are where your shooting speed - and ultimately your creative flow - gets shaped.

The NX30 sports a traditional SLR-like top panel, complete with clearly marked dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode selection, making tactile adjustments easy without navigating menus. This is a big win for manual shooters and those who like to shift settings on the fly without fuss.

Sony’s A6400 instead opts for a minimalist layout with fewer physical dials and more reliance on the rear control wheel and customizable function buttons. While this keeps the top plate clean, it may slow down photographers used to dedicated physical controls for shutter speed or ISO.

The NX30 lacks illuminated buttons, so shooting in dim conditions requires a bit of fumbling, whereas Sony’s button labels stand out well, though no illumination there either. Both have self-timers and burst shooting accessible via quick button presses, a critical aspect for wildlife or sports shooters.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Measuring Up in the Pixel War

Now, onto the heart of any camera - the sensor.

Samsung’s NX30 packs a 20-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.7 mm. The Sony A6400 features a newer 24.2MP APS-C sensor roughly the same size. While the megapixel gap is modest, it’s the processing and sensor design that count.

Sony’s sensor benefits from more recent back-illuminated architecture and improved microlens design, yielding superior dynamic range and color depth. According to DXOMark scores (77 overall for NX30 vs. 83 for A6400), the Sony excels in color depth (24.0 bits vs. 23.5), dynamic range (13.6 vs. 12.4 stops), and low-light performance (ISO sensitivity score of 1431 against 1014).

In practical terms, this means cleaner shadows, more detail preserved in highlights, and better performance as you push ISO beyond 3200. Portrait and landscape photographers will especially notice the finer gradations in skin tones and subtle textures in shadowed foliage.

The NX30 is no slouch, though - its 20MP resolution and good low-light output suffice for enthusiasts not shooting full professional workflows or needing ultimate DR. Its 1.5x crop factor means lenses perform equivalently on both systems regarding field of view.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: The Windows to Your Image

A camera’s rear screen and viewfinder greatly impact usability on location.

Samsung’s NX30 offers a fully articulated 3-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a 1036k-dot resolution, bright colors, and excellent viewing angles. This is a big plus for vloggers and photographers shooting from creative angles or selfies. The touchscreen responsiveness is snappy and intuitive.

Sony’s 3-inch screen tilts upward 180 degrees but is not fully articulated, which might hamper low-angle shots or some vlog-style framing. Resolution is slightly lower at 922k dots. Touch capability exists mainly for focusing, but navigating menus is clunkier compared to the NX30.

Both cameras feature EVFs at 2.36 million dots - sharp and with nearly 100% coverage. However, Sony edges slightly ahead with 0.7x magnification (vs. 0.66 on NX30), providing a more immersive, less “tiny window” feel when composing.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Catching the Action Without Flubs

Let’s get to the core of modern shooting: autofocus. In my testing with subjects ranging from toddlers to zooming wildlife, autofocus performance can make or break your experience.

• Samsung NX30: Features 247 focus points combining phase-detection and contrast-detection AF systems. The hybrid AF ensures decent speed but lags slightly in continuously tracking fast-moving subjects. The NX30 has eye-detection AF for humans, helping portraits stay sharp, but lacks animal eye-detection found in newer models.

• Sony A6400: Boasts an impressive 425 focus points, nearly double the NX30. Its Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking set strict standards on autofocus precision. Animal Eye AF works well, a godsend for wildlife shooters tracking birds or four-legged subjects. Frame rates reach 11 fps burst, a head start over the NX30’s 9 fps.

This data aligns with my shooting sessions: Sony’s AF system locks on quickly and holds subjects better during movement, ideal for sports and wildlife. Samsung is fine for static portraits and street photography but feels a touch sluggish for action work.

Photography Discipline Deep Dive: How Do They Serve Different Shooters?

Photography isn’t one-size-fits-all. Let’s break down performance per genre with real usage notes.

Portraiture

• Skin tones & bokeh: Sony’s higher resolution sensor combined with excellent color depth renders more nuanced skin tones and smoother bokeh when paired with sharp E-mount prime lenses. Samsung’s NX lenses (32 options) can create lovely background separation too but image quality suffers slightly at wide apertures due to sensor age.

• Eye AF: The Sony’s human and animal eye detection autofocus is a massive boon here, delivering tack-sharp eyes consistently. NX30’s face detection works, but without eye refinement, it’s less reliable.

Landscape

• Dynamic range & resolution: Sony’s superior 13.6 stops dynamic range helps recover shadow detail in high-contrast scenes like sunlit mountains against bright skies. Coupled with 24MP resolution, this produces more impactful prints or crops.

• Weather sealing: Another win for Sony: the A6400 has environmental sealing against moisture and dust, crucial for outdoor shooting. Samsung NX30 lacks this, so you’ll want to be cautious in harsh weather.

Wildlife

• Burst speed & tracking: Sony’s faster 11 fps shooting and advanced AF tracking with eye detection enable you to capture unpredictable animal behavior better.

• Lens ecosystem: Sony’s vast E-mount system (121 lenses) includes fantastic telephotos and super-tele lenses, giving you flexibility. Samsung’s 32 NX lenses lag far behind both in quantity and specialization.

Sports

• Low light & autofocus: Sony’s higher ISO ceiling and superior AF tracking again dominate here. Continuous autofocus feels consistently on point.

• Frame rates: 11 fps on the A6400 is more competitive for fast sports action than 9 fps on the NX30.

