Samsung NX30 vs Sony W800

Samsung NX30 vs Sony DSC-W800: A Hands-On, In-Depth Camera Comparison

When it comes to choosing the right camera, the options can be massively overwhelming - especially with models from entirely different categories. Today, I’m putting two very differently targeted cameras head-to-head: the Samsung NX30, a well-regarded advanced mirrorless camera from 2014, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800, a small sensor compact designed for absolute simplicity and portability. Both cameras deliver 20MP resolution, but beyond that, the differences - and the suitability for various photographic needs - couldn’t be more striking. Having spent many hours testing each under real-world conditions, I’m excited to share my detailed findings and help you decide which fits your demands best.

Physical size and ergonomics are immediately noticeable here - the NX30 carries a big, DSLR-style mirrorless presence, while the W800 is ultra-compact.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Core Design and Usability

Samsung NX30: A Classic Mirrorless with Serious Ambitions
The Samsung NX30 is an APS-C mirrorless camera sporting Samsung’s DRIMeIV processor and a 20MP CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.7mm. It replaced the NX20 and aimed at enthusiasts wanting DSLR-grade control without the bulk. Its SLR-style body ergonomics include a substantial grip, a fully articulated 3-inch AMOLED touchscreen LCD (1036k dots), and an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2359k dot resolution - fairly impressive, even by today’s standards for an entry to mid-tier mirrorless. The NX30 embraces manual control: shutter and aperture priority modes, manual exposure, full raw support, and a competent hybrid autofocus system with 247 focus points.

Sony DSC-W800: Player in the Pocket-Sized Casual League
Conversely, the Sony W800 throws versatility intentions to the wind in favor of ease-of-use. This tiny compact packs a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 20 megapixels and a 26-130mm equivalent 5x optical zoom lens. Its 2.7-inch TFT LCD screen lacks touchscreen functionality or articulation, and there is no viewfinder at all. Exposure controls are limited with no manual modes, making it strictly automatic or scene preset-driven. The W800 is designed for simple point-and-shoot photography, excelling where portability and straightforward operation matter most.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: How Does Size Matter?

This image highlights the dramatic difference in sensor size between the APS-C in the NX30 and the tiny 1/2.3” sensor of the W800.

Image quality differences between these cameras are substantial. The Samsung’s APS-C sensor is roughly 13 times larger in surface area than the Sony’s tiny CCD sensor. This size advantage translates into significantly better dynamic range, lower noise at high ISOs, and richer color depth. From my hands-on testing - shooting identical scenes in RAW on the NX30 and JPEG on the W800 - the NX30 preserves highlights and shadows far better and delivers cleaner images at ISO 1600 and above. It also supports raw file capture, opening doors to professional editing workflows inaccessible on the Sony.

The Sony W800’s smaller sensor exhibits obvious noise and limited dynamic range beyond ISO 400. This constrains its performance in anything but well-lit environments - a fact confirmed by side-by-side shooting in dim interiors and bright sunlight.

Autofocus and Speed: Who Catches Fleeting Moments?

The Samsung NX30 features a hybrid autofocus system combining phase and contrast detection with 247 focus points. Its autofocus is responsive and accurate, especially in bright light and when tracking moving subjects. Eye-detection autofocus is supported (though no animal eye AF), and the camera is capable of 9 frames per second burst shooting with continuous AF - a rare perk in mid-tier APS-C cameras from this era.

In comparison, the Sony W800 relies on contrast-detection autofocus only, with a single focus point and noticeably slower acquisition times. It can barely keep up with moving subjects, making wildlife, sports, or even active kids more challenging to capture sharply. Furthermore, continuous shooting is limited to just one frame per second, highlighting its point-and-shoot limitations.

Build Quality, Handling & Interface: What’s It Like to Shoot With These Cameras?

Top view comparison illustrating control layouts - notice the NX30’s multiple dials vs. the W800’s minimalist design.

The NX30 has a solid-feeling plastic and metal body shaped to a Nikon DSLR-esque design, making it comfortable for extended use. It weighs 375g and measures 127x96x58 mm, which is manageable, albeit not pocket-sized. Controls include a mode dial, front and rear control dials, and customizable buttons - offering quick access to exposure compensation, drive modes, and more.

In contrast, the Sony W800 is tiny and ultra-light at 125g and only 97x55x21 mm, easily slipping into coat pockets. However, the fixed lens and lack of physical control dials mean you’re relying mostly on menus and auto modes, which can be frustrating if you prefer more direct control.

Back LCD screens highlight the NX30’s vibrant AMOLED touchscreen versus the W800’s fixed, low-res TFT.

The NX30’s fully articulated AMOLED touchscreen is a joy, especially for creative angles, vlogging, or selfies - a feature the W800 neglects entirely with its fixed, low-resolution LCD and no touch input.

While neither camera is weather-sealed or ruggedized, the NX30’s robust build can handle occasional bumps and light splashes better than the W800’s delicate compact construction.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Flexibility vs Fixed Convenience

The NX30 uses the Samsung NX mount, compatible with 32 native lenses ranging from prime fast apertures to telephotos and macro options. While Samsung’s camera division eventually exited the market, some NX lenses remain available used or through third-party options, offering excellent quality for portraits, macro, landscape, or wildlife photography.

