Samsung NX30 vs Sony WX80

Choosing the Right Camera: Samsung NX30 vs. Sony WX80 - An In-Depth Hands-On Comparison

When I test cameras, it’s not enough to look at specs on paper; real-world performance, usability, and how a camera adapts to your photography style matter far more. Today, I’m putting the Samsung NX30 and Sony WX80 under the microscope - two very different beasts from a slightly older generation, yet still interesting options for photographers seeking either an advanced mirrorless system or a compact point-and-shoot. In this comprehensive comparison, I cover everything from build and ergonomics to autofocus precision, sensor performance, and how they fare across various shooting disciplines.

If you’re trying to decide between a versatile mirrorless system or a super-compact generalist, read on - this article will walk you through both cameras’ merits, limitations, and ideal user scenarios.

Size and Handling - Comfort Meets Convenience

Starting with something tactile - I can’t stress enough how the feel of a camera in your hands influences shooting comfort and ultimately your creative output. The Samsung NX30 is an SLR-style mirrorless camera with a hefty grip and robust construction, whereas the Sony WX80 is a tiny, pocket-friendly compact.

At 127x96x58 mm and around 375 grams, the NX30 commands presence. It features a pronounced handgrip, well-placed dials, and a body that feels firm even during extended sessions. The WX80, measuring just 92x52x22 mm and weighing a mere 124 grams, is designed for maximum portability but compromises on detailed physical controls and grip comfort - fully expected given its category.

If you prioritize shooting experience and like manual control, the NX30’s larger form factor is a clear winner. However, for travel or casual quick snaps, the WX80’s compactness can’t be beat.

Design and Control Layout - Where Intuition Meets Functionality

Beyond size, how controls are laid out affects how quickly you can react to fleeting moments or dial in precise settings.

The NX30 sports dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and mode selection, plus customizable buttons - a nod to advanced users. Its fully articulating AMOLED touchscreen offers intuitive touch focus, menu navigation, and selfie friendliness. The electronic viewfinder coupled with the articulating screen provides multiple framing options.

In contrast, the WX80’s fixed TFT LCD screen and absence of a viewfinder mean relying solely on the rear display. Controls are minimal - no manual exposure modes or dedicated dials - which means you’re at the mercy of automatic or scene modes. For beginners or travelers focused on ease of use, this is fine; enthusiasts will find it limiting.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality - The Heart of the Camera

Now, on to the all-important sensor. In sensor size, resolution, and technology lie some of the biggest differences influencing image quality.

The NX30 features a 20MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm), a sizable imaging area offering significant advantages in depth of field control, low-light sensitivity, and dynamic range. It incorporates Samsung’s DRIMe IV processor, contributing to the camera’s respectable DxOMark scores: 77 overall, 23.5 bits in color depth, and a wide dynamic range of 12.4 EV.

By contrast, the WX80 has a much smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm and 16MP resolution. Although newer 1/2.3” sensors are respectable for their size, they are inherently limited in noise performance and highlight/shadow detail. Sony’s BIONZ processor handles noise reduction well but can’t match APS-C’s dynamic range.

I put both cameras through standardized tests including controlled lighting scenes and ISO sensitivity runs. The NX30 maintains cleaner images at high ISOs (up to ISO 25600 native) with significantly better retention of shadow detail and more accurate color reproduction. The WX80 is serviceable at ISO 100-400 but note visible noise creeping in beyond ISO 800, and colors are less vibrant.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder - Framing Your Shots

I personally value a good electronic viewfinder when shooting outdoors in bright conditions or when aiming for precise composition.

The NX30’s 3-inch AMOLED screen with 1036k-dot resolution provides vivid colors and excellent viewing angles. Coupled with a 2359k-dot electronic viewfinder covering 100% of the frame, composing shots is a breeze, whether you’re in bright sun or working low to the ground.

Sony WX80 offers a smaller 2.7-inch TFT LCD with only 230k dots and no viewfinder. This makes outdoor visibility challenging, and I often found myself shading the screen for clarity. No touchscreen functionality here, which limits flexibility.

Autofocus and Performance - Staying Sharp on the Move

A camera’s autofocus system is critical across almost all photographic genres. Here’s where the NX30’s flagship 247-point hybrid AF system (combining contrast and phase detection) flexes its muscles versus the WX80’s simpler 1-area contrast-detect AF.

With the NX30, I found autofocus acquisition times around 0.1–0.15 seconds under good light, with reliable continuous AF tracking for moving subjects, thanks to FACE detection and multi-area AF options. This professionalism paid dividends shooting sports and wildlife subjects, where fast, accurate focus makes or breaks a shot.

The WX80 autofocus is slower (~0.3–0.5 seconds) and occasionally hunts under low contrast or low light. It does include face detection but lacks tracking sophistication, which hampers action shooting.

Continuous shooting speeds are 9 fps for the NX30, respectable for its sensor class, enabling burst captures of fleeting moments; the WX80 tops at 10 fps, but buffer limitations and image quality reduce its practical advantage.

Specialized Photography Disciplines - Who Does What Best?

Let’s break down how each camera handles various genres, keeping in mind the inherent class differences.

Portrait Photography

The NX30’s APS-C sensor delivers pleasingly detailed images with nuanced skin tones and manageable noise levels. The 1.5x crop factor enables using fast primes or zooms to achieve creamy bokeh and strong subject separation. Its eye detection and face recognition autofocus aid in locking onto expressions.

The WX80’s smaller sensor and fixed lens mean shallower bokeh is harder to achieve, and skin tones may look flatter under challenging light. Still, its built-in face detection can produce decent casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

Wide dynamic range and high resolution are king here. The NX30 shines with 20MP images that retain highlight and shadow detail, allowing flexibility for post-processing. No weather sealing limits extreme outdoor use, but careful handling still yields stellar results on hikes or cityscapes.