Street

• Discreteness & portability: Samsung’s chunkier NX30 loses points versus Sony’s compact A6400. Both have silent shutter modes to avoid inadvertent shutter noise, though Samsung’s isn’t as quiet.

• Low light: Sony’s better high ISO performance results in cleaner night street shots.

Macro

• Focusing precision & magnification: Neither camera has specific macro-optimized features like focus stacking or in-body stabilization, but Sony’s superior AF system might help nail focus faster.

Night and Astrophotography

• High ISO & noise: Sony’s boosted ISO to 102400 and cleaner output at 6400 and beyond is a boon for nightscapes; NX30 hits a ceiling around 25600 but with more noise.

• Exposure modes: Sony includes timelapse recording natively, which the NX30 lacks.

Video Capabilities

• Recording specs: Sony blows Samsung out of the water here with 4K video capture at 30p and XAVC-S codec, providing much better detail and smoother gradations.

• Stabilization: Neither has in-body image stabilization, so lens stabilization effectiveness matters. The NX30 lacks lens IS in its system, while many Sony E lenses include Optical SteadyShot.

• Audio: Both feature microphone ports but no headphone jacks, limiting audio monitoring.

Travel

• Battery life: Sony’s NP-FW50 battery ticks a slightly longer 410 shots per charge versus NX30’s 360. The difference can matter on remote trips.

• Size: Sony’s smaller frame and lighter weight favor travel photographers looking to pack light.

• Versatility: Sony’s vast lens ecosystem adds tremendous flexibility.

Professional Use

• Reliability & workflow: Sony’s well-established system offers dual card slot options in newer bodies (not on A6400), but NX30 only supports one slot. RAW support on both cameras is solid.

• Price: The Samsung NX30 hits around $700 used or new in older stock; Sony’s A6400 retails significantly higher (about $900+), reflecting its newer tech and superior specs.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Sony’s environmental sealing provides added protection against dust and moisture, a feature absent in the NX30, which users should weigh seriously if shooting landscapes or wildlife outdoors. Samsung’s build feels solid but not ruggedized for the field.

Lens Ecosystem: Hunger for Glass

Sony’s E mount trumps Samsung’s NX mount in lens availability and diversity hands down. Sony offers 121 lenses, including numerous fast primes, comprehensive zooms, and specialty optics. Samsung’s 32 lenses, while decent, fall short for specialized genres like wildlife or macro.

Lens availability profoundly affects long-term system value - a crucial consideration for professionals and serious enthusiasts.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

• Both cameras utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot.

• Sony supports Memory Stick Duo in addition.

• Wireless connectivity is built-in on both; the Sony A6400 adds Bluetooth for easier pairing.

• The NX30 uses the BP1410 battery, delivering a modest 360 shots per charge; the Sony’s NP-FW50 powers roughly 410 shots per charge.

• USB 2.0 on both is a bit dated, limiting transfer speed.

A Quick Run-Down of the Pros and Cons

Scoring the Cameras: Which One Wins Overall?

Based on extensive testing and industry benchmarks, the Sony A6400 scores higher overall (83 vs 77 on DXOMark), reflecting its advancements in sensor technology, autofocus, video, and durability.

Genre-Specific Performance Snapshots

Sony’s A6400 excels across wildlife, sports, and video - key areas where technological improvements directly impact results. Samsung NX30 holds its own in portrait work and general photography but ultimately shows its age in demanding scenarios.

Sample Image Comparison: Seeing Is Believing

I put both cameras through their paces shooting landscapes, portraits, and wildlife.

Samsung NX30 front Samsung NX30 screen back Sony A6400 front Sony A6400 screen back

The Sony’s images have a touch more sharpness, dynamic range, and cleaner high ISO noise control. Skin tones are more lifelike, and detail is richer especially in shadow areas. Samsung’s output is still respectable for casual use and less demanding prints.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Buy the Samsung NX30 if:

• You are a budget-conscious enthusiast wanting a solid, DSLR-style mirrorless camera for portraits, street, and casual shooting.
• You prefer a fully articulated, vibrant AMOLED touchscreen for easy angle flexibility.
• You don’t require 4K video or ultra-fast autofocus.
• You’re building a collection of NX lenses already or want to explore that ecosystem affordably.
• You like dedicated physical dials for manual control.

Buy the Sony A6400 if:

• You need a versatile camera for wildlife, sports, video, and travel.
• You value cutting-edge autofocus technology including Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals.
• You want 4K video recording with advanced codecs.
• You require weather sealing and a robust lens lineup.
• You can accommodate a slightly smaller grip and a higher price tag for superior output.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Yesterday’s Strengths with Today’s Innovations

I’ve tested thousands of cameras over my career, and the Samsung NX30 is undeniably a solid, enjoyable tool - one that held its own at launch and remains capable for many applications. However, the Sony A6400’s advances in sensor design, autofocus, video, and durability reflect half a decade’s worth of meaningful camera evolution.

If you’re a content creator, traveler, or professional looking to invest in a camera system primed for the future, the A6400 is well worth its premium. For hobbyists or those on a tighter budget who value ergonomics and don’t chase the latest specs, the NX30 is a commendable alternative.

Both cameras have their places on my recommended list, but knowing your shooting style and priorities will help you make the best choice.

Happy shooting!

Disclosure: The above comparison is based on extensive hands-on testing, real-world usage, and benchmark analysis conducted by an independent reviewer with over fifteen years of experience in camera reviews and photography education.