The Sony W800’s fixed 5x zoom lens (26-130mm equivalent, f/3.2-6.4) means it cannot be swapped or upgraded. While fine for travel snapshots and casual portraits, it fundamentally limits versatility - especially in specialized fields like macro or low light where lens choice profoundly affects results.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Samsung’s NX30 claims around 360 shots per charge using the BP1410 battery - which aligns with my real-world testing under mixed shooting conditions including live view and EVF use. This is respectable, meaning you can comfortably shoot for a day with moderate backup batteries.

The Sony W800’s battery life is less formally documented, but in use it felt shorter, given the smaller battery size and continuous LCD reliance. Also, it uses NP-BN batteries - smaller but with limited capacity. Both cameras accept a single memory card slot (SD and variants for the NX30; SD and Memory Stick Duo for the Sony).

Connectivity and Video Capabilities: Modern Needs Considered

For photographers who also shoot video or want seamless sharing, connectivity matters. The NX30 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick wireless transfers, HDMI output, a microphone port (for improved audio recording), and full HD 1080p video at 60fps. Its video quality is decent for enthusiast use, though there is no 4K option.

The W800, meanwhile, lacks wireless features, HDMI, or a mic port. Video recording is limited to 720p HD at 30fps saved in AVI MPEG4 format - serviceable for casual family video, but a step behind in quality and controls. Its optical image stabilization does aid video steadiness to some degree.

Performance Across Photographic Genres: Selecting Your Camera by Shooting Style

Portraits:
The NX30 shines here - its large sensor, coupled with dedicated portrait lenses, produces creamy bokeh and accurate skin tones. Eye-detection AF helps lock focus on faces, delivering consistent sharpness. Conversely, the W800’s small sensor and fixed kit lens struggle with subject isolation and color fidelity, producing flatter images less suited to serious portraiture.

Landscapes:
Dynamic range and resolution count most for landscapes. The Samsung’s 12.4 EV dynamic range allows retention of highlight and shadow detail, critical for sunsets or shaded forests. Sony’s W800 shows clipped highlights and compressed shadows, losing nuances. Weather sealing absence hurts both, but the NX30’s lens variety makes it more adaptable.

Wildlife and Sports:
Burst speed and autofocus tracking favor the NX30, making it capable of catching fast-moving animals or athletes. The W800 is almost unusable in these fast-action scenarios due to slow AF and a lack of continuous shooting.

Street and Travel:
The W800’s tiny footprint and low weight make it a pocketable travel companion for casual snapshots. However, poor low-light performance and limited controls deter serious street photographers. The NX30, though larger, strikes a reasonable balance - with a compact mirrorless design and accurate AF. The articulated screen aids in creative storytelling.

Macro:
Samsung’s lens ecosystem includes macro primes, offering detailed close-ups with precise focus and manual override. The Sony’s fixed lens has minimum focusing distance constraints and inferior detail resolution for macro lovers.

Night and Astro:
Low light prowess again points to the NX30, with ISO up to 25600 and cleaner noise performance measurable under controlled tests. Long exposures down to 30 seconds and manual controls improve night photography results. The W800’s ISO cap of 3200 on a small sensor leads to noisy, grainy shots.

Video:
Samsung’s video capabilities outrank Sony’s: Full HD 1080p at 60fps with external mic input support and image stabilization is a boon for occasional videographers. Sony offers only 720p and no audio input, limiting creative potential.

Image Gallery: Real-World Samples from Both Cameras

Samsung NX30 front Samsung NX30 screen back Sony W800 front Sony W800 screen back

Scoring the Cameras: Objective Performance Ratings

Samsung NX30 outperforms the Sony W800 across nearly every metric except perhaps price and portability. The W800’s score is largely limited by aging CCD sensor tech and simplified controls - a pure entry-level snapshot camera.

Which Camera Should You Choose? Recommendations Tailored for Your Shooting Needs

Choose Samsung NX30 if:

• You want an affordable APS-C mirrorless camera with manual controls and raw support.
• Portrait, landscape, wildlife, or low-light shooting is a priority.
• You demand versatility through interchangeable lenses and a quality EVF.
• You want decent Full HD video with mic input for hybrid shooter needs.
• You don’t mind carrying extra weight for better handling and image results.

Choose Sony W800 if:

• You need the ultimate pocket camera for casual everyday use or travel.
• You prefer automatic modes and minimal setup - point, shoot, and share.
• Budget is a primary concern; the W800 is considerably cheaper.
• Video and image quality needs are basic, and you prioritize portability above all.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Budget, Performance, and Purpose

While the Samsung NX30 shows its age in some respects (no 4K video, no weather sealing), it remains a formidable all-around camera for enthusiasts on a budget who want manual control and quality image output. I found it a joy to shoot with due to its responsive controls and bright AMOLED display.

The Sony W800, on the other hand, is a simple, tiny snapshot tool that performs admirably if your ambitions are modest and your shooting situations bright and static. It’s a compelling choice when size and convenience outweigh everything else.

If you own either camera already, continue to exploit their strengths - but if you’re buying new today, consider the NX30 the more capable and future-proof option. It’s a gateway into serious mirrorless photography without the commitment of the latest flagship price tags.

This side-by-side review reflects hours of hands-on testing under a consistent methodology: identical scenes, mixed lighting, and practical shooting to reveal each camera’s natural strengths and compromises. I hope it helps you find the camera that suits your artistic vision and style best. Happy shooting!