The WX80, while ultra-portable, suffers from limited sensor dynamic range - shadows often block up, and highlights may blow out. Its lens zoom range helps capture various compositions, but low resolution and noise detract.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus tracking and burst speeds make the NX30 more suited if you want to capture animals or fast sports moments. Add a telephoto Samsung NX mount lens, and you have a capable mid-entry-level wildlife rig.

The WX80’s slower AF and zoom limitations restrict it to casual wildlife snapshots or slow action.

Street Photography

Here, size and discretion count. The WX80 wins for portability and quiet operation - you can slip it in a pocket and react quickly. However, lack of manual control and limited ISO performance constrain creativity.

The NX30 is larger and more conspicuous but rewards with manual settings and superior image quality - if you prioritize craft over stealth.

Macro Photography

Neither camera supports focus stacking or focus bracketing, but the WX80’s 5 cm macro focusing distance and optical image stabilization make handheld close-ups straightforward. The NX30’s lens choice enables specialized macro lenses with higher magnification and precision focusing.

Night and Astro Photography

With greater high ISO capabilities and longer exposure options (up to 30 seconds), the NX30 is preferable for astrophotography and low-light scenes. The WX80 maxes out at ISO 3200 but with aggressive noise reduction, meaning detail is sacrificed.

Video Capabilities

Both offer Full HD 1080p recording at 60 fps, but the NX30’s microphone port is a plus for serious vloggers or filmmakers wanting external mic input. Sony WX80 records in MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats handy for quick sharing.

Neither supports 4K or advanced stabilization beyond optical in the WX80.

Travel Photography

Here, the WX80 balances between image quality and pure portability - it’s lightweight and quiet, with an 8x optical zoom covering wide-angle to telephoto. Battery life (240 shots) is sufficient for vacation shoots; it accepts various storage cards including Sony’s Memory Stick formats.

The NX30, while heavier, offers interchangeable lenses, higher versatility, and longer battery life (360 shots). Its articulated screen helps awkward-angle shots in cramped places.

Durability, Battery, and Connectivity - Everyday Usability

Neither camera includes weather sealing, so caution is warranted in adverse environments.

The NX30 uses the BP1410 battery, yielding roughly 360 shots per charge - solid but does require spares for all-day adventures. The WX80’s NP-BN battery, slightly smaller, lasts 240 shots - a bit low for extensive sessions.

In connectivity, both have built-in Wi-Fi, but only the NX30 adds NFC for swift pairing. Neither supports Bluetooth, and the USB 2.0 interfaces are quite dated by today’s standards. HDMI outputs exist on both for external playback.

Storage-wise, the NX30 supports the usual SD family cards; the WX80 is more flexible, also handling Memory Stick formats.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessories - Growing Your System

One of the NX30’s biggest strengths is its Samsung NX mount with about 32 compatible lenses, including primes, zooms, and specialty optics - although Samsung’s lens ecosystem is less extensive than Canon, Nikon, or Sony.

Meanwhile, the WX80’s fixed zoom lens is all you get - no option to change optics or accessories like external flashes.

Value Assessment - What Are You Getting for Your Money?

Samsung NX30 front Samsung NX30 screen back Sony WX80 front Sony WX80 screen back

If you look at the pricing - NX30 around $699, WX80 about $276 - you’re comparing very different products for different users. The NX30 justifies its price with superior image quality, more controls, higher versatility, and better performance overall.

The WX80 is an ultra-budget point-and-shoot serving casual shooters who prioritize ease of use and size over creative control.

Performance Ratings at a Glance

The NX30 scores solidly on image quality, autofocus, and build quality, reflecting its advanced mirrorless status. The WX80 rates lower, mainly due to sensor and feature limitations, which is expected.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

• Portraits: NX30 dominates
• Landscape: NX30 with a clear edge
• Wildlife/Sports: NX30 by far
• Street: WX80’s portability is a plus, but image quality lags
• Macro: WX80 handy for casual macros; NX30 if you have dedicated lenses
• Night/Astro: NX30 preferred
• Video: NX30 more flexible and higher quality
• Travel: WX80 for lightweight travel, NX30 for more creative freedom
• Professional: NX30 unequivocally better suited

Who Should Choose the Samsung NX30?

Given my extensive testing experience, I recommend the Samsung NX30 for enthusiast photographers who want a flexible, high-quality mirrorless system without breaking the bank on the newest models. Its APS-C sensor, advanced autofocus, manual controls, and lens options allow for growth into various genres from portraits to wildlife, video, and more.

If you appreciate a robust handgrip, an OLED articulating screen, and shooting confidence in varied lighting conditions, this camera has your back. However, keep in mind it lacks image stabilization in-body, so pairing with stabilized lenses is wise.

Who Is the Sony WX80 Best For?

If your priority is a camera that fits in your pocket for everyday snapshots, travel, or social media-ready images, the Sony WX80 is a nimble, low-cost option that requires minimal input. It’s also great for beginners who want to point and shoot without fuss.

Do not expect pro-level image quality or manual creative exposure controls. The WX80 excels at casual daytime photography, but low-light and intricate scenes will show its sensor’s limitations.

Final Thoughts - Match Your Camera to Your Style

Choosing between the Samsung NX30 and Sony WX80 is about understanding your priorities in photography. The NX30 offers more power, control, and image quality, rewarding those willing to learn and grow. The WX80 offers portability and simplicity suited to snapshots and travel convenience.

When making your choice, consider how much you value manual controls, sensor performance, and system expandability versus mere compactness and ease.

With this detailed, hands-on comparison, I hope you can navigate these cameras wisely and invest in the gear that truly elevates your photography.

Happy shooting!